Get Away to the

Great Lakes

By Jane Antoniak ALondon executive once told me that she wows international business guests by taking them to two Great Lakes in one day: to Port Stanley for lunch and then to Grand Bend for dinner - both within an hour of her plant. She says they go home with photos of Lake Erie and Lake Huron and with a new image of London's unique geographical setting. At first blush, we may seem landlocked, with only the Thames River winding through pastoral and flat lands. The reality is that our backyard is alive with beaches, marinas, spectacular shorelines and dropdeadgorgeous sunsets (or sunrises, depending on which shore you are gazing from) over lakes that look more like oceans. So, this summer, with predictions of hot, dry spells coming our way, it's time to head out to splish and splash, get sand in your toes, and drop in a fishing line - or better yet, sample a fresh fish meal while enjoying the easy access we have to our Great Lakes.

Lake Erie

The road trip likely starts with a short jaunt to Lake Erie, within 30 minutes of London (or give yourself a few extra minutes to stop for an ice-cream cone at Shaw's en route), and boasting 120 kilometres of shoreline. With cliffs reminiscent of Dover, England, along with beaches, fishing ports and the best perch dinners in the area, it's a great way to unwind, even on a weekday evening. Locals know to make time for a break on the verandah of the Windjammer Inn, just a stone's throw from the Port Stanley main beach and in serene contrast to burgers at Mackie's. Perfect for a date or a drive with your mother or girlfriends, the Windjammer offers thoughtful cuisine in a soothing atmosphere. Or, if the girlfriends are looking for some more rocking action, then buckets of beer on a beachside patio at GTs is just the ticket - bring your shades and your rowdy-girl cowboy hat, and get ready for some eye-popping window shopping (so to speak) on the beach volleyball court. Elgin Tourism, in partnership with the nearby counties of Norfolk and Haldimand, has created a motorcycle map (www. elgintourist.com), which also works brilliantly for those driving on four wheels. The route takes you along the lakeshore between Port Glasgow and Port Dover, all on paved roads, with markers on where to stop for food, shopping and fuel. Once in Port Dover, if you are feeling rather swanky or celebrating a special Port Stanley shoreline feature | great lakes getaways event, head just outside of town to David's Restaurant for a soothing cocktail while enjoying a panoramic view of Lake Erie from the second-story martini bar. Urban chic meets the shoreline, and the result is very satisfying. David's also offers highend guest rooms and a beautiful menu, for those with extra time. "Really, Elgin County has something for everyone," says Kate Burns, Marketing and Communications Coordinator for the county. "We have a quiet port at Port Bruce for fishing, an ideal beach for families at Port Burwell, and Port Stanley is our own little Cape Cod. We had Hallmark Movies down last October to shoot a film, and they said it's Canada's Cape Cod ... with shopping, food and everything in walking distance." And with a cute little waterside sum- Port Stanley harbour bridge mer theatre, you can end off the day by taking in a play at the Port Stanley Festival Theatre. This summer's plays are BBQ King: The Musical until July 17, followed by Knickers: A Brief Comedy, then Norm Foster's Wrong For Each Other ends off the summer (www.psft. on.ca). After the show, a stop at M.E. and Suzie's patio across the road is a great way to cap off a summer's evening.

Lake Huron

Our beloved grand dame of the

Great Lakes

offers three key spots for summer www.citywoman.ca ISSUE ELEVEN: JULY/AUGUST 2010 CITYWOMAN | 15

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