Stops Along the Way - Fall 2023

Fall

The Name Says It All!

Sweets N’ Treats

For the best chocolates, gelato and gift baskets, drop by Sweets N’ Treats. With locations in Wingham and Blyth

The name truly says it all!

• Homemade sponges and popcorns

• Made to order gift baskets

• Over 15 different barks

• Huge hand rolled truffles

• Wedding favours, toppers and extras

• Over 4000 moulds for every occasion

14 B-Line Rd., Wingham, ON. N0G 2W0

413 Queen St., Blyth, ON. N0M 1H0

We do Birthday Parties!

(p) 519-357-3663

Email: info@sweetsntreatschocolates.ca

Website: sweetsntreatschocolates.ca

Scott

Shelley

Christmas in Huron

The most wonderful time...

Huron County has a tendency to overflow with holiday spirit every winter, and loves to show it through beautiful light displays, festive parades, and seasonal concerts. We also celebrate the gift of giving with a full calendar of unique holiday markets brimming with makers, artists and vendors all hoping to help you take home a little bit of that Huron holiday joy to share with your loved ones. Whatever your needs and whenever you have a spare moment to shop, you’re sure to find that certain something for someone special at one of these charming bazaars.

Nov. 4 - Exeter

As Exeter continues to celebrate its 150th anniversary, their 13th annual Christmas Shopping Event is sure to be a memorable one. The event is held every year in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Huron, which means that just by attending you are aiding a worthy cause. The market boasts over 60 local vendors and merchants, with enough variety to make Exeter’s entry into the holiday market scene a potential one

stop shopping experience right at the beginning of the gift buying season.

Santa will also be on hand for shoppers and their families for that always-special holiday visit.

South Huron Recreation Centre

94 Victoria St. E, Exeter, ON Saturday, November 4, 2023

9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Nov. 12 - Zurich

The Zurich Agricultural Society is hosting their annual Homemade Market on Nov. 12 at the Zurich Arena Hall. This one-day-only marketplace for all things handmade is a great source of eclectic jewellery, locally made knitwear, funky tree ornaments and festive decor for inside your home and out.

Zurich Arena Hall

10 East St., Zurich

Sunday, November 12, 2023

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Nov. 17-19 - Bayfield

Every town in Huron County shows off its festive joy in its own way, but it’s hard to beat the village of Bayfield’s annual three day long holiday celebration and shopping event. Friday night starts with a tree

lighting ceremony, signaling the official start of the Festival of Lights that transforms Clan Gregor Square into the very picture of a winter wonderland. The weekend of lights, shopping, song and, of course, Santa has been held for over 30 years, and is a non-stop family Christmas card photo opportunity. There will also be live entertainment and horse and buggy rides throughout the weekend.

Clan Gregor Square is just a few steps away from Bayfield’s historic shopping district on Main St N, where hundreds of people over the weekend will be able to visit the village’s quaint shops and artisan marketplaces as they cater to the Christmas-minded crowds. It’s a great place to find everything from stocking stuffers to under the tree showstoppers.

Clan Gregor Square/Shopping District

6 Municipality Rd./Main St. N

Friday, Nov 17 to Sunday, Nov 19 2023

11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Continued on page 7

Clan Gregor Square Bayfield

Crafting through Christmas

Continued from page 6

Nov. 19 and Dec. 10 - Goderich

While Goderich has become well known as a destination for those looking for great gifts year round, The Christmas Makers Market has become well known as a reliable destination for those looking for a unique holiday gift. The annual collaboration between the Goderich BIA and the MacKay Centre for Seniors will take place on two separate dates - Nov 19 for early birds and Dec 10 for last second shoppers. There will be many artisanal craft vendors on the main floor, and the lower level will also have original art for sale from the Goderich Art Club, who have been fuelling the town’s art scene since 1952.

The Goderich Festival of Lights

kicks off on Nov 18, so be sure to stop by Courthouse Square for photos or just to soak up the spirit of the season.

MacKay Centre for Seniors

10 Nelson St. E Goderich

Sunday, November 19 and Sunday, December 10

2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Nov 25 - Wingham

Wingham’s 9th annual Maitland River Christmas Market is a great place to track down some holiday sweets and gifts while showing support for the Avon Maitland School District. Currently scheduled for Nov 25. Local vendors will be taking over the Maitland River Elementary School to show off their wares, and Santa will be making himself available for photos.

Maitland River Elementary School

250 John St., Wingham

Saturday, November 25

Nov 25-26 - Seaforth

The Seaforth Agricultural Society is putting on their 36th annual Craft and Toy Show and Sale on Nov 25 and 26. It will feature handmade toys, farm toys, vintage collectibles, antiques, and much more. This one of a kind market both celebrates all that is grand about rural life, and the many artisans it produces. Anybody looking for a toy or gift for the young people in their life could do no better than to check out this much loved annual bazaar.

Seaforth Agriplex and Fairgrounds

140 Duke St., Seaforth

Saturday, November 25

9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunday, November 26

9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

STOPS ALONG THE WAY, FALL 2023. PAGE 7 Christmas

Craft and Toy Show Seaforth

Huron County Christmas

Country Quilting

Piece a quilt you love, we can quilt it! ** Custom Machine Quilting ** For the quilting enthusiasts, we have everything you need. Cottons, flannels, fleece, wools, books, patterns

Great place to do your holiday shopping!

84849 Ethel Line, Brussels, ON 519-887-9456

www.countryquilting.ca

Stop

I THINK MY GRANDPA MIGHT BE SANTA. Story time is family time. This book is special for every grandchild. A board book which creates, strengthens relationships and emotional growth, entertains with imagination and humour, inspires holiday and family traditions. $13.99

TOP

Ron Brown’s new edition reveals even more odd and unusual, rare and offbeat sites - and sounds - close to Ontarian’s very own backyards. $29.95 BACKROADS

From afternoon outings to weekend excursions, this latest edition features 33 backroad adventures, each illustrated with colour photos and accompanied by a map. $29.95 Stop

A new beginning

From the town’s inception in 1827 until August 21, 2011, Courthouse Park in the centre of the iconic downtown square has provided a shady respite for citizens to meet, greet and celebrate. All of that came crashing down (quite literally) on a warm Sunday afternoon in August of 2011 when an F3 tornado skipped across Lake Huron and up historic West Street, across the park, creating a path of destruction several hundred metres wide and traveling nearly 20 kilometres on the ground.

In Courthouse Park the damage was swift, with almost 100 mature trees uprooted in a matter of seconds. Only two medium sized beech trees and six smaller trees survived the chaos.

By the fall of 2012, the Town of Goderich was already planning to

refurbish the park following a master plan that had been created as part of the revitalization project after the storm.

