The Higginson Tower is open 7 days a week, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. right through the summer, until August 31. During September, the Higginson Tower was open Saturdays and Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you are part of a group which would like to visit the tower, call 1-877-678-3327 and ask for Louise Sproule. The tower is accessible from Highway 34 (across from Martin’s Tire Shop), or on Home Avenue, where the entrance to the tower is right next door to the entrance to Arbor Gallery.

If you visit the Higginson Tower, you can park in the St. John’s Anglican Church parking lot, and from the tower, walk right over to Arbor Gallery, where local artists and innovative shows are always on. Arbor Gallery is located in one of Vankleek Hill’s historic homes, built by William Higginson. The gallery is open from Wednesday through Sunday, from noon to 5 p.m.

Museum Vankleek Hill
July to August
Info: 613-678-2323
www.vankleek.ca

Guided visits of the Old Jail in L’Orignal
From June to August
Info: 1-800-667-6307, ext. 8107

If you like art, don’t miss a visit to the unique Three Owls Gallery, located at 151 Main Street East in Vankleek Hill. This gallery is also located in one of Vankleek Hill’s historic brick tower homes. Artist Susan Jepchott is happy to greet visitors. It is best to call ahead to this busy artist to make an appointment. Call 613-678-3049. Jephcott was the artist responsible for coordinating “The Bestiary” mural, located on the side of the Home Hardware location, not far from the town’s only set of traffic lights.

Vankleek Hill now has its very own vineyard!  Be sure to visit the Vankleek Hill Vineryard at 3725 County Road 12, where their motto is “Our wine goes well with friends.”

You may be looking for accommodation nearby, but don’t miss a stop at Beau’s All-Natural Brewery to pick up some of their award-winning beer! Take a taste tour of the premises. The Beauchesne family will be happy to tell you their success story!

If you are a cycling enthusiast, Vankleek Hill is right at the crossroads of the Prescott-Russell Trail. It’s just a short cycle from the trail into Vankleek Hill. Champlain Township has made special arrangements with the Ontario government to add an extra paved strip from the trail kiosk leading into Vankleek Hill. Many activities, such as yoga, hockey, figure skating, ball hockey, softball and more take place at the Vankleek Hill Community Centre, located at 36 Mill Street in Vankleek Hill.

Right around the corner turning south onto High Street from Main Street you will find Expressions of Art in its new location! This is the place to go for hand-crafted items, including quilts, embroidered items, candles and much, much more! See lamps, blown glass, porcelain and browse to your heart’s content! Expressions of Art is located at 12 High Street.

Interior Expressions located at, 127 Main Street E, there you can find beautiful things to enhance your home, office, garden with beautiful life-like floral & botanical reproductions by Carole Robert. Note that owner Carole Robert is the official decorator for the Victorian Christmas Home Tour (coming November 5, 2011).

Vankleek Cottage is located on the ground floor of a Victorian apartment building (circa 1890s). There are over 10 rooms full of wonderful ideas to inspire! Vankleek Cottage Gift Shop was originally established in 1982 as VanKleek Krafts and Tea Room. Over the years, the store has grown in both popularity and size. For a small-town store, “The Cottage” offers an incredible selection, while maintaining its country charm. It prides itself on its customer service and gifts, home decor items and antiques which are enticing to all.

The Closet at 80 Main Street, right next door to The Review, is filled with beautiful designer cloths, handbags and accessories. They are wonderful source of advise on styles and have great customer service.

Stop in at the Fabric Box to check out their wide selection of fabrics, threads, tools and so much more to help you finish your sewing projects with style. And right next door to the Fabric Box is the Perfect Fit which has a nice selection of quality, comfortable shoes at great prices!

Nika Designs & Paper Arts Studio just one door down from Main Street is a great place to explore your creative side. Nicole offers a vast selection of arts and craft supplies & tools including inspiring papers, unique paints and even workshops if you’d like to take a class. Buy a specially-made greeting card made by one of Nika’s students! Check out the Japanese hand-painted papers, inks, and so many unusual items it is hard to describe it all here! A great stop during your vacation to stock up on things to do.

Sunny Side Alpaca Ranch is a breeder of Top Quality Huacaya Alpacas, with Champion Fiber and excellent conformation. It is owned and operated by Isabel and Ron Matschkal and visitors are welcome by appointment. Sunny Side Alpaca Ranch also offers unique gifts & high-quality, hand-made products available in 22 colors.

Bobby Lalonde Music at 11 High Street, offers sales, service, and rentals for your musical needs at great prices! Ask about violin and drum lessons and more. And yes, Bobby Lalonde is a well-known performer across Canada and has been known to open Sens games in Ottawa!

Pottery Lane Imports, at 144 High Street, is a great place to shop with new products arriving weekly for home decor, including Bella fashions. There are tons of great gift ideas. in this large store, as well as home furnishings, fashion accessories like purses, jewellery and of course, the Bella trademark shoes and all of this at unbelievable low prices!

Ferme Bonne Mine on Fitzpatrick Rd offers a variety of fresh garden produce as well as beautiful products made from their animals’ fleeces. They also have kits to make your own or to offer as gifts.

If you are looking for a beautiful arrangements of flowers or a gift for that someone special, visit Jardin Jade Garden Florists at 13 High Street or Clare Flowers Florists at 20 Main Street.

We know we listed Vert Fourchette with the restaurants, but want to remind you that in “The Decadent Market” you can buy Premier Moisson bread, pastries and desserts made on the premises and a whole variety of prepared foods such as chili, soup, stew and much more to take home with you! Pick up a bag of coffee, specialty teas, olives or olive oil and all the fixings to prepare a tasty meal. Vert Fourchette is located at 117 Main Street.

With all this talk about food, we should tell you where you can pick up what you need to cook or bake up a storm! Visit Home Hardware (on the corner of Main and High Street at the traffic lights) and you will find a healthy selection of cookware, bakeware, table linens, porcelain, serving dishes and much more! Watch for the Paderno Factory Sale signs because when these are posted, there are great deals to be had! Of course in a small town like Vankleek Hill, you just know that the hardware store has just about everything. From garden tools to electrical supplies, from pet food to birdseed, you will find it all here. Owners Raymond and Carole Aubin are always happy to meet with customers whether it is to discuss a new paint colour for your home or a new snowblower (brrr!). Vankleek Hill Home Hardware is located at 17 Main Street.