Some southern cooking and time at Meech Lake!

With the many events and activities we do as a family, Nick and I find it equally important to take time out for ourselves as a couple as well. Our community has a great selection of theatre, dining and entertainment ideas for date nights but every now and then, we do like to travel to nearby cities and take in what they have to offer as well.

One of our favourite “hidden gems” is Meech Lake, in Old Chelsea, QC. It is just over an hour drive and a small piece of heaven on earth. Nick is originally from British Columbia and has always known a landscape with rolling hills and breathtaking views. When we found Lake Meech it felt like something from his childhood.

With two beaches, boat launches, beautiful homes and of course the Prime Minister’s cottage – Lac Meech draws many tourists from all over the country. With so much to see, I was surprised at how private the beaches felt. They were full of course, but not packed like the many “popular” destinations of Wasaga or Sandbanbanks. The entire atmosphere was very tranquil.

Before we hit the beach for the day, we stopped into the famous Chelsea Pub. This is one of the oldest heritage buildings in the municipality of Chelsea and has an incredible history behind it. There is an extensive list of craft, domestic and imported beer and a delicious array of tapas, lunch items and mains on the menu. Add the laid back atmosphere and sunshine on a hot summer day- it was the perfect start to our date weekend!

We paddled around the lake for a few hours, stopped and swam at the beach and took some time to catch up with one another (which is harder than it sounds with three small children!). Once we were “beached out”, we headed back into Ottawa as we had booked a room at the Lord Elgin Hotel for the night.

 I've stayed in a few places downtown and was always curious about the elegant Lord Elgin. It is in a perfect location- close to the Parliament buildings, shopping and the Byward Market. It had been on my list for a while and I was not disappointed once we checked in. From the grand entrance, that immediately makes you feel luxurious and at-home at the same time, to our suite – everything was perfect!

One of the reasons for our stay in Ottawa was to head over to Fatboys, located on Murray Street in the market. It is owned by one of my dear friends, who had been telling me about their different events that they host monthly. One of the events was the Capital Tease “Smoke and Garters” Burlesque Show on the first Friday of every month. Neither Nick nor I had ever seen a Burlesque show, but I knew if my friend was raving about it – it had to be good.

We walked up from our hotel, found the perfect spot on the patio at Fatboys and ordered dinner. I had the pulled pork poutine and Nick had the Brisket with their amazing mac and cheese on the side. Let me tell you- if you want down home, southern cooking that won't disappoint – you HAVE to go to Fatboys! The service was wonderful, the burlesque show was incredibly entertaining and the food is second to none. I can't wait to head back soon (I am currently planning a girl’s night – as it is the perfect location for a date or to grab drinks and have fun with friends)!

I always love to support local, but every now and then it is important to support your neighbouring cities as well. We have made some great memories in and around the capital region and look forward to many more years to come!