Arborist and landscape architect Michael Ormston-Holloway of The Planning Partnership of Toronto served as consultant on the project and worked with Parks Superintendent Martin Quinn and Director of Operations Chip Wilson to get the ball rolling.

Starting a three-acre arboretum from scratch offers a unique set of challenges and opportunities, and the planners chose trees for various attributes including size, colour, texture, aroma, flowers and shape. In order to accomplish an instant canopy, large trees (60 feet tall and over 20 years old) were transplanted to all four quadrants of the park.

Smaller varieties were then added. Some fast-growing trees were planted as a temporary measure to provide canopy within just a few years, with plans to remove them as the slowergrowing and longer-lasting species like the oaks and maples reach maturity over the next 30 or so years.

A Pin Oak on the side of the octagon facing West Street was the first tree planted in November 2012, which seems fitting as the first trees in the park destroyed in the park would have faced the tornado there as it raced toward them.

The next time you’re strolling around The Square through Courthouse Park, look up, way up and consider the planning and effort that has been put in to create the shady canopy that you see.

PAGE 10. STOPS ALONG THE WAY, FALL 2023

Goderich

Vintage in Goderich

They say that when a vintage shop closes in Auburn, one opens in Goderich - well, nobody says that, but in the case of Vinylly Vintage, it’s actually true. Owner Melissa Vaughan moved her funky shop to Canada’s prettiest town just under a year ago, moving into a dual shop with her husband Kevin DeLong, who uses the store’s flip side to work on race cars, including his own.

Vinylly Vintage focuses on vinyl records (hence the name), vintage clothes and all kinds of kitsch, from tiny bowling alley pins to a fully playable pinball table.

It’s a record store with a range - dig through a bin of $3 platters that still have a ton of spin left in them, hunt down a mint condition Husker Du box set, or find that hard to locate indie record you’ve been trying to track down for years. Or just spend an hour or two flipping through the whole collection.

As soon as you walk in, the checkerboard floor lets you know that, if you’re a fan of vintage, you’re in the right place. Classic atomic print glassware can be found in one corner, terrifying child clown costumes from the 1960s in another. The clothing collection is small, but full of 70s maxi dresses and bowling shirts. Vintage postcards and covered Pyrex kitchen wares pack the shelves, and the walls are adorned with records, original comic art and the good kind of tacky velvet paintings.

There’s a story behind each one of the pieces that Vaughan has collected, and she knows a lot of them. A pair of pig statues once lived their lives outside a barbecue restaurant and a tiny train was just brought in by a local miniature railroad enthusiast.

Vaughan also accepts consignment

items, and has teamed up with several local antique vendors to create their own little micro stores within her store.

This retro paradise of sunglasses, obscure board games, and rainbow headbands is open 7 days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 88 Brittannia Rd. E, Goderich.

Local Artists - Original Art

Visiting Artists

September - Rachel Simpson

- Gwen Kiar

October - Barbara Alkemade

November - Matt Cottrell

December - Anita Wood

A Goderich institution

BY KAREN WEBSTER

One of the most imposing and enduring structures on the perimeter of Goderich’s Town Square is that of the Bedford Hotel, located at the Junction of South Street and The Square, the Bedford was established in 1896 being built by John Bedford and A.C. Pace.

Several owners took charge until 1929 when Ethel Litt took over, followed by her daughter, Auleen and husband, Art Curry. The Currys’ daughter, Mary, and husband Bruno Lapaine were next in line to take the reins. Mike Lapaine also was the hotelkeeper for several years. In all, this family operated the establishment for well over 50 years.

Some famous persons including Sir Sam Hughes, of World War 1 fame, Walt Disney and several Canadian prime ministers, are among the countless thousands who have made The Bedford their home while in the “prettiest town in Canada”. In 2011, when Goderich was hit by a devastating tornado, Hotel Bedford was one of the first businesses to reopen, just one month after that tragedy.

Today’s visitors will be charmed by the beautiful rich woodwork that has been retained through the years. A

focal point of the lobby is the 25-step staircase, with lovely wooden railings and spindles which leads up to the second floor accommodations. This is a business that has maintained the flavour of a bygone era but with the advantages of modern conveniences. In all, there are 31 rooms available for rent at very reasonable rates. In addition, the hotel offers two deluxe three-bedroom suites nearby. Among the many amenities available, the Hotel Bedford offers complimentary breakfast and free parking.

In addition to the modern accommodations, the hotel is divided into several distinct areas: Paddy O’Neil’s, which is the main dining room and Joe Friday’s, a bar area where live entertainment is offered on weekends during the summer season. As well, there is the Duchess Room, a private dining area just perfect for private events with seating for 60 patrons.

Located on Goderich’s historic central square, Hotel Bedford is within walking distance to shopping, the museum and of course, the beach. From its iconic dome down to the graceful arches, the Hotel Bedford sits proudly looking out over the square. Whether visiting to dine, have a refreshing beverage or to stay

overnight, visitors will not be disappointed when choosing the Hotel Bedford. 92 Courthouse Square, Goderich

Written by David Storey

Directed by Garnet Colborne

Sponsored by West Wawanosh Mutual Insurance

October 19 – 22 and 26 – 29, 2023

CHRISTMAS IN THE HIGHLANDS

Written by Warren Robinson

Directed by Eleanor Robinson

Sponsored by Second Streetlight Estate Winery

December 1 - 3 and 8 – 10, 2023

2023-24 Season Sponsor

Goderich Little Theatre is grateful for support from The Town of Goderich

The creativity of a town

The latest storefront in Goderich to be transformed into a creative space can be found at 33 East St. The couple behind the revisioning are Mark Heinitz and Gerri Catherwood, a creative duo who had a vacation home north of Goderich for many years. Just as they were heading into their retirement years, the former retail space came on the market spurring them to “retire to unretire”.

Although Mark was encouraged in art from a young age, likely due to inheriting an artistic gene or two from his grandparents who graduated from the Berlin School of Art and went on to teach art, he was sidetracked into a career in marketing. Similarly, Gerri graduated with a degree in design but ultimately spent 23 years managing an agency in London that supports vulnerable families.

With the purchase of the building just off The Square, the couple could realize a dream and create the perfect live-work-create space. In 2021, they began the renovation process with Gerri designing the space, and both Mark and her doing the bulk of the work themselves over that winter.

33 East Street Gallery opened in the

spring of 2022, with Mark’s paintings making up the bulk of the exhibition. They quickly set about getting to know local artists, especially those who work in a contemporary style, something quite unique in a small town. They found like-minded artists in Goderich and nearby locales such as Benmiller, Seaforth, Bayfield, Clinton and Grand Bend.

One of Mark’s favourite exhibits is from a young man that he happened upon while strolling around The Square. Ken Gordon, a self-described drifter, was sitting in the park in the centre of the downtown when Mark noticed him sketching, so he wandered over and introduced himself. He eventually convinced Ken to allow him to frame his pieces and display them in the gallery to sell.

