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St. Jacobs, in the picturesque county of Waterloo, is an ideal choice for a romantic getaway with your valentine. Located on the banks of the Conestogo River in the heart of Old Order Mennonite Country, it's a community of 1,400 surrounded by a patchwork of farms and fields. Watch for the "Slow Moving Vehicle" signs because you share the roads with horse-drawn buggies and wagons. Yes, there's a sense of calm here.
Things to do Visit the enclosed St. Jacobs Farmers Market and Flea Market with over 400 vendors and open Thursday and Saturdays from 7am until 3:30 pm. Purchase a symbolic jar of Saugeen Country Honey from David Schmit and his nine-year-old son, Joshua.
When it's time to enjoy a bite, head to The Stone Crock Bakery for oh-so delicious baked goods that will threaten to clog one's arteries. St. Jacobs Visitor Centre on the town's main street contains a sleek Mennonite Museum explaining the history, lifestyle and beliefs of the Mennonites. Drop some money in the donation box. In the museum shop buy a two-dollar self-guided tour of Mennonite country. Mennonite Country Tour A sure highlight of your visit, a one-hour, lazy, pastoral drive carries one over rolling hills and lovely farm country. The guide explains the large wooden Mennonite homes, farms and businesses of these charming people. Along the way, stop at Wallenstein's, a Mennonite general store, (closed Sundays-cash only). Pucker-up at the West Montrose Covered Bridge (Kissing Bridge) Ontario's oldest covered bridge, built in 1881, near the end of the self-guided tour. 
Where to Eat Benjamin's Restaurant is housed in a refurbished 1852 inn in the heart of St. Jacobs. This romantic place exudes the ambiance of an historic inn with hand-hewn beams and open fireplaces. Save room for their fabulous desserts. The other option involves a ten-minute drive to Verses Restaurant, a heavenly dining experience in this unique, former Apostolic Church. Romantics will savour it. Tables replace pews. The heartfelt service, food and ambiance inspires one to sing their praises. Both restaurants offer Valentine's Day specials, and these two best-bets will surely reward you with a bouquet of kisses. Where to Stay The staff at the Best Western St. Jacobs Country Inn work at spoiling you, suites spacious and smartly planned. Some boast their own whirlpools and fireplaces. A jumbo whirlpool spa and steam room in the fitness centre helps one unwind. In the morning the complimentary hot continental breakfast is more than satisfactory. 
George Bailey contributes to Sun Media's 43 paid-circulation newspapers across Canada as well as numerous magazines. George has appeared on CNN, Good Morning America, Canada AM, The Discovery Channel, and Live with Regis and Cathy Lee. He has published five books on Niagara Falls. Photo Credits George Bailey If you go
St Jacobs Horse Drawn Tours: www.stjacobshorsedrawntours.com or 519-500-5168 Benjamin's Restaurant: www.stjacobs.com/benjamins or 519-664-1513 Verses Restaurant www.versesrestaurant.ca or 519-744-0144. St. Jacobs Country Inn: www.stjacobscountryinn.com or 1-800-972-5371 Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Jacobs,_Ontario Wikitravel: http://wikitravel.org/en/St_Jacobs_%28Ontario%29 Churches & Synagogues: http://directory.kitchenerwaterloodirect.info/Groups_Organizations/Religious_Groups/ Fiction: http://www.bethelks.edu/mennonitelife/bibliographies/1979.php
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