Quirky Things in Northumberland
The Big Apple in Colborne is the world's largest apple! Climb 35 feet to the top observation deck of the giant apple for a spectacular view of Lake Ontario and Northumberland's rolling hills. Conveniently located just off of Highway 401, The Big Apple is an ideal tour stop offering a serene country setting. Visit the bakery for their new apple/almond cheesecake, candy apples and an extensive menu of fresh baked pies. The restaurant makes a great pit stop for the kids.
World's Finest Chocolates has been serving up chocolate since 1958 with the very best aromas and the best prices around. They produce all chocolate from the cocoa bean, and use the finest ingredients. The factory outlet store in Campbellford has many great sales with chocolate prices starting as low as a dollar! Grab a driving tour booklet and head out to Campbellford.
Float Your Fanny Down the Ganny
The wackiest river race celebrating a flood takes place every April. Back in the 1980's the town of Port Hope (on the shores of Lake Ontario) suffered a devastating flood when the Ganaraska river swollen by pitched rains rampaged through town. Every April since, the townspeople have been celebrating the recovery with a little crazy defiance known as Float Your Fanny Down the Ganny. Canoes and Crazy Crafts race down the frigid spring run off of the Ganaraska River as thousands of spectators line the banks. With food, live music and many children actvities, the race continues to be a hit each year!
Every August the community of Warkworth hosts the world's longest lunch. The street is blocked off and tables are stretched out to accommodate the hundreds who will gather so that the community can celebrate and enjoy the bounty of the region. The backdrop couldn't be more perfect, as Warkworth is home to artisans, musicians, potters and farmers, and is set in a valley of rich farmland in the beautiful Northumberland Hills. Be sure to get tickets early as this event is popular.
One of the last livestock auction barns in the country and the only ring auction market in this part of the province. Operating since 1949 Hoards Station is a landmark in the community of Trent Hills. Home cooked meals are provided each week by a different church group and there is also an outdoor flea market.
The Cobourg Jail was opened in 1906 by the Corporation of the United Counties of Northumberland and Durham. Cobourg Jail was one of the biggest of its time, holding up to one hundred inmates. The jail was finally closed to inmates in 1998 and now is a 20+ room country inn and hotel, complete with a restaurant, and museum. Guests can actually sleep in a jail cell and view cells in the museum that once housed inmates.
Kevin Fast - World's Strongest Man
Cobourg's Reverend Kevin Fast has been breaking world records with his incredible strength! The most recent record breaker was a 416,299 lb CC-177 Globemaster plane, which he pulled 8.8 meters setting the Guinness World Record for Heaviest Aircraft Pulled by an Individual! The Heaviest Aircraft Pulled by an Individual record is his nineth world record breaker since 1998.
Campbellford is home to the gigantic two dollar toonie designed by Canadian wildlife artist, Brent Townsend. The 20 foot toonie is a wonderful piece of Canadian art.
Marsh Boardwalk, Presqu'ile Provincial Park
The Marsh Boardwalk in Presqu'ile Park has very quirky cedar trees, some worn smooth from people sitting on them and posing for pictures. The kids think it is a hoot!
The Primrose Donkey Sanctuary is truly unique. The animals here are treated to 5-star accommodations bedecked with chandeliers! You can visit the Sanctuary, meet the donkeys plus other animals that call this amazing place home.
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