THE NEW YORK TIMES NAMES THE EASTERN TOWNSHIPS ON THEIR ' LIST OF 52 PLACES TO GO IN 2023!

Only one Canadian entry made the list and the Townships made the 49th spot! Quebec’s countryside was praised as “Slow travel at its best,” by New York Times travel expert AnneLise Sorensen, who insists that the area is best explored by bicycle. “Pedal across the quiet Quebec countryside, refueling on local cheese, wine and, yes, poutine.”

The Eastern Townships was described as “Canada’s New England, with French flair” by Sorensen.

Véloroute Gourmande - the 240-kilometre cycle route that links Montreal to Sherbrooke features more than 100 epicurean stops along the way, from farmers’ markets and maple groves to fromageries and vineyards.

I’m so proud to say that I hail from the region. So much so, that after leaving early on in life to explore my career in the big city of Montreal, I’ve found myself downsizing my life and moving back to the country where my heart has really always been.

As I continue to rediscover my region I want to share all of the great shops and services that I feel you need to consider when buying local.

Image Source: Quebec Getaways

Image Source: NeverStopTravelin.com

FJORD INTERIORS

1122 Rue du Sud, Suite 250, Cowansville, Qc. J2K 2Y8
@fjord_interieurs

FJORD interiors is a design studio specializing in kitchen, bathroom and built-in furniture design.

They have two locations - Mont-Saint-Hilaire and Cowansville - and also offer a carefully chosen selection of furniture and accessories.

It’s a unique concept that I just love. A full service offering for anyone looking to remodel or refresh their space.

Local Shops I’m Loving Right Now

LUMINAIRE AUTHENTIK

https://www.luminaireauthentik.com/
1122 Rue du Sud, Suite 250, Cowansville, Qc. J2K 2Y8
@luminaire_authentik

Located in the same building as Fjord Interiors, this lighting boutique offers a fresh take on lighting. Create a bespoke light for any space by choosing your shade and electrical connections.

Authentically made locally and in Canada.

https://www.luminaireauthentik.com/en/light-fixture-made-in-canada/

Be sure to book an appointment if you want the full experience.

CAMLEN

https://camlenfurniture.ca/
110 Lakeside Road, Knowlton, QC J0E 1V0
@camlen_furniture

Situated in the heart of Knowlton, QC, this beautiful boutique has been selling antiques and decorative items since 1982.

They build custom furniture from 150-year-old vintage, reclaimed pine, into heirloom-worthy pieces built for life.

I swoon over their Scandi / New England style dining chairs and their beautiful linens every time I visit. It’s hard to walk out without something special.

JARDINS EASTMAN

http://jardinseastman.com/
587, rue Principale, Eastman (Québec) J0E 1P0
@jardinseastman

Amazing place to shop locally for all your outdoor and indoor plant or supply needs. Cute little boutique style shop with great clay pots and great gift ideas. They are so well versed in all your gardening needs.

Ask for Nicolas!

BOUTIQUE ART DE VIVRE

https://boutiqueartdevivre.com/
400 Rue Principale O, Magog, QC J1X 2A9
@boutiqueartdevivre

Small boutique in the heart of Magog, QC in the Eastern Townships. They niche on more of a beachy style to cater to their local marina lovers and seasonal cottage goer clientele - but I love to shop their kitchen and art. Definitely one of the cutest shops in Magog that fits my Scandic style.

ATELIER BOUFFE

https://www.atelierbouffe.ca/
14 Principale Sud, Sutton, QC J0E 2K0
@atelierbouffe

A quaint little shop in the heart of Sutton, QC, in the Eastern Townships. Owned by the loveliest ladies I’ve met in the decor world - they sell everything related to entertaining and kitchen. Great brands like Staub, Opinel, Rochere, Breville and more. Oils and pasta from Italy and Spain. It’s just a great little shop and the owners are so friendly and helpful. I feel like I’m their only client when I visit.