Deep in the doldrums of late winter, we have a tendency to whine: “There’s nothing to do.”  But of course, we’re wrong – there’s always plenty to do in Niagara.

WINE

Start by having a little wine with that whine. Did you realize that there are more than 200 wineries in our delicious little region? And most of them offer tastings and tours. Think about it. If you started drinking now and visited one winery a day, it would be almost seven months before you were completely sober again. Now there’s inspiration for you!

How about another reason to drink…and get creative? Innovative wineries such as 13th Street now offer painting and sipping nights. They supply the wine, the canvas and the paints. You supply the Leonardo-like inspiration. Enjoy the fruits of the vine while you unleash your inner artist – what could be better? www.13thstreetwinery.com/events

FOOD

Food is always good when you’re bored – so learn to cook something new. From the delectably casual classes held nearly weekly at the St. Catharines Superstore, to the full-on cooking school at the Good Earth Food and Wine Co. www.goodearthfoodandwine.com/events/ there’s bound to be something to tickle your tastebuds.

ROCK CLIMBING

Rock on – in the Niagara Gorge. A climbers’ dream, the Gorge has a collection of cliff faces that offer everything from gentle ascents for the beginner to rugged uphill battles for the seasoned adventurer. Sound too challenging? Go for a hike instead and watch others risking their necks.

PERFORMANCES

Steep yourself in a bit of culture at St. Catharines’ shiny new First Ontario Performing Arts Centre with its cinemas, concert halls and theatres (see www.firstontariopac.ca/online for a complete lineup) or catch a game or a show at the Meridian Centre. Over the past two years, we’ve leapfrogged over every other local community to be able to boast some of the best performing arts facilities in the province, so take advantage!

READING

Feeling a little brain dead? Read something that will make you think. In honour of Harper Lee who died recently, reread “To Kill a Mockingbird”, then follow it up with “Go Set a Watchman”, the sequel she never wanted to release. Published just last year, that second book will make you think about good old Scout and Atticus in a whole new way!

SPA

A little pampering never hurts, so indulge. Now’s the time to shed the dry, tired skin of winter and start spring with a fresh face. Check out the offerings at the Spa at White Oaks, www.whiteoaksresort.com/niagara-spa.html and book a body scrub and wrap, a massage and a facial. Yes, you deserve all that. You survived winter, didn’t you?