This weekend I was blessed enough to receive a staycation from my partner in celebration of our anniversary but really I just wanted to escape the children for a night. Let’s be honest…

ottawa, amy volume

I’ve been living in Ottawa since I was 18 (so, a while, trust me) and have never taken the time to enjoy the Byward Market quite like we did on Saturday night and Sunday morning.

We didn’t do anything necessarily educational or of historical relevance BUT we lived like kings with a stay at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier which has a Titanic connection so, naturally, I nerded out a bit.

The night began with reservations at Das Lokal on Dalhousie Street. The vibe, service, food and drink make this place a MUST for any event. Sure, we were there on a date but the place quickly filled up with large family celebrations (with young kids through great grandparents in attendance), a ‘girls night out’ and some people flying solo mingled at the bar.

After dinner, we had to check out the view from Andaz‘s 16th floor bar followed by a visit to my favorite Ottawa spot, Oz Kafe! The Kafe used to be on Elgin St. but reopened earlier this year in a more accessible, visually stunning new location at 10 York. Street (in the courtyard). Fun fact: Oz Kafe on Elgin St. was where we had our first (and only) baby shower. This was a true highlight of the night!

We had been dressed rather fancy and decided, post-Oz, to go back to our hotel room at the Chateau to change. I had to ditch the heels for pool at the Dominion Tavern (33 York St.) and dancing at The 27 Club (27 York St./see *cheesy Amy posing beside a mural* below… haha). The night was capped HOW IT SHOULD BE when bar hopping in the Market with… Sasha’s Chip Wagon of course!!

The BEST poutine in Ottawa!

 Our room at the Chateau was PERFECT. Very tidy, inviting, comfortable, spacious (there were TWO bathrooms), quiet and convenient. SO convenient! We walked everywhere (even in heels) and had a blast. Yes, the next morning was a little slow to start but once we got going we hit up The King Eddy on Clarence Street. I had an omlette with home fries that would knock your socks off! Despite being super busy, the environment was great! Classic diner atmosphere, friendly and attentive service and the food came fast! Oh, did I mention the unbelievably reasonable (read: cheap) prices?! Looking for THE place to do brunch in the Byward Market, look no further than the King Eddy! TRUST.

The rain started comin’ down but that didn’t stop me from making a final staycation stop at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory shop in the Byward Market Square (off George St.).

I’m blessed to be on the receiving end of this epic weekend planned by my wonderful better half. While enjoying my SECOND SOAK in the tub, without being interrupted by children crying/yelling/throwing toys at me, I thought of how nice it would be to be able to do mini-staycations like this a couple times a year… Financially, that may not be a reality for us BUT if you have the means, I highly recommend taking some time to enjoy our fabulous city!

 

Fin.

Filed under: 613, amy volume, andaz ottawa, byward market, chateau laurier, das lokal, date night, dominion tavern, fairmont chateau laurier, Ottawa, ottawa tourism, oz kafe, rocky mountain chocolatier, Staycation, the 27 club, the king eddy, treat yoself, yow