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Planning the ultimate staycation in St. Jacobs
Updated: Mar 21, 2022
If you’ve tried to plan a trip in the past 2 years, you’ve probably seen the term “staycation” pop up in more than a few Google searches. That’s because more and more Canadians are eager to scratch their travel itch in spite of COVID restrictions, and staying close to home is the perfect place to do it.
However, even if you’re excited about the idea of a staycation it can be hard to choose where to go. Not only that, but knowing what to do once you get there is also tough when you’re not used to thinking like a tourist in your own backyard.
That’s where we come in! Whether you’re from Waterloo Region, the Greater Toronto Area, or anywhere else in Ontario, we here at The Stella Collective are convinced that the ultimate staycation is right here in St. Jacobs. If you’re planning a girls’ weekend, a little self care retreat, or a night out on the town with your partner, St. Jacobs has everything you need to make the most of your staycation.
1. Explore the St. Jacobs Farmer’s Market
The St. Jacobs Farmer’s Market is by far one of our favourite things about being in St. Jacobs! From fresh flowers and produce from local farmers to handmade clothing and goods from a variety of unique artisans, the Market is a wonderful expression of everything our region has to offer. The best part? Crispy, flaky, handmade apple fritters that are absolutely to die for. We promise you won’t be disappointed!
Stella Co’s must-try: handmade apple fritters
2. Visit Block Three Brewery
We might be a little bit biased (since they back onto one of our venues), but Block Three Brewery is a fantastic spot to take a load off and relax after the hustle and bustle of the Farmer’s Market. Sample their King Street Saison, Village Lager, or one of their many other brews – no matter what you choose, they’re the perfect compliment to your St. Jacobs staycation.
There’s really nothing like enjoying a cold one on a patio, especially when it’s handcrafted at a microbrewery!
Stella Co’s must-try: Village Lager
3. Grab lunch from Those Pizza Guys
You can never go wrong with a fresh wood-fired pizza, especially when it’s made with love. Just a hop, skip, and a jump from Block Three is Those Pizza Guys – a group of friends who started as a mobile pizza truck and recently opened a fully licensed walk-in or takeout restaurant. With changing feature pizzas as well as a number of old faithfuls, there’s something for everyone at this hand-pressed pizzeria.
Stella Co’s must-try: Sriracha Gotcha
4. Picnic by the water
If pizza isn’t your thing, there are still a lot of ways you can soak up St. Jacobs and enjoy a meal at the same time. Why not pack up all your snacks from the St. Jacobs Farmer’s Market and head on down to the riverside? Located right behind Block Three and Cellar52, the St. Jacobs river is a picturesque place where you can set up your blanket and enjoy the beautiful sound of the river in good company.
Stella Co’s picnic snacks: cheese, sausage, and crackers from the Market, pizza from Those Pizza Guys, and a to-go pack of beers from Block Three
5. Get some fun photos!
What better way to remember your ultimate staycation in St. Jacobs than with some awesome photos? There are SO many fun photo spots in St. Jacobs that will allow you to remember everything you love about our little town.
Photos by the talented Liam Good Visuals
Stella Co’s favourite photo spots:
With the ponies at St. Jacobs Farmer’s Market
Mural on the side of Cellar52
Mural on the side of Hotel52
Near the river (wherever you please)
On the deck of Eco Cafe overlooking the water
On the St. Jacobs Bridge
The murals on the side of the post office
Art on the Toy Shop wall
Do we really need to keep going? You get the picture! (Pun fully intended.)
6. Shop until you drop at the village’s boutique shops
St. Jacobs might be small, but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking in places to shop! The village’s main street is lined with local shops that carry everything you could possibly need, from clothing boutiques to home decor and gifts. Pick up something for yourself or for someone special – the choices are endless.
Stella Co’s favourite shops:
7. Enjoy dinner at the Village Biergarten
After exploring the Market, having a photoshoot, and shopping, it’s time for dinner! The Village Biergarten is one of St. Jacobs treasured restaurants and is the perfect spot to sit and enjoy the beauty of the Village. Whether your staycation is in beautiful spring weather or the dead of winter The Village Biergarten is ready to host you, with a series of heated domes to make sure sure you’re toasty warm both inside and out.
Stella Co’s must-try: fish tacos
8. Finish the day with a stay at Hotel52
Now that the day is over, you’re bound to be looking for a comfortable place to get some much-deserved rest and relaxation. What better place to do that than at Hotel52? This funky boutique hotel has 5 unique spaces to suit every personality. Want to spend a chill night in the Matcha Room? Maybe the Saucey Room is more your style? Or why not take it up a notch with a few friends in the luxurious Chardonnay Suite? No matter which room you choose, The Stella Co is happy to host you and help wrap up your perfect getaway in comfort.
Photos by the talented Liam Good Visuals
Stella Co’s must-try: the Eat, Drink, Stay package (or any of the others – we’re not picky!)
Ready to plan the ultimate St. Jacobs staycation? Download our free staycation planning guide for easy reference as you decide what to see and do first!
