Postcard from the Village
There is something good about having absolutely no sense of direction. I'm not talking about the kind where you have to glance at your GPS from time to time to make sure you're still in the correct province. No, it's much worse than that. I would get lost in a brown paper bag if someone just picked it up and shook it a little. I'd be okay with that if there were doughnuts in there but, I digress...
I was going to have my genes mapped, but it would be a waste because I never know which way is North and I'm missing the all-important "whereabouts" gene that most humans take for granted. That is how I found the Twenty Valley Wine Region, specifically the picture postcard village of Jordan.
The next time someone tells you to get lost, take their advice. Set your GPS to Latitude: 43.146148, Longitude: -79.36953 and then sit back to enjoy the scenic ride.
The afternoon sun proclaimed the golden hour when photographers leap out of cafes and bookshops, prepared to capture the magic. The remaining leaves on the trees rustled faintly, juxtaposed against the brilliant blue of the November sky. I found a classical radio station and leaned back into my maybe leather seats, cherishing my latest lapse of longitudinal ability. Auburn and copper kissed hills rolled away to reveal plum and charcoal smudges of orchards in the distance.
Arriving in the "perfect for a movie set" village, I found free parking and disentangled myself from the safety belt, scarf and various accoutrements of cold weather fashion.
A coral sweater in the window of Pamela's store echoed the glowing amber ball setting just beyond the vineyards I'd passed on my road into town. Handmade woollen mittens welcomed me at the door in various cheeky reds and blues, in case I had forgotten the gloves I'd purchased at the Christmas market last year. The owner seemed to know her clients well as she chatted with them, offering fitting advice and a friendly word to the fluffy pooch friends in residence.
I walked on to Arezzo's emporium
and enjoyed their holiday display featuring our beloved Roots Canada theme that has become so popular over the years. I have devoted this year's knitting projects to the tan, cream and white colour scheme and it was a treat to see so many quality samples of this look.
By now I had worked up a thirst, and sure enough, in answer to my need, there stood de la Terre. The sunlit bakery welcomed me with its long, pine table facing the street and just so floral arrangements. There was a cosy girlfriend corner, seats angled conspiratorially towards each other, candles dripping with yuletide and cinnamon. The polished glass case dominated the room with its chewy-soft date squares and bits of chocolate decadence. Stepping into the private yard of the cafe, lengths of pine tables stood squatly end to end as they recalled the days of the fall harvest, in eager anticipation of the Spring's rosy-cheeked blossoms.
Moving on, I spied Jordan Art Gallery. The setting sun danced off the glossy sculptures and paintings, drawing my eye through the doorway and onto the treasures inside. Works by local Niagara artists lined the walls in this gem of a shop with its friendly staff and open floor plan. One of the artists is always on hand to answer questions and graciously host your experience in this one of a kind gallery, making this the shop to find those last minute gifts for "hard to buy for" people on your Nice list. The Naughty list will be satisfied with a lump of coal from eBay.
Rambling homewards after my gratifying interlude, I decided I had time to stop at the Lake House
Restaurant. With its lakeside views and gluten-free pizza options, it is the ideal place to reflect on the day and chase away the chill in the air. A vintage hall table and mirror frosted with glass bowls of mints welcome you while a Christmas tree stands tucked into the corner, all lights and glittering ornaments. There's even a box for Santa mail in case you've missed the polar bear express.
It's been a sunny afternoon, surprises waiting around each corner of the village and I'm ready to head back onto the highway to continue my journey. I feel refreshed and light. I've visited another piece of my past, part of what has made Niagara the reason so many people call it "home."
