By Saige Traise, Naturally L&A — Wow, what an amazing first couple of weeks on the job! Let’s take a quick look at what I’ve been up to as L&A’s Tourism Development Officer.
Right from the get go, I travelled to many local communities and explored many wonderful local businesses. Our first stop was in Yarker at Our Yurt – Your Getaway, an extraordinary Airbnb experience that allows visitors to embrace nature without compromising on luxury. Stepping into the yurt felt like taking a deep breath as the serene atmosphere overwhelmed me, and every detail had been meticulously considered to ensure a seamless experience. Honestly, I found it hard to leave this idyllic location—it was an unforgettable first stop.
Later that day, we made our way to Stone’s Throw Disc Golf near Enterprise. As someone who enjoys frisbee but isn’t keen on team sports, I have always wanted to try disc golf. The expansive course at Stone’s Throw offers endless entertainment for enthusiasts and beginners alike. I learned that the discs are predominantly made of rubber rather than plastic, and they are named after the clubs used in traditional golf. The drivers, thin and designed for long distances, contrasted with the putters, which were thicker and intended for short, controlled throws. Although I only had a brief introduction to the world of disc golf, I know I will have to spend more time on it this summer.
On my second day, I had the privilege of visiting the production facility of The County Bounty Artisanal Soda Company in Napanee. Being a big fan of their beverages, it was a delight to get a glimpse behind the scenes and witness the intricate process of getting these beverages into cans and onto the shelves. If you’re curious about the process as well, I encourage you to check out my “Journey of a Can” reel on Naturally L&A’s social channels.
During my visits to the local communities of Tamworth, Bath, and Napanee, I had the opportunity to explore their downtown areas. Tamworth was bustling with preparations for their grand 175th anniversary celebration. In addition to encountering charming businesses like the Book Shop, Devon Cafe, and the recently opened Tamworth Hotel. I also gained an overview of the hamlet’s rich history.
In the Bath area, I made a few stops while traveling from the Glenora Ferry to the downtown core. I began with a visit to the renowned goats on the roof at Loyalist Trading Co., whose owner, Sandy Cook, and her delightful goats have the power to brighten anyone’s day. Afterward, I explored Hogan’s Honey and Maple Products and concluded the day with a calming and fulfilling visit to Books on Main.
The final area I had the pleasure of exploring was Downtown Napanee! I discovered some unique shops, including Starlet, Convenient Candy Shop, and Lansing Gifts and Gallery. Each of these establishments provided a unique shopping experience in a welcoming and enjoyable environment that I wholeheartedly recommend everyone check out.
The highlight of my first two weeks was undoubtedly the Naturally L&A Gravel Ride. We were blessed with perfect weather for this exhilarating 51.5 km ride along L&A’s backroads. Stone Corner provided coffee and cookies to kick off the day, while Devon Cafe, McTaggart Apiaries, Salmon River Sugar Bush, Mr. Jerry’s Food Truck, The Napanee Beer Company, and County Bounty Soda also offered delicious treats during the day. To top it off, we enjoyed live music from talented artists before, during and after the ride, creating a truly memorable event. Despite tired legs, there were smiles on everyone’s faces after the ride and promises to return again next year, or maybe for the Discover L&A Ride happening on September 9th.`
So that’s that! These first couple of weeks have been a fantastic introduction into tourism in Lennox & Addington, but it’s only a fraction of what is left to come. Be sure to stay posted and follow along on Facebook & Instagram for many other adventures we have in store this summer.
