We in a nutshell girls consider ourselves to be pretty positive people. So, even though Mother Nature has turned on us in the last few days, bringing cold weather to the capital and a serious reminder that summer is coming to a close, we’re confident that a few sunshiny days remain.
Below, a list of our top 5 ideas for making the most of what little warm weather we have left.
1. Spend a day at Lansdowne 
2) National Capital Craft Beer Festival
There will be over 30 brewers participating in this weekend’s 3rd Annual National Capital Craft Beer Festival. Located at Marion Dewar Plaza at Ottawa City Hall August 15-17. This year they have expanded to include Sunday as part of the event. They have also included some European imports, local ciders and wine to keep all festival goers happy! There will be some well known brewers like Beau’s and Beyond the Pale, Kichesippi and Mill Street. Also, some local favourites including Big Rig and Clocktower. Three great local food trucks will be on site as well: Red Roaster, Urban Cowboy and Pizza Al Antica. Meghan has had the pleasure of trying The Urban Cowboy and I can certainly vouch for the deliciousness of their fish tacos.
The cost to attend is $15 per day in advance or $20 at the gate. A weekend pass costs $30 in advance and $35 at the gate. Sample tickets are $1 each and sold on site. Beers range from 2-4 tickets each, depending on the bewery. Live music will be played on Friday and Saturday and a DJ will be on site spinning Jazz and R&B all day Sunday. The Ottawa nuts are planning to stop by for a bevvie or 6 on Sunday afternoon, so make sure to say hi!
3) Water rentals at Dow’s Lake
As stated above, our days of warm weather are numbered, so it’s time to make the most of them. For the next supremely warm day, head over to Dow’s Lake without delay. Canoes, kayaks, pedal boats and – of particular interest to us – paddle boards are all available for rent. There’s no better way to celebrate the beauty of our city then by viewing it from the Rideau canal. Cost ranges between $15-$20 / hour.
We were also tipped off by a fellow Ottawa blogger (Savvy Mom) about another “secret” spot in the city to go for a dip. “The Pond is adjacent to McKay Lake in Rockcliffe Park, off Pond St. Swimming is open to the public from June to September between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. … It’s big enough to feel like a little lake, but small and calm enough that you could probably paddle an air mattress to the other side and back … The biggest challenge you’re likely to face is finding this hidden oasis, as it’s not visible from any nearby street. Park on Pond Street and look for people carrying beach bags.” – Thanks, Savvy Mom.
4) DIY oyster date
Grab some fresh oysters from our favourite supplier: Whalesbone Oyster & Fish Supply – located at 504 Kent St. The staff will help you pick out your favourite kind of oysters, whether you like the smaller oysters or oysters with more meat to them. You can also pick up a shucking tool here- a necessity if you are taking on the shucking yourself. Keep the oysters cool and head up to La Peche Lake in Gatineau Park. It’s a little over an hour by car, but well worth it when you reach the fairly secluded beach. Set up a blanket, pull out the oysters and enjoy a warm day by the water.
How to Shuck:
Before shucking, remember that the rounded shell on the bottom holds the fleshiest part of the oysters and the flat upper shell is held to the other shell by two abductor muscles. To begin, cover the oyster with a hand towel for grip, while exposing the narrow side of the oyster. The narrow side is called the hinge. Wiggle a knife into the hinge of the oyster, while holding it secure with the hand towel. Once you’ve wiggled the shucking knife into the hinge, run it along the top shell to detach the upper abductor muscle. Next, run the knife underneath the bottom shell to release the second abductor muscle and your set to slurp!
Big shout out to Fresco Bistro Italiano for lending us an oyster tray for our CTV Ottawa Morning Live appearance. If DIY isn’t your cup of tea, a night on their patio with a tray full of oysters is a great alternative!
5) Folk Fest
Folk Fest will be your last chance to take in a summer festival this season, and the line up is top notch. September 10-14 we’re most excited to see The National, but will also be lining up to take in the acts by Lorde, Foster the People, J. Cole, Blue Rodeo and many more. (Including Catherine’s personal favourite – Fred Penner).
Make sure to visit the Craft Beer Tent, which will feature some of the same brewers who will be at the NCCB, this weekend. The nice thing about the tent is that it will stay open after the concerts have finished, so the party doesn’t have to stop at 11 p.m. when the noise bylaws come into effect. The food trucks will be out in full force as well, as will local vendors selling artisan goods. See you there!
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