Road Tripping Adventures of Summer 2020 — Matty's Fab Avenue

Travel this summer has been very different! Mandatory masks, social distancing, and outdoor dining can be nerve racking. My personal anxiety and mental stress has been difficult to deal with at times. It certainly took some time to get use to our new sense of life. I found it helpful reading, learning and listening to professionals on the progress to get the economy back open with keeping all of us safe and healthy. We are seeing better days ahead and we all did it together!

With that said…summer 2020 was definitely the season of Road Trips. In early May, my hubby and I started planning day trips and local getaways. The challenging part of choosing where we wanted to go as there are so many beautiful places to visit in Canada. After many days and nights researching we decided on Niagara-On-The-Lake, St. Jacobs and Québec City.

Being a Torontian a trip to the Niagara region is must on your summer to-do list and especially the picturesque old town of Niagara-On-The-Lake. With these new times for travel you have to think of fun ways to explore and with that said…the best way to explore the beautiful Niagara-On-The-Lake is by exploring their bike trails. I found all the information about the trails Niagara Falls Tourism and let me tell you…biking around was the best experience as you can make little pit stops along your way either it be a picnic in a park looking over at the stunning views or park your bike and explore the farmers markets or wineries. We even made a new friend with a beautiful tree that kept us cool for an afternoon nap in Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens. My hubs and I brought our bikes in the back of the car, but you can also rent them locally. Either way it was the best experience and an absolutely recommend you try it!

About a one hour and a half outside the city is a beautiful town called St. Jacobs. Let me tell you it is totally worth the drive to explore. It is a popular location for tourism especially for the St. Jacobs Farmers Market and the St. Jacobs Village. The St. Jacobs Farmers Market is the largest year-round farmers market in Canada where you can buy local fresh fruits and vegetables from locals, many of them are Mennonite farmers. There are also several indoor buildings were you can explore and purchase crafts, antiques, foods and so much more. I was in shopping heaven!

You guys know about my obsessions with 1980s and 1990s nostalgia and after doing some research scrolling through Instagram I came across 3D Vintage Toys (which is located in the Peddler's Village) so, of course it was on the top of the list of vendors to visit. Rob (who is the owner) and I became instant besties! We could talk for hours about all the cool stuff he had. Rob from 3D Vintage Toy specialize in vintage and retro collectibles ranging from toys, t-shirts, board games, action figures, and everything in between. Meeting Rob was definitely a highlight and I walked away with an amazing purchase — a vintage Disney Fantasia collectable drinking glass.

After you explored the St. Jacobs Farmers Market jump back into your car and just a five minute drive down the road is St. Jacobs Village . It is “super cute” and filled with authentic sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and incredible one-of-a-kind shopping. When you are walking around the village make sure on your to-do list a to visit The Bath Market . They are local beauty, relaxation & wellness company that makes uncomplicated yet luxurious natural products. Hopefully Mariah is working at the shop when you visit — she is super fabulous! I purchased some of their Natural Soy Candles and let me tell you the smell divine!

My hubby and I decided to take a week off and take the open road on a ten hour journey to the picturesque Québec City. We strolled the cobblestone streets, relaxed at the many sidewalk cafes and explored the over 400 years of history! Quebec City is not only a UNESCO world heritage site but is also one of the oldest cities in North America. I am super excited to share you my week in Québec City that holds a European charm.

When searching for a hotel hands down you need to book Hotel PUR located in the heart of the Saint Roch District that celebrates the eclectic and colourful side of Québec City. This was my second time staying at Hotel PUR and we will definitely going to stay at this hotel again. The moment you step foot in the front doors you are greeted with a smile (these days with a face covering) and now a smile with the eyes and the pleasant Bonjour! In the lobby you immersed into a stylish trendy environment with classy jazz tunes while you check in.

The year 2020 has been a challenging experience for the hotel industry and Hotel PUR had many safety protocols in place to keep all the guests healthy and safe. Face masks were mandatory in all areas of the hotel. Sanitizing stations were placed everywhere throughout the hotel. In the elevator, they had a sign that read “no more than two people or one family at a time” and included a sanitizing station to clean the elevator buttons. Hotel PUR had all the physical distancing measures under control which made the stay more enjoyable and stress free.

If you an opportunity to bring your bike along Québec City has some amazing and breathtaking trails to explore. Tourisme Québec has everything you need to find a bike trail that suits your needs. I rode along the St. Lawrence River to the beautiful La promenade Samuel de Champlain. It was spectacular!

Wandering by foot is another way to get to know any new city and discover its beauty. With the European charm of Québec City you will feel like you are strolling in a fairytale. While you wander around make sure to take in all the breathtaking historic architecture roaming through the walled old city. One of my favourite spots is Place Royale, a small picturesque square and located in lower town. Honestly, I felt like I was on the Disney set of Beauty & the Beast dreaming of Belle & Gaston to come and sit down beside me.

After laying my eyes on the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac , said to be the most photographed hotel in the world, I felt the same magical feeling when walking down Main Street USA at Walt Disney World and seeing the Cinderella Castle for the first time. Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is a must see when strolling the cobblestones street of Québec City, make sure you head inside and see the beautiful interior.

With the summer season of 2020 coming to an end I can truly say it has been an amazing season even with these difficult times. Having an open mind and experiencing new ways to stay healthy and safe and looking forward to the future of what is to come with travel we are all in this together so lets stay positive, be kind to one another and there will be better days ahead.

Being Unique is always Fabulous!

Matty