starfish1

As promised, here is my wee report from our wee getaway. The purpose of the trip was for mom, dad, daughter and son in law to visit son, who is living in Kingston, on his birthday. Arrived in the late morning after an uneventful drive. Great weather but very cold in K town. Had a great walking tour of the campus and downtown. Ended up at The Merchant Pub http://www.merchanttaphouse.com/for a dram (or two) to warm up. It's a nice pub with stone walls, beamed ceilings and a wonderful fireplace. A great place to meet up. Then it was off to check in at The Abbey Manor Inn http://abbeymanorinn.com/ our B&B for the night. Very good location within walking distance to downtown. A very nice old victorian house that has been lovingly restored. Our room was on the third floor and was cozy, nicely decorated with antiques and very comfortable with a good size ensuite that was spotless. Then we bundled up and set off walking for dinner at Curry Original downtown http://www.curryoriginal.ca/. Very good food, although our waiter didn't seem in the best mood. We were all feeling quite happy by this point that it didn't matter. Nice place that I would go back to. The owner was there and was great. After dinner we set off to another pub Tir nan Og - http://kingston.tirnanogpubs.com/ where we had too much beer but never too much fun. There was a fantastic singer/guitar player there by the name of Smitty who took requests all night and everyone singing (or yelling) along. It was raucous and tons of fun. At the end of the night made our way back to the B&B and had a great sleep. Woke in the morning to the smells of breakfast wafting through the house. They have two sittings 8:30 and 9:30 so we and most of the other guests opted for the latter. As other reviews have mentioned, it was delicious. Cheese and spinach souffle, peameal bacon, grilled grapefruit and fresh homemade croissants and muffins. A great way to start the day. After breakie we checked out and met up with our son who suggested we check out Wolfe Island which is a 20 minute ferry ride from downtown. Mainly an agricultural island with a very small village. Seemed like miles away from civilization with the exception that there are wind turbines going up all over the island so we went exploring and were able to see them up close. Quite an engineering feat and fantastic to think they will be providing lots of clean energy once they are up and running. Headed back to the ferry as we had a train to catch for the second part of the trip - Ottawa.

starfish1

Train left on time and two hours later we arrived in Ottawa. Caught the bus from the train station to downtown where we stayed at the Westin http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin...ropertyID=1083. We're not really big on the hotel experience but love this hotel and its location. Had a great room on the 18th floor overlooking the canal and the parliament buildings. We had reservations for dinner at Sweetgrass Aboriginal Bistro http://www.sweetgrassbistro.ca/ in the Byward Market area, a short walk from the hotel. "Traditional dishes of North America's original Peoples" is how their website describes the food and it was fantastic. Popcorn is placed on your table when you arrive. The menu had lots of options but we ordered the three sisters soup, gathering nations salad, in house smoked chinook salmon, wild boar and the lamb cassoulet. All of it delicious and we will definitely return maybe leaving room for dessert next time. Back to the hotel for a great sleep. Up the next day to do some shopping in and around the area. Wandered around the Byward Market and over to the parliament buildings and then Sparks Street which is anything but. Too bad because you'd think a pedestrian mall would attract shoppers. Lots of stores closed or closing. Back to the hotel to catch a cab to the train which again was on time. Train travel seems so civilized compared to air travel - no security or having to show up an hour before departure. We took Via 1 so had drinks and dinner on the way home. Arrived 4 1/2 hours later feeling that we'd been away much longer than two days. A very nice break.

laverendrye

If you liked the Sweetgrass "Three Sisters Soup", Bonnie Stern had a recipe for it in last Saterudays Post, along with soup recipes from two other Ottawa area restaurants.

http://www.nationalpost.com/story.html?id=983400

OceanBreeze1

starfish, Thanks for your iddybiddy but very informative report! Happy to hear that you had a good time. Maybe I missed it, but where are you...41/2 hours from Ottawa....where is that?
I also enjoy the train especially Via 1.

starfish1

laverendrye, many thanks for the link. I love making soups so will try all of these. OceanBreeze1, that would be Toronto.