Girls Weekend in Port Stanley, Ontario

It’s pretty rare that I get a break from raising my boys and even rarer that I get to see my best friend Kristen from back home.  Miraculously, we had the pleasure of spending a girls weekend in Port Stanley, Ontario this summer.  If you love beaches, traveling, or Canada, then you need to know about this hidden gem.  Read on…

Two Kristins are Better Than One

Kristen and I have been friends since high school.  Not only do we share the same name (except she’s an e and I’m an i), she married a Trevor and I also married a Trevor.  We are both boy moms and have very similar appearances and personalities.  Yep, it’s a little weird.  Now that I live in Calgary, most of Canada separates us, but we still remain close.  I wanted this weekend to be special for us since we only see each other once a year.  Here are the must do things to share with your bestie or girlfriends in Port Stanley:

Girls Weekend in Port Stanley

The Beach

There’s nothing more relaxing than soaking up the warm sun rays and listening the waves crash.  The Great Lakes are one of the things I miss most since moving out west.  Port Stanley beach truly has it all.  Kristen and I spent two days here, walking along the shore, swimming in the warm water and sunning on the sand. The newly re-opened pier offers panoramic views and is a great spot for photos.  We truly appreciated the change of pace from our everyday busy lives as working moms.

My parents now own a house on the Port Stanley beach but there are lots of options to plan your stay here.  Visit as a day-trip, rent a cottage or stay in one the beautiful bed and breakfast inns.   Need more help planning your beach day?  Check out Ontario Southwest’s helpful cheat sheet.

Coffee at Village Square Coffee House

No day in my life would be complete without coffee.  Thankfully, Village Square Coffee House is more than happy to help you with your caffeine addictions.  Their baked goods are also worth the calorie splurge.  After you grab your caramel iced latte, go for a stroll and check out some of the great locally owned shops.  This town is bursting with charm!  You will love that it is completely uncommercialized.

Shopping at James Street Decor

A girls trip is never complete without a little bit of shopping in my opinion.  We fell in love with this adorable boutique called James Street Home Decor.  They have a unique selection of home items from pillows to gurgle pots to wall signs, in all sorts of fun themes.  There is also an adorable baby boutique.  The store is family owned and oddly enough, one of the owners went to my high school!  I bought Kristen and I matching “Let’s Be Mermaids” mugs to commemorate our weekend.   If you can’t get to Port Stanley to check them out, then shop online anytime!

Dinner at Solo on Main

As moms, it’s not often that we get a relaxing dinner out of the house.  Solo on Main, with its cozy wrap-around porch and views of the harbour, was the perfect spot to enjoy cocktails and a meal.  Solo’s menu includes many locally sourced options like fresh fish right from Lake Erie.  Order a few plates to share so that you can try everything or dine on one of their delicious entrées.  We highly recommend the Smoked Trout Frites!

 Drinks at GT’s on the Beach

GT’s on the Beach has been a part of Port Stanley for as long as I can remember.  When I was in university, I used to drive here on Sundays and spend the day playing on one of their beach volleyball courts with friends.  It’s always the most happening spot in town with a great menu and live music on the weekends.  Kristen and I stopped by for their dessert nachos (OMG!) and a pitcher of their fresh sangria.

Catch Kristen and I back in Port Stanley next summer with a visit to the Steed & Co lavender farm and Quai du Vin winery!  I think this girls weekend is going to be an annual occurrence.

Cheers friends,

Kiki

P.S. Looking for ideas on planning a family friendly visit to Elgin County?  Subscribe now so you don’t miss my next post about my week in Port Stanley with my kids!