Here’s news that doesn’t cross my desk every day: Perth has a new Friends-themed coffee shop inspired by the TV show’s Central Perk. This week’s Heads Up post also has the scoop on Ottawa Valley hiking and waterfalls, a gala fundraiser for the Shepherds of Good Hope, and more.
Outaouais merch is available
Did you know that Tourisme Outaouais is selling sweatshirts, t-shirts and tote bags emblazoned with the names of various Outaouais regions, including the Pontiac, Vallée-de-la-Gatineau and others? Well, now you do. The cute items were designed by Outaouais-born illustrator Rémi Allen.
You can have lots of fun in the Ottawa Valley
The Ottawa Valley Tourism Association has lots of great ideas for spring fun in the Ottawa Valley, including hiking, two waterfalls, ATV adventures and trilliums. I like to think I’ve at least heard of most of the must-see sights around Ottawa, but lots of these were news to me. I’m definitely adding the Griffith Uplands Trail and the Gariepy Creek Waterfall to my to-do list!
Perth has a Friends-themed coffee shop
Could this BE any cooler? Perth is now home to a coffee/smoothie bar modelled on the famous Central Perk coffee shop where Ross, Rachel and the gang hung out on Friends. It is, of course, called Central Perth.
You can taste great treats at a Shepherds fundraiser
Taste for Hope is a major fundraiser for Ottawa’s Shepherds of Good Hope, which works to help people overcome homelessness. The annual gala gives attendees the chance to sample dishes made by a wide range of local restaurants and chefs. This year, it’s taking place at the Brookstreet Hotel in Kanata on Tuesday, June 3, and tickets are available now.
Brockville has a new writers’ festival
If you love meeting authors and talking about books, you’ll be pleased to know that the St. Lawrence Writers Festival will launch its inaugural season in Brockville on September 5, 6 and 7.
Gananoque is hosting a town criers’ competition
Hear ye, hear ye! Gananoque is hosting the Ontario Provincial Town Criers Championships on May 17 and 18.
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.