As well as paintings and sketches, the gallery hosts artists working in a variety of media, including various sculptures and glass.

During the winter of 2022, Mark and Gerri renovated the apartment upstairs and created a studio in the back of the main floor gallery, completing the dream of a live-workcreate space and their “unretirement” goal.

Living in downtown Goderich has also become part of the allure of their unretirement. On top of the walkability of The Square and the friendliness of their business neighbours, they are extremely impressed with the number of activities that the BIA and the town provide for residents and visitors.

They are looking forward to discovering new artists in the area and hosting events in their gallery space. To see what is coming up in their space and on their walls, follow them on Instagram @33eaststreetgallery or just drop in at, you guessed it, 33 East Street, Goderich.

For those looking to experience Huron County ingredients at their highest heights, Goderich’s Cork & Coast is the place to be. The fine dining establishment inhabits a gorgeous heritage building just a few minutes walk from Courthouse Square, and even though Cork & Coast only opened in July, Chef Wyatt Ducharme and his team have already made a name for themselves with diners from both near and far.

Born and raised in Brussels, the young chef takes the idea of local ingredients to heart. Whichever road you take to get to Cork & Coast, you’re almost certainly going to pass by at least one of the farms he sources ingredients from. Grazing Meadows in Brussels supplies all of the Wagyu beef you’ll find on his menu, including the endless variety of roasts that they serve up every Sunday night, and Bayfield’s Out of the Blue is their reputable source for all things seafood. Blyth Farm Cheese is found throughout the menu, and The Maitland Market outside of Goderich provides a lot of the seasonal vegetables that are a signature of Ducharme’s ever-changing menus.

The menu is divided into small and large plates, allowing diners to approach things as shared plates,

individual meals, or some combination of the two. The whimsical approach to vegetables and the expert treatment of local lamb, beef, pork and chicken is a winning combination.

Cork & Coast’s creative use of Huron County’s summer abundance was a joyous feast, and their approach to fall and winter storage crops is certain to have its own moods and moments to intrigue diners. This fall also marks the beginning of Ducharme’s experiments with making their charcuterie in-house, which is an exciting prospect.

The food is accompanied by an approachable but intriguing wine list, a small selection of local beers and ciders, and inventive vegetablecentric cocktails. Desserts change frequently, and are as difficult to choose between as anything else on the menu.

From start to finish, Cork & Coast is a dining experience worth stopping for. It’s a perfect place to celebrate a special occasion, or to just celebrate all the great ingredients that can be found in and around Huron County.

Cork & Coast is open Wednesday through Sunday from 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm. Reservations can be made via phone (519-524-4171) or email (corkandcoastrestaurant@gmail.com, but walk-ins are welcomed whenever the restaurant can accommodate. 80 Hamilton St., Goderich.

A historical refresh

The latest project by lifelong Bayfield resident and community champion, Tyler Hessel, is 1851 Bayfield Landing. Hessel was looking for a long-term investment in the community where he could marry his passions for food and for the village of Bayfield.

When the property that formerly housed the famed Red Pump Restaurant became available, he knew that he had to jump on it. Having only taken over the building in April of this year, Hessel quickly set about transforming the premises into a love letter to Bayfield.

Beginning with the name, which pays homage to the year the building was first erected on Bayfield’s heritage main street, right through to the heritage prints sprinkled throughout the main floor and the tribute on the wall in the bar to famous Bayfield residents, the community takes centre stage throughout.

The main floor features a community room that can accommodate up to 40 people, and is designed for local businesses and organizations to use as a meeting place. All of the art on the walls of

the spacious dining room is for sale and has been carefully curated with nature, lake or community themes.

The friendly taproom opens up on

one of the area’s most inviting and private patio areas with colourful gardens and intimate seating areas, The front porch is also an al fresco dining area, for those who prefer to sit and watch all the happenings on main street with a cool beverage on a warm evening.

The menu has been designed by Hessel, based on food he loves and cooked with local ingredients. One of the most popular features has been the smoked pork chops sourced from the famed Metzger’s Meats in Hensall and smoked on site in Bayfield Landing’s own smoker.

The property also has five wellappointed hotel rooms between the two buildings, with a sixth on the way. All of the rooms are named for historic Bayfield figures, such as Admiral Bayfield and Maud Stirling (a nurse from Bayfield who was awarded the Royal Red Cross during World War I).

This family-owned and family-run business, with its celebration of the village is sure to become a destination within a destination. For reservations, visit www.bayfieldlanding.com. 21 Bayfield St. N, Bayfield.

For farm gate sales please call ahead 519-565-5261

text 647-882-4299

info@westlakemaple.ca

Also available at Zehr’s Country Market ~ 75073 ON-21 Bayfield, ON

Something’s brewing in Bayfield

Nestled right in the middle of Bayfield’s bustling tourist district is a cozy little brewpub with deep roots in the community. Bayfield Brewing Company (BBC) is a microbrewery on Main St N owned and operated by the Keys family, namely Ron, Ryan and Adam Keys. They are part of a long line of area farmers focusing on the Holy Trinity of the Countywheat, corn and soybeans. Their family has been tilling soil in Huron County since the 1800s, and even though they’ve only been running their brewery together since 2018, you wouldn’t know it from the various quaffables they’ve been producing.

Ryan Keys is the man behind the beers, but before he was elbow-deep in hops and barley, he was working the fields and making gorgeous cabinets for Bayfielders wishing to

obscure their storables. The party line claims that he suddenly woke up one day with a powerful yearning to brew, but in reality, it’s something he wanted to do for a long time. The brewery’s Cabinet Maker, brewed as a Canadian Pale Ale, is both a nod to Ryan’s woodworking skills and a deeply refreshing bestseller.

Ryan’s brother Adam, having a talent for design, was enlisted to ensure that BBC has a snappy website and distinctive cans to stand out from the crowd, and the natural leadership skill of their father Ron was undeniable. The complementary skills of each key player came to a head in 2018, when the sons and father decided to take the plunge and open their own microbrewery. Now, years later, they brew an IPA named after Ron called Captain Ronny, and business is brisk. The chill, casual spot with the great beer and the ever-

changing menu quickly became a meeting place for locals, restaurant workers, and summertime visitors. A weekly open mic night also attracts talented musicians looking to connect with like-minded peers.

As the summer winds down, chairs are stacked and patios shut down, no longer needed to house the hungry masses of tourist season. When BBC shuts down its front and back patios, fall and winter visitors are left with a warm and intimate indoor experience, drinking a pint or a flight of signature brews while noshing on Chef Michael Brown’s latest tasty innovation (maple bacon kimchi Brussels sprouts, anyone?).

