Hello hello, friends! While I know I said that the next blog post would be a hiking wrap-up, it slipped my mind that the fall edition of the Madawaska Valley Studio Tour is coming up from September 30 - October 2, 2022. Fear not, the hiking wrap-up is still coming - I promise!
For those unaware of what is exactly the Madawaska Valley Studio Tour - have you been living under a rock??? I kid, I kid! It was established in the early 1990s and is a self-guided tour. Makers and artisans open their studios and allow tour participants to see the magic in action. It is an opportunity for people to “peak behind the curtain” and see a bit of the artisan or maker’s process. I enjoy being able to talk to the makers and artisans about their inspiration.
I have featured the Madawaska Valley Studio Tour previously on the blog. You can see those posts here (fall) and here (summer). This is why I thought I would do a bit of a different approach for this post. In this post, I present to you a sample itinerary of how you could experience the tour. Bearing in mind, I will be commencing my grand expedition in Eganville, you can start wherever your heart desires along the route. That is the beauty of it being a self-guided tour. Without further delay, let’s hop to it!
If I am being honest, I am by no means an early bird. At one point in time, I was commuting to Ottawa every day from North Algona Wilberforce. Which meant I had to be out of the house by 05:15. Now, I usually wake up around 08:00 and get caffeinated.
This is why I would get out of bed shortly after 08:00, walk the dogs and head out to my first stop. It is also arguably the most important stop of my day - caffeine.
Getting Caffeinated at Fifth Chute
Fifth Chute is located in the charming downtown of Eganville, Ontario. I love how it is truly a fixture of the community. Any time I talk with someone about Eganville they always say, “that coffee shop…the one by the bridge…it is awesome!” I completely agree! Whenever I have the chance to start my day at Fifth Chute, I always grab a large London Fog (I get it hot, even in the summer) and their scone of the day. After that, I’ll be on my merry way to my first stop on the Madawaska Valley Studio Tour.
First Studio Tour Stop - Genevieve Townsend
Also located basically in the heart of Eganville is Genevieve Townsend and her studio. I have participated in a workshop through OVCAOS that Genevieve facilitated and it was abundantly clear that she is extremely talented. She is a painter and maker, with the majority of her creations being inspired by nature. I love getting mesmerized by Genevieve’s pencil crayon drawings. Beautiful and so captivating to look at. I highly recommend making her one of your stops on the tour.
Second Studio Stop - Last Chance to Visit Kathy M Haycock’s Studio
Heading towards Cormac off of Foymount Road is Kathy M Haycock’s studio. Her studio is a historic log home, which goes hand-in-hand with this area of the Ottawa Valley. She is an artist that specializes in oil paintings which focus on the great outdoors. As this will be her last Madawaska Valley Studio Tour, she will have a variety of pieces of art on sale. I cannot wait to see Kathy’s artwork in real life during this Madawaska Valley Studio Tour Weekend. For more information on this incredible artist, please see their website here.
Third Studio Stop - Madawaska Metal Works
Just outside of Quadeville is my fourth stop of the day and my third studio tour stop. Mike Desrochers is an artist blacksmith and the artist behind Madawaska Metal Works. He uses nature to inspire his work. Hearing how Mike thinks about his artistic expression and his approach to art is rather fascinating. He was previously a wilderness adventure guide and educator, so it is no surprise that he draws his inspiration from nature. My favourite pieces of his collections are ones that were previously bits of machinery and have now taken on a new life through Mike’s artistry.
I should also add that there is a guest artist who will also be at Madawaska Metal Works, Reina Coulthart. Reina Coulthart is the artist behind the brand Art by Reina. She creates stunning acrylic paintings that are inspired by the forested hills of the Madawaska Highlands. My favourite pieces that Reina has created are ones that appear to depict early settlers of this area in the winter. For more information on Reina and Art by Reina, please check out the write-up about her on the Madawaska Valley Studio Tour website here.
Time to refuel - Country Fried Chip Wagon
Located in the heart of downtown Quadeville, Country Fried Chip Wagon offers delicious food and friendly customer service. The chip wagon itself is a converted recreational vehicle, which adds to the charm and allure of the establishment. They serve delicious burgers and fries. I was checking out reviews when I was doing research for this blog post and several people recommended the Letterkenny wrap. I’m going to go out on a limb and say that it is named after Letterkenny Road, which is one of the main roads into Quadeville. This is the perfect stop before you head into the woods for a long day of ATV riding. After having some sustenance, it is time to continue on the tour.
Fourth Studio Tour Stop - AquaRose Gems and Minerals
Located on Lower Craigmont Rd in Combermere is AquaRose Gems and Minerals, which only participates in the fall edition of the Madawaska Valley Studio Tour. There they create original works out of stones and minerals. A fun fact is that the majority of the materials come from Patersons’ AquaRose quarries in Quadeville. I really enjoy the fact that the majority of the gems and minerals are sourced locally. There is something so fascinating about knowing that the gems and minerals had been in the ground locally for an unfathomable amount of time. Is that nerdy to say? Whatever. For more information on this studio tour stop, please check out the Madawaska Valley Studio Tour website here.
