During the summer, we delightfully explored our nostalgia for the long summers of childhood—we dug our hands into the dirt, jumped into a warm lake, and spent a lot of time with our eyes closed, watching the shapes created by the shadows of the large branches in the sunlight.
During our fall walks, we also long for a return to the school field trips to the farm from our childhood—to the gentle goats, the mud, and the noisy chicken coops.
The Holy Grail of soft-furred animals (which used to scare us when we were little) is the alpaca—and, of course, an alpaca farm in one of the most beautiful spots in Quebec is a must-visit in the fall.
SUTTON ALPACAS
The Sutton Alpaca Farm covers about 4 square kilometers, and some thirty alpacas live there like kings. Their enclosures are spacious and surrounded by the region’s most beautiful natural scenery—the colorful hills of the Eastern Townships.
The farm also has a shop where we can buy wool for knitting, so we can take our passion for knitting and our love of fallen leaves on a road trip. And that way, we’ll be able to wrap soft alpaca around our necks when the weather gets really cold.
You can stroll along the trails that wind through the farm and the surrounding crimson-hued forest, sit down at a picnic table, and watch the long-legged fur balls while eating a sandwich and taking a deep breath of the crisp fall air.
We really don’t need anything more to soak up the fall spirit, and we can add a visit to the farm to our schedule today to help us get over the blues of going back to school.
–
Where? ALPAGAS SUTTON, 1474 Chemin Macey, Sutton (about a 1 hour 25 minute drive from downtown Montreal)
When? The farm is open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
What? No reservation needed to visit the farm / Adult admission $10, admission for ages 3–12 $5, free for babies
–
OUR FAVORITE SPOTS AROUND SUTTON
THE SUTTON ARTS CENTER
The Sutton Arts Center, affectionately known simply as Arts Sutton by those who hold it dear, is a community of nearly 300 members (artists, patrons, and art lovers) that organizes gatherings, exhibitions, and a space dedicated to the arts and artists.
Arts Sutton was founded in 1980 by local artists and was recognized by the Quebec Ministry of Culture in 1986. Since then, art has been thriving in this lovely art center, which is well worth a visit to see the region through its most poetic eyes.
Where?Arts Sutton, 7 Academy Street, Sutton
–
THE WITCHES’ CAULDRONS
After a visit to the Arts Center, we recommend taking a stroll along the “witches’ cauldrons” trail— a series of natural pools carved into the rock by the river—at Sutton Natural Environment Park.
Where? 800 Chemin Réal, Sutton
–
ECO-LODGINGS AMONG TREETOPS AND ROOTS
To clear our minds, refresh our eyes, breathe in the crisp air of the reddening leaves, and soak in the silence of the woods, we’re going to live like hobbits for a weekend.
Entre Cîmes et Racines is a 71-hectare forest estate, preserved and set aside for a certain appreciation of nature—old-fashioned, almost medieval. There’s a campground, eco-lodges without electricity, and little bridges spanning the rivers. Plus, there are 12 kilometers of hiking trails.
The complex has three cave-like eco-cabins (dug into the earth) that resemble the hobbit houses in the Shire from *The Lord of the Rings*. The first one is actually called *LE HOBBIT*. It sleeps four, and features a kitchenette, round windows, an outdoor table, a dry toilet, and a fireplace for a fire.
Where? BetweenCîmes and Racines, at 80 Chemin Simard (via Ch. Bellevue), Bolton-Est
