goddesstogo

We had a great Kingston mini-break weekend -- just the getaway we needed -- and we really lucked out with the weather. I understand from our innkeeper that it poured in Kingston on Saturday morning but we seemed to have brought the
good weather with us from Toronto. We had blue skies and sun the whole day and it was warm and lovely.

We drove most of the way on the 401 but then did the Loyalist highway route, drove through Picton, took the (very cute) Glenora ferry, and drove along the bay the rest of the way to Kingston. With the sun and the blue sky, the trees were absolutely gorgeous but I think I'd do this a weekend earlier next year, if we can, so there's more colour left.

We weren't checking into the Abbey Manor Inn till 4-ish and we got to Kingston about 12:30 so we had lunch at Panchancho. It was great -- a very nice, off-the-beaten-path menu and a nice store/deli at the
front (the bread! fabulous!). We hadn't made reservations and stood in line for about 20 minutes but
they do accept reservations and they do honour them. Still, standing in line wasn't so onerous. We browsed the store, did the sudoku from the pile of newspapers, looked at the cookbook for a bit. And it was well worth the wait because lunch was delicious. We had their special sandwich of the day -- rare roast beef with carmelized onions and roquefort, and shared an order of yam fries.

After lunch we walked Princess Street, window shopping and browsing in the stores and at around 4 we went to check in the Abbey Manor.

The inn is very pretty, classic decor, beautifully appointed and spotlessly clean. Our room had a fireplace and a double jacuzzi, both of which we used, although it was so warm out that the fireplace made the room so hot we had to open windows when we left for dinner.

We had dinner around 8 at Chez Piggy, very pretty and with an interesting menu, and that
was that -- we were pooped and 'home' and in bed by 11. Very comfy bed and a very quiet place, so we both slept like babies.

Sunday morning we were the only two people at the 9:30 sitting for breakfast (everyone else had
opted for the 8:30). I'd read about the breakfast there and sure enough it was fabulous. Home-baked apple muffins, croissants, poached pear with cranberry and raisin, a cream
cheese & shrimp quiche, coffee and oj. Everything was delicious. The only thing is that I'm not such a breakfast eater and that's way too much for me in the morning. I would have been happy with coffee and the croissant or muffin. Still, I managed to put away a good portion of the quiche and pear and completely devoured the muffins and croissant. It was tough but someone has to do these things, right?

Sunday was chillier and overcast but we didn't have any rain till the drive home. Despite the
fact that the Kingston Farmers Market web page says that it's open Saturday and Sunday, it
was only there on Saturday so we missed it, so that was a little disappointing. I can't imagine why their own webpage would have such basic information incorrect. We strolled on Brock Street a bit but never did find Cooke's General Store. But we have to leave some things for next time, right?

We took the scenic route home and
drove through Brighton and Colbourne but didn't really stop for anything except the LCBO
where my SO bought some of the local Prince Edward County wine. These small town which are probably charming on a sunny Saturday afternoon lose some of their charm on a cloudy Sunday. By that time it was about 3 and the real rain was starting so we just got on the 401 and did the quicker route home.

All in all, it was a lovely, romantic weekend and just what we needed and I liked the liveliness of Kingston. The guys who own the Abbey Manor Inn also own the Secret Garden Inn just down the block and
some of the people we were chatting with who were obviously regulars, love that one too. We walked by the Frontenac, though, and it looks a little bigger and appeals to me more so we might try that for a two-nighter and some vineyard tours next spring.

Starfish, have a great time. You might think about trying a restaurant called Luke's with a 17-year-old chef that's getting a great rep. We would have tried it except that the friend who recommended it gave me the wrong name but we did hear our innkeeper recommending it to guests the next day. If you do try it, I'd love to hear what you think. And about the Abbey Manor as well.

irecommend

Thanks for the trip report!

I absolutely love weekend trips and yours much reminds me of a magical trip we had to Peterborough last year.

We stayed at the Moffat House and everything along the way was amazing. Ontario rocks!

Daniel_Williams

Glad to hear you enjoyed Kingston; sorry you missed the Farmer's Market but sounds like you had a nice visit anyway. You reminded me of the bread at Pan Chancho...mmmmmmm.....

Thanks for your report,

DANIEL

kodi

Great report! I'm glad you had a good time.
Weekends away can do wonders!

starfish1

Thanks for the great report and glad you enjoyed your time away. And weren't you just lucky with the weather. It's funny how just being in a different environment for one night can make you feel like you've really had a break. Appreciate the feedback and I'll let you know how we make out. We are booked for dinner at Curry Original - supposed to be great - but we might try Luke's for lunch. I remember hearing an interview with him but had forgotten about it. Thanks for the suggestion. I'll be sure to report back.

SusanInToronto

Nice report! A friend of mine lives north of Kingston on a lake and I spent a weekend there earlier this year. We went into Kingston on the Saturday, had lunch at Chez Piggy, walked around, etc. I was pleasantly surprised by the city - definitely a nice weekend destination!

I also love Prince Edward County - really beautiful part of Ontario. I actually prefer that area over so called 'cottage country'. It's a lovely drive.