The Best Of Carleton Place

Looking for a day trip? Carleton Place is the perfect spot! It’s only 40 minutes from downtown Ottawa and this charming town is sure to keep you busy with things to do. I love visiting small towns because its a more relaxing pace and the locals are always so keen to share their favourite spots and refer other businesses. Everywhere we went we quickly added more to our to-do list form local recommendations. Here’s everything you need to explore in Carleton Place when you visit for yourself:

Upcoming Event: Pumpkinfest

Enjoy family-friendly fun including pumpkin decorating, costume dance party, marker market and more. Get all the details for this festive event here.

Walk Along Bridge Street

This is the main street of Carleton Place. Park the car and enjoy walking along popping into stores and grabbing a bite at their restaurants. Everything is within walking distance making it easy to navigate. Walk along and you’ll stumble across lots of local shops and restaurants. I loved seeing the hopscotch on the pavement and flower basket hung along the street. As you walk along the street, keep an eye out for some beautiful murals. Check out the free to play painted piano and serenade people as they pass. You’ll find it across from town hall.

Start Your Day With Brunch

This cozy brunch spot was filled with locals so we knew we had to try it. Freksa is a great spot to start the day with a delicious brunch with generous portions. I got “the new guy” french toast sandwich, it comes with home fries and fruit all for $8.75! I also loved the oldies playlist, a great way to start the morning!

Explore the Carleton Place Farmers Market

Every Saturday you can explore the Carleton Place Farmers Market from 8:30am-12: 30 pm. You’ll find it in Market Square and full of local vendors. It’s a great spot to pick up some local goodies for yourself or make a gift package for others. I purchased a bunch of sauces I knew my Dad would love! I purchased apple jam and beet relish from a man named George who also shared some jokes with us. Next, we tried some mango hot sauce from Path Backs Farm that I had to take home. It had a unique flavour with a kick! Next, we stopped by homemade sauerkraut and picked up some lemon dill sauerkraut. Gingerly Love Cake caught our eye with her fun cupcake flavours and unique designs like her unicorn cupcake. There were also some baby bunnies at the market that you could pet!

Find Local Handmade Goods

I could buy everything inside Little Love’s Co. It’s filled with creative goodness. Everything inside is handmade from local makers. I’ll have to go back for like their bucket list chalkboard, cute succulent pots and more. Make a stop here and you’re sure to see plenty that will catch your eye.

Fuel Up At A Coffee Shop

You won’t miss this purple exterior cafe! The Good Food Company is the perfect spot for an iced latte. I couldn’t resist also trying their home fries poutine with hollandaise sauce, yum! Ask to eat outside in their alleyway patio!

Try Making Your Own Wine

With so much to do in Carleton Place, I didn’t have time this visit but making my own wine has always been something I’ve wanted to try,. You can do this at Carleton Place Winery.  The staff can help you choose what to make based on your taste preferences and price point. Learn about their winemaking process here.

Find Your New Favourite Beer

I loved checking out Stalwart Brewing Co. They had a great range of beers and I love hearing the inspiration behind their names. A lot were classic rock inspired like “bad moon rye-sing” – as a CCR fan I could definitely appreciate this! They had a “The Bachelor” beer which is named after one of their friends who has a rose tattoo. The graphic designer suggested they take the inside joke and make it more relatable to all, so this beer can definitely reminded us of the Bachelor TV show. Enjoy a brew while playing a free game of pool or enjoying their outdoor seating. A lot of locals head here on Friday night to hang out and enjoy some good brews. You know if its where the locals go then you’re in the right spot!

Find Antiques and Crafts

I loved walking through and checking out all the items at The Queens Crafters and Antique Market. There were so many gems inside including beautiful china tea-cups, handmade crafts, a record player, old jewelry and more. I would love to go back here and purchase some of the teacups! This spot is definitely worth checking out, you never know what you might stumble upon.

