Shopping

What’s a getaway without taking time to browse the shops and stop for ice cream or coffee (or both) – everyone should have a little something to take home with them as a keepsake or a sample of what to return for. Selecting the perfect gift for a friend or yours truly, is easy, you’ll find, once you visit the shops of the historic downtown with their well-dressed windows and boutique-style wares.

Cobourg is a little town with a lot to offer, with fashion, home decor, handmade chocolates, antiques, fine art and sidewalk cafes to nosh and regroup. Need an extra boost? Treat yourself to a fruit facial or wash and blowdry at one of the salons. You’re on vacation, after all.

During summer festivals, the main street is a focal point for activity, turning into a pedestrian-only walkway with entertainment, food and more shopping.

Beyond the downtown core, there are a number of retail plazas and a shopping centre, Northumberland Mall, is a five-minute drive to national retail chains, delicious eateries, specialty shops, convenient services and great entertainment including three cinemas, a bowling alley and seasonal special events.

Saturday mornings, from May through November, there’s a traditional farmers’ market behind the town centrepiece, Victoria Hall. Try some home-baked bread or sweets or fresh produce from local producers – now that’s fresh!