Last time I was in Alexandria, I stopped in the Principle Art Gallery.  They had a lovely collection of mainly paintings, although there were some sculptures as well.  We spent quite a bit of time in there because they had a varied collection.  The staff was very helpful and knowledgeable.   Check out the link to their website below. 

http://www.principlegallery.com/published/

We love to sample the ice wine when we visit Niagara-on-the-Lake and look forward to visiting the Palatine Hills Estate Winery because they always win our vote for the best ice wine in Niagara-on-the-Lake Wine Country.  Our favorite white ice wines are the Vidal and the Gewurztraminer Icewines.  We also sampled the rare 2006 Cabernet Sauvgignon Icewine and fell in love with it.  You should definitely put this winery on your must visit list the next time you are in Niagara-on-the-Lake. 

Every morning we are in Niagara-on-the-Lake we stop at the Willow Cakes and Pastries Shop.  You almost feel as though you have walked into a Pastry Shop in Europe.  They have a wide selection of french pastries, cookies, croissants, tarts, tortes, and cakes.  It usually takes me a bit to decide on something because everything looks fabulous, and they taste as good as they look too.  They have great coffee and cappuccinos and lattes as well.  We always look forward to stopping in for breakfast or a late afternoon pick me up. 

Here is a link to their site for more information:

http://www.willowcakes.ca/

Every year for our anniversary we take a trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake.  It is relaxing and the shopping and eateries are fantastic.  We usually stay at the Queen’s Landing and have dinner at the Tiara Restaurant.  The food is always phenomenal and the sommelier will help you find a wine to suit your taste and that will pair well with your meal.  You should make dinner reservations prior to your visit and they always have packages that include dinner.  We usually stop in the Bacchus Lounge for a martini and a snack in the afternoon or while relaxing until our dinner reservation.  The staff at the hotel and restaurants are always helpful and accommodating.  There is always a rose on your pillow each evening which is a nice touch.  I highly recommend a trip to the Queen’s Landing with someone special to you or it would make a great leave the men at home destination too. 

Check our their website below.

http://www.vintage-hotels.com/niagara-on-the-lake/hotels/queens-landing.php

Last weekend I visited the Torpedo Factory Art Center in Alexandria, VA.  There were a myriad of treasures and something to suite everyones taste and budget.  Each artist has their own store within their studio so you could actually watch the artist work and chat with them as they create their next masterpiece.  I highly recommend a visit if you are in the area. 

Visit their website and check out the directory of artists.

http://www.torpedofactory.org/

Last year we visited Kennebunkport, Maine for a family vacation.  We visited a few art galleries to find just the right memento for our visit there.  We ended up at the Morris Trainor Art Gallery in Kennebunkport and found a lovely original watercolor by Bob Arsenault.  It is very different because it portrays the sea at night with dark blues and purples – and a full moon.  The gallery staff were very knowledgeable and helpful and they shipped it home for us so we didn’t have to take it on the plane.

Another must see gallery when visiting Niagara-on-the Lake is Ed Spera’s.  He is a very talented wildlife artist that captures every last detail.  Mr. Spera travels extensively in order to photograph animals that he recreates on canvas.  His clients buy paintings based on the pictures from his travels so check in frequently if you want something specific. 

http://www.speraart.ca/index.html

Every time we are in Niagara-on-the-Lake we stop by the Angie Strauss Gallery.  She does beautiful art work including florals (my personal favorite), landscapes, and vineyard scenes.  Ms. Strauss accepts commissions as well.  We bought a piece from her and it makes me smile every time I look at it. 

http://www.angiestrauss.com/