Bayfield Brewing Company is open Wednesday through Sunday during the fall and winter, and serves breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. 14 Main St N, Bayfield.

A pork paradise

Dashwood is home to a familyrun farming operation with a singular goal - putting pork on Huron County forks.

The Whole Pig (TWP) caters to all kinds of pork enthusiasts, from those looking to impress friends and neighbours by slow-roasting a whole hog at their autumnal pig roast to the cooking-averse looking to pass off a crockpot full of TWP’s best-selling pre-cooked pulled pork as their own to score potluck points at the school fundraiser.

Teresa and Martin Van Raay are third-generation farmers with a serious passion for all things pig. They believe that having a deeper connection to the food we eat makes it taste better, especially if the thing you’re tasting is pork. The Van Raays have had a lot of experience raising pigs from farrow-to-finish. While they’ve recently started outsourcing the farrow side of things, they still believe in a hands-on approach to raising their animals with love. The retail side of things is a bit newer to them, but they love the feedback that comes from dealing directly with customers. Ask Teresa Van Raay about the benefits of pork and you’ll get to hear her sing its praises - higher in protein than other animals, lower in fat, and huge on flavour. She raised her family on pork, and is here to get the word out.

A sign with TWP’s adorable curly tail logo leads visitors down a gravel driveway to their farm store, where

you can stock up on over 100 different products that come from their own pigs. Smoked chops, bacon cheddar sausages, ground pork, and bacon in whatever thicknesses you desire are just a few of their available options.

They also stock a wide variety of pork accoutrements sourced from across Ontario, from the avant-garde condiments of Funky Ferments from Holstein to the Warriner Family Farm’s timeless bean soup mix that comes all the way down from Trout Creek. Maple, oak and cherry wood are used for their smoked meats, and every option has a tantalizingly small list of ingredients - for instance, the Carolina BBQ sauce they use on their pulled pork is just cider vinegar, ketchup, cherries and brown sugar.

The Van Raays believe in the flavour of their animals, and want to use the best ingredients to showcase it. Quarter, half or whole hogs are available for pick up or local delivery.

Just because the Van Raays have a real reverence for their animals, it doesn’t mean they don’t have fun conceptualizing their finished products with their talented team of chefs.

Their breakfast loaf is basically a gourmet SPAM, which can be used in a wide variety of creative culinary applications. They are also the inventors of the Tiara Roast, which is a bit like a crown roast, but different.

The team also comes up with themed variety boxes and packages for all occasions, like The Breakfast Box, which comes with the bacon, sausages, and peameal you need for an all-hour brunch or The Weekender Box, which contains pulled pork, Black Forest ham, bacon, burgers, sausages and porkeretteseverything a group needs for a chill long weekend where everything tastes amazing but nobody has to work that hard at it.

Another example of the Van Raay’s dedication to the hog - their website https://thewholepig.ca offers up their favourite recipes as well as food safety tips. They also do public speaking and cooking demonstrations to get the word out on their all-time favourite animal.

While their winter hours are reduced to Friday from 11 to 6 and Saturday from 9 to 1, and Monday through Thursday by appointment (519-851-3327) only, they have an easy to use online ordering system (orders can also be made by phone or email) and an after hours pick-up freezer means you can get your pork on at whatever time is convenient to you. 37871 Dashwood Road, Dashwood.

Hitting the trails

Wingham Community Trail

Like many Ontario towns, Wingham owes its existence to a river. Back in the spring of 1858, Edward Farley floated down the river from the now-vanished village of Bodmin to what is now the location of Wingham where he cleared land and built a log cabin.

The river became a source of power for early industries, but times changed. In 1983, with the failure of the dam that had backed up the water to power the Howson’s flour mill, it was not repaired (the mill had burned decades earlier) and nature reclaimed the river flats.

In 1991, a committee set out to turn the area into an ecological park. Today the trees and shrubs they planted have matured and the trails provide a pleasant walk for residents and visitors alike.

You can access the trail from the south end by going west on John Street until you reach William Street and using the parking lot at the playground and splash pad there or you can enter in the north end of town on Josephine Street (Wingham’s main street) through the big wooden arch on the west side of the street and park in the lot there. This entrance leads to the spectacular lookout on the 150metre-long former CN Rail bridge which was saved after the railway wanted to demolish it in 1995.

The Wingham Community Trail runs along the old abandoned rail bed, crossing the Maitland River and

then makes a loop around the Turnberry Flood Plain Conservation Area to take you back. Several benches are placed along the trail on the east side of the river. A covered gazebo is at the east end of the trail.

The Klopp Woodland Trail

A short trail just off Highway 84 mid-way between the villages of

Hensall and Zurich is a short trail, perfect for stretching your legs and escaping into nature just for a moment.

The easy route meanders its way through the deciduous trees and through wetlands that are part of the Hay Swamp. The natural trail surface

Continued on page 19

Bannockburn Tract Between Brucefield and Varna

Exploring the outdoors

Continued from page 18 is ideal for families and pets on leashes are welcome.

Since the trail is a loop, the route can be followed in either direction from the memorial gardens at the entrance. You should allow around 30 to 45 minutes to complete both the larger route and the smaller side trail that passes through more coniferous forests.

The proliferation of wildlife in the area makes it a great trail to introduce the young hikers to heron, geese and beavers. In the wetlands, it’s not uncommon to find fish and mussel species, some that are endangered.

The trail is part of the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority’s area, with the Hay Swamp extending 13 kilometres long and two kilometres wide and straddles two townships, Bluewater and South Huron. The swamp plays an important role in the Ausable River drainage system, including flood management and water quality.

Given the presence of deer in the

vicinity, hunting passes are provided for an annual fee.

To find the Woodland, look for a large wooden sign with wagon wheels indicating Klopp Commemorative Woods. From here, the road leads into the parking lot where the trail begins just steps away. County Rd. 84 between Parr Line and Babylon Line, north side of the road.

Bannockburn Tract

The County of Huron continues to encourage use of their forest tracts for recreational hikers and, while some lie off the beaten path, they are definitely worth the trip.

The Bannockburn Tract (formerly known as the “Varna Pit”) is an 85acre property that holds a wide variety of habitats. The wetlands, ponds, vernal pools, streams, woodlands and meadows and their bounty of flora and fauna make the site an ecological treasure. The three kilometres of trails begin by circling the former gravel pit and then climb up the hillside and through a deciduous forest. Besides hiking, try

your skills at geocaching or throw a fishing line in the pond. In the winter, Bannockburn Tract is a great place to snowshoe or crosscountry ski.

Beware that the trail does have some slippery sections, especially after a rain or wet snow and the pond is deep.

