– Jeremy Derksen for #TakeItToTheLake
Here’s your invitation, and please share this with friends and family so they can come visit you this summer and/or for you to get out and renew yourself by getting close to the water; #TakeItToTheLake.
Greg Smith is prepared for visitors: he has extra life jackets, paddles and watercraft for getting friends and family out on Vermilion Lake. On a sunset tour, he points out goshawks and beaver, and tells how he once found a teepee ring a little up the banks.
The avid paddler is passionate about his own backyard, with good reason. Nestled in the Vermilion river valley, Vermilion Provincial Park is a local gem providing great for a few hours’ escape or a weekend getaway.
Complemented by the easygoing town vibe and the creativity of local producers, Vermilion has a certain natural appeal whether you’re hiking or paddling, shopping, dining or enjoying craft cocktails.
Hit the road and #TakeItToTheLake this summer, ZenSeekers has more to get you there, it’s all right here: https://www.zenseekers.com/story/indulge-food-drink-and-friendship-vermilion
Coffee and bites at Red Brick Cafe
Come early and often to this staple of Vermilion daily life. The morning barista bevvies will get you cracking, and the healthy, delicious soups, entrees and baked goods will keep you fuelled all day.
Shopping in the heart of town
After a 1918 fire, much of downtown Vermilion was rebuilt using red clay brick made by the Vermilion Brick Factory using clay from the banks of the river. Many of the buildings from that era still stand. Craig’s Corner Store is the anchor; once department store, it now houses the local fashion hub, with four different clothing and apparel boutiques.
Cheese tasting at Old School Cheesery
Garlic, peppercorn, honeyed and blue cheeses are among a few of the rich flavours found here. The family-run cheesery is one of only six craft cheese producers in Alberta, and is also a member of Alberta’s Economusees.
Cocktails at Copper Cork Distillery
With its prohibition vibe, air-conditioned tasting room and community connections, this is more than just a good place for a cool drink on a hot day – it’s the local hotspot. Stop in and learn about the history of the town via the cocktails you enjoy.
“People may pass over Vermilion because it’s a smaller community, but there are a lot of things that are really unique to the area,” says Jen McConnell, who recently hosted friends Laurie and Carly Makichuk from Lloydminster on a day outing. From cheesery tours to shopping, to fine food and nature exploration, life-long memories are made over experiences like these.
Get out and find some space this summer; this is your invite to #TakeItToTheLake. Please share this story and for more ways to explore the area go to Zenseekers.com
ZenSeekers story link: https://www.zenseekers.com/story/indulge-food-drink-and-friendship-vermilion