Although it was renamed Belleville in honour of Lady Annabella Gore in 1816, the name seems fitting for a city that offers expansive views of the Bay of Quinte and has the Moira River flowing through its downtown core. An important railway and local industry hub since the late 1800s, Belleville has been home to Cheezies inventor, James Marker; award-winning singer, Avril Lavigne; animator, John Weldon (The Log Driver’s Waltz); and many hockey legends.
GLANMORE NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
257 Bridge Street E.
Visit Belleville’s very own Downton Abbey. The 1883 estate, built for the Phillips family, boasts richly restored rooms and a collection of 20,000 artifacts – everything from glamorous evening gowns to vintage toys and tools. Walking tours offered. Closed Mondays.
Open daily 10am. – 4:30pm.
EMPIRE THEATRE AND CENTRE FOR PERFORMING ARTS
321 Front Street
The historic 700-person theatre hosts live music performances including the popular Rockfest weekend that features local and international performers, comedy acts such as Gerry Dee (Family Feud) and a lineup of popular and repertoire films returning this fall.
L’AUBERGE DE FRANCE
304 Front Street
Avignon Chef Jean-Marc Salvagno serves up Parisian dishes paired with trending French wines, exquisite cheeses, freshly baked artisanal bread, and pastries. The locals line up on Saturdays for his croissant creations. Open Wednesday to Saturday.
BELLEVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY AND JOHN M. PARROTT ART GALLERY
254 Pinnacle Street
Join in family programs, author readings or submit a 3D printing project in the library and then stop in the Gallery to view the Manly E. MacDonald paintings, or view the latest works by Quinte Fibre Artists. The library is open daily, and the Gallery is closed Sundays and Mondays.
MEYERS CREEK BREWING COMPANY
60 Dundas Street E.
A popular microbrewery that takes hospitality seriously! Pull up a Muskoka chair on the patio and sample varieties like their bestselling Yardmen lager complemented by some beer inspired snacks. Open 12-6 pm most days.
ZWICK’S RECREATIONAL TRAIL
11 Bay Bridge Road
The 3.25 km trail loops its way along the beautiful Bay of Quinte. Enjoy the view of the Belleville bridge or watch doggies playing catch on almost three acres of fenced park at the Quinte Dog Park.
GRILLS ORCHARD
886 Grills Road
The McPherson Family has added a seasonal corn maze to the pick-your-own-apples at the 82-year-old orchard and farm. If you don’t have time to pick your own, stop by the country market store for your apples and other fresh produce. Check their social media for the corn maze dates and hours.
BELLEVILLE CAA ARENA
265 Cannifton Road
The Belleville CAA Arena is home to the Belleville Senators hockey team (AHL affiliate of the Ottawa Senators). Catch a pre-season game as the Senators welcome the Toronto Marlies or Laval Rocket teams. Go to bellevillesens.com for tickets or season passes.
Story by:
Micol Marotti
Illustration by:
Carl Wiens
