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Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario (Where Gumbo was #301)

 

Gumbo was visiting the pretty and historic town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario.  The destination was recognized by GeorgeG and GarryRF -- congratulations to both for some excellent detective work.

I like to stop by Niagara-on-the-Lake when I'm in the Niagara Peninsula region because it's such a charming town.  It's located where the Niagara River flows into Lake Ontario. 

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Canada is a new country with only a relatively short period of recorded history.  Still, Niagara-on-the-Lake is considered to be of historic significance.  It was founded in 1781 and was originally known as Butlersburg, later renamed as West Niagara.  British Loyalists fled here from the south in the aftermath of the American Revolution.  It was the first capital of the Province of Upper Canada (the predecessor of Ontario) from 1792 to 1797.  During the War of 1812, the town was the site of numerous battles following the USA invasion of Upper Canada and it was badly damaged in the conflict.  The town adapted it's current name to avoid confusion with Niagara Falls.

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The town today is a popular tourist destination.  It's known for the Shaw Festival, excellent wineries, shopping and dining opportunities, and its proximity to Niagara Falls and nearby Fort George.  It's home to the oldest Anglican and Catholic churches in Ontario, and the oldest golf course in North America.  Many of the buildings in town are over 200 years old, representing reconstruction following the ravages of the War of 1812.

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During my last visit to Niagara-on-the-Lake, I was traveling with my brother, father, and a favorite cousin.  Our cousin treated us to a horse-drawn carriage ride through the town, which was a lot of fun -- a nice slow-paced way to see this historic 19th century settlement.

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I've decided to present the photos from that visit more-or-less in the order they were taken.  The first are from our carriage ride, which included lovely parks...

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...as well as an attractive gazebo by the river.  The Gazebo was constructed in the 1980s for the filming of the movie based on Stephen King's novel,The Dead Zone , in which it was in an important dramatic scene.  If you've never seen the film do check it out -- it's my second favorite of King's movie adaptations (my favorite being The Green Mile).

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The towns gold course is on the Lake, one of the oldest in the country and seems like it would be fun to play...

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There are many attractive homes.  Niagara-on-the-Lake is a very popular retirement community.

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The Anglican church is the oldest in Ontario, with an adjoining cemetery....

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There are many pretty small hotels and bed-and-breakfasts.  

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After our carriage ride we wandered the main street and enjoyed a nice lunch at this Irish pub.

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Here are some shops and scenes from downtown Niagara-on-the-Lake.

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I really recommond Niagara-on-the-Lake as an excellent place to stay when you visit Niagara Falls.  It's a very relaxed and comfortable retreat from the hustle and bustle of throngs of tourists you'll find at Niagara Falls.

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  • Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
  • Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
  • Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
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Twitter: @DrFumblefinger

"We do not take a trip, a trip takes us".  John Steinbeck, from Travels with Charlie

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Comments (1)

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A fine piece of History from a young Town. With a small population it appears to be booming in style and grace. Could even make it to Garry's favourite "Small Town America List".  An Oasis of Olde World Quality  and Charm. This Town took some locating. Good one Dr F.

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