We asked a local to fill us in on the town that is said to be “greater for many reasons”.

Written by Abigael Roy, local resident and kick-ass community ambassador.

When you find yourself in Napanee looking for a casual sports bar vibe to hang with friends and catch the game, then Shoeless Joe’s and Chuck’s Roadhouse are great spots. If you are looking to sit outside for a relaxing lunch by the river, then The Waterfront River Pub and Terrace is the local’s go-to spot. You can also book an hour-and-a-half boat tour down the Napanee River on the pub’s new pontoon boat, the Norman Paul. After lunch, you can literally step onto the boardwalk and stroll along the Napanee River, making your way across the bridge to Conservation Park on the other side.

Or, if retail therapy is more your style, head the other way and end up downtown. Dundas Street is lined with beautiful shops to wander around in. My personal favourites are Lasenda for eco-friendly and naturopathic items and Starlet for beautiful fashion, footwear and accessories. Pop by The Dundas Street Bakery or Ellena’s Café for some delicious baked goodies and finish off with a latte from Coffee Cravings (or an iced version in the dog days of summer).

If you’ve still got some steam, a great way to unwind is to spend an afternoon exploring Menzel Centennial Nature Reserve or a section of the Cataraqui Trail. If you happen to be here early in the summer, make sure to set aside some time for picking fresh berries at Paulridge Berry Farm. Napanee is surrounded by nature and farm fun, so it’s a great place to visit any time of year.

THE SOUTH END

Good for a scenic country drive with all sorts of fun stops along the way. Head south from downtown on County Road 8 and make your way to
Highway 33 (also called Loyalist Parkway). This beautiful stretch of road follows the shores of Lake Ontario and is a picturesque route to cycle when the weather is nice. Make sure you stop in at Loyalist Trading Company Co. to get some baked goods—and to feed the goats that graze on roof! All you need is a quarter for a handful of food pellets that you send up by way of a neat pulley contraption. Next, try a wine tasting at Bergeron Estate Winery and Cider Co., or take advantage of the local farming culture and visit Wynn Farm to pick your own fresh apples (or pumpkins). If you keep going to the very end of the road, the Glenora Ferry will take you into Prince Edward County (known to locals simply as “The County”).
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