index AGRITOURISM
SHAW’S ICE CREAM
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GREAT LAKES FARMS
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SIMPLY SCOOPS ICE CREAM SHOPPE & EATERY
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WILDFLOWERS FARM
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MARKETS CONQUER FARMS
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DEBACKERE FARM MARKET
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HOWE FAMILY FARM MARKET & COUNTRY BAKERY TALBOTVILLE BERRY FARM MARKET
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RESTAURANTS & SWEETS GRANDMA’S OVEN BAKERY & CAKES INC.
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GREEN FROG TEAROOM AT PINECROFT
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KETTLE CREEK INN RUBY’S COOKHOUSE
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SOLO ON MAIN
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TAKE-A-BITE SOCIAL EATERY
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TALL TALES CAFÉ
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TWO OLD CROWS STUDIO CAFÉ
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WINDJAMMER INN
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WINERIES QUAI DU VIN ESTATE WINERY
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RUSH CREEK WINES
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TAKE-A-BITE SOCIAL EATERY
Authentic Lebanese cuisine &real smoked BBQ in New Glasgow
22354 Talbot Line New Glasgow, ON 519–702–2483 www.take-a-bite.ca Wed, Thurs, Fri: 11am–8pm Sat, Sun: 9am–8pm
RESTAURANTS + SWEETS
Jeff Ashford and his wife Amal, both avid cooks, have always dreamed of owning their own restaurant. In May of 2015, they made their dream came true; Jeff and Amal redesigned and opened a refurbished food truck in Dutton, Ontario. Currently, Take A Bite Social Eatery operates in New Glasgow; just south of Rodney, Ontario, close to the Port Glasgow Marina. With Amal having over 10 years of experience in the food industry, opening a restaurant was a natural step for her to share her talents of cooking authentic Lebanese cuisine. In addition to the Lebanese foods, they serve traditional hamburgers and hand cut fries, as well as deep fried delicacies, fish and chips, homemade pizzas and much more with locally made desserts! They are licensed and serve local craft beers, and Ontario wines inside and outside on their patio. Stop by Jeff and Amal’s restaurant and they will encourage you to “take a bite” and try something new by offering bite-sized samples of some of their menu items for free.
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TALL TALES CAFÉ
RESTAURANTS + SWEETS
A small town country restaurant feel
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Chef John Mairleitner is well known in the local community and is a familiar face at many places in Elgin County, but he is most often seen at Tall Tales Café in the village of Wallacetown, where his longstanding successful family business can be found. The restaurant, which also serves as a gas station and post office, has been a family business since Mairleitner’s parents established it in 1982. Eat inside or dine on the newly added patio for a small town country restaurant feel and enjoy Shaw’s ice cream on a hot summer evening. No matter what your order you can expect it to be fresh, local, and always served with a friendly smile.
29634 Talbot Line Wallacetown, ON 519–752–2605 johnmairleitner@gmail.com Daily 7am–9pm
TWO OLD CROWS PATIO CAFÉ
213 Currie Rd Dutton Dunwich, ON 226–212–0749 From June 3–October 2 Thurs–Sun 11am–8pm
RESTAURANTS + SWEETS
We are located just north of Lake Erie and minutes from the 401 in Dutton, Ontario. ‘Two Old Crows’ Patio Cafe is your treat destination. We have a large shaded patio, pond and fairy garden. Lionel enjoys creating homemade desserts, scones, creative salads and light entrées served with specialty teas and coffees. We offer ice cream creations, sundaes and milkshakes for all ages. ‘Two Old Crows’ is a gathering place for families and friends or simply come and sit quietly on your own. We can accommodate your requests at our takeout window or give us a call.
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GREAT LAKES FARMS
Bringing families, fun and farming together! Great Lakes Farms bring families, farming, and fun together. Mary Anne and Joe Van de Gevel are the third generation to carry on the tradition of growing High-quality Elgin County fruit, just minutes from scenic Port Stanley. The couple grows fresh strawberries, juicy tree ripened peaches, pears, pumpkins, and 18 varieties of crunchy delicious apples.
AGRITOURISM
Throughout the year, Great Lakes hosts a wide variety of activities including weddings, hall rentals, group dinners, and much more! The fall season is full of excitement at Great Lakes Farms with wagon rides around the farm or through the corn maze.
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Don’t forget to visit the store and bakery to take home some fresh baked goods for your friends!
