Whenever I visit Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL), I’m transported into a romantic zone of enchantment and elegance. Tree-lined streets, historic homes, friendly folks, adorable shops and exciting events in this wine-country town redefine and heat up any form of winter. And the best place to stay warm is a dreamy B&B.

Romantic weekends in February include the decadent Days of Wine and Chocolate event, which offers unique pairings of wines and chocolates at NOTL’s wineries. You and your partner may also enjoy a relationship retreat at 100 Fountain Spa, which is walking distance from many B&Bs. For music-lovers and history buffs, St. Mark’s Anglican Church is holding a “Love in 1812” concert of wartime love songs on Sunday, February 12 at 4 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance or $18 at the door (905-468-0427).

There's nothing as romantic as a Niagara-on-the-Lake B&B.

To travel around wine country in style, you can book chauffeured vehicles from Niagara Classic Transport, Niagara Vintage Wine Tours, Niagara Airbus, and Trolley Wine Country Tours. One of the most romantic ways to see the town is from a horse-drawn carriage, offered by Sentineal Carriages throughout the year.

The Niagara B&B Experience:

You can surprise your honey with romantic treats in your room when you check into your B&B. Your hosts can source and purchase wine, chocolates, flowers or other delights before you arrive, and have them waiting for you. Just provide them with a budget and your list when you book your room, and they’ll take care of the rest. Your B&B owners will also have discount coupons for transportation, dining, spa treatments and more.

Posted by E. Lisa Moses

This is the one and only official website of the Niagara-on-the-Lake B&B Association. Members listed on this site have undergone health and safety inspections, are legally licensed to operate as a B&B and meet all the required standards set out by the association. If you prefer to book online, this option also ensures that commissions go back into the association’s coffers for the benefit of all members of the not-for-profit association and not other, unrelated, commercial entities.

The Shaw Festival box office is now open, so you can buy tickets in person, by phone or online. Executive Director Colleen Blake reports that “the sets, props and wardrobe departments are in full swing and rehearsals begin next month.” The season starts in April.

The Shaw has always offered customized pricing for students, seniors and those under 30. This year, the Festival has introduced special pricing for the under-40s. Also new for 2012, patrons buying tickets until April 9 will receive complimentary wine-tasting vouchers from Peller Estates and Hillebrand Wineries—a $28 value for two people— allowing them to sample world-class wines as part of their theatre experience in Niagara wine country. For more information, visit the Shaw box office or website; you can also subscribe to the monthly e-newsletter, Backstage Pass, a handy reference for Shaw news.

The Shaw Festival also offers workshops for youth.

Until the end of February, you can catch movies at the Festival Theatre. I have my eye on four that I’ve missed: My Week with Marilyn, Margin Call, The Artist, and Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy. I love seeing movies there, since I can socialize before and after in the lobby over drinks or snacks. The series shows documentaries on Fridays and feature films on Saturdays.

The Niagara B&B Experience:

The Niagara-on-the-Lake B&B Association website has added a new feature that enables visitors to search for a B&B near an event or attraction. Just click on Advanced Search on the main website (top right corner), then in the field Near to Venue, choose your event or attraction, and the B&Bs showing availability closest to that venue will be displayed.

Posted by E. Lisa Moses

This is the one and only official website of the Niagara-on-the-Lake B&B Association. Members listed on this site have undergone health and safety inspections, are legally licensed to operate as a B&B and meet all the required standards set out by the association. If you prefer to book online, this option also ensures that commissions go back into the association’s coffers for the benefit of all members of the not-for-profit association and not other, unrelated, commercial entities.

Sometimes in winter I just need to get away for a refreshing feel-good experience. But I can’t always go far or take much time off. So the choice is simple: Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL) is driving distance from home and packed with good things to do, see, and feel.

Here are three of my favourite winter things that I can enjoy solo or in company.

1)     Spa treatments

I love to start my day with a hot stone massage before breakfast, so generally choose a B&B within walking distance of a spa. My favourite self-indulgences—many at special winter prices—abound at the Secret Garden Spa, OSpa, 100 Fountain Spa, and Jini Touch Spa.

2)     Shopping

Many B&Bs are also walking distance from the Heritage District shopping area, where I can always find unusual treasures for myself or my home, and charming eateries and cafés when I need to rest. For a comprehensive list of NOTL merchants, visit www.niagaraonthelake.com/page/tripplanning/Shopping.

NOTL’s Heritage District becomes a magical ice-sculpture village during January’s Icewine Festival and Icewine Cocktail Competition.

3)     Wine tours

I have also planned weekends just around wine-tasting and education when I let someone else do the driving. January is an ideal month for such wining and dining, since the Icewine Festival abounds with exciting events and sights. The three-weekend Icewine Festival Discovery Pass for $30 is a great deal, as are the $20 wine and cheese seminars. Both can be purchased online.

 The Niagara B&B Experience: I’m always ready for the type of pampering I get at a Niagara B&B. Snuggling down into luxurious bedding. Curling up in a comfy reading nook. Enjoying a gourmet breakfast prepared and served in style. And collecting coupons for spas and shopping and wine-tasting from my B&B hosts. Book your stay at one of our 180 member properties online or call 1-866-855-0123.

Posted by E. Lisa Moses

This is the one and only official website of the Niagara-on-the-Lake B&B Association. Members listed on this site have undergone health and safety inspections, are legally licensed to operate as a B&B and meet all the required standards set out by the association. If you prefer to book online, this option also ensures that commissions go back into the association’s coffers for the benefit of all members of the not-for-profit association and not other, unrelated, commercial entities.

Visitors to Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL) can look forward to one of the most exciting years ever. The town is poised to play a starring tourism role this year, having recently received top billing by TripAdvisor as Canada’s #1 food and wine destination. This historical town is also an important influence on the Niagara Region, which has been designated one of Canada’s culture capitals for 2012. And it will play a (more…)

I can’t think of a more exciting place to spend time over the holidays than in a bed and breakfast in picturesque Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL). I always find elegant gifts, unique décor ideas and accessories, and fantastic Niagara wines. And there’s always an unusual event or two where (more…)