For Maura’s birthday this past September, I took her to Niagara on the lake for a short weekend getaway. We stayed in an AirBnB in a different area than the one we’re used to. This one is closer to the beach.

We arrived later than we wanted to and it being a Friday we were looking for our usual beer and pizza meal options. I saw there was a brewery not far from where we were staying so we headed there.

The Brimstone Brewery is looks like a really large facility when you approach because it is attached to another building. They have some great architecture and some really good beers. They were kind enough to recommend a good place that we could get a late night pizza as well.

The next morning we were ready to head to Niagara for the some wine. But first we needed to get some breakfast. I found Tammy’s Brexk n ridge to have good reviews and they had my usual which is eggs and bacon. So we headed there first. The food was good and the service was quick. We left satisfied and ready for our adventures.

Since it was Maura’s day and we weren’t with our usual wine drinking brigade we were able to cherry pick the spots we really liked. Plus we were only there for 1 day and had a ton of choices.

Our first winery is one we had just discovered this past January and all fell in love with. Icellar is pretty new in the area and are making a huge impression that we could tell.

Our next stop was Chateau des charmes. We didn’t do any tasting there because we knew we wanted their gamay and quickly went to their store and bought a couple of bottles before we headed toward the Bench.

You can’t go to the Bench aka Beamsville without going to Fielding. They have an amazing view from their patio behind the bar that can see all the way out to the lake on a clear day. You can walk above their tanks right next to their tasting room. We always have some great samples and leave with a few bottles.

While we had a few that we knew we needed to hit we were also open to wineries that we saw on the way that caught our attention. This time we found Peninsula Ridge. They had some great wines and we’ll be back again.

We also visited a couple more wineries that were new and we liked. Vieni and Mountain side road both offer a good selection of wines.

We also knew that we wanted a beer so we swung by The Exchange brewery that was new a couple of years ago and we hadn’t been back so we decided to check it out. A good spot to get a beer right in the heart of town.

After that we drove to one of our other favorites and a must visit to get a couple of bottles, Creekside. We always leave with at least two bottles and have a great experience talking with the staff and sampling their latest offerings.

This morning we got up and ate breakfast at the hotel. It was the usual free breakfast with some cereals and hard boiled eggs. Then we set out to explore the island some more.

Our first stop was Aquietta. Ever since I was a kid I’ve loved the idea of lighthouses so whenever we have a chance to see one I like to take it. This one has apparently been moved due to some erosion of the clif which is also a nice site to check out. You get a great view of the ocean and I believe you may be able to see whales on occasion.

After we left the lighthouse we went to find a beach. It was tricky to find an entrance to one since Google maps would routinely direct you to someone’s private drive way. We eventually found a parking lot that was free since we’re in the off season but I bet would be packed during the summer.

Then it was time to get something to eat. My usual search for food involves looking for craft beer as good food and beer are usually in close proximity of one another. Back in the main shopping area we found the Offshore ale co for lunch. It was really good and they had a great selection of beers. I’d recommend doing a flight if you have other things to do that day.

After that we decided to take a chance and locate another beach. We found Lampert’s cove. It was a bit of a walk from the parking lot but another mostly secluded beach. However we are there in the off season so it’s likely to be packed during the summer.

After we hung out there for awhile it was time to track down dinner. Based on the online reviews we decided to try the Lookout tavern as they came highly recommended for sunset viewing. Our experience wasn’t that great as the beers were limited and seating was hard to come by. We decided to leave and try to make our way back to the clifs to catch the last of the sunset.

We barely made it and caught just a few of the last remaining rays before it got very dark and we called it a night.

Our next stop was Martha’s vineyard. To get there you have to go by ferry. There’s no other way. We preordered our tickets online and went to find the harbor. It was a little confusing because they don’t have the best signage on where you’re supposed to go but we eventually found it.

I was excited because I’ve never driven a car on a boat before. I was also a little nervous in case something happened. But it all worked out.

After we got off the ferry we went in search of something to eat. Of course we were looking for seafood and found Martha’s Vineyard Chowder Company. Since its in the name how could we had to try the clam chowder and it was awesome.

After our meal we drove around a little bit but it was raining and we wanted to get checked in so we headed to the Hotel Pequot.

Our room in our hotel was tiny but the hotel was really nice. They had a lot of events going on to encourage socialization between guests. We didn’t partake in them but it was a nice touch. We decided to go drive around and see what else we could see.

Our next stop turned out to be Edgartown harbor lighthouse. I’ve always liked lighthouses and this one we were able to get up close to it. But first we had to walk through a rain storm where the wind was blowing it horizontally at us. We ended up getting soaking wet but we had fun and got to see the lighthouse.

After a quick change of clothes we went out to find a beer and discovered Bad Martha’s brewing. They had a great decor and some really good beers. Unfortunately, they were closing early so we only got to hang out for a bit.