5111 Union Road Port Stanley, ON 519–782–3433 www.greatlakesfarms.ca Check our website for operating hours
WILDFLOWERS FARM
Leaving you with a sense of calm The moment you turn into this country lane, there is a sense of letting go, a stepping away from it all. With the tree lined drive, surrounded by an enchanted garden, you can feel natures support. This feeling is woven into all that is offered at Wildflowers Farm. Whether you come to shop and sip tea, stroll through the gardens, attend one of the many workshops, classes, seasonal festivals or to celebrate your future wedding here; Wildflowers Farm will leave you with a sense of calm, community and connection to nature.
AGRITOURISM
42338 Fruit Ridge Line Central Elgin, ON 226–926–6432 wildflowers.farm Fridays Farmers’ Market June–October 4pm–8pm Saturdays 10am–2pm Or by appointment Check website for classes and workshops schedules
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TALBOTVILLE BERRY FARM MARKET
Taking local to a whole new level Talbotville Berry Farm is a must for local produce, baked goods, preserves and exceptional take out! Strawberries, sweet corn, tomatoes and pumpkins are seasonal favourites for locals and tourists! Enjoy Soft Serve Ice Cream, Poutine, Wings, Chicken Sandwiches, Dill Pickle Fries and Boozy Slushies at this beautiful urban farm property. #straightouttatalbotville
MARKETS
A licensed facility perfect for your event and all catered in house. Talbotville Berry Farm is your destination for a great farm experience.
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11096 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, ON talbotvilleberryfarmmarketshop.com 519–615–1164 Check our website for hours
KETTLE CREEK INN
Recognized as one of Ontario’s finest inns The Vedova’s opened the doors to Kettle Creek Inn in 1983 after purchasing and completely renovating the derelict building.
Visitors from all over the world come to stay and eat at the Kettle Creek Inn. Indulge your senses, relax, and dine with the Vedova family.
216 Joseph Street Port Stanley, ON 519–782–3388 www.kettlecreekinn.com Daily 11:30am–9pm
RESTAURANTS + SWEETS
Today, Kettle Creek Inn is recognized as one of Ontario’s Finest Inns and welcomes all visitors into the village of Port Stanley. Jean along with sons Troy and Dean, operate this ten room, five suite facility complete with restaurant. The Vedovas are firm believers in buying fresh produce from local farmers.
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SOLO ON MAIN
Patio dining with an incredible view RESTAURANTS + SWEETS
Chef Lauren vanDixhoorn and her team of like-minded individuals work together to provide a fresh take on Port Stanley dining.
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The cuisine is creative, fresh, and visually beautiful with flavors that will amaze! Organic vegetables are picked from a local garden and the fish is freshly caught from Lake Erie, right outside the front door. House made desserts, market inspired dinner and lunch features, and a creative cocktail menu and solid wine list deliciously round out SoLo’s offerings. Diners have their choice between the trendy lounge area featuring a gorgeous bar and relaxing club chairs, the sophisticated dining room, or the patio, which overlooks the harbour and often hosts live music. Reservations recommended.
187 Main Street Port Stanley, ON 226–658–0999 www.soloportstanley.com Check website or call for hours and reservations
WINDJAMMER INN
Exceptional farm to table fare On the beaches of Lake Erie rests the Windjammer Inn, where to dine is to taste a small piece of culinary heaven. Owner and chef Kim Saunders sources all of her food from the growing local farm network in Elgin County.
Recommended in “Where to Eat Canada” for the past 10 years, the Windjammer Inn also boasts three comfortable rooms in the Inn and two separate suites next door, begging you to stay for breakfast the next day. In 2019, the Windjammer Inn became Feast On Certified! Feast On is a certification program that recognizes businesses committed to sourcing Ontario grown and made food and drink. You are invited to dine at the Windjammer Inn where global inspiration meets local sensibility!
324 Smith Street Port Stanley, ON 519–782–4173 www.thewindjammerinn.com See website for hours
RESTAURANTS + SWEETS
The Windjammer Inn features a seasonal menu and specials with local fish, joined by fruits and vegetables, artisanal cheeses, handmade breads, local meats, and of course, Kim’s pastry creations.
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SHAW’S ICE CREAM
Come experience the tradition & taste the difference RESTAURANTS + SWEETS
Shaw’s Ice Cream is delicious, old fashioned ice cream made just the way it should be with 100% Canadian dairy. Bringing families and communities together to enjoy the simple tradition of sharing a moment together is our purpose as a landmark destination in Elgin County.
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We are proud of the legacy in our brand and are excited to celebrate our 71st anniversary in 2019 as your local ice cream manufacturer! Shaw’s is currently owned and operated by sisters Kristine, Kelly, and Kim. We simply use only the best ingredients and of course fresh cream is the first ingredient on our list! Come experience the tradition and “Taste the Difference” while visiting our Dairy Bar where you can choose from over 40 different flavours of hard ice cream made directly at our St. Thomas facility. There’s something here for everyone!
