The “Follow 44” campaign is designed to encourage travellers to explore more than one-hundred tourist-friendly destinations along Leeds Grenville County Road 44, a picturesque country drive that stretches from Ottawa, through Kemptville, and into Spencerville.
Creating a tourist route was the brainchild of Meagan Warren, who co-owns and operates Wildling Acres flower farm with her young son, Jax. She hopes to attract more people to her Pick Your Own Bouquet events and to visit her booth every Sunday at the Kemptville Farmers’ Market, also on the route.
“My road has so many cool spots, I thought it just made sense to tie us all together,” said Warren, “Just within a stone throw from me, you’ll find a fabulous antiques store, Saunders Country Zoo Sanctuary, and even a winery with a vineyard. I thought, 'why aren’t we working together?'”
This led her to reach out to her neighbours, the local municipalities, and the regional tourism organization (RTO9). All were interested in collaborating on the idea.
“We all agreed it had potential,” said Warren, “so we all pitched in to help make it happen,”
What you'll find along County Road 44
Follow44 invites visitors to travel along County Road 44 from the Rideau River Provincial Park, through Old Town Kemptville, past country attractions, and into Spencerville.
It’s just 27 kilometers long, so you could drive it in half an hour—but why rush? Travellers are encouraged to take the time to enjoy coffee and fresh scones, explore a wooded trail network, chat with artists, visit with a lemur, browse a sweet boutique, visit a quiet village, or unwind with a leisurely paddle on one of three rivers along the way.
Paddling, Antiquing, Cafés
Visit the Website for Daytrip Ideas
Travellers can find a directory of destinations on the www.follow44.ca website, along with:
- suggested itineraries,
- an interactive map,
- ideas for unique day trips and weekend adventures
Handouts for the route are currently rolling out and will be available at many participating locations along the way.
The Odd Spot's innovative blend of traditional board games with a modern café experience is poised to become a major attraction for tourists exploring along County Road 44. This unique destination will captivate families, gaming enthusiasts, and curious travelers alike, offering them a perfect spot to unwind, play, and savor delightful treats along their journey.
Co-owner, Amy, shares her enthusiasm, "We are thrilled to participate in Follow 44. This initiative brings more visitors to our area, allowing us to share our passion for games and culinary delights with a broader community. We look forward to welcoming new faces and creating unforgettable experiences for everyone who visits.”
The Follow 44 campaign encourages collaboration and support within the local business community. The project was made possible through the Regional Tourism Organization’s (RTO9) Partnership Funding program, (funded by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport), which aims to collaborate with businesses to create a competitive advantage in tourism experiences throughout the South Eastern Ontario region. (Next intake opens July 5th.)
The Municipality of North Grenville, the Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal, local businesses Wildling Acres and Just Ask Mary, all supported the project. Everyone involved express their sincere gratitude to the participating businesses for their participation in this campaign.
For more information about the Follow 44 campaign, please visit www.follow44.ca.
