A break away

For me, one of the best ways to appreciate the city is to take a break and get away.

One of my favourite places to go when I want to escape life in Toronto is actually a little beach town on the shores of Lake Erie.

It's days like today that make me want to go back.

Earlier as I walked home, the sky was already dark even though it was only a little past 5 p.m. Little clouds of fog swirled in circles from my breath. And as tomorrow brings the beginning of November, it makes me think back to just months ago when the humidity was the only weather concern on my mind.

During the summer months, I try to make my way down to Port Dover as often as I can. From the first long weekend of the season to the last, the streets are filled with beach patrons touring through the tiny shops and eateries, taking advantage of the hot sun while they can.

It's easy to spend a day weaving in and out of air-conditioned vendors to pick through summer shorts, sandals and attire. Or walking down the beach, cooling your feet from the hot sand in the surf. The brigh glare from the sun browns, burns and freckles the skin of beach bathers. Imported palm trees sway above and yachts, sea doos and sailboats glide back and forth beyond the buoys.

And no Port Dover excursion is complete without a sampling of the town's famous perch, celery bread or Arbor footlong. The beach-side buffet of Lake Erie fish and appetizers is almost as notorious as Dover's Friday the 13th festivities.

The stands, shops and sidewalks are busy right through until September. But when the first frost hits, business in the beach town changes. When the days become shorter, the visitors become fewer. Many shopowners close up althogether. Residents in Port Dover finally get their sidewalks and grocery store parking spots back.

And those fond of the small town are forced to wait out the winter and suffer through the spring until the streets of Port Dover are busy again.

Only six more months.