6598 Sunset Road St. Thomas, ON 519–631–2510 shawsicecream.com Summer Hours: Daily 11am–10pm Check website for off-season hours
DEBACKERE FARM MARKET
The perfect place to stop on your way to the beach! In 1969, Noel and Madeleine DeBackere bought the main DeBackere Farm in Dexter, Ontario and started a tobacco farm. Over the years, there was a transition from tobacco to selling fresh produce. Their son, Dan DeBackere, eventually took over the farm and in 2005, DeBackere Farms transitioned to only farm fresh produce. In 2016, Joanna and Dan DeBackere, alongside their brother Rick and his wife Jen, had a vision to open a farm market located just outside of the village of Port Stanley. At the market, you will find fresh new potatoes, onions, garlic, tomatoes, asparagus, cucumbers, zucchini, peppers, sweet corn, beans, in season fruit, and various other nutritious produce for sale. The DeBackere Farm Market motto is “from our family to yours”, as the DeBackeres can always be found at the market or nearby farming the fields.
MARKETS
5680 Sunset Road Union, ON 519–631–1370 www.debackerefarmmarket.ca Jun–Oct: Open 7 days a week
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QUAI DU VIN ESTATE WINERY
Pristine country setting second to none At Quai du Vin Estate Winery (pronounced “K dew vañ”), the focus is the established winemaking and retailing operation that feature and complement the vineyard and the scenic location. Quai du Vin produces 40,000 bottles per year with the top sellers being their Signature White and Signature Red blends. Jamie Quai contributes to the winery’s 31 year legacy as the third generation to harvest and make wines on the fertile lands in Elgin.
WINERIES
In addition to wine, Quai du Vin offers a pristine country setting second to none and has become famous for their outdoor events and weddings.
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45811 Fruit Ridge Line Central Elgin, ON 519–775–2216 www.quaiduvin.com Mon–Sat:10am–5pm Sun:12pm–5pm
GREEN FROG TEAROOM AT PINECROFT
Let the serenity of the towering pines surround you Pinecroft’s owners, Brenda and Paul Smith, and their children, Chad and Sarah, continue a family tradition of supplying Elgin County with not only quality handmade pottery, but unsurpassed country fare in their unique log tearoom.
The tearoom serves quality country fare that is fresh, bountiful, and tantalizingly presented with the artists’ touch. After lunch, choose a truly Canadian souvenir from the gift shop, and then take a stroll across the pond to the studio and see where the pottery is made.
8122 Rogers Road Aylmer, ON 519–773–3435 www.pinecroft.ca Tearoom: Mar 1–Dec 23 Daily 11am–3:30pm, Tea & Dessert until 4pm Gift shop: Daily 9am–5pm
RESTAURANTS + SWEETS
The peaceful serenity of Pinecroft carries you back to a less hurried time – the scent of the forest, the sounds of the birds, and the calm of the waterfalls are food for the soul. Paul makes his legendary fresh bread and rolls each morning, and Chad and Sarah oversee the day-to-day operations of the kitchen.
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HOWE FAMILY FARM MARKET
Freshly picked vegetables daily The Howe Family Farm Market is your destination for fresh delicious homegrown produce. We are open seven days a week from early June until the end of October. Our customers can expect a great assortment of seasonal fruits and vegetables grown on our farm or sourced from other outstanding farmers in the area.
MARKETS
We specialize in producing strawberries, watermelon, sweet corn, pumpkins, squash, and a large and beautiful market garden. The Howe family has been farming in Elgin County since the 1870’s. With roots this deep, we are committed to providing our community with the freshest and highest quality fruits and vegetables we can.
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48556 John Wise Line Aylmer, ON 519–773–3779 www.howefamilyfarms.ca Jun–Nov: Mon–Sat: 9am–6pm Sun: 11am–5pm
HOWE FAMILY FARM MARKET
and Country Bakery Between London and St. Thomas, you can find Howe’s Family Farm Market & Country Bakery. The Howe family (5th generation Elgin County farmers) purchased the former Salt Creek Farm Market to be closer to their customers. Howe’s Family Farm Market & Country Bakery offers fresh local produce, preserves, meats, and cheeses. If it’s in season and grown in Ontario, we have it! Keeping up the reputation of the Sloan family, we are also excited to offer in-house baking and take-home meals. Make Howe’s Family Farm Market and Country Bakery a favorite destination in your Elgin County shopping experience.