Bannockburn Line, 1.2 km south of Mill Road (Between Brucefield and Varna)

Something sweet in Exeter

Every great Main Street needs a candy store like Uptown Sweets in Exeter. The shop’s candy-coloured sign invites in children of all ages, and the candyfilled interior is sure to have a sweet little something for everybody. From classic candies likes Swedish Fish and Nik-L-Nips to experimental limited edition Cuban Sandwich potato chips, Uptown Sweets caters to every sensibility.

If you’re into the oldest of old schools, there’s Taveners Fruit Drops or Mint Humbugs. Into the rad world of in-your-face 90s candy? Try mindblowers like Warheads or Pop Rocks. Razzles, Runts, Tangfastics, Starmix and Picklepops are just a few of the many confections available. There is also a vast assortment of saltwater taffy, store-made popcorn and many flavours of cotton candy. Can’t do sugar? Zero-sugar candies and chocolates are available!

Owner Lisa Johnson may be skilled

at keeping up with all the latest candy trends like freeze-dried Skittles and popping boba, but she thinks that sometimes the old ways are best. The shelves behind the counter hold a rainbow of glass jars, each one containing a different ‘penny’ candy that can be yours for a nickel, dime or quarter. A tangled zoo of gummy animals inhabit one jar, an orchard of sour peaches contained in the next.

The holiday season is the busiest time of the year for Uptown Sweetstraditional holiday sweets and stocking stuffers abound, and Johnson also does assorted candy platters (or candy charcuterie) for events and cotton candy machine rentals.

It’s hard to believe that this modern day Wonka was working as a paralegal until the pandemic drove the industry online. As a longtime fan of all manner of candy stores, it only took a ‘For Lease’ sign in downtown

Exeter to convince Johnson that it was time to open her own little shop, and things have been going great since then. She believes in the feelings candy can evoke, from nostalgia to new joy.

If you’ve been missing a childhood favourite or in the market for a sour new obsession, stop by Uptown Sweets in Exeter - it’s probably there waiting for you! 430 Main St. S., Exeter

Playing in the dirt

Back in 2009, the Municipality of Central Huron had a vision to create an educational and event centre that focused on the equine and agricultural sectors of the region. They set about building a world-class facility that includes an indoor riding arena, an education and administration centre and two outdoor rings with a staging area.

Matt Lee, General Manager of the REACH Centre for the past 11 years, calls the centre a “real success story” for the economic development of the area. Not only has REACH surpassed its goal of becoming a regional centre of excellence for equine sports, it has become an educational hub for Huron County and beyond through its affiliation with both the University of Guelph - Ridgetown campus which

offers equine education programs onsite and Fanshawe College, that uses the facility as a satellite campus to deliver a wide-range of programs throughout the area.

The facility hosts a number of regional and national western events, including the finals for the Ontario Barrel Racing Association. Spectators are welcome to come watch the excitement as the OBRA’s season culminates with the final three-day show of the year Oct 13 to 15.

On October 7, the Rolling K Ranch Classic will be at REACH for the first time, with riders competing in four events: reining, ranch trail, ranch cutting and steer stopping. There will even be a Little Buckaroos division for kids under 10 to participate in a “making the cut” class and to try their

hand at dummy roping from the ground. Spectators can come for free and there will be a food truck on-site.

A highlight of the fall season is back again on October 28. The Spooktacular Hallowe’en Shoot is a high-energy demonstration of mounted shooting, where riders wearing wild west clothing use black powder rifles and handguns to find their targets.

Visitors to all of the events will be pleasantly surprised by the friendly atmosphere of the games and the excitement that the riders and their horses generate in everything from barrel racing to roping demonstrations and competitions. Check out the event calendar at www.reachhuron.ca or follow their social media pages for all the details! 169 Beech St., Clinton.

Sunday Evening Buffet

Clare and Gwen Gerber

Grass-fed BeefChicken

•Beeswax • Beeswax candles • Nucleus colonies RR

PostcardsfromHuron

PostcardsfromHuron

A piece of history in Seaforth

There are many architectural gems in historic downtown Seaforth, each one a remnant revealing a piece of a portrait of a bustling rural hub. Downtown Seaforth in the heyday of train travel was a well-oiled machine, and successful industries created a push for increased developments in transit, lodging, and communication, which is not bad for an area called Guide Board Swamp in the early days of Southwestern Ontario! The downtown core was even designated a Heritage Conservation District in 1984 and has no less than 54 protected 19th century buildings in just a few blocks.

Most of the historic buildings in

Seaforth were built between 1868 and 1878 following a great fire that devastated the downtown core, but one of the sharpest of these wellpreserved buildings, The Commercial Hotel, was built just a little later, in 1895.

The necessity of a new hotel just a few years after the rebuilding of Seaforth is a testament to how successful the village’s efforts were. Located on the east side of the street, the three-storey hotel quickly became a staple of the late 19th century streetscape.

There are many details worth noting both inside and outside the hotel, like the brickwork around the windows or the raised letters that say

‘Commercial Hotel 1895’ across the front of the building, but one of the most distinct flourishes of the hotel is also one of the easiest ones to miss. At the side of the building, less than halfway up are two black busts of horses, jutting out of the bricks. The beautifully rendered stallions are a reminder that, beginning in the mid1800s, stagecoaches were used in Seaforth to deliver mail and people to the surrounding towns, a practice that continued well into the 1930s. The next time you’re strolling the streets of Seaforth, look up at the side of The Commercial Hotel and say hello to these two handsome boys that stand as a reminder of a bygone age. 84 Main St S, Seaforth.

The Purple Bike Café and Eatery opened up in Brussels just under a year ago, moving into the charming flatiron building on the corner of Turnberry Street and Sports Drive.

The cafe specializes in great coffee, fresh-made pastries, paninis, soups and salads. Locals have quickly embraced The Purple Bike as a place to meet, have coffee, try the alwayscreative daily specials, and take in the atmosphere of the space. Regulars spend their lunch hour reading by the window while they eat a panini with a side of pickles. Construction workers pop in to grab a decadent vegan brownie or still-warm scone, and those in a real hurry tend to call ahead to ensure their favourite soup and sandwich combo will be ready upon their arrival.

There is limited seating in the shop, but takeout business is brisk. Popular paninis include The Club, which has layered turkey, bacon, cheddar, tomato and mayo, and The Mark, a weird-but-it-works combo of egg, cheddar, ranch dressing, dill relish and salsa.

When owner Carrie Hall is out gathering the ingredients for their delicious menu, her small team of passionate and enthusiastic

new

employees will make your regular order, suggest something new, or go over all the new features they’ve come up with together.

Experimenting with their espresso machine and flavour syrups has led to some incredibly tasty lattes, and anybody who works there can pitch menu ideas.

