Though Lambton County may be known best for being a beach community, there are plenty of awesome things to do during the off-season. We’ve rounded up the top 16 things to do to make the most of your precious time home during the break from school (or work):

Throw some axes at Valley Axe

Ontario’s first and only licensed axe-throwing range, Valley Axe located in Sarnia draws in everyone from beginners to competitors. Events consist of a party of between 4 and 20 players, and you can select from a variety of menus from local restaurants to have food delivered straight to your party. Oh, and did we mention they serve beer?

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Cozy up with some board games at Refined Fool

When the weather outside is frightful, cozy up to some classics like Scrabble, Connect Four, or Guess Who in Sarnia’s nanobrewery, while enjoying their latest brews like Suburban Menace or Quiet Down I’m Doing Cartography.

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Oh, and of course this:

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Get creative with Paint Party at zZas

Unleash your creativity (and enjoy delicious food) with professional paint instruction from Cat Cabajar of The Painted Cat at Paint Party. Held every Monday until Christmas at zZas Pizza Bistro & Tapas Bar, the cost for Paint Party is $40 per person, which includes art supplies and munchies. zZas also offers a special Paint Party Menu and drink specials while you channel your inner Picasso. For more information, contact Cat at The Painted Cat here.

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Hit up Oakwood Resort for brunch in the Oak Dining Room

No holiday adventure on the shores of Lake Huron is complete without making a stop into the Oak Dining Room, located in Oakwood Resort. Serving up brunch in a cozy, relaxed atmosphere every Saturday and Sunday, once you’ve experienced the lingering aroma of warm maple syrup, you’ll be hooked.

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Dine in a converted 19th Century Schoolhouse

Once Grand Bend’s first ever public school has since been converted into this quaint and cozy restaurant, complete with original school house articles and serving up delicious from-scratch fare like chicken pot pies and Yorkshire pudding. Make sure you book your reservation early, as this local favourite closes up shop from January to March.

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Grab a rainbow latte at this dreamy cafe

Coffee lovers, rejoice. Located in downtown Sarnia, Blackwater Coffee Co. is known for serving up some of the best coffee in southwestern Ontario. Sample breakfast and lunch items from local eateries, and stock up on rare fair trade beans like their Big White Owl espresso or Christmas blend.

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Relax with your friends at Lakeside Spa

Need to relax from the holiday madness? Escape to Grand Bend to rejuvenate with a relaxing massage or facial on the shores of Lake Huron. Using only environmentally friendly, handmade skin and body products, Lakeside Spa is committed to providing a healthy experience for both body and mind.

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Catch #ITSOTM at the Judith & Norman Alix Art Gallery

“In the Shadow of the Millennium”, on display now at the JNAAG, is a collection of works from 34 artists across the country exploring notions of magic, myth, luck, and ritual. The collection is on display until January 1, and it’s something you really need to experience for yourself.

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Take in a Christmas show in this perfect little town

What could be more picturesque than the charming town of Petrolia during the holiday season? Stop in to the Victoria Playhouse, a national historic Canadian site, to enjoy an assortment of Christmas shows before checking out the local shops and eateries downtown.

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Stock up on jalapeno honey at Munro Honey & Meadery

Ontario’s first commercial meadery, the fourth generation beekeepers at Munro Honey located in Alvinston pride themselves on producing award-winning Ontario-based honey. Sample different flavours of mead, honey, and honey butters, and do yourself a favour and stock up on jalapeno honey for your family Christmas party. Trust us on this one.

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Cut down your own Christmas tree at Alton Farms Estate Winery

The southern shores of Lake Huron is quickly becoming Ontario’s newest emerging wine region. Located in the region of Plympton-Wyoming, Alton Farms Estate Winery proudly produces Ontario VQA’s harvested 100% by hand. Every Saturday and Sunday until Christmas Eve, enjoy a wagon ride to the vineyard, cut down your own tree, sit by the fire and sip hot mulled wine.

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Winter camp in a Yurt

Not quite ready for full-on winter camping? Yurt rentals at the Pinery Provincial Park– complete with bunks, table and chairs, electric lighting, and a heater- offer glamping at its finest. Normally booked on weekends, the Park recommends making a reservation well in advance, and hot chocolate is strongly recommended.

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Get a breakfast burrito from Kitchen Eggspress

If you’re not eating tater-tot breakfast poutine, did you really even brunch? Kitchen Eggspress – located at Reece’s Corners – serves up some of the most drool-worthy all-day breakfast sandwiches and breakfast burritos in Lambton County. Don’t believe us? Just check out their Instagram. Don’t say we didn’t warn you…

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Go Christmas shopping at Comme Moi Boutique

A little late to the game when it comes to Christmas shopping? Consider Comme Moi boutique – a well-curated selection of unique clothes, shoes, and accessories in downtown Sarnia – your one-stop-shop for every chic person on your list.

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Get your gourmet on at F.I.N.E.

Had enough dry holiday turkey? Red Seal certified chef Erryn Shephard at F.I.N.E. A Restaurant has your back. Indulge in delectable dishes like black angus New York striploin with armesan frites or oven roasted lack of lamb before digging in to a trio of brulees for dessert. You can thank us for the recommendation later.

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Go on a wine tour at Dark Horse

Located in scenic Grand Bend, a wine tour at Dark Horse Estate Winery is the perfect way to spend a lazy holiday afternoon. Oh, and they do artisan pizzas in their wood oven. Need we say more?

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