We decided to get something to eat and call it a night. A place that turned up with food and craft beer nearby was The Barn. I had a decent burger and an okay beer. I did get to watch some hockey and then we called it a night.

Day 3 would take us back on the road as we have to drive to Portland with enough time to make our lobster boat catching trip. But first we needed breakfast. This day we headed to the 2 Cats Restaurant for a quick bite before the road. They come with a pretty healthy recommendation from the internet so we thought we were safe there. We were seated right away (probably because we were okay with eating inside) but the wait time for the our food was long. We ended up getting our checks at the same time our food arrived so we wouldn’t be held up any longer.

We did learn that the owners teenage daughter had recently gone missing so it’s possible the service wasn’t on their A game.

Due to some traffic we ended up being just in the nick of time for the Lucky Catch lobster tour. They don’t have a bathroom on the boat so it was recommended that we find one before we shipped out. There was a Starbucks across the street that we were able to use. However, the bathrooms required a code. I purchased a coffee I didn’t want to get the code but apparently that wasn’t needed as the other customers were nice enough to share it.

Then we were back to the boat where we were given a quick understanding of what the tour would encompass as well as a safety briefing on the boat. Once we were off it became apparent there weren’t many clouds in the sky so we had to apply sunscreen to our sunburn. The boat was full of mostly couples and there was family with some children that were running around the boat.

As we went to collect the traps we were given a tour of the coastline and a history of Portland. Before we got the traps we had to set up the new bait bags that would be placed in the traps after we brought them up. These were filled with tiny fish. When the traps were pulled up the lobsters were collected and any old bait was thrown to the seagulls that showed up seemingly from nowhere.

This process repeated itself a couple of times. The crew did an amazing job and let us participate by measuring the lobsters to see if they were allowed to be kept. We also rubber banded the claws of the keepers before they went in the tank. Once the bait was set we were also allowed to help shove the cage back into the water.

At one point a fish was brought up with the trap and we were told it was good luck to kiss it so I did.

We opted not to purchase one of the fresh lobsters as we weren’t ready to eat just yet. You have the option to take it home with you or the restaurant across the pier with cook it for you.

After we re-upped our parking, we walked down to the Liquid Riot brewery and Distillery. From the website and descriptions it seemed like it would be our kind of place. It turns out neither of were really into it. There was a wait time for a seat (even at the bar) and the music was really loud. To be fair, there music was from a live jazz band. Maybe we were just there at the wrong day/time.

At that point we were getting hungry. It had been several hours since we last had some seafood. We decided to go to Js Oyster Bar which came recommended.

There was a long wait time since they are right on the pier. We sat at the bar for a bit and had a drink from their limited tap list. We were finally seated and our orders were taken right away. The food was good and we left satisfied and headed back to our Air BnB to rest up for the full day of Portland tomorrow.

After a mostly successful nights sleep, the bed was a little hard, we headed into the town for breakfast. One of the recommendations that looked was the Maine Breakfast. We were a little late for the early breakfast because I had to upload some files for work which was tricky on spotty wifi.

After we ate, it was time to head to Acadia National Park for the days events. As the person that does the least research for these trips I didn’t know what to expect. I was just happy with the words National Park since I love nature. It had been awhile since I had what the Japanese refer to as shinrin-yoku or forest bathing so I was ready for it. I’m sure my soul stunk of city.

If you don’t know, Acadia is basically a big looping park following one main (no pun intended) road. So you pay your ticket, which is $30 for a private vehicle, and start out to see the sites. Along the way are several stopping points but really the whole park is beautiful and you can stop most places along the road. There are various bike paths that criss-cross the road as well so I’m sure that would be an amazing way to see the park.

Shortly after entering the park we decided to take the tops off the jeep and really breathe the freshness.

We stopped at Thunder Hole to try and hear it but after waiting almost an hour we had to give up. A little while down the road we came to a small beach and stopped to collect some seashells.

From there we went to check out the Bubble Rock. I had no idea what that term meant and couldn’t look it up as my cell signal was terrible. The only thing to do was to hike up the hill and see what they’re talking about.

We didn’t bother to look at this sign before we started up the trail otherwise we may have skipped it.

After the exertion of climbing a mountain to look at a rock. Seems really stupid when you write it out like that. We wanted to check out Cadillac mountain since all the signs make it seem like its just around the corner. Cadillac mountain offers an amazing view of the surrounding coastline. Some very beautiful scenery there. We stopped at the gift shop and then decided to go have a beer.

Back in Bar Harbor there’s a couple of breweries but we decided to walk to the Atlantic Brewing company. They have a great spot which offers food as well as drinks. We had a great conversation with the bar tender and he recommended a couple of places to eat as well as going back to Cadillac Mountain to watch the sunset. While we enjoyed a couple of pints, we slowly realized that having been out in the sun all morning and with the tops of the jeep we fell victim to the radiation poisoning from that yellow bastard sun. The cool ocean breeze can trick you in Maine it would seem.

