This is Your Sign to Book a Spring Escape to Marmora

Southeastern Ontario is one of the best regions in the province for a road trip, in my opinion. There are endless cute towns around every corner, places to discover, local shops and restaurants, the list goes on. If you haven't done a road trip through this part of the province yet, let me share one of my favourite sections with you. 

With the spring season upon us, and the days are getting longer. I was very eager to get into summer road trip mode. I'd been hearing about Hastings County for a while and finally decided, okay, let's just see what everyone's talking about. I booked a Spring Solo Weekend Escape to Marmora Retreats in a Boho Glamping Dome. 

Understandably, the ideal time to travel is in the summer, but once the snow disappears and the temperatures stay above zero, there's really no reason to wait, right? I’ve come to find that Spring is underrated for travel. The towns are quieter, everything feels a little more relaxed, longer days, warmer temperatures, and that feeling like everything and everyone is coming out of hibernation. 

Your Stay: Disconnect to Reconnect

I really wanted to find a stay that is the experience, and to really slow down for a weekend. I was craving minimal screen time, no alarms, and no itinerary to follow.

Marmora Retreat comes highly recommended, and now I know exactly why! It’s tucked away from noise, and the boho glamping dome is everything a Pinterest board aesthetic promises. A cozy bed layered with linen, a full spa bathroom, a kitchenette, a coffee maker, and a view to the alpaca enclosure. It felt restful, and unscheduled time in a beautiful place with nowhere to be. 

The stay was exactly what I was craving. Endless morning coffee inside the dome while the morning light comes in. Reading, journaling, and enjoying the peace and quiet. This is a trip about disconnecting to reconnect. Plus, inside the alpaca enclosure, there’s a wood-fire sauna and cold plunge, how unique is that? It was the perfect bonus added to this restful weekend.

Exploring Marmora 

Marmora sits in Hastings County, about halfway between Toronto and Ottawa along Highway 7. Marmora was settled in 1820 and holds the distinction of being the first mining town in Upper Canada. While exploring, you can see it in the architecture with older buildings, the stonework, the bones of what it was like back then. It’s incredible to know that Marmora played a part that shaped Southeastern Ontario. As you walk down Main Street, admire the buildings, pop into the local stores, and restaurants.

Grab a coffee and take your time looking through all the antiques and thrift finds at Who Nu Cafe. It’s a great little store with an incredible selection of curated, unique items. You can honestly browse for hours!

If you’re in the mood for good food, check out Tap & Tonic Pub and Bistro. Great menu, and a fun atmosphere. If you’re craving pizza, check out Theo’s Pizza. They offer incredible pizzas, along with authentic Greek options.

Your weekend wouldn’t be complete without stopping at the famous open-pit Marmoraton Mine, just east of the village.  This mine is 75 acres, 635 feet deep, and one of the most unexpectedly fascinating stops in Marmora.

Stirling earns a full day of exploring. Don't rush it.

About 20 minutes from Marmora is the charming town of Stirling. Park your car on Mill Street because everything is within walking distance. Start your day off at Creekside Yoga. The cutest and most quaint yoga studio I’ve ever practiced in. The building was converted and restored by owners Jess and Nate that have done such an incredible job making it so cozy and welcoming.

 

Afterward, head to the well-known Farm Girl Café. Known to be the local spot to go-to when in Stirling. Cozy, warm, genuinely really good food, hot coffee and such a cozy vibe to sit, relax, and just enjoy. 

Next door is Rustic Routes. This home decor store is worth a wander, and nearby, The Stirling Book Company is exactly what a bookshop in a small Ontario town would be like. The shelves are filled with the latest releases and beloved classics, perfect for every and any reader.

And an afernoon in Stirling wouldn’t be complete without popping into Rawdon Creek Soap Co. Handcrafted, locally sourced self-care essentials made in small batches with simple ingredients your skin will love.

If you’re up for a little hike, and scenic spot head to Sager Conservation Area. The trail is short and scenic, and open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Plus, climb the tower to the amazing view!

The Unexpected Stop: Ontario Water Buffalo Co.

In the middle of Marmora and Stirling, there is a water buffalo farm that you need to stop and visit. It’s called the Buff Stuff Store with a large selection of meat and dairy products. Plus they offer gelato that is made from Water Buffalo Milk, it’s super unique and very tasty. While you’re there the farm offers free farm tours. Get up and personal with water buffalos! 

The word that keeps coming back to me when I think about this trip is alignment. The season, the place, the pace, they all matched.

Spring in Hastings County is gentle, cozy and calm, just like the region itself. I’m so glad I didn’t wait for summer to get out on a road trip. Planning a solo spring weekend away, in a dome in the trees it was the perfect weekend. This trip is for people who want a reset, not a holiday. Who wants to slow down, not check things off. Who are ready to come home feeling like something actually shifted.

It's close. It's easy. And it surprised me more than I expected.

Save this one. Come back to it when you feel the pull. The reset is ready when you are.