Take your pick: adrenaline packed or slow and contemplative?
Published on Sept 6, 2023
When you’re travelling, getting lost can sometimes be a good thing. You meet unexpected people, discover unusual landscapes, sample new flavours and, at the end of the day, you realize that these “unexpected” moments most often end up being the greatest rewards you take away from your getaway.
So, while by definition it’s impossible to predict these chance moments, you can still create your own luck by getting lost in the right place: the Brome-Missisquoi region in the Eastern Townships (just 1 hour from Montréal)! This peaceful haven of greenery and culinary delights is the perfect destination for those who want to leave a little room for some surprising, natural experiences during their vacation getaway.
Follow one of the many heritage trails in the Brome-Missisquoi region and discover all the treasures preserved over time which make this region so very unique. For example, why not head out to explore the Stanbridge East area! Take a leisurely stroll through the heart of the town, along the Rivière aux Brochets (Pike River). From the old Hodge General Store to the Cornell Mill, immerse yourself in the fascinating story of the people and businesses which have shaped the region’s history over the last 200 years. Then visit the nearby hamlet of Mystic, where you’ll find the Walbridge Dodecagonal Barn, the only one of its kind in Canada.
The perfect venue to complete your trip back through time is by visiting the Old Mill Space. This restaurant, also part market-garden farm and inn, welcomes you inside a brick wall and wooden ceiling setting to enjoy a meal combining gastronomy and archaeology. As you sample their dishes made with 100% local and seasonal ingredients, your taste buds will explore the flavours of bygone years as well as those of today. You’ll gradually be able to reconnect with time after this heritage tour.
Nestled between hills, vineyards and mountains, the Brome-Missisquoi region is brimming with farms, craftspeople and producers who are the pride of its residents. So, when you’re out and about in these agricultural lands, get into the local spirit and meet the men and women who, on a daily basis, bring this territory so dear to their hearts to life. Marvel at their know-how and taste their products ... they have so much to teach us!
Orchards, vineyards, cheese factories, distilleries, microbreweries, goat farms and much more can all be found along the way. And by taking the time to talk to these local personalities, you’ll come to realize that here, life follows its course in all its purest and most essential facets.
At the end of the day, after you’ve had a last glimpse of the sun’s rays highlighting the beauty of the Brome-Missisquoi landscape, end your immersive experience in the region with an amazing night’s sleep.
Nestled in the woods, the unusual accommodations of Au Diable Vert’s mountain resort and the charming ready-to-camp accommodations of Huttopia Sutton will allow you to admire a magnificently star-filled sky. Breathe in the fragrant night air, close your eyes and let the natural rhythm of the Brome-Missisquoi region lull you to sleep. If you’ve lost your way, you’ll always find yourself here.