The collaborative nature of Hall’s business model extends to her customersoverwhelming interest from the other side of the counter led to the creation of The Caprese, a simple sandwich of mozzarella, tomato and basil pesto, which was added to the regular menu. Soups like chicken and wild rice ride high in the rotation due to popular demand, and dietary restrictions are accommodated whenever possible. A long search for the perfect gluten-free bread finally netted them a real winner, and extra care is taken to attend to guests with celiac.

The goal is to please all of the people, all of the time, and most days, that’s exactly what they do.

The Purple Bike Café and Eatery is located at 72 Sports Dr, and is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 am to 3 pm, and on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Enjoy day-use access to Falls Reserve (Benmiller) for 12 months from date of purchase.pass allows 6 family members (2 adults) entry to The the park during day-light hours.

Passes are $130 and can be purchased on-line. Information available at mvca.on.ca or call 519-524-6429.

Historic accommodations

Named for Brussels man-abouttown John Leckie, the Leckie Block is the oldest commercial building on the main street of Brussels. The handsome brick building was built in 1876, just four years after the Great Western Railway’s Southern Expansion opened a station on the northern edge of the town that was until that point known as Ainleyville.

Many different businesses have occupied the Leckie Block since then, including a bank and a pharmacy. The space was, in recent years, turned into Solace on Turnberry, a boutique hotel that hosts wedding parties, users of the Goderich-to-Guelph Rail Trail system and Blyth Festival-goers, to name just a few.

As the building passed from owner

to owner, care was taken over the years to maintain many of its charming features, and various stained-glass windows have been rescued from demolished buildings over the years, and the Leckie Block carries their history alongside its own. When Seth Nichol and Nick Kuepfer took over as owners of Solace on Turnberry, they decided to continue with the tradition of preserving the space’s history while adding a few of their own modern touches for the comfort of guests.

Two of the building’s original stained glass windows have survived all these years and one of them is visible from the street, for those unable to snag one of the hotel’s three suites. The narrow rectangular window, located near the front door,

features a diamond panel with a handpainted swallow on it. Hand-painted elements were common in Victorianera stained glass, and at the time the swallow motif was a symbol of the desire to protect friends and family. The small bird’s visibility depends on the time of day, needing the illumination of natural light to be made fully visible to observers. The rest of the hotel’s stained glass has a much more obvious beauty, their striking colours featured in the getting ready photos of more than a few brides-to-be, but there’s something about the little dun sparrow of Leckie Block, quietly watching Brussels for all these decades, that makes it worth stopping to take a look at. 439 Turnberry St, Brussels.

Let’s get creative

BY SHELLEY KROES

At Wild Goose Studio in Blyth, Hans Veenvliet and Cindy

McKenna have opened two new spaces, The Writer’s Loft & Gallery Suite, as creative getaways. The guest rooms, whether they are for a painter, writer, musician, actor or someone just looking for a quiet space to spend the night, are meant to be places you can dream and have space for your own creativity to come to life, amid the art.

The Writer’s Loft has its own little patio and access to a larger workshop space to use to make art, if previously booked and arranged. The loft is suited to one person with a comfy double bed, bathroom, a kitchenette with a small fridge, microwave and coffee maker, with Wi-Fi available. The Writer’s Loft is described by Cindy as a “delightful fort from your childhood”.

The Gallery Suite is tucked behind the Wild Goose Studio storefront with a private entry. Offering similar amenities in comparison to The Writer’s Loft, it is suitable for a twoperson stay with a queen-sized bed.

A taste of both Hans and Cindy’s talents are apparent throughout both the extensively renovated spaces. Cindy is primarily a painter and Hans a woodworker and together they reimagined the spaces for guests to be at home in. The living areas of both suites offer comfort and enjoyment

with works of art adorning the walls. Available for the night or for a week, you can book your stay at The Writer’s Loft or Gallery Suite with Cindy at Wild Goose Studio by phoning 519-386-5868 or emailing wildgoosestudiocanada@yahoo.com.

Follow

If interested in the happenings of Wild Goose Studio, follow them on Facebook for news and events. Hans and Cindy look forward to hosting Nancy MacNabb in November, an Abstract Artist from Guelph to teach an art workshop. 432 Queen St, Blyth

Finds & Consigns

428 Queen St Blyth ON

Fall to Christmas Hours: Wed 12 to 5; Thurs 12 to 6 Fri 12 to 6; Sat 12 to 5

“A unique boutique located on main street Blyth specializing in furniture and casual home decor with a vintage vibe”

The return of Christmas cheer

Gil Garratt’s countrified adaptation of the Charles Dickens 1843 classic A Christmas Carol will be returning to Memorial Hall this holiday season, with Blyth Festival favourite Randy Hughson returning to the role of Ebenezer Scrooge.

Ever since the total rejuvenation of Memorial Hall Theatre in 2017, the Blyth Festival’s creative team has been eager to expand their fourseasons programming with winter concerts and shows. Certainly the beautiful hall is the perfect place to take in a Dickens’ classic that’s been thoroughly adapted for the Huron County crowd.

One of the most anticipated elements of this year’s production is the return of Randy Hughson’s portrayal of Ebenezer Scrooge. Hughson has been widely praised for his heartfelt and humorous embodiment of the spirit-deficient doubter during his previous turn in the role.

The veteran of Blyth and Stratford offers audiences a delicately nuanced portrayal, acting as the center holding together all the play’s effervescent elements. Those who were lucky enough to see Garratt and Hughson’s previous collaboration this year - the ambitious adaptation of James Reaney’s trilogy of plays about the

Donnelly family performed on the Blyth Festival’s Harvest Stage, have already experienced his impressive acting chops. Songs by John Powers keep each act moving along, and local lore lovers will be pleased by the inclusion of CKNX’s Barn Dance in the show.

With its universal themes, evergreen-life lessons and a heartwarming conclusion, A Christmas Carol has been adapted hundreds of times for stage, screen and page. Garratt, the Artistic Director of the Blyth Festival, has crafted a version that seeks to connect with the rural audience that makes up the backbone of the festival.

He’s moved the story from 19th century London into Huron County in the modern age, and hopes to showcase the way in which the two

very different settings share issues and themes. A lack of affordable housing, food insecurity and wealth disparity is high in the minds of many residents of Huron County, just as they were in Dickensian London. The parallels between Garratt’s clever modernization and use of local touchstones illustrates the universal challenge of reconciling ourselves with the things we can, and cannot change.

Previews of A Huron County Christmas Carol are on November 30 and Dec 1, with an opening night reception on Sat, Dec 2. The show will run to Dec 22 at Memorial Hall Theatre with matinee and evening performances. Tickets are on sale at the box office or online at www.blythfestival.com 431 Queen St., Blyth.

Future and past on stage in Wingham

Wingham has a long history of both live performances and broadcasts, as the town is known throughout the country as the home of CKNX and one of the smallest towns to ever boast both radio and television studios.

