Attention, bargain hunters: This week’s Heads Up post shows you how to save money on Puppets Up!, a farm feast and New York City meals. For drivers, I have the scoop on this weekend’s Queensway closures and plans for a (temporary) bridge to relieve downtown Kingston’s traffic woes. I also point you to an affordable walking club, a road trip-themed podcast and more.
Save on Puppets Up! tickets if you buy in advance
Thinking of going to the big Puppets Up! festival in Almonte (August 9 to 11)? Buy your tickets in advance and save. If you buy before August 9, you’ll pay $20 each for kids aged 3 to 12, and $30 each for anyone aged 13 or older. (Taxes and fees are extra.) At the gate, the prices will be $25 for young kids and $40 for people 13 or older.
You can enjoy a fun walk for just $2
I recently joined the Ottawa Voyageurs Walking Club, and I’ve decided it’s one of the best deals in town. For just $1 for members or $2 for non-members, you can join one of their very well-organized city walks. At each event, you can usually choose from a 5km or 10km route, and you’ll have great company as you discover new-to-you neighbourhoods and paths in Ottawa and (occasionally) elsewhere. Walks take place on both weekdays and weekends, at various times of day, and there’s often a social gathering at a pub or coffee shop afterward. Note that these aren’t guided tours; they’re simply very pleasant walks where you can relax and enjoy your surroundings.
Early-bird tickets are available for Field & Feast Festival
I know I mentioned two farm dinners in last week’s Heads Up post…but this is a different one! The Field & Feast Festival is happening at Springfield Farm in Apple Hill (north of Cornwall) on September 14 and 15, and early-bird tickets (which include admission to a disc golf tournament) are available until August 1.
New bridge anticipated for Kingston by September
Earlier this year, a construction accident irreparably damaged the LaSalle Causeway Bascule Bridge across the Cataraqui River in downtown Kingston. The bridge was closed and all sorts of traffic headaches for Kingston drivers ensued. Public Works and Procurement Services Canada has just announced that a temporary structure should be in place across the river by September 2024. For details, see this story in The Kingstonist.
Fairmont Le Château Montebello has a new restaurant
Over at the great Capital Eats newsletter and website, editor Ralf Joneikies has a review of the new Nymark restaurant at Fairmont Le Château Montebello hotel in Montebello. It looks both posh and lovely.
New puzzle store has opened in Merrickville
The Occurrence is a new shop in Merrickville that bills itself as selling “punctilious jigsaw puzzles for art geeks and science nerds.” I’m intrigued! I’ll check it out, next time I’m down that way.
A major Queensway closure is happening this weekend
This weekend, the Ontario Ministry of Transportation is replacing the bridge that takes Highway 417 (aka the Queensway) over Preston Street in Little Italy. As a result, the highway will be closed in both directions from Carling Avenue to Metcalfe Street from 8pm on Thursday, July 25, until 6am on Monday, July 29. Part of Preston Street will be closed, too. This CTV Ottawa post has all the details.
Winery has a concert deal for music fans who plan ahead
The folks at Stone Crop Acres Winery + Vineyard in Morrisburg and Harmony Concerts are thinking FAR ahead with this deal. If you buy now, you can get early-bird pricing on a full-season pass to all of their 2026 (yes, you read that right) vineyard concerts, including several festivals.
You can hear my road trip tips on a podcast
If you’re a podcast fan, you can catch a mention of my first Ottawa Road Trips book and some of my local recommendations on this road trip-themed episode of the She Sells Ottawa real estate podcast. Thanks for the shoutout, She Sells Ottawa!
NYC Restaurant Week offers deals on meals
Heading to New York City soon? Your timing is good if you want to save on restaurant meals. The summer edition of NYC Restaurant Week starts today and runs until August 18. During this promotion, participating restaurants offer prix-fixe two-course lunches and three-course dinners, priced at US$30, US$45 or US$60 per person. (Yes, the term “save” is relative. NYC is an expensive place.)
Looking for more tips on things to see and do in and around Ottawa? Subscribe to my free weekly newsletter or order a copy of my book, Ottawa Road Trips: Your 100-km Getaway Guide.
As the owner of Ottawa Road Trips, I acknowledge that I live on, work in and travel through the unceded, unsurrendered territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg Nation. I am grateful to have the opportunity to be present on this land. Ottawa Road Trips supports Water First, a non-profit organization that helps address water challenges in Indigenous communities in Canada through education, training and meaningful collaboration.