Browse The General Store

The sign for Stella Luna Gelato caught our eye for the general store. Not only can you grab some scoops but they also have some awesome pantry items like Nonna Pia’s Balsamic Glaze.

Find Your Wedding Dress

Know someone getting married? Take a day trip to Carleton Place to find your wedding dress. There’s Sinders Bridal House and Renewed With Love. Say yes to the dress then celebrate at one of the local restaurants.

Make It A Staycation

Stay the night at The Grand Hotel.  This hotel is also a popular spot for events and weddings. We took a quick step inside and the main rooms were stunning. This 3-story hotel was built in 1872 and has plenty of history. paying homage to the barrel makers and blacksmiths that used to be in town.

Dine at the Smith & Barrel Pub

You’ll find this restaurant inside The Grand Hotel. It got its name from the barrel makers and blacksmiths that used to be in town. The inside is inspired by the look and feel of old-English sophistication. It also has a beautiful and spacious outdoor patio. Here you can order gastropub fare with a high-level twist.

Take A Beer Flight

Head to Braumeister Brewing Co. for a beer flight on their patio! It’s the best way to sample their beers! They also have a chip truck beside them that’s perfect for pairing with your beer!

Gathering Grounds Cafe

I just missed them before they closed for the day but Gathering Grounds Cafe is on my list for next time I’m in town. This cafe looks so cute and offers specialty coffee drinks, baked goods, and sandwiches. I also learned they operate as a customized employment and life skills training program for teens and adults with disabilities. The café offers employment training in a real café environment. I can’t wait to visit!

Find Something New For Your Home

Check out Et Cetera Home for reinvented antique and vintage items to embellish your home and garden. I loved browsing through their collections.

Pick Up Some Fresh Blooms

Stop by The Blossom Shop or The Floral Boutique for beautiful plants and flowers to take home and remind you of your day in Carleton Place.

Go Bowling

Head to the local bowling alley, Chasin’ Turkeys Bowling Centre, and challenge your friends or family to a game of bowling!

Add To Your Closet

Stop by one of their shop’s like Nancy’s Impressions, Acquisti Life, The Dress Shop and more.

Find something previously owned for a great deal at consignment stores like Apple Cheeks, As Good as New, Carousel, Wisteria, Treasures n More, The Exchange, Little Paws Gift, and Thrift and more.

Enjoy Patio Weather

Head to St. James Gate Pub for some brews on their patio. Enjoy their patio on Bridge Street or walk through the pub for a hidden patio at the back! This Irish pub is a great spot to share some apps, drinks and enjoy the weather.

Another great spot to enjoy patio weather is Thirsty Moose Pub & Eatery. Enjoy classic pub fare, drinks, and sunshine!

Wine and Dine at Black Tartan

Head to Black Tartan for lunch or dinner to enjoy casual fine dining. Their menu reflects the seasons and showcases products predominantly from the Ottawa Valley.

Learn About The History of Carleton Place

Head to the Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum to explore their galleries and exhibits that tell the story of settlement in the area and chronicle the town’s history.

Fun fact: Carleton Place was named after a street in Glasgow, Scotland in 1829. In 1870 it became a village and in 1890 it became a town.

Don’t Miss Bridge St. Summerfest

Celebrate Summer at Bridge St. Summerfest on August 3rd from 9am-3pm. This year’s music theme is Motown. Enjoy 7-piece band, The Jivewires playing all your Motown favourites. There will be interactive activities for kids, strolling entertainment and vendors along Bridge Street. This year is extra special as Carleton Place celebrates being 200 years young this year.

Go To A Community Event

Check out the Downtown Carleton Place BIA’s calendar for fun local events like yoga, comedy, bingo and more.

Now it’s your turn to explore Carleton Place 🙂 I hope you enjoy exploring this town as much as I did. Feel free to tag me in your adventures on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. I would love to see what you get up to 🙂

Thank you to Downtown Carleton Place BIA. I love the opportunity to explore new towns and had a blast seeing all there was to do in Carleton Place. As always, all opinions and thoughts are my own 🙂