If you drive 11 kilometres north (6.8 miles) along the Niagara Parkway you’d come to the lovely early 19^th century village of Queenston at the foot of the Niagara Escarpment near Queenston Heights Park. It was originally called, Queen’s Town by the British soldiers who occupied a big part of this community during the War of 1812-14. The name was later shortened to Queenstown.

On a day when the sky was as clear as a pane of glass I headed for Queenston where I parked my car near the historic Mackenzie Printery and headed out to spend an hour or so soaking up the history of this village. I checked out the many historic early 19^th century buildings all within walking distance. Some of the highlights for me was the rough-cut limestone Queenston Library and Community Centre, the village post office, Laura Secord’s family home, Willowbank Mansion and St. Savior Brock Memorial Church overlooking the Niagara River. There are plenty more elaborate and simply homes that delight the eyes.

It’s noteworthy to mention that many of these buildings were re-built after the settlement was burned by U.S. Troops on December 10, 1813 after their unsuccessful attempted to capture Queenston Heights during the War of 1812-14.

Today residents practise an easy-as-you-go lifestyle.

This remains a nice place to visit and wind down our sometime hectic pace of life.