1. Bean Counter
Where the county’s anti-Hortons contingent caffeinates. The comfy four-year-old establishment (now in a new location) features a fireplace, wooden furniture and cheerfully painted walls. BC serves up a flavourful spectrum of homemade gelati. Sour cherry sorbet (made with local fruit) and maple ice cream (from county syrup) are standouts. 172 Main St., 613-476-1718.

2. Buddha Dog
Owners Andrew Hunter and Andrew MacKenzie’s dainty doglets are to the plebeian wiener what the mini-Kobe is to the Quarter Pounder. Made from tasty local beef, the highbrow one-handers come dressed in a range of lusty sauces (spicy jerk is a favourite) and Black River cheeses (brie on Fridays). Coming this summer: a second Buddha Dog is slated to open on Roncesvalles. 172 Main St., 613-476-3814.

3. Cooke’s Fine Foods
The original Kingston emporium was founded in 1865. This four-year-old offspring claims the same old-world charms (pressed-tin ceilings, dark wood shelves) and the finest in picnic basket–ready Canadian savouries: raw-milk Québécois cheeses, pear chutneys and cider salad dressing (from local chef Michael Sullivan), and mustards from Mrs. Mc­Garrigle’s. 202 Main St., 613-476-2888.

4. Kelly’s
Kelly Roblin’s designer pooch, Henry (a Dorky—half dachshund, half Yorkie), lounges on a faux fur–swathed armchair with the ennui of a bratty teen. His deportment sets the tone in this sassy Seventeen mag–style boutique, stocked with eye-batting summer sweaters from Gentle Fawn, baubles from Foxy and sweet sneaks from Sugar. 197 Main St., 613-476-6137.

5. Olivia & Co. Fine Used Books
Named after a former resident cat (now deceased), this bookshop has all the requisite trappings: the consoling sounds of creaking floors and flipping pages, well-loved volumes set on paint-chipped wooden shelves, soft-spoken staff and a solid array of leather-bound collectibles. 182 Main St., 613-471-1895.

6. Claramount Inn & Spa
This grand, 100-year-old manor overlooking Picton Bay features seven spacious guest rooms; most are appointed with gilt-edged mirrors, soaker tubs, lovely verandas and sitting areas that make you feel like reading Ladies’ Home Journal. The spa (a proponent of Kneipp therapy, based on the findings of a 19th-century monk) pampers with Vichy showers, mud treatments and seaweed wraps. TIP: Try a massage in the heated saltwater pool. 97 Bridge St., 613-476-2709, 1-800-679‑7756.

7. Harvest
Chef Michael Potters’ menu is a valentine to local farms, enchanting palates with fantastically fresh ingredients, rich, earthy flavours, and a warm, seductive room that is as elegant as it is mellow. TIP: Book a table in August or September to indulge in the 100-mile menu. 106 Bridge St., 613-476‑6763.