As published in Fishwrapper newspaper by Laura Byrne Paquet, OttawaRoadTrips.com

                Looking for a scenic drive that will take you to hiking trails, historic sites, bakeries and even a beach—all in one day? Just “Follow 44,” a new tourism route along Leeds-Grenville County Road 44, just east of Brockville, from Spencerville to Kemptville.

Start your adventures at the south end in the charming village of Spencerville. This friendly community is home to the Spencerville Fair and the mystical Diablo Manor (a unique Victorian-themed supernatural experience), as well as a games café, an art gallery and other attractions.

Begin the morning with warm cinnamon buns and fresh coffee from the Village Pantry. At the nearby Spencerville Mill and Museum, you can enjoy your treats at a picnic table beside the South Nation River.

Then, retrace your route to County Road 44 for the short drive to Green Gables Vines in Oxford Station, to sample red and white wines made from winter-hardy grapes. (The surrounding vineyards are planted with some 4,000 vines.)

Less than a kilometre up County Road 44, you’ll come to Saunders Country Critters & Zoological Sanctuary, where you can see—and learn about—domestic and exotic rescue animals, including capybaras, macaws, red kangaroos, lynx and lemurs. Depending on the time of year, you can also pick up plants at the garden centre. All of the proceeds support the care of these animals, which would otherwise have nowhere to go.

About three kilometres further north, Countryside Antiques is a lovely place to browse for vintage furniture, textiles, tools, décor items and more. The stock is displayed in three buildings: an 1830s stone farmhouse, an old carriage barn and a log cabin.

Just a stone’s throw further is Wildling Acres, a farm offering pick-your-own flower events and farm tours every second Saturday from July to September. Stroll through native plant gardens, butterfly gardens, open meadows and cut-flower gardens. The owner will explain the ways Wildling Acres—which grows flowers for the Ottawa market—strives to be a sustainable, organic, commercial farm.

Less than 10 minutes further along County Road 44, you’ll arrive in the heritage downtown shopping district of the growing town of Kemptville. Pick up bread baked in an 1885 wood oven at Grahames Bakery, British-style baked goods at The Crusty Baker, or coffee, light fare and sweet treats at Bubba and Bugs Coffee Bar. You can also enjoy pub dishes at O’Heaphy’s or Cajun fusion at Salamander’s (try to snag a table on the patio overlooking Kemptville Creek).

Kemptville is home to shops galore, including Home & Beyond (gifts and décor), Sugold Jewellers and Giftware, Class Axe Guitars and the new Mama’s Cheeky Boutique (women’s clothing), all located on the route. While you’re in Kemptville, you could also unwind at Saltastic Salt Spa, play a round of golf at one of Kemptville’s two courses, or drop by the Ferguson Forest Centre to launch your kayak or canoe, take your pooch to the dog park, or hike 22 kilometres of wooded trails.

Your last stop on Follow 44 is Rideau River Provincial Park. There you can swim, boat or fish in the Rideau River, hike a short trail, and more. Come for the day or camp for a longer stay.

These are just some of the experiences you’ll discover on this convenient 30-kilometre route!

Note: Many sites along County road 44 are small, family run and/or seasonal. Check their websites or call ahead to check opening times or to book a visit. For a list of all there is to see and do along County Road 44, visit www.Follow44.ca.