A Hidden Gem – Escape to Waterloo County in Ontario Canada

Author: scott, July 23rd, 2010

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Located just one hour northeast of Toronto, Waterloo County attracts a multitude of travelers annually. Originally settled by Pennsylvanian Mennonites in the early 1800′s, the area is steeped in history.

Making their way north from Pennsylvania in primitive Conestoga wagons, early pioneers battled dense forests, treacherous waterways and intense swampland, eventually settling along the banks of the Grand River. Silver coins hidden in barrels of flour survived the trek and served as payment to Chief Joseph Brant in exchange for 94,012 acres of land.

Since those early days Waterloo County has been the home to several “Orders” of Mennonite and Amish citizens along with an ever-changing mix of nationalities.

Over the last two decades the city of Waterloo-proper has become the technology hub of Canada with well-known RIM leading the way. Although two high profile universities and a college also form an integral part of the Waterloo community, its rural roots are never far removed.

Even large local malls provide parking sheds to shelter horse-drawn buggies while their Mennonite owners complete in-town purchases.

Just five or ten minutes in any direction transplants visitors to a bygone era where Mennonite farmers tend to their gardens and crops with implements not normally seen in the last 100 years.

Verdant rolling hills make for a scenic country drive and the sight of Mennonite families dressed in their traditional old order black garb causes one to forget the hustle-bustle of modern-day life.

The well known hamlet of St Jacobs sits just 10 minutes northeast of Colonial Creekside Grand Guest House. St Jacobs Farmers Market, along with many fine shops, attracts visitors from around the world.

The market is an amazing cornucopia of produce and products ranging from blue jeans to perfume, sauerkraut to ice cream and tarts to chocolate. Of course organically grown fruits and vegetables can be found in every direction you turn.

The incredible abundance of shops include local glass blowers, antique dealers and even a broom-maker. Whether your taste is modern or traditional, one day in St Jacobs may not be enough to satisfy your passion for delicious food and your insatiable appetite for unique artifacts.

Also worthy of mention is Waterloo’s twin city of Kitchener, featuring Doon Pioneer Museum, historically accurate Schneider Haus and the Woodside National Historic Site – childhood home of Canada’s war-time Prime Minister William Lyon McKenzie King.

A half hour drive due north of Waterloo brings you to the scenic village of Elora, with its breathtaking Elora Gorge through which the Grand River tumbles and swirls. Strikingly beautiful heritage buildings are also an invitation to take a leisurely stroll through town.

Five minutes beyond Elora lies the quaint town of Fergus, home of the Fergus Scottish Festival & Highland Games. Hit it just right and you too shall learn the answer to “Just what DO Scottish men wear under their kilts?” On a somewhat less risqué note, local folklore has it that a man named Joe Cushing, dubbed the strongest man in the entire town of Fergus, met face to face on the bridge with a fellow who owed him money.

Grabbing the errant bill payer by the arm pits, mighty Joe suspended him over the turbulent waters and held him there until he extracted a firm promise of payment.

Now back to Kitchener-Waterloo minus any crazy legendary bill collectors, the timing of your visit could be just right for world-renowned Oktoberfest.

Celebrating its community ties with Germany, Oktoberfest boasts a large parade and a number of cultural events hosted at various Ethnic Fest Halls. Authentic German cuisine is available year round but is even more popular during Oktoberfest.

The LGBTQ community has found a very comfortable niche amidst the multi-cultural elements of Waterloo County. Club Renaissance, The Robin’s Nest and Baker’s Street are popular night spots for entertainment and dancing. Like many cities, the Cambridge-Kitchener-Waterloo area hosts its own annual Pride Day parade complete with festivities. Please visit http://www.grandriverrainbow.ca/bizresultsCat.php for listings of other local events.

Although there is plenty to see and do in diverse Waterloo County, some tranquil time spent at Colonial Creekside Grand Guest House is also a very important part of your journey. Historically, Colonial Creekside takes its rightful spot in the community, situated on land once occupied by potter Adam Bierenstihl. Using the rich blue clay dug from Colonial Creek, Bierenstihl made utilitarian pottery for the local inhabitants from 1853 to 1866.

Flash forward 150 years and envision yourself at modern-day Colonial Creekside. Although shards of the original pottery can still be found when digging on the property, all else is 21st century. Three designer suites and a decadent state-of-the-art indoor swimming pool may mean you won’t want to leave! The much sought-after elements of privacy and attention to detail are incorporated in ensuite bathrooms and in-room breakfast dining, making you feel like you’ve escaped to a time and place previously unimagined! Large furnished balconies, extensive grounds and a spectacular spring-fed creek lend themselves to an unforgettable stay. Don & James, your friendly yet unintrusive hosts, are always happy to provide directions and assistance during your visit. For more information please check out http://www.purpleroofs.com/colonial-creekside-waterloo.html
and view our comprehensive web site at www.colonialcreekside.com. Contact us by phone at 519.886.2726 or email us at info@colonialcreekside.com. Special Purple Roofs discount applies.

Categories: Uncategorized Tags: amish, gay ontario, gay travel, lesbian travel, mennonites, ontario, Uncategorized, waterloo