If you’re the type who likes to plan ahead, this week’s Heads Up post has lots of ideas for you, including an upcoming mansion tour, two comedy shows, a sugar-shack brunch and a spring-themed fancy dinner. I even tell you how your pet could get his or her photo on a limited-edition beer made in Hammond! Read on for all the details.
Tour a historic mansion in Appleton
The February tour and lunch are already sold out, so I thought it wise to give you a heads up on the March 21 tour and lunch at the Old Mill Manor in Appleton. The Teskey family settled in the Lanark County community of Appleton in 1824, and Robert Teskey built this grand stone mansion in 1842. These days, it’s a whole-home vacation rental popular for weddings.
Who’s a good boy?
Here’s a contest for all you pet lovers. A non-profit group called It Takes A Village Dog Rescue is partnering with Broken Stick Brewing Company in Hammond and Josée Lavoie Photoart to launch the 2025 Rescue Brew Contest. You can submit your favourite pet photo (it doesn’t have to be a dog) for the chance to win a prize package that includes a professional pet photo session, dog rescue swag and your pet’s photo featured on a limited-edition beer. There’s a $10 fee to enter and a $1 fee to vote; check the contest website carefully for all the rules. The deadline to enter is March 15, 2025.
See David Cross and Brent Butt in Ottawa
In March, you’ll have the chance to see two standup comedians who shot to fame as sitcom stars. Both shows are at the Bronson Music Theatre. First up is David Cross, who played Tobias Fünke on Arrested Development, on Wednesday, March 5. Later in the month, Corner Gas creator/star Brent Butt takes his turn on the stage on Friday, March 28.
Nosh on maple dishes with a twist in Chelsea
The Chelsea Pub will be offering a special sugar-shack brunch on March 1 and 2. On the menu: fancy twists on sugar-shack classics, such as Beavertail French toast and maple-baked beans with smoked pork belly. There will be two seatings each day, at 9:30am and 12pm.
Enjoy a fancy dinner in Carleton Place
Yes, spring WILL come eventually! Stonefields Estate on the outskirts of Carleton Place will be celebrating the season with a Spring in Bloom Dinner on Thursday, March 27. Guests will enjoy a four-course dinner, fine wines and live music. The venue is holding a similar Trip Through Europe Dinner (with a different menu and different entertainment) on Thursday, April 24.
Discover some new-to-you spots in Gatineau
Quebec City travel writer Pamela MacNaughtan writes about some spots in Gatineau even locals might not know about, in a blog post for Ottawa’s Saintlo Hostel. Along with well-known attractions such as Gatineau Park and the Canadian Museum of History, she suggests trying an escape room, skating on Brewery Creek or singing karaoke.
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.
