A whimsical weekend in Port Perry

This Ontario town charms with treasure-stocked shops, Victorian-era architecture and award-winning beers

Even if you don’t know Port Perry by name, you may know its picturesque main drag. It’s so scenic, the Ontario town has been a backdrop for many movies and TV shows, including “Reacher,” “Hemlock Grove” and “The Littlest Hobo.” Earlier this year, Addison Rae and Patrick Dempsey were spotted in town, filming the upcoming horror flick “Thanksgiving.”

It’s easy to see why directors are drawn to Port Perry. The town is situated on the banks of Lake Scugog and centred around the historic Queen Street, characterized by its Victorian architecture, local shops and good old-fashioned hospitality. While walking the main strip with my suitcase on a recent visit, four people stopped to kindly ask if I needed directions or help with my bag. Four.

Likewise, it’s easy to see why Port Perry is an excellent destination for road trippers. It’s just about an hour from downtown Toronto on a good traffic day — and the gooey butter tarts, award-winning beers and small-town charm make it well worth the drive. Here’s how to spend your next trip here.

For pre-dinner pints: Old Flame Brewing Co.

While this Port Perry brewery is serious about its beers, which regularly win honours at the Canadian Brewing Awards, its tap room isn’t fussy in the slightest. Curl up on a leather couch with a book and a pint, or settle on the patio, alongside the first dates, friend groups and families, to sip through flights of Helles, Vienna and black lagers. The brewery is housed in a former Ontario Carriage Works factory, and the historic details include the original brickwork lining the bar and the ceiling beams, scorched from the fire that ripped through a century ago.

For treasure hunting: Caviar & Cobwebs

What this store lacks in square footage, it makes up for in the sheer number of treasures waiting to be unearthed. Small alcoves throughout the space brim with odds and ends, antiques and objets d’art, including vintage film cameras, handblown glass bowls and rare midcentury lamps. Peek into the cabinets for pretty jewelry, like smoky topaz cocktail rings, strands of pearls, and antique engagement rings sourced at estate sales.

For butter tarts and tourtière: The Pantry Shelf

The irresistible smell of baking will draw you into owner Elizabeth Browne’s cafe, and you should come hungry. Everything is made in-house daily, from the crumbly pumpkin scones to the pull-apart chocolate chip cookies topped with chunks of butter tarts. Grab a few to go, or cuddle into a booth for coffee and the local-loved plates, like slices of flaky homemade tourtière. Don’t skip the side salad; all the veggies come from Hinterland Growers, a farm just a few kilometres away.

For creative souvenirs: Meta4 Contemporary Craft Gallery

The walls of this Queen Street gallery space are stocked with shoppable pieces from Ontario artists, so instead of taking home a magnet or key chain, you can find a more stylish souvenir — say, a handblown cocktail glass by Paulus Tjiang, or a piece of jewelry by Kyla Vitek, who casts leaves found throughout Ontario and turns them into silver necklaces and earrings. Feeling inspired? The gallery also offers workshops, so you can try your hand at floral design, throw a clay pot, or sculpt and cast a metal ring.

For a homey stay: The Piano Inn

The Piano Inn has lived several lives. In 1895, the building was a photography studio. In 1914, a post office. In modern times, it’s a boutique hotel that has also doubled as a cinematic setting — its café was transformed into JJ’s Ale House for a scene in the Amazon TV series “Reacher” — and as a home base for celebrities filming in the area. All the accommodations, perched on the second floor of a historic downtown building, are set up like mini apartments, with separate kitchenettes and living spaces.

For travel-inspired dinners: Marwan’s Global Bistro

After travelling through 35 countries in 15 years, chef Marwan Dib decided to settle down in Port Perry, opening up this casual restaurant and adjoining bar on Queen Street. Expect the menu to reflect his wanderlust, with dishes like brothy Thai curries, tacos stuffed with chicken tinga, and saucy butter chicken, alongside comfortfood favourites like roast racks of lamb and lobster mac and cheese.

For a caffeine perk-up: Nexus Coffee Co.

Refuel for the road trip home at Nexus Coffee Co., which specializes in precisely made cortados, Americanos and mistos. At the front of the shop, you’ll also find shelves stocked with fresh pastries and pasteis de nata (Portuguese egg tarts), and walls lined with fresh beans and brewing gear.