Craving a Slice of Calm

As I type this, I have a YouTube video called “Rainy Autumn Coffee Shop Ambiance” playing in the background. It's a good match for the tone of the post.

How was your week? Good? Yes or no? Why?

September has dragged itself out. This month has been busy and more stressful than necessary. On top of the back-to-school usual tasks, I have been trying to sell my car (before it suffers a similar fate as it's predecessor), my sleep patterns have been thrown off, and I cannot seem to match my wardrobe with the whims of Mother Nature. It is no wonder that Phil and I usually plan an escape this time of year. A reprieve is needed.

The last Friday of September has often been a fly-out day for us. We have visited places like Berlin, Bern, Bratislava, Brussels, and Budapest to soak in the culture and lifestyle. We do not exclusively visit alliterative cities, but these are examples of places I have felt waves of peace and calm cascade over me the moment we arrive. This can start from stepping off a train in a new city or onto the gangway of a new cruise. The stress melts before my beverage order arrives. Do you get that feeling too, when you enter somewhere that just gives you a calm like no other?

What I want right now is easiness we find when visiting Europe: a cocktail and dessert on our table, which is outside of a nonchalant cafe along a cobblestone back street. The sun slowly setting behind snowcapped mountains or a line of medieval buildings. All steps away from our lodging. 

Where we live, walking to a nearby shop is not achievable. While St. Catharines and the Niagara region boast a myriad of cafes, shops, and pubs to visit, none of these are a simple walk away from our house. It would be nice to take a stroll down to a coffee shop or pub, Agatha coming along, for a coffee or cocktail. Especially one who's patio is not in a parking lot or directly next to the road. Such has become the norm in North America.

Cafes from Pique-Nique in St. Catharines, Thistle Bookstore in Port Dalhousie and The Pie Guys in Port Colborne can help achieve this. Each offer their own attractive set-up for visitors and have curated their own atmospheres that make keep the doors open. Thanks to accounts like Tastes of Niagara, out-of-towners flock to these hidden gems before anyone nearby can get a taste.

I sound like a grumpy old man shouting "get off my lawn," but I just want a quiet, cozy place to visit that is not crowded by "influencers." It is unsightly to see someone waste space and food just for photos. 

Nearby, we have our favourite breakfast spot, The Lancer. Chains like Tim Hortons are just a stones-thrown away, but I avoid it to save my tastebuds for yummier fare. Starbucks is great for a quick fix and pup cup before heading out on the road. But to get even just a slice of the scene above I crave so much, it requires driving. Then finding parking and hopefully scoring a seat if it is not too busy of a day.

Last weekend, Phil and I sat on a patio for a beverage and snack. The street was quiet, both with pedestrians and motor vehicles. It was pretty, warm without being sweltering, and peaceful. That is until someone drove by in a tricked-out Cadillac with “Hey-Ya!” by OutKast blaring on their beefed-up sound system. He thought he had it. Oh, he thought he had it. Encounters like that are easier to ignore when you are abroad. Instead, we have been treated to live street performances from guitarists, violinists, and accordionists.

That sounds pretentious, but it is something that happens and it really adds to the ambiance.

I know Ontario has lots to offer in terms of hidden gems and small beauties. Our mystery road trip in July took us to a hidden country store. How hidden was it? We drove by it twice before realizing where it was. The family-run shop has a delectable selection of desserts and freshly brewed coffee, which you can enjoy on their front step or under towering pine trees. But still, you must drive. If you want to know the name of this store, send me a message or try the Whimsical Route with Guess Where Trips.

One day, we will get back there for those feelings. For now, I will step outside of the YouTube video and take my coffee out onto our deck and watch the leaves fall.

I would love to hear your recommendations for places that offer this sort of calm near you. Does this even sound relaxing to you? Share your thoughts in the comments below.