Written By Alan Good
TRAVEL - Our endgame on this trip was Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens, a place we took our children years ago and still remembered the enjoyment we received. Colasanti’s offers some good hours of viewing and shopping pleasure for those interested in outdoor gardening, yard decor, and animals.
Driving west on the 401 as we wanted to arrive there in good time, as opposed to the more scenic highway 3, the trip took less than two hours from London. Even so, the place was busy as families walked in and out like ants at a picnic carrying their finds.
Since our last visit changes have occurred and there is more to see and do than before. Plants of all varieties, including tropical ones such as bright and beautiful orchids, are available to see and purchase. For your yard, the nursery stocks loads of feathers, bowls, baskets and hand-made clay pots.
If the kids are bored, they can play on the mini-putt range or try their luck in the arcade room. Lights and sounds in the darken atmosphere provide plenty of ambiance.
Everyone will most likely enjoy the petting farm, where they can see pigs, llamas, reptiles and exotic birds and even feed and pet some goats. Learning plaques display interesting tidbits such as “Chickens have more than 30 types of vocalizations”. Another states, “Peacock is the name for the colourfully plumaged male peafowl only”.
The Macaws, Conures and friendly Cockatoo originated from South America, Australia, Philippines, and Soloman Islands. The alligator and tortoises lazed by water as large koi swam nearby. Hungry after shopping, feeding goats and playing? Colasanti’s has a café to feed your inner person.
Being near Leamington, besides Colasanti’s there are parks nearby for picnics, boating and hiking. If you are a history buff, countless plaques provide information on our rich past.
In all, the trip is worth the drive, but taking the scenic route back made our day. Views of Lake Erie, towns and villages, and stopping at roadside markets, added a level of pleasure to the day.
