Royal Botanical Gardens and Easterbrooks Hotdogs
by
Sandra J. Howe
A
weekend getaway to Burlington/Hamilton area. Lots of fun! Sunday was
great with visit to Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) and gourmet hotdog
lunch. We explored trails, hand-fed chickadees, soaked up greenery,
and gobbled footlongs. What more could a girl ask???
RBG
is a vast complex of gardens, nature reserves, greenhouses,
arboretums, and an aviary. Nestled along the Niagara Escarpment with
forests, meadows, wetlands and shoreline, it offers a wide range of
natural and cultivated landscapes to explore. In green seasons, the
gardens are full of blossom and beauty. In winter, RBG has other
charms including birds and wildlife well-acclimatized to human
contact. Feeling the tiny feet of a chickadee perched on my fingers
is always a highlight for me. Carry sunflower seed to make friends!
When
it is cold and bleak outside, a trip to the RBG greenhouses is just
the thing. The variety of species in the cactus garden is
fascinating. Interpretive signage offers insight into the diversity
and habits of prickly plants. I have a special weakness for the
tropical trees and shrubs that remind me of days in warmer climes.
Aloes, agaves, figs, and bird of paradise speak of tropical places.
Brilliant orange koi in the watergarden add a splash of colour, and
amuse youngsters who amuse oldsters. It was tempting to taste the
pomegranates but I let them be. Good for me!
After
a snowy outdoor adventure along Grindstone Creek boardwalk and a
saunter through warm greenhouses, we were ready for food. Comfort
food, fun food. Enter Easterbrooks Hotdogs. Right across the street
from RBG, a Burlington tradition. Classic soda shop decor in red and
white tiles with red, vinyl counter stools. I went for the Reuben, a
footlong with sauerkraut, mustard and cheese, onion rings along
side:YUM!
Lots
of choices: chili and cheese, lettuce and tomato, go spicey with
jalapenos. Milkshakes, ice cream, fries; all your basic food groups.
Are you salivating yet? And yes, they do have a veggie dog option.
Sunday
is also aviary day but they were closed on this trip. Guess we'll
have to do it all again which suits me fine. Hope you enjoy the pics!
And here's the links:
https://www.facebook.com/EasterbrooksBurlington/
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