9 Ways To Catch Your Breath The Niagara Benchlands Way
There’s a sweet spot each fall when the hustle and bustle of September fades and holiday madness hasn’t yet struck. That magical time in Niagara Benchlands also happens to coincide with crisp fall weather, colourful Niagara Escarpment views, and a slower post-harvest pace that makes time spent exploring the region even more enjoyable. For wanderers looking for an easy-going getaway that leaves them feeling relaxed, recharged, and ready to take on the last months of the year with gusto, Niagara Benchlands beckons. Here are just nine of the countless ways to sneak in a Niagara Benchlands breather this fall.
Fall-axing Idea #1: Try Yoga With A Vineyard View
Yoga In The Vines at Cave Springs Vineyard on October 28 is a 4.5-hour experience that includes so much more than time on your mat! In addition to a gentle outdoor yoga session, guests will embark on a scenic stroll to and from neighbouring winery, Malivoire, for a structured tasting and also be treated to a delicious lunch prepared by Revalee Brunch Café paired with a flight of favourite Cave Springs wines, and two bottles of wine to take home.
Kacaba Vineyard’s Flow & Fortune event offers an evening of Yoga on October 30, as well as a chance to dive deeper into your spiritual side with a personalized Tarot card and numerology reading. The evening’s fun also includes a glass of wine and light snacks, and guests who come decked out in a costume have a chance to win a special prize pack.
Fall-axing Idea #2: Set Out On A Scenic Stroll
With woodsy Bruce Trail wanders waiting at Kinsmen Park and Mountainview Conservation Area and walks with stunning waterfall rewards at Louth Conservation Area, Ball’s Falls, and Rockway Community Centre, Niagara Benchlands is a hiker’s haven! Be sure to stop at an area market, farmstand, or bake shop on our CultivATE Taste Trail to stock up on some snacks to enjoy along the way!
Megalomaniac’s Insta-Worthy Vineyard Walks, offered Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holiday Mondays, are a great option for those looking for a walk at a winery with wow-inspiring Niagara Escarpment views.
The Fall Wine Trail Passport Program hosted by Cave Spring, Featherstone, Fielding, Malivoire, and Sue-Ann Staff wineries on October 19 & 20 is another fun way for wine lovers to enjoy a scenic fall stroll. The choose-your-own itinerary tasting program includes a fall wine tasting with a tasty two-bite culinary pairing at each stop.
Fall-axing Idea #3: Schedule In Some Pumpkin Spice Spa Time
This fall, Inn On The Twenty’s world-class spa is offering special pumpkin spice-themed spa treatments, including pedicures, body scrubs, and body wraps. Schedule an appointment during Vintage Hotels Spa Week from October 21st through 25th, to enjoy special savings!
Fall-axing Idea #4: Enjoy One Last Lakeside Picnic
Bundle up in your shackets and jackets and head to Charles Daley Park to enjoy a final al fresco afternoon. Leave the filling of your basket to the experts by making a quick pre-picnic stop for some to-go treats at Grand Oak Culinary Market or Upper Canada Cheese Company.
Fall-axing Idea #5: Retreat To A Cozy Country Cottage
Press pause in a place that feels a million miles away from it all by checking into an off-the-radar vacation rental like Inn The Orchard’s beautiful orchard-side cabins, Honsberger Estate Winery’s quaint Red Cottage or Yellow Cottage, or the luxe vineyard villa at Alvento Winery.
Fall-axing Idea #6: Unwind By A Crackling Fire
Cuddle up and enjoy a glass of Niagara wine beside an outdoor fire. Best bets that offer fun fireside experiences include Niagara Custom Crush Studio, 180 Estate Winery, Greenlane Estate Winery and Redstone Winery.
Fall-axing Idea #7: Wander The Day Away Your Way
Embarking on an adventure with no set schedule or plan is easy in Niagara Benchlands because all roads lead to picture-perfect views, interesting stops, and tasty experiences. Use our CultivATE Taste Trail as your jumping-off point, or schedule your trip to coincide with November’s Get Wrapped Up event, when Niagara Benchlands Wineries join forces to host two weekends of tasting and touring on November 9, 10, 17 and 17. Get Wrapped Up passport holders can visit up to six participating wineries to enjoy holiday entertaining-inspired wine and food pairings.
Fall-axing Idea #8: Try Something Totally New To You
Whether it’s a cooking class at The Good Earth Food & Wine Co., a first zip on an e-bike courtesy of e-bike The Bench Wine Tours, shopping for a bespoke chapeau at Frankie Sez Hatters, crafting your own signature gin at Dillon’s Distillery, or snacking on Burgundian-inspired foods at Domain Le Clos Jordanne’s beautiful new estate, stepping away from your go-to activities to do something delightfully different can be surprisingly invigorating! Browse our catalogue of blogs to find an activity that piques your interest.
Fall-axing Idea #9: Lean Into Local Lore
Experiencing a place like those who live there is a great way to inject some fresh fun into your travels. Warm up a crisp fall morning with a just-made apple spice doughnut from Beamsville Bakery and taste for yourself why this friendly shop’s seasonal doughnuts have a cult-like following. Spend a sunny afternoon picking apples at Windwood Farms and see why locals love this orchard’s Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Red Chief, Fuji, Spy, Ida Red, Cox Orange Pippin, Ambrosia, Empire, Crispin, McIntosh, and Gala apples.
Snap Your Best Fall Photos Yet
While out and about on your Niagara Benchlands wander, be sure to take advantage of three new harvest-themed installations to get that perfect fall photo. The Insta-worthy photo backdrops include a cascade of grape vines, corks, and fall flowers tumbling from a waterfall of wicker baskets in Jordan Village, a twinkling arch of pumpkins and gourds in Downtown Bench Beamsville, and a farm’tastic vignette at Cherry Lane Farms in Vineland. Follow @niagarabenchlands on Instagram and Facebook for all the details.
