Thousand Islands Life, The perfect Tipsy Goat

Every once in a while, you enter a store and suddenly, it feels as though you’re right at home. It’s not only the merchandise that makes you smile, but the owners who make you feel like family, and the ambiance is perfect.

Perfect for a summer outing, a cup of coffee, a cold beer, or even a glass of wine. Perfect as you’re not fighting the traffic or traffic lights of a big city – but rather, you’ve discovered The Tipsy Goat in Lansdowne, ON, just a few minutes north of the 401 at exit #659, in the Thousand Islands.

During our visit, we had the pleasure of meeting the owners, Leah and Dan. They were busy preparing for their 2024 opening, but still took the time to chat with us. Their passion for their business was evident in their answers to our questions. And as a special treat, they brewed a cup of coffee for us, which we enjoyed throughout the afternoon.

These personal touches make The Tipsy Goat more than just a meeting place. It’s a store with fantastic merchandise and it’s also a brand-new social club – with bar stools, comfortable chairs, and a community table where you can sit and chat with people – old and new friends. Once the season starts, there will be two outside patios where you can sit and enjoy the sun and at the same time find some unique food features. Fresh baking comes from the local Bakery and there will be charcuterie plates, featuring local food products and Tipsy Goat Salads.

Opened four years ago, just in time for Covid, Dan and Leah chose Lansdowne for two reasons. First, Leah hails from Kington and wanted to return to Ontario, to be near her family – and when Dan located the Second Empire Victorian, Leah knew it was the one. Leah and Dan made a new Canadian home.

The building they chose has a long and storied history as the Lansdowne Hardware Store. The feeling of that old building hits you immediately upon entering and looking up – the tin ceiling is perfect! However, the outside of the building, while in good form, was in need of a facelift. Simply due to the sheer size of the building the time and effort needed was certainly immense. But the outcome is - yes - perfect.

The Restoration went from Oct 9, 2019 – Nov 20, 2022! But WOW it is perfect!

Leah is an artist, so choosing colours—9 of them in all—for the exterior of the building was her passion. Dan was miles away before the actual renovations began. While they chose colours together, Dan still marvels at her eye for placement and detail. However, seeing the transformation in photographs makes one realize the gigantic undertaking. It also makes one smile – and to be grateful that you’re not the one up on that scaffolding!

The Tipsy Goat stayed open last year until Christmas Eve – for those last minute shoppers! The building is located at the main intersection in the village of Lansdowne, a few minutes north of Highway 401. The summer hours are simple Thursday - Sunday and perhaps Monday. But be sure to check the hours they will expand over the summer.

Once again, in this author's mind, it is simply perfect. Perfect for a summer outing, for a cup of coffee, a cold beer, and even a glass of wine . . . go and see for yourself!

By Susan W. Smith, editor, info@thousandislandslife.com