Looking for weekend getaways from Toronto for couples? Hockley Valley Resort is the perfect romantic destination this summer. For those living in southern Ontario and the Toronto area, you may have heard about Hockley Valley Resort as a popular ski destination in the winter. It's located near Orangeville, Ontario, and here are some of the best things to do in Orangeville if you'd like to extend your trip.
Well, it's not just a memorable holiday for snow bunnies. Hockley Valley Resort is a luxurious getaway spot all year long. I find that I'm always looking for local places in the summer months when the weather is beautiful outside in Ontario. If you're seeking weekend getaways from Toronto for couples, I'm going to show you why you need to head directly to Hockley Valley Resort.
Hockley Valley Resort has all of the makings for an exciting and dreamy trip with your sweetheart. While you might partake in skiing and staying warm by the fireplace in the winter, there are just as many things to do at Hockley Valley in the summer.
How do scenic views, wine tastings, farm-to-table culinary experiences, a round of golf, and a day at the spa sound to you? An overnight stay at Hockley Valley Resort is one of the best short trips from Toronto you can make this summer.
Hockley Valley Resort: The Hotel
Justin and I stayed at one of the Studio rooms on the first floor of the resort. Upon entering our hotel room, we were totally amazed. The suite is so spacious! It features a plush king bed, a large seating area with couches and an expansive desk.
There's also a flat screen TV with tons of channels, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a large bathroom. Every room also has a Keurig coffee maker. If you're a regular reader of this blog, I'm sure you've noticed how much I love coffee. It's always a huge plus when you can make a great cup of coffee in your hotel room.
My favorite place to sit back and relax was the private balcony attached to our room. Studio room suites mostly all feature a balcony that overlooks the pond and the valley. Our balcony directly faced the pond. I loved sitting outside and watching the ducks and geese paddle around the water.
It's a great place to kick back with a bottle of wine. Sip and savor both the wine and the scenic view. I loved sitting out there in the afternoon after our arrival, in the evening as the sun went down, and in the morning with a freshly brewed cup of coffee.
Our main reason for visiting Hockley Valley Resort was to celebrate my birthday. While we didn't treat ourselves to any spa experiences this time around, that's always a wonderful option for a special occasion.
Justin and I found that we had just enough time to have a delicious dinner at Adamo Estate Winery, spend time together at the hotel, and wake up the next morning for a round of golf. If you're seeking romantic weekend getaways from Toronto with your partner, whether it's a special occasion or not, I highly recommend visiting Hockley Valley Resort.
Adamo Estate Winery
This Hockey Valley Winery, Adamo Estate Winery, is only 1km down the road. You can see the winery from Hockley Valley's golf course. There is a complimentary shuttle bus that transports guests back and forth from the hotel to the winery. Just hop on board and you'll be at the winery within moments.
As Justin and I both follow a vegan diet, we're always a little cautious around wine because it's hard to know sometimes whether or not it's vegan. Thankfully, Adamo Estate Winery isn't only aware about what makes wine vegan or non-vegan, but they've written a whole article about it, too! You can be certain that all wines at Adamo Estate Winery are vegan. So, go ahead and indulge!
Wine and Unwind Fridays
As Justin and I were staying over on a Friday evening, we were able to partake in their "Wine and Unwind Fridays" event. The Paddock Cafe at the winery is their farm-to-table restaurant, serving up delicious meals from local and fresh ingredients. There's also a small coffee shop indoors, too (highly recommend ordering an after dinner coffee there).
Head outdoors to their patio that overlooks the vineyards. Wine and Unwind Fridays features live music, beautiful scenery, and tantalizing food and wine. There was a duo playing delightful tunes that provided the ideal backdrop to our evening.
