As you continue your literary exploration, make a stop at The Book Nook & Other Treasures. Uncover novels that unfold in the very streets of Perth, adding an extra layer of connection to the town. The store’s rich history, once home to Haggis’ Homemade Candy, adds to the charm of your journey.

We’ve consulted these literary havens to provide you with a curated selection for your reading pleasure. Delve into our suggested picks available at these bookstores, or simply inquire for tailored recommendations that suit your preferences. Get ready to immerse yourself in a captivating read during your picnic!

📚 Before Your Memory Fades / Toshikazu Kawaguchi  

Translated from Japanese by Geoffrey Trousselot and featuring signature heart-warming characters and wistful storytelling, in Before Your Memory Fades, Kawaguchi once again invites the reader to ask themselves: what would you change if you could travel back in time?

📚 Burn / James Patterson

Detective Michael Bennett finally returns to New York City—and to the most unsettling, horrific case of his career.At last, Detective Michael Bennett and his family are coming home to New York City. Thanks to Bennett, the ruthless crime lord whose vengeful mission forced the Bennett family into hiding has been brought down for good.

📚 Dearly / Margaret Atwood

By turns moving, playful and wise, the poems gathered in Dearly are about absences and endings, ageing and retrospection, but also about gifts and renewals. They explore bodies and minds in transition, as well as the everyday objects and rituals that embed us in the present. Werewolves, sirens and dreams make their appearance, as do various forms of animal life and fragments of our damaged environment.

📚 Norse Mythology / Neil Gaiman  

Neil Gaiman, long inspired by ancient mythology in creating the fantastical realms of his fiction, presents a bravura rendition of the Norse gods and their world from their origin though their upheaval in Ragnarok.

📚 Meet Me at the Lake / Carley Fortune

Fern Brookbanks has wasted far too much of her adult life thinking about Will Baxter. She spent just twenty-four hours in her early twenties with the aggravatingly attractive, idealistic artist, a chance encounter that spiraled into a daylong adventure in Toronto. The timing was wrong, but their connection was undeniable: they shared every secret, every dream, and made a pact to meet one year later. Fern showed up. Will didn’t.

Old Fire Hall ( Library Administrative Offices)

What to do next after Book Picnic

🚶 Self-Guided Walking Tours

The allure of downtown Perth awaits afterward, where guided heritage tours reveal the town’s history and culture. Select from a variety of engaging thematic walking tours (or why not experience them all!) using the complimentary Driftscape walking tour app, available for download on your phone or tablet. Visit the Visitor Information Centre for free WiFi to download the app or to receive assistance if required.

Feel like discovering the town at your own pace? If you prefer tangible guides, you have two choices: swing by the Perth Visitor Information Centre at 11 Gore St. to grab a self-guided tour brochure, or print your own copy at home. This version boasts more than 65 stops and leads you on a comprehensive journey across town.

🎨 Explore Studios and Galleries

Perth is teeming with a wealth of skilled professional artists specializing in drawings, paintings, glasswork, and sculptures. Draw creative inspiration from Studio 87, an exquisite fine art gallery, as well as various local studios. Delve into engaging workshops at The Cordwood Studio, where you can explore natural hide tanning buckskin and Round Willow Handbasket crafting, amongst others. Unleash your artistic flair and savor memorable family moments as you create your own masterpieces.

For an enriching encounter with local artisans, be sure to include the Art Works Perth Studio Tour and Perth Autumn Studio Tour in your itinerary.

🏛 Visit Perth Museum

Step back from the modern era into the enchanting realm of the 1840s at the graceful Matheson House, the esteemed abode of the award-winning Perth Museum. Nestled downtown at 11 Gore Street East, this cherished tourist gem stands as a National Historic Site.

Crafted from stone in 1840, this residence was commissioned by the Honourable Roderick Matheson, a prosperous merchant and a distinguished senator during Canada’s inaugural parliamentary assembly following Confederation. Immerse yourself in the past through four meticulously preserved period rooms – the parlour, dining room, drawing room, and the inviting kitchen – all adorned to recapture the Matheson family’s 90-year legacy within its welcoming walls.

🏛 Visit Perth Museum

Step back from the modern era into the enchanting realm of the 1840s at the graceful Matheson House, the esteemed abode of the award-winning Perth Museum. Nestled downtown at 11 Gore Street East, this cherished tourist gem stands as a National Historic Site.

Crafted from stone in 1840, this residence was commissioned by the Honourable Roderick Matheson, a prosperous merchant and a distinguished senator during Canada’s inaugural parliamentary assembly following Confederation. Immerse yourself in the past through four meticulously preserved period rooms – the parlour, dining room, drawing room, and the inviting kitchen – all adorned to recapture the Matheson family’s 90-year legacy within its welcoming walls.

As the sun begins to set and your appetite stirs, get ready for a delectable dining experience in charming Downtown Perth. With an array of choices that cater to every palate, you’re in for a treat! Whether you’re a fan of dishes made with locally sourced and fresh ingredients or you’re craving international flavors that transport your taste buds, Perth has it all.

🍴 Mex & Co.

📍 55 Gore St E, Perth, ON K7H 1H6

Savor the vibrant flavors of Mexico with a touch of California, all while basking in the serene view of the Tay River. Delight in a fantastic lunch experience that caters to both young and old, complemented by a charming patio setting

🍴 The Stone Cellar
📍 71 Gore St E, Perth, ON K7H 1H7

Elevate your dining experience at The Stone Cellar Restaurant, a family-run gem where culinary artistry meets historic charm. From award-winning cuisine to an ever-evolving menu, savor casual fine dining in a captivating stone building. Unwind on the serene patio and let expertly paired wines complement your culinary journey.