Wingham’s Town Hall Theatre, recently renovated and refreshed, is taking great strides at putting Wingham back on the musical map as it becomes one of the busiest venues in the area.

Kicking off a busy autumn season is Ireland’s leading folk band The High Kings as they bring their brandnew album & North American tour

‘The Road Not Taken’ to Wingham. The High Kings bandmates Finbarr Clancy, Darren Holden, Paul O' Brien and Brian Dunphy have been performing to their legions of fans across the world for 15 years and have released seven studio albums to their credit. September 24 at 7:30 pm.

On October 6 at 7:30 pm, Juno and CCMA award-winning band, The

Road Hammers, bring their impressive brand of country rock to Wingham.

The Great Canadian Roadtrip tour featuring Canadian country music legends Doc Walker, Jason McCoy and Michelle Wright will stop in Wingham this October! Prepare for an unforgettable experience as three legendary Canadian performers take the stage together in Wingham on October 11 for an exceptional evening of country music!

The number one singing impressionist in the world today, André Philippe Gagnon brings his tour to Wingham on October 14 at 7:30. Known as the man of a thousand voices, André-Philippe Gagnon is considered the number one singing impressionist in the world today. He has toured the world with Celine Dion, headlined Las Vegas and appeared on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. André Philippe’s impressions of famous musical personalities are rapid-fire

and amazingly spot-on. Join him as he takes us on a compelling and unforgettable musical journey telling the stories of the songs that create the soundtracks of our lives.

Some of Canada’s best musical talent tours southwestern Ontario in the form of tribute shows that bring some of our favourite musicians to life. On October 21, Steve Michaels performs as Elvis on his Suspicious Minds Tour.

On November 3, the Mudmen, Canada’s Celtic Rock Warriors, are back in town for a special fundraiser concert with all proceeds going to the North Huron Connection Centre. This concert is in partnership with United Way Perth-Huron. This is an all ages show, with doors opening at 8 pm.

We Walk the Line is a true Johnny Cash Experience that celebrates the “The Man in Black”. The concert performance features Ward Cornforth as a 1960’s-era Johnny Cash and includes duets performed with

Continued on page 32

The Barn Dance comes home

Continued from page 31

Johnny’s lifelong partner June Carter. Ward incorporates historical accounts and personal anecdotes about the country legend in the not-to-bemissed musical event on Nov 4.

Where better to see The Barn Dance than in Wingham, Ontario where it

all started. On Nov. 5 join George Fox, Paul Weber, Naomi Bristow, Sue Weber, and Jim Swan as they get your toes tapping.

On November 9 at 8:00 The Musical Box – 50th Anniversary comes to town with a unique commemoration of the release of Peter Gabriel and Genesis’ Selling England by the Pound.

Prairie favourites The Hunter Brothers are “Burning Down The

Barn” in venues across Canada this fall in support of their brand new EP. With over 73 million global streams to date, three gold singles, along with nine Top 30 and three Top 10 singles on Canadian country radio, you won’t want to miss their November 29 show.

For information and how to order tickets for all shows, visit winghamtownhalltheatre.ca/events. 274 Josephine St., Wingham.

Look to the skies... of Lucknow

The annual Kites in the Field Festival at Lucknow’s Graceland is always one of the year’s most whimsical weekends. The family friendly event will be taking to the skies on Sept 23 and 24 this year, and features all sizes of stringed flyers flown by professional kiters. Previous years have even featured kites as large as a school bus!

Now in its eighth year, the celebration started out as a shared enthusiasm between a local husband and wife. Lucknow’s Murray and Elizabeth Irvin have been married for over 40 years, and became infatuated with these simple sky machines over a decade ago. This led to Murray learning to make his own kites, and the two have since helped to bring the always enthusiastic kiting community to Lucknow. Their collective goal is to share their passion with locals, watch people watch the skies, and, hopefully, to help inspire the next generation of frequent flyers.

In addition to traditional diamond and box kites, visitors will have a chance to see a menagerie of fascinating creatures flying high, from deep sea cephalopods sailing into the great blue yonder to massive prehistoric dinosaurs mingling weightlessly with the clouds. This year, weather permitting, there will be a night fly on Saturday night, which is sure to offer up a veritable visual feast of illuminated sky art.

In keeping with the simple pleasures of kiting, the event itself is an uncomplicated affair. Admission is

free for all, and it is suggested that guests bring lawn chairs and a picnic lunch to make a day of it. Amateur kiters are also encouraged to bring their favourite flyers and share the skies with industry pros. The Irvins promise that even if you’ve never flown one before, somebody will take the time to give you some tips and show you the ropes. Don’t have a kite? They will be available to buy at a reasonable price at the event.

So, whether you’re a fan of carbon fibre or fibreglass frames, stunt or soul kiting, or just like to watch pretty, colourful things fly in the sky, head out to Lucknow on September 23 and 24 to check out Kites in the Field. The aerial art show starts at 12 pm and runs until 4 pm each day. The night flight (weather permitting) takes place Saturday only from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm. Graceland, 557 Walter St., Lucknow

Armstrong’s Home Bakery

Hidden treasures in Lucknow

Tucked away a few minutes off Lucknow’s main drag is a hidden trove of local produce frequented by locals in the know and shoppers in search of the best price for seasonal produce.

Backyard Gardens and Recycled Treasures at the corner of Havelock St. and Hamilton St. is the go-to place for the first lettuce of spring, abundant zucchini in summer, fall pumpkins in every possible shape and size and the proud cabbages of winter. If it’s in season, you can find it at Backyard Gardens. In fall and winter, you can still find the bounty of summer here in the form of homemade preserves like strawberry jam, bread and butter pickles and corn relish.

Traditional recipes made with local ingredients aren’t any kind of mandate for Backyard Gardens, it’s just how they do things there.

Owner Maggie MacPherson has slowly been building her produce stand up into a great source of one-ofa-kind home and garden decor made of upcycled materials, much of which she makes herself. She has an eye for the salvageable, and is able to take a table on the way to the landfill, infuse it with care, and end up with a Pinterest-worthy shelf for the garden. She also sources unusual

pieces from the local Mennonite community.

While the art side of things is MacPherson’s passion, the produce market was born out of her recognition that Lucknow locals needed a reliable source of fresh fruits and vegetables, a need that was compounded by the closure of the town’s only grocery store.

There is little to no artifice surrounding the available produce at Backyard Gardens, if local farmers aren’t growing it, then they tend not to carry it. MacPherson is a member in good standing with the local produce auctions, and uses that connection to pass savings on to her customers. She’s also open almost every day of the year from dusk ‘til dawn, a real godsend for those who work all hours, veg-heads with evening cravings and the town’s many post-urban transplants that struggle to adjust to a lack of latenight fruit options.

