Niagara-on-the-Lake

Not to be confused with Niagara Falls, nearby Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, is a charming storybook bed-and-breakfast village on the Canadian side which each summer hosts a world-famous theatrical festival in homage to the playwright George Bernard Shaw.

Stay at - The Oban Inn

Go shopping - up and down the streets of the village

Eat at - The Dining Room of The Oban Inn
Prince of Wales Hotel for afternoon tea
The Buttery
There are a number of local wineries with terrific restaurants - try Hillebrand Estates

Take side trips to - Niagara Falls, Toronto

Be sure to visit - The Shaw Festival
local wineries
Niagara Falls, if you're so inclined and have never been

Best time of year to go - When the Shaw Festival is on, April through October. I favor August.

Best things to buy - Shaw miscellany, books, British goods, tea, preserves, housewares, culinary, local souvenirs, wine

Best indulgence - Great seats for an evening performance of a favorite Shaw play, after an idyllic meal

Fly into - Toronto (YYZ) or Buffalo (BNIA)

Transportation - Rent a car. If you're coming from the US, remember you'll be crossing a border into Canada, and will need a current passport. There are taxicabs and horse-and-carriage operators in town. There is also a shuttle from Toronto airport to Niagara-on-the-Lake, if you'd prefer not to drive.