A 3-Day JOMO (Joy of Missing Out) Jaunt Through Haldimand County

Data Off. Connection On.

 

If you find yourself spending an increasing amount of your leisure time scrolling your social media feed, filling online shopping carts, and managing an endless stream of text messages that somehow leave you feeling even less connected, you’re not alone. In an increasingly connected world, turning off our devices and being mindful enough to dedicate some of our precious downtime to self-discovery and more intentional interactions can feel like a daunting to-do. Scheduling a few days away is a great way to dip a toe into the benefits of JOMO, or the Joy of Missing Out. Unsure of just what that would look like in your life? This three-day itinerary around Haldimand County will help paint the picture and is ready for you to pick up and run with whenever you feel the need to disconnect for a few days.

 

Day 1: Afternoon 

 

 

 

Day 1: Evening

 

 

For the ultimate social media restraint challenge, head to dinner at Twisted Lemon. Each dish created by Chef Dan is a tribute to the seasons and locally grown products. Resist the temptation to post a picture of your beautiful plate, and instead take a mindful moment to really experience the food using all of your senses. 

 

Day 2: Morning

 

Enjoy breakfast with a heaping side of human connection at Dunnville’s The Minga Café, where the team is on a mission to provide all people with access to nutritious, desirable, and sustainable food. Consider donating a meal to someone experiencing food insecurity using their Pay It Forward program to start your day with a grassroots act of kindness. 

 

Prioritizing self-care is an important aspect of embracing JOMO, so after breakfast, head to Dunville’s Art Rocks Healing Yoga & Nomaste Café for an Indian head massage, Reiki treatment, private sound bath experience, or just enjoy another great cup of coffee. Cabin Wellness Clinic, just a short drive east in the village of Fisherville, also offers a range of wellness treatments, including massage therapy, acupuncture, aromatherapy, and spiritual healing.

 

Day 2: Afternoon

 

 

For lunch, grab a table at Debb’s Cuisine on Queen to take in the friendly atmosphere, featuring locally sourced food options and fuel up for a busy afternoon of stepping out of your comfort zone and into the moment. Choose from a diverse selection of hands-on activities in the area for your afternoon outing, like:

• Savour local flavours and get creative at Purple Haven Lavender with their unique experiences on the farm. Shop their store with handmade soaps, creams and edible lavender products.
• Immersing yourself in air travel on Near North Aviation’s Freedom Flight, a hands-on introduction to the world of aviation which includes a tour of the Grand River Executive Airport, a safety briefing, and a flight sitting in the cockpit with the instructor, who will allow you to try your hand at working the plane’s controls! They also offer sightseeing and charter flights, and are located just outside of Cayuga in the village of York.
• Discover inspiration at Creative Barracks Art Studio, where art, creativity, and community come together in a one-of-a-kind space that hosts art classes, lessons, workshops, as well as a gallery and gift shop.
• Explore The Artisan Nook, a charming spot to find unique handmade treasures and celebrate creativity through pottery. Take a class and explore your artistic side in a welcoming environment.
• If the weather is frosty, then don’t forget to bring your skates and take a spin on the outdoor skating rink in Fisherville.

 

Day 2: Evening

 

 

For your second night, treat yourself to some authentic country hospitality by booking a room at the Broecheler Inn, where your hosts, Helga and Manfred, will make you feel like family. If you’re tired from your afternoon adventure, you can book a dinner right at the inn, or if you’d still like to do some more exploring, Cayuga’s Talbot Street Grill is just a short drive away. Concession Road Brewing Company is another fun evening option where you’ll immediately notice the strong sense of community connection. This small-but-mighty craft brewery tucked inside an old firehall regularly hosts local bands and fun events like trivia and euchre nights. 

 

Day 3: Morning

 

After breakfast, which is included with your stay, treat yourself to a leisurely caffeinated kickstart at Caledonia’s Revival Coffeeshop. This special gathering spot takes immense pride in serving as a sanctuary for those in need of connection and comfort. The warmth, hospitality, and genuine connection you’ll feel here will make you forget all about your normal morning social media scroll!

 

For the final activity of your getaway, choose whether you want to spend time connecting with people or with nature.

 

 

If you’d like to connect with people, Cottonwood Mansion’s Victorian House Guest Signature Experience is a must. Costumed interpreters will invite you into this historic mansion and bring history to life with immersive activities, including baking in the original kitchen and savouring a scrumptious afternoon tea.

 

If you’d prefer to spend time in nature, plan an outing to Ruthven Park National Historic Site. The series of trails around this historic Greek Revival mansion will lead you past beautiful wildflowers, a diverse range of songbirds, a butterfly-filled meadow, a historic ghost town, and a Carolinian forest. Ruthven Park is home to a renowned bird banding station and makes an ideal place to bring your binoculars and watch for winter birds.

 

 

Stay A Little Longer

 

If three days doesn’t seem quite long enough for your digital detox, consider hunkering down for five days or a week at The LakeHouse Cottage. This beautiful vacation rental offers incredible views of Lake Erie from the elevated hot tub or cozy campfire area.