MAKE ANY DAY A FAMILY FUNDAY WITH #MYOTTAWAPASS

MAKE ANY DAY A FAMILY FUNDAY WITH #MYOTTAWAPASS

I didn’t think our love for Ottawa could get any bigger and deeper but if there’s one positive outcome of COVID-19, it’s that a lot of folks, including me, have grown more in love with our city.

We have always been HUGE on SUPPORTING LOCAL 613. Like many Ottawans who are committed to helping our city thrive and not just survive this crisis, we have always supported local everything.

 

 

With the current global pandemic, we have increased our efforts to support and promote local: from Ottawa farms to restaurants to small businesses, artists and artisans to homebased cooks and bakers.

MANOTICK VILLAGE; MILL; OTTAWA

With the help of #MyOttawaPass, a discount program that you can obtain from Ottawa Tourism FOR FREE, we’re excited to discover and rediscover more local businesses in the nation’s capital.

DID YOU KNOW: YOU CAN GET #MYOTTAWAPASS FROM OTTAWA TOURISM FOR FREE

What is the #MYOTTAWAPASS?

As things slowly return to normal, at least to our “new normal,” Ottawa Tourism in collaboration with local businesses, has launched a new initiative that gives residents and tourists discounts and special perks at a long list of local hotels, restaurants, activities, retail stores and must-see destinations.

It’s a mobile-based, no download, no app necessary kind of discount program, which makes it all the more convenient and accessible.

With the Ontario government sanctioning the Phase 3 of COVID 19 re-opening, the #MyOttawaPass couldn’t have come at a better time!

With a long list of partners for #MyOttawaPass, I have a feeling that this blog post is going to be evergreen as we will continue to add more experiences and recommendations of top things to do, to visit and to eat this summer!

The adventure section alone is enough to get your heart pumping with excitement.

 

 

Of course, if chillin’ and relaxin’ is the name of your game, there are plenty of options for that too including get-aways at major hotels and a popular spa downtown.

Check out the full list here at Ottawa Tourism.

So how did we use our #MyOttawaPass?

To be honest, it was a tough choice as there are so many great options to choose from. Since social distancing is still a recommended practice, a quick getaway from the city to the lovely village of Manotick is our first stop!

WATSON’S MILL IN MANOTICK VILLAGE

The often photographed Watson’s Mill Manotick is not only picturesque but did you know that is still operational and you can buy flour and other products onsite? We really wanted to learn more about this famous Manotick landmark, in fact, we came 3 times.

Did you know?

Built in 1860 along the shores of the Rideau River, Watson’s Mills is located right in the heart of Manotick village and has a remarkable past rooted in Canadian history and industrial ingenuity.

It is the only working museum in the Ottawa area and one of the very few operating industrial grist mills in North America. Watson’s Mill still sells stone-ground whole wheat flour which is made on site.

A WORKING MILL ROOTED IN HISTORY AND INDUSTRIAL INGENUITY

The mill is currently being maintained by the Watson’s Mill Manotick Incorporated, a non-profit organization whose mandate is to preserve Watson’s Mill as a working heritage grist and flour mill, and as an educational, social and cultural focal point for the community and visitors.

Please note that the Watson’s Mill is a seasonal site open May – October.

Alas, the re-opening has been postponed again but it’s still truly worth a visit. You can still explore the external part of the building, cross the bridge, see some of the chains and levers used in the mill in the old days.

Right across from the Watson’s Mill Manotick is the uber charming Dickinson House Museum, with its distinct light yellow facade and old school mailbox with the tiny red flag.

Though we have not managed to get inside the last couple of times we’ve visited, the exterior and the ground is so pretty for sightseeing and of course, for photos.

Chee Chee was quite fascinated by the mailbox at the front step of the Dickinson House and kept checking if he got mail!

[Use your #MyOttawaPass to get 50% Off Any Bag of Flour.]

PITSTOP AT MIMI’S DONUTS AND ICECREAM

In addition to that, Mimi’s Donuts is only steps away from Watson’s Mill and you cannot visit Manotick without making a required pitstop here.

We heard about the homemade donuts and fritters, which turned out to be so delightful no wonder they’re sold out.