Not wanting to do any more damage to my already sunburned face I bought my first truckers hat. It may be the start of a collection of different hats from breweries we visit.

Of the places the bar tender recommended to eat, the one that seemed most appealing was Beal’s Lobster Pier. It’s a seafood restaurant outside of bar harbor by about 20 minutes where you sit right on the pier. They have some amazing food, a great view and 20oz beer pours. What more could you want?

After this we raced back to the mountain. Since we still had our pass we figured we would be remiss to not check it out. Apparently you don’t need the pass to get to Cadillac Mountain but they want you to buy one while you’re there. As we sat and watched the sunset the temperature began to drop. So we make a final plan to head back into Bar Harbor for some dessert.

A place that came highly recommended and was just around the corner from where we ate the night before is Geddy’s. They were very busy but as we only wanted some dessert we got seated at the bar. They have some great taps and an amazing blueberry pie that I can almost taste right now.

After that it was time to head back to the hotel and get some rest since the next day we were back on the road.

I woke up early again to go to the gym and get my workout in before starting the day’s events. This was again followed by the morning coffee routine.

Breakfast

As we’re almost ready to leave the hotel and get started with the wine tasting, my mother-in-law discovers her wallet is missing. We take apart the room and can’t find it. We double check the car and it’s not there either. At this point we begin to retrace steps to see where she had it last. I start calling places beginning with where we were last. I was on phone duty since my mother-in-laws phone wasn’t working in Canada for some reason.

While all of this was going on Maura was trying to get her Integrity Toys convention reservations for our October trip to Florida. This was all another hassle going on at the same time. The hotel internet wasn’t working fast enough and we later found out that someone in Russian had accidentally crashed the servers.

Everything ended up working out though as Maura got her reservations and we located the wallet. After calling Creekside, and being remembered by the lady that answered the phone, I called Conversations cafe where she had dropped her purse. They fortunately had it and had tried to call to alert her. However, since her phone wasn’t working, we didn’t get the messages.

So back to Conversations Cafe to reclaim the wallet. This cut into our day a bit as it was about an hour’s drive there and back.

Once back in the Niagara-on-the-lake region we decided to try a new winery that had opened up. Big Head wines has a huge facility and you might miss the entrance trying to find the parking lot. Once in we were offered two types of tastings. We could go with a an a la carte method or we could sit through their pairing that takes about an hour and costs $60. We had other wineries to try so we went with the a la carte method. We didn’t end up buying anything but we’ll definitely make a stop in the future.

From there we found ourselves at Frog pond. They are an all organic winery that we’ve never seen before but we were off our typically beaten path by this point. In the parking lot you can see some of the farm animals they keep including a rooster and some goats.

By this point we figured it was time to have my mother-in-law actually taste some ice wine. The nearest place with the best rating was Ice house. That’s all they make is ice wine and they have some very unique flavors. We did a tasting there but didn’t hang around for long as there wasn’t really any seating and ice wine is too sweet to drink a lot of.

Continuing on the road we were on took us to Coyotes run. This place I liked and will need to stop back at some point. They have the same wine made from two different types of soil for you to sample so you can see what a difference it can make.

We wanted to stop by one of the most impressive looking wineries and one of the first ones Maura and stopped at on our first trip. Southbrook is hard to miss as you’re driving by. The main building has a long wall that extends almost to the road. The whole complex is built to be environmentally friendly. The offer an amazing view of the vineyards and they have some great wines.

Maura bought the last bottle of a wine made with orange peels.

We had one more wine stop left in us and that was one of my favorites as well.

Jackson triggs has a an impressive entrance from the road that looks a little like barbed wire until you realize that it is just the grape vines. We did a tasting of course and bought a bottle.

By now we were in the mood for some lunch. We decided on The Pie Plate. It was another new place for us and we weren’t sure what to expect. We missed it the first time we drove by but eventually found it. The food was good and I was able to grab a beer. Something I was craving after so much wine.

Then we headed back to the hotel to take a break. We had dinner plans in Buffalo. My mother-in-law’s birthday was coming up so we wanted to do something special. What she didn’t know was that two of her friends from Pittsburgh were going to drive up and meet us in Niagara but there was an issue with their passports so they couldn’t cross the border. Maura, in her sneaky, behind-the-scenes way, worked to find and reserve a new spot.

The place she chose has a good reputation apparently as the border guard knew of it when I told her where we were going.

Buffalo Proper is like a lot of places we like. They have a unique atmosphere and are a combination of restaurant and great bar. We all had a great time and my mother-in-law was greatly surprised to see her friends. The food was great and we ended the trip on a high note before driving back across the border and resting up for our return trip in the morning.