Niagara-on-the-Lake Getaway - Pink Door Farmhouse

I’ve been visiting Niagara-on-the-Lake for years and this was our first long weekend getaway with three generations under one roof. And what an incredible stay we had at the Pink Door Farmhouse – NOTL.

another pink door! en route to the wineries!

Niagara-on-the-Lake is a beautiful historic town approximately 1.5-hour drive from Toronto, Ontario and cross border, about 45 minutes from Buffalo, New York. Known to be Ontario Wine Country, home to over 50 wineries and one of Canada’s top ice wine producers.

So, let me give you the deets to the Pink Door Farmhouse along with our fav spots and activities in town. A quaint (yet luxe) farmhouse Airbnb with the signature pink door. The stay is memorable with a stunning vineyard view from every window, a porch swing where you can read a book and sip on a coffee or glass of wine. A huge backyard with lots of room for kids to play and adults who want to chill, there is a firepit, hot tub, BBQ and lounge area. The house is available for booking all year round, sleeps up to 8 guests and you must book a minimum of two nights stay.

We spent the Thanksgiving long weekend and since the house wasn’t booked the day prior, we arrived just after lunch. I was able to take a few calls while my parents and boys got settled. I loved that they had a home office, so I was able to get some work done in privacy.

Can park up to 6 vehicles! And yes we brought our bikes

Camera on for meetings because this wallpaper!

BEDROOMS – there are three bedrooms and a sitting room (with a daybed and trundle) and It worked out perfectly for us. My parents slept in the primary room on the main floor for accessibility, the two bedrooms upstairs was a popular spot for privacy and vineyard views and the sitting room on the main floor was convenient as it was easy to roll out of bed and get some work done in the home office.

The perfect spot for reading, but my guy was on his Ipad =)

KITCHEN AND UTILITIES – they had everything to make your stay comfortable. I’ve stayed at some fancy Airbnb’s where I had to still bring my own foil, spices, dish soap, laundry detergent, paper towels etc. I should have inquired first, because I went and packed all of the above, but was happy to leave it in my trunk. You can cook, BBQ and bake with all the tools and more. You’ve just got to bring the goodies. My mom was up early every morning cooking up a traditional Filipino breakfast: garlic friend rice (sinangag), fried egg (itlog), corned beef and Filipino sausage (langonisa) and tomatoes (kamatis). A little Philippines 101 for ya! We kept all meals casual with some of us eating by the kitchen island, others by the dining room table, out on the front porch or out on the backyard patio watching the kids play.

BACKYARD – the perfect place for everyone to hang. The boys played soccer one early evening, threw the football around another evening and we all came together to hang out by the fire pit roasting marshmallows. In hindsight, we should have brought a guitar!

a beautiful backyard …the adults were able to sit and relax while the kids played soccer and football

PORCH SWING – while everyone hung out in the backyard, I took full advantage and claimed the porch swing. I moved one of my meetings from the home office to the porch swing and had to give my colleagues a preview of the vineyard! Morning coffees on the porch swing just hits different and I got all cozy and managed to get some reading in. Lots of space on the front porch for the kids to play. My boys laid out a blanket and played a game of Jenga.

take those indoor games outdoors on the front porch!

If you want to stay on the property and really just want in on that downtime, this is the place to be with a hot tub, tranquility, vineyard views and a beautiful home to just enjoy. But, having wineries and the Old Town close by, I recommend you step out for a bit. Below are some of our fav spots and wineries to check out close to the farmhouse.

GETTING AROUND TOWN:

For the active adults, I do recommend exploring by bike so BYOB (bring your own bike) or book a wine and bicycle tour at Vino Velo.
For young children and grandparents, plenty of parking at all wineries, historic sites and old town. Wineries parking is free and paid parking is in Old Town and surrounding blocks. We typically park near the Prince of Wales Hotel, right at the start of Old Town, there is a playground nearby and it’s walking distance from the scenic views of Queens Royal Park Gazebo.

OUTSIDE OF THE TOWN

Walkers Market – family owned and operated, great spot for meals to go and their pies are delish!!! A great selection of fresh fruit and vegetables during harvest season.
Two Sisters Vineyard – awarded Best Small Winery in Canada, my hubby, brother and I pulled up and I felt like the third wheel. I renamed it Two Brother in Laws Vineyard.
Reif Estate Winery – our fave spot for ice wine.
Wayne Gretzy Estates – I am obsessed with the whiskey cream liquer
Niagara River Recreational Trail: get your cycle on! We rode 17 km of the 56km trail that’s available. You’ll find wineries, restaurants, shops, fruit stands and historical sites such as Fort George National Historic site. I also recommend that you stop by Ryerson Park for a scenic stop. It’s in a residential neighbourhood, with a few benches with access to the water. On a clear day you’ll see the Toronto skyline.

Reif Estate Winery – hubby and I discovered this winery on a wine and bike tour when we were dating way back!

even if you’re not a wine enthusiast, winery hopping is still fun!

OLD TOWN – NIAGARA ON THE LAKE

Horse and Carraige Tours – available all year round! Our first time doing the tour on this family getaway and it was nice to get a little bit of history with the backdrop of the fall season.
Fritters on the Lake – we typically take these apple fritters to go for the drive home. Family owned and just a great feel good vibe! Check their hours because depending on what season it is and what day of week, you don’t want to miss out!
The Maple Syrup Store – I didn’t realize there were so many variations of maple syrup from amber to dark. Get a little bit of education on with their helpful staff. We always pick up the four flavour pack when we visit.
Old Tyme Candy Shoppe – because kids! And the selection of candy is next level. I need to warn you that it’s not cheap, but my dad gave the kids money to go and spoil themselves! He was the hero that weekend.
Balzacs Coffee Roasters – just off the main strip, I’ve been going to this cafe for years when I’m in the area. It’s so charming and just gives that old town feel!
Niagara Apothecary – a pharmacy museum in the town. I grew up in the Pharma industry and geek out everytime I visit this place. A very short visit to get some learning in.

i spy with my little eye … can you spot my twins?

WHEN TO VISIT NIAGARA ON THE LAKE – you can visit year round and each season brings a different experience. I was surprised at how busy it was during the Thanksgiving long weekend and I’m so glad that we were able to enjoy so much of the area. But not gonna lie, the summer months are the best time enjoy all the great things that Niagara on the Lake has to offer. The one call out, it’s busy during this season, so book those restaurant reservations and if you’re driving from outside the area, get on the road early to avoid traffic.

I carried my son for almost 9 months, it’s hubby’s turn lol!

The Pink Door Farmhouse was definitely a memorable visit. We can’t wait to go back. Lindy and Justin were amazing hosts, and you can see the love and care that they put into creating a beautiful space to make memories in. To book your stay, check availability and a tour of the farmhouse, click here.

Until next time!

Shine Lily XOXO