Fifth Studio Tour Stop - Lesha Kokosky - Front Porch Gallery
Another artist that only participates in the fall edition of the Madawaska Valley Studio Tour is Lesha’s studio located in Combermere on Combermere Road. Her art includes a wide variety of subjects from landscapes, still life and abstract images. Lesha is a formally trained artist and her pieces are stunning. She has one oil painting of the Madawaska River, which displays such life and complexity. Again, Lesha Kokosky only participates in the fall edition of the Madawaska Valley Studio Tour, so I highly recommend seizing this opportunity. For more information on Lesha Kokosky and her art, please check out the Madawaska Valley Studio Tour website here.
Sixth Studio Tour Stop - Bee Kind Organics
Located a short walk from downtown Combermere is Bee Kind Organics. Creator Talli Chaimovitz is the genius behind this brand. She moved to the Madawaska Highlands nearly two decades ago, which commenced her exploration into nature as art. After several years of beekeeping, Talli ventured into beeswax by-products. This included using beeswax in her ointments, soaps and candles. The candles that Talli creates are truly works of art. I cannot wait to see Talli in action creating her masterpieces. I love the fact that her products are organic and there is this true connection to nature in Talli’s work. For more information about Talli Chaimovitz and Bee Kind Organics, please check out her website here and Instagram account here.
Final Stop - Pizza at Bent Pizza
With all of this touring around, I would have surely worked up a big appetite. This is where I would conclude my day with a cherry on top of a sundae of a day. One of my favourite meals is pizza, especially when the dough and the sauce are homemade. Honestly though, there is something so comforting and nostalgic about a good ol’ fashion slice of pizza. A fun fact about Bent Pizza is that it is located in one of the oldest buildings in the Ottawa Valley. The building is older than 150 years old, which is pretty wild!
The pizza itself is absolutely delicious. Bent Pizza makes its sauce and dough in-house, which really makes a difference to the overall quality of the pizza. I should add that I firmly believe that pineapple belongs on pizza. Naturally, I would of course order a Hawaiian pizza. For more information about Bent Pizza and its impeccable pies, check out their website here.
Accommodation Options
While I myself do not need an option, for those people who are partaking in the Madawaska Valley Studio Tour from out of town here are some options on places to stay.
The Egan Inn – Bonnechere Suite
This is a gorgeously restored hotel room that tastefully gives a nod to the past. Think Chateau Laurier or the Royal York Hotel-style decor – classic and elegant. It is right in the heart of Eganville with views of the Bonnechere River. The Egan Inn has a variety of rooms, all of which are super charming and meticulously maintained. The Egan Inn is within walking distance to Fifth Chute, The Rusty Lantern Barn Boutique, Rio Tap & Grill and The Granary Schnitzel Haus Restaurant.
The Ash Grove Inn
Located in Barry’s Bay in the Ash Grove Inn. It features a motel and a restaurant, which is open year-round. This modern motel has 14 rooms, which include luxury suites and double rooms. The Ash Grove Inn is right across the street from a public beach and playground. This is perfect for families and is absolutely eligible for the Ontario Staycation Tax Credit. For more information on the Ash Grove Inn, check out their website here.
Barry’s Bay Cottages
Located on the outskirts of Barry’s Bay on Carson Lake, this cottage resort has several cottages available for rent. September 30 to October 2 is considered low season, which means that you’ll be paying low season prices. There are a variety of activities that are also included, like kayaking; nature trail usage; and enjoying the fire pits. These cottages are gorgeous and look like the quintessential cottage experience. If you’re looking to relax in your own private cabin while reconnecting with nature, this place is for you.
Balmoral Hotel
Located in the heart of downtown Barry’s Bay is Balmoral Hotel. The Balmoral Hotel is a historic building as it was built in the 1890s. It has been recently taken over by new owners who already are receiving glowing reviews from their customers. This is. budget-friendly accommodation option and is within walking distance of many restaurants and shops. I should add that the Balmoral Hotel also has a restaurant on site. For more information, check out the website here.
Deacon Escarpment
The Deacon Escarpment is both a place to stay and a place to explore. Deacon Escarpment is located in Golden Lake along Highway 60. It boasts 30kms of trails that are used for both hiking and snowshoe adventures. Deacon Escarpment also has several cabins with the most spectacular views of the Bonnechere River and Golden Lake. I love how Deacon Escarpment is all about being one with and respecting nature. Their cabins are all off-grid and are fitted with a variety of features, which includes a fireplace in each cabin.
Deacon Escarpment has several packages and offers camping gear for rent, so there is no need to go wild at Atmosphere or Mountain Equipment Co-op buying things that you do not necessarily require. For more information on their cabins and packages, please refer to their website here.
Sands on Golden Lake
Sands on Golden Lake is an excellent accommodation option regardless of the time of year. It is located on Golden Lake and boasts some fantastic views. Seriously, the sunsets and the pink sky that spans across Golden Lake are incredible. There are several lodging options at Sands of Golden Lake, which include: rooms, chalets and cottages. This resort also has a spa, restaurant and can host events (like weddings) and conferences. For more information about Sands on Golden Lake and any of the services they offer, please check out their website here.
Up Next
Coming up next is a motorized sports round-up! I promise it will be a good one! This blog is being produced in collaboration with the Ottawa Valley Tourist Association and I am very excited. I cannot wait to hear your thoughts! Until next time, friends!