When I first stumbled across Calabogie, I was just looking for a place to escape the noise. What I found was something way better - a town that slows you down in all the right ways. And summer? Summer in Calabogie is hands-down my favourite time of year.
Mornings start slow and easy. You grab a coffee and a pastry from Oh-El-La’s and sit out on their sunny patio while the town wakes up around you. By afternoon, the lake is calling - maybe a paddle, maybe a beach nap, maybe just nothing at all. That’s kind of the point.
The energy here shifts in the summer. Patios come alive. You’ll find folks soaking up golden hour over dinner at On the Rocks, watching the sun drop into Calabogie Lake. And if it’s a concert night at Neat Café, you’re in for something special. They bring in serious talent - Matthew Good, Shakey Graves - and you’re seeing them under the stars in this little tucked-away corner of the Valley.
Back at Somewhere Inn, guests are stretched out in our sling chairs, glass of wine in hand, playing lawn games or just chatting as the fire pits start to crackle. It’s relaxed. It’s unpretentious. It’s exactly the kind of summer vibe I hoped to create when we opened our doors.
People ask why I chose Calabogie. My answer is always the same: once you spend a summer weekend here, you get it. And then you start planning your next one before you’ve even left.
With Love,
Joel Greaves
Founder Somewhere Inn
About the Author
Joel Greaves is the founder of Somewhere Inn, a boutique hotel in Calabogie, Ontario, dedicated to providing guests with a relaxed and authentic retreat in the heart of the Ottawa Valley. With a passion for creating spaces that foster genuine connections and appreciation for nature, Joel has established Somewhere Inn as a go-to destination for those seeking a peaceful escape.
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