I love exploring new places near my city. I was a little familiar with Manotick, but I didn't know just how much this village had to offer. Manotick–Objibway for "Island in the River"–is a quaint little village 20 minutes from downtown Ottawa, and less, if you live in Ottawa's south end.
There is so much to discover in Manotick, including Watson's Mill, an 1860's grist and flour mill on the Rideau River. This working industrial heritage site is a wonderful place to visit with the family, where you can watch weekly flour grinds on Sunday's, and leave with a bag or two of fresh flour.
You can also head to the Watson's Mill Manotick Spring Craft Market taking place May 18th-19th, the perfect time to enjoy all spring has to offer while shopping unique items from local businesses.
There are over 125 unique and locally-owned shops in Manotick, restaurants that are some of the best in and around the Ottawa area, street front cafes, and plenty of small businesses to support.
I was given the opportunity to work with the village of Manotick to review some of their businesses, including Allure Hair Design and Spa, Mill Street Florist, and Black Dog Bistro. I loved all three businesses and would recommend anyone visiting Manotick check out these spots for themselves, too.
Allure Hair Design and Spa
As someone who gets her hair done at a salon a few times a week, I was especially excited to try Allure Hair Design and Spa . This salon is located in a beautifully renovated building on Mill Street in Manotick, with a full-service hair salon on the main level, and a spa on the second floor, where you can enjoy a variety of services, including waxing, lash extensions, facials, microdermabrasion, reiki massage, botox, and make-up application.
Whether you're looking for a new set of highlights, a hair cut, or a fresh blow-dry, the staff at Allure Hair Design and Spa is experienced and very friendly. I touched up my blonde highlights and got a fresh blow-dry. The colour was exactly what I wanted, and the blow-dry left my hair looking full, shiny and fabulous. I can't wait to be back to try their other services.
Mill Street Florist
There's nothing lovelier than having fresh flowers in the home, no matter the season. I love having fresh flowers in my house all year, especially during the long winter months, so I can be reminded of warmer, sunnier days. On a dreadfully winter-like day in April, fresh fragrant flowers in the house is a lovely thing.
Mill Street Florist in Manotick is a delightful flower shop offering the widest selection of fresh cut flowers in Ottawa. This European style floral boutique has so many beautiful flowers to choose from, deciding what flowers to add to your arrangement can be a little difficult; however, the friendly, helpful staff makes the process easy and fun. Whether you're shopping for flowers for a birthday, wedding, or an anniversary celebration, it's worth a drive to Miss Street Florist. From timeless and classic, to tropical and zen, there is something here for everyone to fall in love with.
How stunning is the flower arrangement Mill Street Florists put together for me? This was such a beautiful flower arrangement in my home!
Black Dog Bistro
Black Dog Bistro is a restaurant I've heard about time and time again, yet never experienced until recently–and I'm so glad I had the chance to review this restaurant with my husband and our friends.
Voted Ottawa's favourite restaurant by Faces Magazine in 2016, it's easy to see why everyone who dines here loves it. If you love beer, there is plenty on tap; if you're more of a wine lover like I am, there is an extensive wine menu. The food, however, is what I loved most; especially because of the fresh, local ingredients used. The freshly baked warm rolls with caramelized butter was a huge hit, and my filet mignon (with a side of scalloped potatoes and vegetables) was one of the best steaks I have ever had. It's an intimate, cosy restaurant, with a large patio, making it the perfect place to dine with friends on a summer day. From the service to the excellent, tasty food, Black Dog Bistro is just as excellent as I expected it would be.
I will be visiting the village of Manotick again, as soon as the weather improves so I can explore more of what makes Manotick so unique. There is still so much to discover.
Thank you so much, Manotick Village, for introducing me to so many great new establishments so close to home.
Disclaimer: I partnered with Manotick BIA to review Allure Hair Design and Spa, Black Dog Bisto, and Mill Street Florists. I have received compensation for this post. All views and opinions are my own.
Comments