This is a collection of activities in no particular order other than the general groupings.

Food/Eating

Armuns – Southampton – the owner is a real character and great food too. Read the sign at the door, it says it all. 11:30-2:30ish
Lighthouse Cafe – Southampton – another great breakfast/lunch spot
Rm 707 – Southampton – A fine dining experience comparable to a high end urban restaurant located right here in our own little town of Southampton.
Walkers House – Southampton – your typical pub fare.
Allen’s Fireside Grill – Port Elgin – a great pub fare but particularly appreciated on a cold wet day with their several fireplaces you can sit beside and enjoy. If you are into dips, try their 3 cheese dip. You will be trying to duplicate this when you get home.
Gerry’s Fast Food – on the beach Southampton – a town icon for years known for their fries. To the point that some people refer to that strip of beach as Gerry’s Beach.
Southampton Thai Cusine – Southampton – still an unknown gem. Great Thai food and amazing customer service. Huge quantities too.
Outlaw Brewery – Southampton – besides the brewery (and it’s great beer at that), they do a brisk business especially around lunch
Duffy Fish & Chips – Southampton – Never been but been told by several a great F&C place
Elk & Finch Southampton – from great morning coffee (prepare to line up out the door) to full on bistro dinners. A highly recommended stop
Luscious Bakery Deli Cafe – a Sauble staple. Again prepare to line up, meet the characters who make this a morning stop worthy of your time, amazing pastries and pies too.
Southampton Bakery – another Southampton staple. If you like bread, join the lineup here. Saturday mornings you can spend an hour waiting but will be happy you did.
The Wellness Refinery Cafe – Sauble Beach – Every health food addict likely already knows this place, but for the rest of us, great healthy options

Misc Food related

Independents – Port Elgin – your local larger food store
HiBerry Farms – almost Port Elgin (on Highway 21 enroute there) – fresh fruit and veggies – if you can get the strawberries, do it!

Activities

Bike Route – Rail Trail – starts at the intersection of Adelaide and Grosvenor in Southampton – takes you right into Port Elgin. A pleasant path to ride, very young family friendly – easy to do
Bike Route – Great Lakes Waterfront Trail – starts at the south end of Huron Street, goes right to the marina in Port Elgin – for the most part, rides adjacent to the road. Wouldn’t take small children on this given the adjacent road traffic but a beautiful view of Chantry Island etc – some people even roller blade this too.
Bike Route – Wiarton – Owen Sound Scenic Route – beautiful scenic route that for a large chunk of it, follows the shoreline of Georgian Bay. For the more ambitious cyclist. Lots of picnics spots along the way too. Lot’s of people drive this too for the scenic aspect too.
Hiking – Georgian Bay Caves – Along the Wiarton – Owen Sound scenic route, a great place to hike and check out the caves.
Excursions – Flower Pot Island – Bruce Peninsula – A great way to spend an afternoon. Take the boat out to the island. Have a picnic. Very scenic. Some interesting flora along the shores too. Even low cliff jumping into the water.
Excursions – Chi Cheemaun – Tobermory (top of Bruce Peninsula) – can make a day touring on Mnidoo Mnising (Manitoulin Island) or simply go for a return trip to view some very beautiful rugged landscape the region is known for.
Fishing – Denny’s Dam – through the year, many people try their luck here but in the fall, the numbers really come out for the salmon and steelhead run
Fishing – Chantry Chinook Classic – runs from last week of July through the first week of August

Support info

Bike rentals – Martin’s Bike Shop
Canoe & kayak rentals – Thorncrest Outfitters

Markets

what is a trip to the cottage without checking out the local markets

Southampton Market – every day – think old fashion general store… collection of everything from knick knacks, kitchen supplies, tools paintings & prints, linens to the largest selection of Mennonite furniture in Ontario
Port Elgin Beach Market – Wednesdays – Located right in the middle of Port Elgin’s downtown, you will find an amazing selection of fresh local produce, unique local artisans and yummy eats. Come on out each Wednesday from 9am-2pm from Jun 16, 2021 – Sep 1, 2021.
Keady Market – Tuesdays – stroll through the rustic aisles with 250 vendors selling everything from Niagara Peaches, local deli meats, fresh produce and baked good, and other various non-food items. Something for everyone. Take in a real live livestock auction starting a 9am too.

Other reference sites

besides my list, check out some of these sites that do this full time

Explore The Bruce
Southampton BIA

For the record, I’ve received no compensation for listing any place/activity here. That said, for the most part, unless stated, I have used all of these myself and can recommend them. If you have a place you’d like to recommend, submit it in the comments below and I will check them out.