If you need a pumpkin, a cool planter, or just want to know what’s in season, every season, come by Maggie MacPherson’s little slice of produce heaven in Lucknow, any day, any time, and regain your sense of connection to Lake Huron’s everfascinating food network.

Backyard Gardens and Recycled

Treasures is open seven days a week, 365 days a year, from morning to night time. At the corner of Havelock St. and Hamilton St., Lucknow.

I Want That Bag Consignment Boutique

Clothing, furniture & home décor

625 Campbell St., Lucknow

519-812-4982 (IWTB)

Open Thursday, Friday and Saturdays

Check our Facebook page or website for our hours

www.iwantthatbagconsignment.com

Back on stage at The Livery

This fall and winter, The Livery has a full slate of dramatic offerings for the theatre fans of Huron County, on one of the county’s most storied and beautiful stages to boot.

HOME

Written by David Storey

Directed

by Garnet Colborne

On a bare terrace stroll two old gentlemen, who greet each other courteously. They are soon joined by two women, known socially to the two men, and, later, by a young man. They discuss topics: the past, the weather, old friends, old loves, and the war. Are they perhaps in a small private hotel? In actuality, they are all patients in a psychiatric facility. Yet, on this day in their lives, there is much humour and good grace.

By the time the day is over and the shadows fall, we as an audience are

moved to compassion, sympathy, and respect for these extraordinarily ordinary people. The play won the New York Drama Critics Award as Best Play of the Year (1970). It was also included in the list of the 100 Best Plays of the 20th Century

October 18, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28, 8:00 pm October 22, 29 2:00 pm

CHRISTMAS IN THE HIGHLANDS

Written by Warren Robinson

Directed by Eleanor Robinson

The Robinsons are well-known throughout the area as a husband and wife team who can tell a story. They have been collaborating together for years and have a knack of putting together stellar casts, impressive sets and the occasional original score. Past hits have included How High the Moon and the series of plays telling

the history of Kingsbridge, Kingsbridge the Musical Parts One through Five.

Christmas in the Highlands is another ‘’Cosy Mystery” written by Warren Robinson. It features period carols, costumes, and kilts to offer a visual treat and a warm Christmas feeling.

It is set in Inverness in the 1890s. It includes a Highland Ball, comical highjinks and a mystery to be solved.

We can’t think of a better way to kick off the holiday season, than a local cast of players taking a celebrated local playwright’s story to the beautiful stage at The Livery. Tickets won’t last long, so get yours soon. November 30, December 1 - 3 and 8 – 10, 2023

For tickets visit www.thelivery.ca 35 South St., Goderich.

Taste of Huron

Oktoberfest in Huron County

The second annual Taste of Huron’s Oktoberfest is shaping up to be a foodie intensive tour, designed to immerse participants in the best of Huron County from exciting and unique venues, to fresh local flavours, to local entertainment.

Organizer Rick Sickinger, an economic development officer supporting tourism for the County of Huron, says that 2023 will see a more refined event after last year’s successful inaugural event.

Oktoberfest will kick off on Friday, October 6 with a launch party and concert at River Road Brewing, Bayfield featuring the rapper Choclair and the rock-stylings of Canadian band Ill Scarlett.

On October 7, a passport gets you a hop-on, hop-off county-wide tour of 12 wineries and breweries (and a cidery!), where every venue will

feature a food pairing and local entertainment.

The entire route takes two to three hours to drive, and passport holders can spend as much or little time at each stop as they want, as there will be another bus along shortly! Shuttles will run from noon to 6 pm, with frequent stops. For host venues that don’t have their own restaurant, local food purveyors will be on-site providing samples. Passports are just $45 per person, and include the shuttle, four drink vouchers and four food vouchers.

Sunday’s Harvest Brunch at Dark Horse Estate Winery will be a familyoriented event with lots of fun activities for the kids. Tickets for the Thanksgiving weekend events are available at Square Brew (Goderich), River Road Brewing (Bayfield) or online at www.eventbrite.ca

The final event of the season will

be a co-production with the Ontario Culinary Tourism Alliance. Feast on the Farm on October 15 will feature three of the county’s preeminent chefs, James Eddington of Eddington’s of Exeter, Frank Ihrig of Hessenland at St. Joseph and Peter Gusso of Part II Bistro in Goderich. Eddington has worked hard to create a true farm to table enterprise, and will be hosting the event on his farm on Highway 21. The event is scheduled to begin at 11 am and each diner will enjoy two appetizers, three mains and a great dessert to close off this culinary adventure. Each ticket will cost $125 and include a selection of local spirits, wine and beer. Tickets are on sale at ontarioculinary.com, but not expected to last long.

Visit www.tasteofhuron.com to keep up to date on the world of flavours happening in Huron County.

Stop in and see these and other great books!

TALES FROM THE TOWNSHIP

The latest edition of humorous short stories by Arnold Mathers. This book contains 28 short stories as well as 2 plays. All are comedies with some deeper meaning. $20.00

HAVE MERCEY

My First Sixty Years Making Music

An autobiography of the music career of Larry Mercey and the awardwinning Canadian Country Music group, The Mercey Brothers. $30.00

The Little Book of BACKYARD BIRD SONGS

Keep this enchanting introduction to backyard birds on your windowsill for the whole family to enjoy and see who becomes the bird-song expert first. $19.95

UNFORGETTABLE CANADA

Explore your country, if only in print with this beautifully illustrated tour to 100 destinations across the country from Signal Hill, Newfoundland to the killer whales off the west coast to the Yukon’s Top of the World highway. $29.95

NEVER SELL YOUR HEN ON A RAINY DAY

Some of those old weather sayings really do make sense. This book explains why. $8.95

CANADIAN JINGLE BELLS

Take a flying tour of Canada with Santa Claus and his sled pulled by beaver in this charming illustrated children’s book. Travel from the Yukon and Yellowknife to the west coast and all the way east to Newfoundland. $19.95

Z is for Zamboni

An alphabet book, Z is for Zamboni is for the younger hockey fans. Matt Napier's rhymes team up with the illustrations of Melanie Rose to elucidate this increasingly popular game for every beginning hockey fan. Highlighting rules, players, coaches, teams, and the history of the game, it is both fun and educational. $10.99

THE NIGHT BEFORE A CANADIAN CHRISTMAS

This illustrated storybook has fun putting a Canadian spin on the Night Before Christmas story, such as the fact Santa can’t come down the chimney because there’s smoke coming out of it. $19.95

UNFORGETTABLE ONTARIO

This beautifully illustrated guide celebrates 100 of the destinations and events that make Ontario an unforgettable place to travel. $29.95

405 Queen St., Blyth ~ 519-523-4792

The Culinary Boutique in the heart of Downtown Goderich.