Staycation Series: Almonte, Ontario
Looking for a weekend getaway? Almonte, aptly nicknamed “the friendly town”, makes the perfect low-stakes day trip. Less than an hour in the car from Ottawa and you’re strolling charming streets, by shops full of local goods and food. We love Almonte for the abundance of fabulous woman-owned businesses. We’ve curated some of our favourites to visit, led by women we admire.
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72 Mill St.
Owner Emily is a longtime organizer of craft fairs for local makers and the brilliance behind Cheerfully Made, a space to shop hand-picked gifts, clothing, homewares and more. In their own words, Cheerfully Made is “a way to empower entrepreneurs, build community and make the world a more cheerful place”.
58 Mill St.
Paperfolk is the little sister of Cheerfully Made, specializing in all things paper. Their retail selection includes greeting cards, journals, writing tools, prints and home office essentials. They also offer ready-to-hang and custom framing services.
52 Mill St.
In their own words, Mill Street Books is “a progressive and community-minded shop”. They offer a wide selection of books, stationery, accessories, puzzles and games. They carry books of all genres, but if you can’t find what you’re looking for, their helpful and friendly staff are sure to point you in the right direction (or order it in).
Find refreshments and take a break on your day of retail therapy. They’ve got a selection of breakfast and lunch bites, craft ciders and beers and delicious coffee. Plus, grab a takeaway meal to toss in the freezer and keep enjoying on busy weeknights to come.
65 Mill St.
This adorable spot is a go-to for baby gifts, baby clothing, toys, children's apparel, outerwear, formal wear and more. Owned and operated by two moms, you can trust the quality of the products, and the recommendations, you get at Kenfield Kids. Pro tip: if you’re visiting Almonte with kids, hit this spot last so that you can use it as a bargaining chip with your little rascals.
65 Mill St.
This eco-conscious boutique serves fashionistas looking for quality clothing that are made to last. They have clothes and accessories for men, women and kids, all selected from brands that keep sustainability in mind.
14 Mill St.
This boutique brings in fresh fashion every week, featuring a curated selection of women’s clothing and accessories. Their specialty is shoes, with a wide selection of styles, brands and sizes. Stop by for the retail therapy, stick around for the stellar customer service, courtesy of their knowledgeable staff.
73 Little Bridge St.
This housewares shop defies the premise of creating the “perfect” home interior. In their own words, their “goal is to help you express your unique personality through the space that surrounds you”. Their art pieces and functional home items reflect many eclectic tastes with something for everyone. They also host auctions on Facebook if you want to get in on the action online!
14 Mill St.
Dig in to crepes, soups and salads or grab some tasty provisions for the road. Mill Street Crepe Company is a mainstay of Almonte’s downtown, with vegetarian and gluten-free options so everyone can enjoy. Bon appetite!
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