In fact, we bought the last 4!

When you do go, we recommend the ice cream as they are absolutely delicious!

The black cherry and the raspberry cheesecake did not disappoint.

DONUTS; ICE CREAM; MANOTICK

[Use your #MyOttawaPass to get a BOGO deal: Buy One, Get One Coffee FREE!]

DISCOVER MORE OF WHAT MANOTICK HAS TO OFFER

Don’t forget to visit Downtown Manotick for more selection of great local businesses, café, bar and restaurants!

Manotick is home to a lot of famed cafés and restaurants known for great food and you can also find the Manotick Natural Market as well as Mansfield Shoes, both locally owned by amazing women who truly cares about their clients and the community.

Manotick; Ottawa; Rural Area

Pro-tip: there’s a lovely wall mural on Mill Street that you cannot miss.

It’s only steps away from the Watson’s Mill and the Dickinson House. In fact, you can just leave your car and walk towards it.

Did I mention Insta-worthy?

HAPPY CANADA DAY

*Credit goes to my friend Karen Vallevand who’s a prolific photographer and her superstar pup Bella for this excellent recommendation.

HEAD TO THE PRESCOTT OTTAWA IN LITTLE ITALY

While Manotick is really not far away from Downtown Ottawa, the summer heat and the drive back do make you hungry and thirsty so who can say no to a little patio?

Another Ottawa institution best-known for its scrumptious square pizza, we headed to The Prescott Ottawa.

Established since 1934, The Prescott has a whole lot of food and drinks to love. Come for lunch, brunch, dinner and everything in between. 

COVID PHASE 3; REOPENING; OTTAWA

We enjoyed the some really great Italian classics such as the Meat Lover’s Square Pizza, Garlicky Garlic Bread, the Pasta Combo, the Meatball Slider, which is the star of the menu.

THE PRESCOTT OTTAWA’S FAMOUS MEATBALLS AND SQUARE PIZZA

Fun fact, you can see different iterations of The Prescott’s famous meatball such as on the pizza, on the pasta like spaghetti and lasagna and of course, as a sub or by itself in all its saucy glory.

I have certain expectations when it comes to my Caesar Salad and I’m happy to report that The Prescott’s version is something that complements your meal very well. It was the perfect start to our first ever patio out along with some refreshing cold wine and beer.

We’re so happy to have chosen The Prescott as our first time out as we are slowly coming out of quarantine and months of self-isolation!

Don’t forget that The Prescott Ottawa also offers quite a wide selection of takeaway including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. As a matter of fact, they have implemented quite an impressive protocol for safe ordering and pick up.

The Prescott Ottawa have posted plenty of signage for safety measures such as the mandatory regulation to wear mask to enter the establishment as per Ottawa Public Health and to observe social distancing.

From the entrance to the patio and to the take-away section, which is a separate entrance altogether, there are several disinfectant stations to wash your hands at.

ONTARIO GREENLIGHTS PHASE 3 AND OTTAWA RESTAURANTS PREPARE TO RE-OPEN INDOOR DINING

Since Phase 3 has been given the green light, as most restaurants starting Friday, July 17, The Prescott will be reopening for dine-in on addition to their patios. Yay!

Of course, highest priority for The Prescott will be their guests’ enjoyment and safety and the team is working hard to ensure they can open in a timely manner while maintaining an exceptional standard of service.

[Use your #MyOttawaPass to get 10% Off your total bill.]

THE PRESCOTT; LITTLE ITALY; COVID PHASE 3; REOPENING; OTTAWA

Overall, we had a grand day and can’t wait to check out more businesses in the list. Like I said, we will be adding more to the list as there’s plenty of time this summer to try out new places and experiences!

What about you, with a #MyOttawaPass, what will you do?

Oh and those donuts, we did a picnic for dinner with Kochu Sushi and Tamis Café’s Halo Halo too!

 

For more Ottawa local (and international stuff too, when we get to travel abroad again!) what to do and where to go, make sure to follow us at Twenty York Street on Facebook, @20YS on Twitter and of course, come say hello at @20YS on Instagram.

 

 

 

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