Little Romance in Scugog

Story by Karen Hawthorne

Imagine your best day. Morning sunshine when you wake, lingering over breakfast and refills of buzzy coffee with the one you love. The feeling that you don’t have to rush a thing.

A romantic getaway can be so simple and yet so very memorable. Bring a bottle of bubbly or your favourite cabernet for an overnight or two in Scugog, where the sky opens up and you’ll drive by forests to explore and farmland. The stars are brilliant here at night. That alone is worth the short drive from the city! Kisses under the stars are epic (especially when you’re looking to rekindle the excitement). Think Damon and Elena on the Vampire Diaries.

Come stay at an inn or B&B where you can get cosy by the fireplace and relax. There’s no pressing agenda, no big plans. Just time away to hold hands and tell stories of all the good stuff you’ve shared and plans for adventure ahead.

It’s like the real-deal way to de-stress with some downtime away from it all in the quiet and country air—like visiting urban meditation studios or float tanks for indulgent solitude in the city, but without the effort and staging to make it happen.

Because life doesn’t have to be complicated…

The Piano Café and Inn in the heart of downtown Port Perry is one of our charming local retreats in a beautiful 1884 heritage building. The family-owned inn and café has been carefully restored with the intricate brickwork, and the inside has been renovated with attention to all the details. You’ll love the original wood floors and high ceilings. The spacious rooms have lux linens, fluffy pillows and architectural accents (note the lovely headboards on the bed). Dreamy! The inn is earmarked for romance—a Hallmark drama, A Season for Love, was filmed here in August 2018.

Bonus, you’ll be right in Port Perry for shopping, theatre and dinner at Pickles & Olives Bistro near the lake for baked brie and the best Hawaiian pizza. Toast with a festive cocktail at the Port Social bar (ever tried a Moscow Mule?) or check out the great vibe and craft brews at Old Flame Brewing. When you’re in town, you never have to worry about parking, thanks to several free parking lots.

Important tip: the apple fritters at Hank’s Pastries are ginormous but perfect for sharing some sugar love.

Get some fresh-air fun cross-country skiing or snowshoeing on Durham Forest trails or hiking through the winter forest wonderland. There’s a sense of discovery at lookouts and bends in the path, and the calm that comes from being in nature. And bring your skates to head out on the frozen lake and hold hands. You’ll experience the euphoric vibes from feel-good exercise and having a great time with your partner.

Then it’s literally steps back to the cute downtown Port Perry for hot chocolate and kisses to come.