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Only about a two-hour drive from ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½, (NOTL) is also known as much for its arts and culture as its wineries. The Shaw Festival in particular brings theatre lovers to town all summer long. Whether you go for the Cabernet Franc, a curtain call or the cute boutiques in Old Town, this is the kind of destination where a quick detour can easily stretch into a full-day wander, and a weekend away feels like a total reset.

Here are some of the best things to do in and around town:

Visit a historic site turned creative hub. A quiet stretch of the Niagara River is home to the , a community-focused gallery in a restored 19th-century pumphouse. There’s always something on, including rotating exhibitions highlighting regional and national artists across mediums, drop-in workshops and art classes. On now (until July 27) is a solo show by Canadian painter Robert Crosby, whose dreamy acrylics capture East Coast life. The gallery is about a 20-minute walk from Old Town, so grab a zingy Clockwork Orange cold-pressed juice from before you stroll over.

Pack a picnic for a riverside lunch. Start at , an inviting fromagerie where glass-fronted cases are stocked with wedges of local blue, Merlot-marinated cheddar and sheep’s milk Manchego. You can build your own spread with artisanal crackers and small-batch jams, or pre-order a ready-to-go picnic basket. Browse the shelves at the cosy Old Niagara Bookshop next door, then make your way to the riverfront , where shaded lawns and sweeping views of Fort Niagara make for a picture-perfect al fresco lunch.

Cool off at a retro ice cream shop. A 15-minute drive from Old Town, has been a rural staple since 1955. Here, more than 40 flavours are blended by hand using milk from the dairy farm next door. You can’t go wrong with any scoop. Still, if your timing’s right, the fresh peach sundae is summer in a cup. Expect a lineup, but the wait is just part of tradition. If you’re travelling in a group with kids, head to the swing set at the edge of the parking lot to keep them entertained while someone else holds your place in line.

Stroll flower fields and stop for a Chardonnay. Part farm, part apothecary, is a peaceful spot where you can walk through fields of purple blooms, pick your own bouquet or join an open-air event (like sunset yoga). The 12-acre property is home to 20,000 lavender plants and a seasonal flower garden open from June to October. Inside the shop, browse more than 150 small-batch products, from patchouli-lavender soaps to luxe body oils. Afterwards, swing by the nearby , where you can admire vineyard views from the terrace with a glass of Triomphe Chardonnay, a bright white with citrus and stone fruit notes.

Book tickets for a world-class show. Running through October, brings a full season of polished productions to its two landmark theatres on Queen’s Parade. From sweeping period dramas to sharp-witted comedies, this long-standing festival puts on both classic texts and contemporary shows with equal flair. Don’t miss Cole Porter’s 1934 musical, “Anything Goes.� It’s the kind of joyful, old-school spectacle that leaves audiences humming all the way home.

Dine where the locals do. is the laid-back hangout where Niagara winemakers, chefs and in-the-know locals go for Ontario brews and unpretentious plates. Chef David Watt’s ever-evolving menu draws on global flavours, from Thai to Italian, but stays focused on regional ingredients. The Garrison burger is a signature: a juicy beef brisket patty from Cumbrae’s farms topped with double-smoked bacon, zippy horseradish mayo and red-wine-caramelized onions.The sunny patio buzzes in summer, especially during happy hour. It’s family-friendly, cyclist-approved and a solid bet for good-value dining in wine country.

Take a side-trip to a huge attraction and a hidden gem. About a half-hour drive south of NOTL is Ontario’s most famous tourist attraction: . And just a kilometre south of Horseshoe Falls is one of the region’s most serene escapes, , with its canopy of trees, lily-covered ponds and winding trails. This cluster of small islands, linked by footbridges and walking paths, was partly shaped by a nearby hydro project in the early 1900s. Today, it’s a beloved retreat for birdwatchers, photographers and anyone looking to slip away from the crowds.

If you stay:Ìý will lodge you in contemporary style right in Old Town — the location couldn’t be better. The boutique hotel has 76 rooms, a hydrotherapy spa and an acclaimed farm-to-table restaurant, Treadwell Cuisine.

WHERE CHEFS EAT: Chef Daniel Hadida’s favourites in the Niagara region

Want more food and drink recommendations in the Niagara region?ÌýChef Daniel Hadida, co-owner of the acclaimed in Jordan Station, helped shape the farm-to-table fine-dining spot into a Michelin-starred destination. With years of cooking in the region under his belt and a keen eye for quality, he knows Niagara’s food scene inside and out. From a quaint brunch café to a standout seafood spot, these are his go-to places to visit when he’s off the clock.

, St. Catharines: “They’re always changing up the menu and using unique ingredients and working with local farms. As a butcher, they’re known for their meat, but the vegetable dishes and the seafood are unreal as well. One thing that’s usually on the menu is brie with maple syrup, which is very tasty.�

, Niagara-on-the-Lake: “It’s creamy, classic Italian gelato. I love the chocolate, and the stracciatella is really good as well. It’s a grab-and-go spot right in Old Town, so you can get a scoop and then walk up and down the street with it.�

, Vineland: “It’s a great spot for brunch or breakfast. For a while they were doing this Nordic-style hot dog, a thin foot-long with crispy onions and pickles. It’s a chill café vibe, and they have a nice little patio. It’s a cosy spot to check out during the day.�

, Niagara-on-the-Lake: “It’s an organic farm shop, and their focus is orchard fruit. The coolest part is they have tons of varieties of fruit that we don’t often see, (like) eight varieties of plums or six different kinds of peaches. They grow novel heritage varieties of different stone fruits, and it’s one of the only places left in Niagara where you can find that.â€�

, Niagara Falls: “It’s a really good, little seafood spot. They always have super nice specials. It’s the kind of place where you go for a snack and order a couple of dishes, and then end up ordering so much more food. I’ll get a shellfish tower, and then order the lobster and then the oysters.