Tulip Days in Mesmerizing Merrickville

One of three ice cream purveyors in Merrickville, Ontario, Canada © PHOTO BY theWedge.LIVE

By MAGGIE M, Editor, Wedgee-in-Chief, theWedge.LIVE Subscribe upper-right and share bottom of story.

When the wedge visited Merrickville last weekend it was yet another overcast day with a looming downpour. It collapsed just as we climbed into our vehicles. We released a collective “phew!” for the safety of our equipment.

What’s a little rain when you can slip into a Christmas store that rivals Germany’s finest? Or sit under a grass umbrella in a pseudo Caribbean courtyard?

Italian restaurant offers a tropical feel in its courtyard, Merrickville, Ontario, Canada © PHOTO BY theWedge.LIVE

The little Tulip Festival in Merrickville, a satellite collaboration with its big sister in Ottawa, ended on Queen Victoria’s birthday. 1,400 lovelies were shipped-in and planted compliments of the Netherlands. The cold had suppressed the tulips from blooming offering no more than their green shoots; but, the baskets peppered through the village pleased the eyes.

Merrickville Tulip Festival, planted tulips in the background (left) at the Merrickville United Artists Centre, St. Lawrence and Main, Merrickville, Ontario, Canada © PHOTO BY theWedge.LIVE

Merchants exhibit at Blockhouse Park, Merrickville Tulip Festival , Merrickville, Ontario, Canada © PHOTO BY theWedge.LIVE

So the tulips had a failure to launch alongside merchants in the park, live music and myriad activities; but, their blooming remains to be seen.

Tulips, no tulips, Merrickville delivers.

It really stood out to this writer that the village offers more ice cream (and gelato) per capita than any village or town in East Ontario–or perhaps in Canada. This is a catalyst for summer tourism. Ice cream drives palates as few other fares can.

Ice Cream Parlour on St. Lawrence St. gathers crowds, Merrickville, Ontario, Canada © PHOTO BY theWedge.LIVE

Charming ice cream venue with large outdoor seating on St. Lawrence St., one of three ice cream purveyors in Merrickville, Ontario, Canada © PHOTO BY theWedge.LIVE

Exploration of this tiny village feels like a walk into the shire so-to-speak. Every angle oozes with creativity. Walk the side roads and witness living proof of tiny homes bursting with artifacts and colors.

Worldly merchants, historical structures including a fort at town centre, boats on the canal, all meld into one sweeping view of a village with an “arts and crafts” feel.

A new band shell just completed in Blockhouse Park on Rideau River’s edge awaits groundskeepers. It will soon offer a stage to poets, players and pluckers of stringed instruments. And ice cream and gelato lovers in folded chairs.

Charm at every inch, Merrickville, Ontario, Canada © PHOTO BY theWedge.LIVE

Famous Merrickville family, owners of Whistlepost Antiques, say “TULIP!” for the Wedge. L-R : Kathleen (Pam’s Mom), Pam and Bill Kenny, Merrickville, Ontario, Canada © PHOTO BY theWedge.LIVE