Hamilton, ON II
A few more visits to the wider Hamilton area.
Eramosa Karst Remember limestone karst, and clints and grikes from school? My memories were resurrected when we visited Eramosa Karst Conservation Area. With over 7km of trails through woodland and, this is a nice dog-walking spot. We lifted a trail map on our way out to ensure we didn’t miss any of the limestone features. Most of these lie on the “Karst Features” trail. The most impressive were the Pottruff Cave and the Nexus Cave Windows. The only man-made feature is the Pottruff Homestead, ruins dating back to the 1800s. Be prepared to take some time to search for the features marked on the map.
Grain and Grit We visited Grain and Grit on a drizzly day, so were extra thankful that dogs were allowed inside! There were a few other pups there too, so Rita was able to make friends. The brewery is quite small inside, but very fresh and funky-looking. On this particular, they had a special pop-up with Red House Pizza Dundas, and although the cooking facility was an electrical pizza oven, it was very fresh and just what we needed after a nearby hike! They had a variety of non-alcoholic options and some Brewed Biscuits for Rita, made from spent grains leftover from the brewing process. We purchased a bag to take home too!
Collective Arts Brewery We paid a visit here after our hike around Cootes Paradise marsh. This brewery is dog-friendly inside and out! As it was a sunny day, we sat in the beer-garden. The Heartbreak Chef was there cooking up some delicious smelling (and, as we discovered, tasting!) nosh! I went for a veggie burger and grilled corn, while my friend opted for jerk chicken with rice and potato salad with a beer flight, followed by a pint of his favourite, Guava Gose. I was very pleased with the selection of non-alcoholic beers and sparkling waters. The dogs stuck to water. The whole concept revolves around artwork, showcasing modern pieces from artists around the world, both on the walls and on the glassware! With a stage setup inside, the location is also well-suited to live music – on our visit, there was a karaoke night about to begin! Afterwards, we visited the taproom around the corner and each purchased a 6-pack to bring home. Rita was eyeing up the artsy dog collars on sale too!