While there aren't any clearly marked vegan items on the menu, some of the dishes are naturally vegan and others are vegetarian (and you'll need to request that the cheese is removed). Justin and I ordered several items off the menu:
- Avocado Salad - heirloom tomato and lettuce with avocado
- Edamame Beans - organic soy, garlic
- Risotto - with zucchini and peas
- Antipasto Mista - marinated artichoke hearts, olives, funghi, vegetable medley, estate sourced pickles, crostini
As for the wine, I highly recommend trying their 2017 Vidal Frank's Corner if you're into the sweeter white wines. It has notes of citrus fruits and tree fruits including lemon, white peach, nectarine, and apricot. I really enjoyed this one!
If you're planning any weekend getaways from Toronto for couples, be sure to visit Hockley Valley Resort on a Friday night to Saturday. Take advantage of the Wine and Unwind Fridays for a fabulous dinner atmosphere. Nothing beats sitting beneath a patio umbrella on a warm, summer evening. Sip tasty wine overlooking the vineyard. Listen to the joyful sounds of live music. And treat yourself to a thoughtfully prepared meal using only the best ingredients.
Hockley Valley Resort: Golfing
The following morning, we woke up at the resort and ate a hearty breakfast before venturing to the golf course. Thankfully, there are lots of vegan options at Hockley Valley Resort's breakfast buffet.
Let me start by writing that I am not a golfer by any means. Justin enjoys golfing and owns a set of golf clubs. Before golfing at Hockley Valley Resort, I'd only golfed once before in my life about a decade ago. I really have no experience golfing, but thought it would be fun to give it a shot. I'm always up for trying new activities!
When we arrived at the Hockley Valley golf course, Justin and I discovered that the course is rated as "difficult". However, don't let that deter you if you're a beginner golfer like myself. There's a great combination of shorter and longer holes. I found some to be easier and some to be more challenging. I feel like everyone can enjoy the Hockley Valley golf course, from those just learning the sport to the seasoned pros.
One of my favorite aspects of golfing here wasn't even golfing itself. I loved taking in the serene and breathtaking landscapes all around. The course itself is located on such a vast space that you'll absolutely need a golf cart to get around the property. I loved riding through small wooded areas and up rolling hills to witness the beautiful panoramic vistas.
At the end of the day, I actually surprised myself. While I wasn't by any stretch of the imagination any good at golfing, I did manage to play a round of golf without losing too many golf balls. While I did accidentally hack away at some of the grass at times (sorry!), I often hit the ball farther and more accurately than I thought I could. I wasn't too bad at putting, either. Must be all of those years of mini golf!
Want to see more photos?
Check out the rest of our pictures from Hockley Valley Resort. There's also an online shop at our photography site. Click the 'buy' button by any picture: you can purchase prints, housewares, and all sorts of fun things featuring our photos!
Hockley Valley Resort: The Verdict
Justin and I had such a fabulous time at Hockley Valley Resort. I know that I'm always looking for getaways near Toronto, and I'm surprised that we hadn't been to Hockley Valley Resort sooner. It's not just for the winter. The resort is so much fun during the spring, summer, and fall months, too! Whether it's wine, dining, golfing, or spa experiences, Hockley Valley Resort has something for everyone. Feel free to check out more reviews of Hockley Valley Resort by clicking here.
In terms of romantic weekend getaways from Toronto for couples, this one is perfect. Grab your boo and whisk yourselves away to Hockley Valley Resort. It's only a short drive from the city, but you'll feel like you're much farther away on a luxurious and romantic holiday. Be sure to book your stay at Hockley Valley Resort for a dream vacation that's not too far from home.
Looking for More Weekend Getaways Near Toronto?
Justin and I love overnight stays that are within an hour or two from our home in the GTA. It's always nice to plan little romantic getaways and short vacations between our lengthier overseas trips. We also love exploring more of our province because there's truly so much to see in Ontario, Canada.
- Ramada Jacksons Point on Lake Simcoe
- Lanark Highlands near Perth
- Weekend in Tobermory and the Bruce Peninsula
- Perth County
- Ontario's Blue Coast getaway
- Glamping at Long Point Eco Adventures
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