FRIDAY NIGHT:

Let’s kick off the weekend with dinner at Crafty Ramen. Crafty Ramen has creative and colourful options for the ramen lover, including amazing fresh ramen noodles made in house and broths made with meat from the local butcher shop across the road (Trotter’s) make Crafty Ramen a stop your taste buds will thank you for.

Grab a beer and board game at Brother Brewing Company. Brothers Brewing Company joined the local craft brew scene with the iconic renovation of the Petrie Building and has become a hub of special pop-up events. Choose one (or a few) of the 12 taps of house brewed craft beer and grab a board game from the growing collection while taking in the historic architecture. You may even be lucky enough to take part in a night of karaoke, dumpling making or pottery painting!

SATURDAY DAY:

Start your morning off with a stroll to Eric The Baker, Guelph’s own traditionally influenced French bakery owner, in downtown Guelph to check two things off your list: a delicious coffee and an insanely delicious fresh-made warm croissant or his signature sausage roll. The space is quaint and take out only, so you can take your delicious bites and enjoy the morning sun in Market Square. Heads up – it is cash only!

Wander through the 190+ year old Guelph Farmers’ Market. The historic market building is situated in the heart of Guelph and is more than just a grocery stop. The list of goodies is never ending and includes pottery, candles and cards for that perfect souvenir or gift to take home!

Take in some local history at the Guelph Civic Museum. The Civic Museum showcases Guelph’s history through permanent and changing exhibits, an interactive families gallery, and special events, like Fourth Fridays.  Located in the renovated Loretto Convent, beside the landmark Basilica of Our Lady, the museum is home to a collection of over 30,000 artifacts that bring Guelph’s past to life.

Lunch and nature at The Boathouse Tea Room and Ice Cream. Situated alongside the Speed River you can indulge in a locally sourced menu, delicious teas and ice cream. The Boathouse is one of Guelph’s iconic landmarks and is a hub of activity year-round. Neighbouring the unique covered bridge, you can enjoy a trail walk along the river or you can grab a paddle from Speed River Paddling and explore the city by water.

SATURDAY NIGHT:

Dinner at Piatto Pizzeria and Enoteca. A beautiful restaurant serving up authentic Neapolitan pizzas in the historic Wellington Hotel building in downtown Guelph. Beautifully renovated and serving up great Italian wine and hand pulled coffee alongside their delicious menu, it’s a perfect date spot or meeting place for a bunch of close friends. A must try is the Dolce e Fumoso – it’s chef’s kiss.

Catch a movie at The Bookshelf Cinema. A bookstore, cinema and bar are all encompassed in one building in the heart of Guelph. A wide selection of independent and popular movies light the screen up with a schedule changing weekly so you can often find something everyone will like. The popcorn and snacks are tasty but well priced and the cinema is licensed so you can even enjoy a glass of wine while watching the show.

SUNDAY MORNING:

Take in the island flavours at brunch at Rise & Shine Island Flavour. Rise and Shine Island Flavour not only has a pretty awesome brunch menu but a killer patio for those warmer days. The Trinidadian flavours that run through the menu has made this joint one the most recommended for all to try. A favourite is the chicken and egg’s benny which comes served on sweet Belgian waffles. Hello Sunday!

Stroll the shops of Downtown Guelph. We’ve got so much to offer in such a small proximity of downtown Guelph so don’t be afraid to wander and discover! Some favourites include On the Verge (quirky gifts and home decor), Kennedy Park (beautiful and small batch women’s clothing, often Canadian made), The Bookshelf (books, games and cards), Outpost (men and women’s vintage fashion and local art), Royal Cat Records (vinyl galore) and Sweet (candy for your sweet tooth).

**Tag us in your #guelphie if you go to any of these spots, we would love to hear what you think**