Here we are — the final segment of 3 exploring the 'Upside in Rural Hamilton' along the Niagara Escarpment.
DEVIL’S PUNCHBOWL The ice cubes have long since melted from the time this geological formation was carved out of the escarpment during the last ice age. There’s no punch, either; blame it on the devil. But it’s a nice spot for a panoramic view of Hamilton and also to access the Bruce Trail.
85 Ridge Road, Stoney Creek, Hamilton, ON L8J 2W1 Phone 289-860-0363 Email mountain@conservationhamilton.ca
HOURS Open 7 days a week, sunrise to sunset Parking $7.50 / day
A Hamilton panorama
The Punchbowl without either punch or its usual waterfall due to the summer drought.
ERLAND LEE MUSEUM HOME With typical Canadian modesty this little 19th century green and white house is where the global Women’s Institute was born in 1897. It’s also a fine example of Carpenter Gothic architecture. Here is where Janet Lee, with support from her husband, drew up the WI constitution to promote rural women’s education. The couple solicited members in the community by delivering notices from their ‘cutter’ (sleigh) similar to one suspended in the Carriage House. From that cold beginning chapters have spread across Canada and the world, promoting domestic health and civic reforms. It all began here.
552 Ridge Rd, Stoney Creek, Hamilton ON L8J 2Y6 Email erlandleemuseum@fwio.on.ca
Website https://fwio.on.ca/erland/
HOURS Open for gift shop visitors and guided tours 11am-4pm Fri. & Sat. Grounds open for public use April - November
The chinaware in the kitchen cabinet at the end of the room once belonged to author Lucy Maude Montgomery (Anne of Green Gables).
From this tiny dining room came a far-reaching idea.
On display is the original WI document drawn up primarily by Janet Lee
Although not widely known, Hamilton street names honour WI Charter members.
More displays in the Carriage House.
A pollinator garden marks the property as it backs onto farmland. The grounds are available for wedding photos.
How convenient is this? A few minutes along the ridge from the Erland Lee house is a winery where you can celebrate the day. Although relatively new, the winery is situated on land that’s been a family farm since 1875. Ridge partners with The Udder Way Artisan Cheese Company offering tasting platters. Here’s to the benefits of aging deliciously well!
1205 Ridge Rd, Stoney Creek, Hamilton ON L8J 2X5 289-649-0353
Email wine@ridgeroadwinery.ca
Website https://www.ridgeroadwinery.ca
AUTUMN HOURS M-F 11:00am – 6:00pm Sat & Sun 10:30am – 6:00pm
As all vintners know, wine tastes better when paired with cheese.
There's plenty of space to sample indoors or out.
© Gary Crallé 2022 Commercial rights reserved
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