We are so fortunate in Ottawa to have exceptional small businesses. Many of them have been working over-time to adapt to the stay home orders and regulations that make it impossible to do business-as-usual. Others have always been offering virtual and distance services that you can enjoy at home. Either way – there are plenty of ways that you can stay safe, entertained, and support local right now.
I have put together a list of some fantastic Ottawa businesses that offerings experiences you can take home: from the delicious to the artsy, you are sure to find something fun you can do in your own living room!
Here are some Ottawa experiences that you can have from the comfort of your home – and you have more to add to the list, please DM me at Nina Near and Far on Instagram!
Ottawa Experiences at Home
Dinner & Drinks
Bar From Afar Cocktails
It’s happy hour at home! Bar From Afar Kits come with everything you need for speciality cocktails including alcohol, ice, and flavour packets. Choose from date night, seasonal, or alcohol-of-choice kits.
Zoe’s Afternoon Tea
Bring the luxury of the Fairmont Chateau Laurier home with you. Zoe’s Afternoon Tea is now available for delivery of pick up on Saturdays. Choose your tea and enjoy a selection of delicious sandwiches, desserts, and Chateau Laurier’s original and cherry scones.
Rebels in the Kitchen
Indulge in your love of Lebanese food – and make it yourself! Rebels in the Kitchen specializes in authentic Lebanese Mediterranean cooking and is offering virtual workshops for you and your friends (multiple Zoom participants allowed). Pick your menu, pick up your ingredients, and start cooking!
Chefs Paradise
The good food continues! Chefs Paradise is hosting a variety of online cooking workshops to choose from. If you’re looking for a 1-on-1 cooking experience, you can also book a workshop with one of their chefs. They also have a great archive of recipes (some including videos) on their website.
La Bottega At Home
Enjoy the best of Italian food and wines in your very own home. La Bottega’s weekly take home meal offering includes appetizers, a main course, and dessert for pick up on Friday afternoons. Add-on wine or other favourite foods. Another option (and something we love doing) is to visit La Bottega in the market and pick up wine, a couple of delicious cheeses, and crackers for your very own at-home wine and cheese.
Crafts, Planting & Activities
Flowers Talk Tivoli Workshops
Keep your plant collection growing with a DIY kit or a virtual plant & flower workshop with Flowers Talk Tivoli. There are seasonal and festive options to choose from this winter. I did their terrarium workshop and am thrilled with my new living room, succulent centre piece!
Maker House Co.
Feeling up for a hands on project? Maker House Co. offers a variety of do-it-yourself project kits ranging from cross stitching to mini log cabins that you can proudly display in your home once built!
Hooking Outside the Lines
Try your hand at rug hooking! Hooking Outside the Lines is offering virtual rug hooking workshops, including a beginner’s workshop. Purchase your own supplies or order a kit in time for the workshop.
Canadian Craft Crates DIY Kits
Spruce up your home decor with something you made yourself and that supports a local business. Canadian Craft Crate will deliver everything you need, for the project of your choice, right to your door.
Escape Manor’s Taken
If you love puzzles, this one is for you! Escape Manor is currently open to household groups of four or less, but they also designed an online escape room that you can play from the comfort of your home. My family and I tried this during the first lockdown and it was a blast!