MARKETS
11143 Highbury Ave S St Thomas, ON 519–633–9338 www.howefamilyfarms.ca Jun–Nov: Mon–Sat 10am–7pm Sun 10am–5pm
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GRANDMA’S OVEN
RESTAURANTS + SWEETS
Bakery & Cakes Inc.
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Since 2018, Grandma’s Oven has been a family owned and operated bakery. They strive on making their products using fresh, local ingredients with no preservatives added. They make all of their recipes from scratch, just like they would for their own families. Grandma’s Oven carries a large variety of products from cookies, squares, pies, tarts, donuts, cheesecakes, to custom cupcakes and cakes, and their famous cake truffles and cake pops! Stop by for a treat, pick up dessert or order a custom cake. Treat yourself!
157 John Street North Aylmer, ON 519–765–2711 grandmasoven.ca Tues, Wed, Sat: 8am–5pm Thurs, Fri: 8am–6pm
RUBY’S COOKHOUSE
Comfortable & welcoming in small town Aylmer Where family and friends come together to share good times and great food. That’s what Ruby’s is all about. We are family owned and operated, and dedicated to giving great service and quality food.
Ruby’s Cookhouse, in small town Aylmer, provides a comfortable and welcoming environment with friendly staff and great food that will make you feel right at home. Enjoy our patio and some new featured items for the summer!
583 John Street North Aylmer, ON 519–773–8786 www.rubyscookhouse.com Mon–Wed: 7am–9pm Thurs–Sat: 7am–10pm Sun: 8am–9pm
RESTAURANTS + SWEETS
From soups to sauces and burgers to chicken, people can expect made from scratch recipes with locally purchased vegetables and meats. Our kitchen staff works hard to create new features daily, such as paninis, salads, gourmet burgers, and sandwiches, as well as a variety of dishes for lunch and dinner to satisfy any appetite.
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RUSH CREEK WINES
Award-winning wines Elgin County’s Award Winning Winery - Rush Creek Wines is owned and operated by the Barr family who recently purchased the winery in late fall of 2017 from previous owner, Bonnie Young. The winery continues to have the fan favourites that are loved by their loyal customers. They have taken initiative to develop wines on their own and recently released a spectacular Riesling and Cabernet Wine. Since Ron came on as master winemaker seven years ago, Rush Creek has proudly won several medals on the international stage.
WINERIES
The winery also features one of the largest retail antique and toy collectibles shop in the entire area. They buy, sell, & trade and are interested in what you have to offer. Come on out and enjoy a country setting on the winery’s new dual patio decks, while enjoying fantastic cheese and wine! We welcome you all and look forward to seeing you soon.
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48995 Jamestown Line RR #2, Aylmer (Malahide), ON 519–773–5432 www.rushcreekwines.com Wed, Thurs: 11am–5pm Fri, Sat: 11am–6pm Sun: 11am–5pm
CONQUER FARMS
Come and conquer fresh! As a young family-owned farm, we are passionate about growing fresh, wholesome, and nutrient dense vegetables on our healthy soils. From farm to table, our quality produce is always bursting with flavour. We’re open 6 days a week from Monday to Saturday, with our freshly picked vegetables available daily. You can order in bulk or come enjoy a day at the farm and pick your own! We also offer weekly vegetable boxes (CSA shares) throughout the growing season. Come and conquer fresh! Lest we forget what fresh tastes like!
MAKRETS
5731 Imperial Rd, RR #2 Aylmer, ON 519–765–1269 www.conquerfarms.com Mon–Sun
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SIMPLY SCOOPS
RESTAURANTS + SWEETS
Ice Cream Shoppe & Eatery
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Established in 1995, Simply Scoops has become a staple in the heart of Port Burwell and a hot spot to cool down on a warm summer’s day. Simply Scoops is truly a local treasure, serving the finest locally sourced ice cream, burgers, and fresh cut fries. Choose from 48 flavours of hard ice cream, 3 flavours of soft ice cream and a wide variety of frozen treats, featuring Simply Scoops signature dessert “The Scoops Crumble”. You can dine on the patio or inside the air-conditioned restaurant. If you are in a hurry, Simply Scoops offers a complete take out menu. Also, in the near future you will find our second location at the beach in Port Burwell..come check us out! Be sure to stop and treat yourself to something that is simply delicious.
38 Robinson Street Port Burwell, ON 519–874–1390 www.simplyscoops.com Daily May–Oct (til Thanksgiving weekend) 11am–9pm Please check our website for menu items and any changes in hours due to inclement weather