Brockville, formerly named Elizabethtown, is also called the "City of the Thousand Islands" and the "Pride of the St. Lawrence River" and is a lovely destination - not only for history lovers.
Fulford Place
This turn-of-the-century Edwardian style mansion, which is on the St. Lawrence River in Brockville, Ontario makes an incredibly interesting visit. The building and its surrounding grounds demonstrate what the utmost in privilege and wealth could afford at the beginning of the last century.
Built between 1899 and 1901, at a then-staggering cost of $100,000, Fulford Place was designed by the prestigious American architect William Fuller for his millionaire client, George T. Fulford. He was a Canadian businessman who made his fortune selling "Pink Pills for Pale People." This medicine, the rights to which Fulford purchased in 1890 for $53.01, was essentially an iron supplement and was touted as a cure-all for many ailments including, "rheumatism, heart palpitations (and) all forms of weakness in male or female."
He was also a local alderman, a Liberal senator, and philanthropist, friend to politicians, royalty and foreign dignitaries. His international connections and influence allowed him to hire the best professionals and craftspeople to construct his 20,000-square-foot, 35-room mansion on prime waterfront property.
Lovely Gardens
The elaborate 10-acre property gardens were originally laid out by the design firm of Frederick Olmsted, the landscape architect responsible for both New York's Central Park and Montreal's Mount Royal. Two sections of the original landscape, including an Italianate garden and a lawn parterre have been restored to the original Olmsted design.
Delicious Homemade Refreshments
Homemade lunch and afternoon tea are served where the original laundry room was once. The delicious homemade afternoon tea (consisting of a choice of finger sandwiches, savories, and sweets) and friendly service will make you feel like we were eating in our great-aunt's summer kitchen. With only six tables, the room is small but, during warm weather, the tearoom extends onto the covered porch.
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Brockville Mainstreet
Stroll the city's historic district, there are also walking tours from the tourist office, including the lovely area around the Courthouse. Don’t miss the charming Brockville Museum, and browse the shops along King Street. Discover lovely specialty stores, pubs and enjoy the amazing British tea and coffee houses in this Canadian gem of a historic town before you head down to the waterfront.
There are lots of events running throughout the summer, including the Ribfest in August, for barbecue lovers or the Riverfest, the annual extravaganza on Blockhouse Island that features color, noise, food and tons of family fun.
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Leisurely St Lawrence River Cruise
designed to introduce visitors to the shoreline delights of Brockville, the seaway and the eastern sector of the Thousand Islands (which number closer to 2,000. Run by 1000 Islands Cruises, the Brockville-based river tours (there are also tours run out of other communities upriver) come in a variety of possibilities, from one-hour sightseeing outings to relaxing, attractive sunset dinner cruises. Discover treed islands and lovely lighthouses or shoreline mansions. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon. Bring a jacket or sweater, it's considerably cooler on the water.
Find out more about Brockville, Ontario
https://www.heritagetrust.on.ca/en/properties/fulford-placehttp://www.brockvilleriverfest.ca
http://www.1000islandscruises.com
http://www.brockvilletourism.com
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brockville
To find more Canadian Travel Destinations visit also: A Happy Traveler
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