Ottawans are fortunate to have a bounty of beautiful towns and leisurely getaways right outside the city. It takes no time at all to travel to Ottawa's Countryside, an urban oasis where rest and relaxation come naturally. Visit ottawascountryside.ca for more info.

EAST
Russell, Navan, Moose Creek, Cumberland, Cannamore, Embrun, Edwards
The dining scene in the eastern region is chock full of hidden gems, such as O'Meara's in Navan (3495 Trim Road, 613-835-9883, omearasinnavan.ca) -- the perfect spot to relax with friends, enjoy a great meal and watch the game -- and Knox Fine Dining in Moose Creek (16976 Maclean Road, 613-538-5669, knoxfinedining.com), stellar food housed in a unique location -- a renovated church.

Shoppers will swoon over Laura's Corner in Navan (3470 Trim Road, 613-835-1616, laurascorner.ca), where home furnishings and décor for every room in the house can be found. While in Navan, grape lovers can check out the Domaine Perrault Winery (1000 Perrault Road, 613-835-3925, domaineperrault.ca), a local vineyard full of refreshing reds, whites and rosés.

Looking for a real rural experience? This is the best month to get one, as fair season is in full swing. Head out to the 150th Russell Fair (Sept. 4 to 7, russellfair.com) for concerts, a midway and lots more. If fairs aren't your speed, get lost with the family at McMaze in St. Andrews West, near Monkland (Willy Allan Road, 613-932-7630, mcmaze.ca), where a pumpkin patch, farm animals and a myriad of mazes provide a day's worth of fun.

WEST
Richmond, Carp, Almonte, Fitzroy Harbour, Eganville, Foresters Falls, Perth
Hungry? Head to The Herb Garden (613-256-0228, herbgarden.on.ca) in Almonte -- a breathtaking eatery where organic herbs are the star attraction. Don't miss the Indian Buffet Dinner on September 18. The Carp Farmers' Market (Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., 613-786-1010, carpfarmersmarket.com) is the perfect place to pick up fresh, savoury home grown produce, baking and hand-crafted items. Why not stop by, grab your favourites and head out for a picnic lunch?

The Meadows Unique Décor and Gifts in Eganville (83 Bonnechere Street, 613-628-1100, meadowsdecor.com) sells everything from gourmet food to handbags to innovative gifts. No matter how eclectic your tastes, you'll find something to suit them here. Those with a sweet tooth (or two) will find paradise at Penny's Fudge Factory in Fitzroy Harbour (6814 Harbour Street, 613-623-7679, pennysfudgefactory.ca). This fab fudge makes the perfect gift for friends and family -- or the perfect treat for yourself.

Underground experiences abound west of the city. History buffs can take a trip back in time to the Diefenbunker in Carp (3911 Carp Road, 613-839-0007; 1-800-409-1965, diefenbunker.ca), a Cold War-era bunker designed to protect Prime Minister Diefenbaker and other military and political bigwigs in the event of a nuclear attack. Bonnechere Caves in Eganville (1247 Fourth Chute Road, 613-628-2283, bonnecherecaves.com) offers tours to explorers of all ages. Caves dating back 500 million years make for a fascinating afternoon.

SOUTH
Manotick, Kars, North Gower, Osgoode, Kemptville, Spencerville, Merrickville
Relax and unwind in Manotick's Black Dog Bistro (5540 Main St., 613-692-3779, blackdogbistro.ca), where a diverse and inspired menu serves patrons with the freshest seasonal ingredients -- and a laid-back-yet-sophisticated atmosphere. Kick back at the Red Dot Café in Osgoode (5673 Main Street, 613-826-0552, reddotcafe.com). This popular eatery combines traditional favourites with global flavours to create dishes that please any palette.

Simple Pleasures in Manotick (5556 Main Street, 613-692-0177) sells home décor, gifts and accessories -- a great spot for souvenir shopping. The North Gower Farmers' Market (Saturdays, 8.30 a.m. to 1 p.m., 613-489-9794, ngfarmersmarket.com) has fresh produce, baking, crafts, artwork and more on offer for those looking for an authentic piece of Ottawa Valley life.

Saunders Country Critters and Garden Centre in Oxford Station (1058 County Road 44, 613-258-1108, saunderscountry.com) is home to over 50 species of exotic and unusual animals from around the world, plus a lush garden centre.