Kingston 
Hastings County stretching from Lake Ontario near Belleville to the southern boundary of Algonquin Park near Barry’s Bay boasts must-visit historical places and fabulous lookouts for viewing fall colours.
Bancroft Eagles Nest Park/Credit: Hastings County
Some of the famous attractions of the county is free to visit this Thanksgiving weekend during the annual Doors Open Hastings County.
Here are some of them:
- Bancroft Eagles Nest Park offers self guided hiking trails. You can talk to members of Kijcho Manito Madaouskarini Algonquin First Nation about the significance of this area. The Park is at 79 Eagles Nest Park Road, Bancroft.
- The O’Hara Mill Homestead and Conservation Area was built by Patrick O’Hara in 1789. The original farmhouse, sawmill, homestead, carriage-house, shed and woodworking shop have been restored. It is located at 638 Mill Road, Madoc.
- North America’s Smallest Jailhouse County was built in 1898, and is only 4.8 meters by 6 meters. It was used for 50 years but was later closed because of lack of crime. The Jailhouse is at 61 Victoria Street North,Tweed.
- Tweed and Area Heritage Centre is a museum, general store, railway and native heritage galleries. It also has a gallery, genealogy resources and a local information and welcome centre. You can find it at 40 Victoria Street North, Tweed.
- In 1927, the Stirling Festival Theatre was built and used for ballroom dancing and Women’s Institute meetings. It was later transformed into a theatre. It is located at 41 West Front Street, Stirling.
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- The Bancroft Village Playhouse is a 184-seat theatre for plays and concerts. It was formerly the community hall, local jail, courthouse and library. The Bancroft Village Playhouse is at 5 Hastings Street South, Bancroft.
- Set out on a Queensborough Village Guided Historical Walking tour. These tours begin at the Thompson House & Mill and end at Orange Hall.
- Sager’s General Store, known as ‘Bobbie’s’, was owned by Roberta (Bobbie) Sager Ramsey. They sell food, hardware, tools and much more. Bobbie’s is at 1804 Queensborough Road, Queensborough.
- On the Tweed Painted Fire Hydrant Walking Tour, you will find wonderfully Illustrated fire hydrants. This started in 1987 as part of Canada World Youth’s Pakistan-Ontario Exchange Program.
- The Stirling Train Station operated from 1879 to 1962. Since then it has been renovated and restored by the Stirling Rotary Club. You can find the Station at 122 North Street, Stirling.
- St. Andrew’s United Church, built in 1890, was a presbyterian church amalgamated with the local Methodist in 1921. The bell installed by the methodists still rings for Sunday morning service. It is located at 812 Bosley Road, Queensborough.
- Queensborough Loyal Orange Lodge Hall was in built in 1862, and operated until the 1980s. Restorations were completed in 2019, and it is now used for community dances. The Loyal Orange Lodge Hall is at 24 King Street Queensborough.
- The Old Hastings Mercantile and Gallery was Ormsby’s original general store. There are now 11 unique themed rooms in this building which is located at 3103 Old Hastings Road.
- The Marmoraton Mine was an open-pit, iron mine which had over 300 miners from 1955 and 1979. Over time the pit was filled by rain and is now a turquoise blue lake.
- The Hazzard’s Corners Church, built in 1857, was used till 1967. They still have service every Sunday in August. The Church is at 3080 Queensborough Road, Madoc.
- Potter Settlement Artisan Winery was a dairy farm and is now an international award-winning vineyard at 1445 Potter Settlement Road, Tweed.
- The Marmora and Lake inn at 29 Bursthall St, Marmora, is a 1906 mansion. It was later converted to a Bed and Breakfast and is now an inn and B&B.
Other locations include Queensborough Hotel, The Mill House Queensborough, St. Carthagh’s Catholic Church, The Phillips House, Gaylord Harwood Flooring, and Quinn’s of Tweed.
Trip Planning – Doors Open Hasting County
Marmoration Mine/Credit: Hastings County
What: From historical houses to modern marvels of construction, Doors Open Hasting County showcases the buildings, natural spaces, infrastructure and cultural landscapes that shape and define the community.
When: Saturday, October 8, 2022, 10 AM to 4 PM
Where: Various locations, Hastings Locations
How Much: Free, register for guided walks.
