Stops Along the Way - Spring 2024

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

We do Birthday Parties!

•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

(p)519-357-3663

Email: info@sweetsntreatschocolates.ca

Website: sweetsntreatschocolates.ca

Native Plants

Why native plants?

By Rhea Hamilton-Seeger

Why plant native plants?

Good question! Our birds and insects have set diets and they readily recognize the sources of their food. Yes they love some of the annuals and our traditional perennials but need the rich pollen and nectar of native plants for the right balance of nutrition. Native plants provide sources of berries and seeds for birds, both the ones that spend the winter here and the ones migrating. Think monarch butterflies and their plight looking for food sources on their flight south. And again on the route north in the spring. Or returning songbirds finding no insects nestled in the leaves for spring feast.

For a variety of reasons native plants have been quickly disappearing in the landscape. Even the roadsides and hedgerows that once offered

sustenance are now either cut, sprayed or simply removed. Both scientists and naturalists have been recording the drop in population of birds and insects and in some cases complete loss of valuable pollinators.

But as gardeners we do have an opportunity here to help turn the situation around. By planting native plants and leaving them standing we not only offer the food throughout the year but also valuable shelter for the winter.

Native plants are enjoying a surge in popularity and if enough communities dedicate strips in the gardens and in municipal areas we can see a change; more butterflies, more bees and more birds.

Where does one start? A lot of gardeners already grow coneflowers and fall asters.

There are 75 species of asters in North America. The Michaelmas

daisy or New England aster is the most readily identified with its height and prolific clusters of purple blooms late in the season. Great pollinator magnets, as are the wee white ones, heath aster, that we see as clouds along the roadsides. They pop up and bloom late, offering great foraging for insects readying them for winter hibernation in the leaves and long grass.

The next trick is to not cut down any native plants in the fall, preferring to leave them standing as a food source for wintering birds and shelter for pollinators. Finches love grazing in the crowns of seed heads, especially goldenrod.

Coneflowers, Echinacea purpurea, are especially striking and can be readily picked out in many gardens. We are more familiar with the pink or pale purple but there is also

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A native approach

Continued from page 6

a yellow variety. As the name indicates the flower is a central cone and a flutter of drooping petals around the base. Their leaves are rough, and become smaller towards the top of the plant. It starts blooming mid summer and continues through to fall. What is not to like about that?

While they do well in hot and dry conditions, they prefer a bit of moisture in dry seasons. You can shake the seed heads around the base of the plant and gently ruffle the soil to encourage seedlings in the spring!

Another treasure is Indian Pink (Spigelia marilandica). Even in November this sweet plant may set out wee red buds. What a worker. When happy it can grow from 60 to 70 cm (24-28 inches) tall. It requires more than four hours of sun. It has dark red tubular flowers with yellow interiors and reblooms sporadically through the fall.

The last native plant that would fill the show ticket and help with our pollinators is Baptista,or indigo blue. Last fall I started a pot of dark blue ones from seed I found in a landscape garden. I did not mark the pot and it took me a few days in the spring to realize what they were. It pays to mark the seeds you plant in the fall.

The next big question is which is best for our pollinators, the native varieties or the hybridized versions? Hybridized plants offer gardeners more choices in colour and size. Some plants are bred for compactness to avoid the need to stake plants in small gardens.

The science is still out on which provides better nutritional value for the pollinators, the natives or the hybridized plants. We know that bees, butterflies and other insects prefer a landing zone to get at the nectar. More petals impedes that so bear that in mind when picking out new plants for your garden.

One last point on planting native plants for pollinators. It pays to think about how our pollinators get around. Grouping like-plants together saves a lot of flying time and energy. Now if we could just get swathes or even small patches in each of the

neighbour’s gardens we would all see more bees and butterflies in our gardens.

If you are looking at selecting the best native plants for your area, a good resource can be found at Pollinator.org, a wonderful site with resources that target specific areas. I downloaded their Guide for Gardeners, Farmers, and Land Managers in the Manitoulin-Lake

Simcoe area. It covers Manitoulin, south to below Stratford and as far east as Kingston. It outlines briefly the lay of the land and then dives into ‘meeting the pollinators’ before offering ideas for incorporating farmland, public land and home landscapes into pollinator friendly habitat.

Native Plants

New to Huron County?

There are many government-funded services available to assist people new to Canada including:

YMCA Settlement Services

Personalized support to connect with local programs and

Centre for Employment & Learning

English as an additional language classes and employment support

Huron County Library

Access to computers, books and other learning materials

Huron County Immigration Partnership

Information about settling in Huron County

More information available at: www.HuronCounty.ca/immigration-partnership

Spring It On!

Fall, roasting chickens (by order)

Your Source of Trees Year Round

Explore this year’s inventory of potted trees and larger trees in wire baskets. Stock will become available in April.

Designing, Planting and Tree Spading Available

Tim & Christine Diebel

5290 Line 86, R.R. #3 Listowel, ON N4W 3G8

www.outbacktreefarm.com

Email tcdiebel@outbacktreefarm.com

Phone 519-291-4754

Fax

Creativity in Carlow

Before cars were a widespread force to be reckoned with, small settlements like Carlow were widely distributed across Southwestern Ontario, developing mostly to meet the needs of local farmers. The township of Carlow was once one such place - with a downtown core consisting of a hotel and a general store. It was a spot for farmers and travelers to stock up on supplies while giving their horses some much needed rest after a long day of pulling a buggy. In 1851, the general store was also designated as an official post office.

Becoming a postal stop meant that Carlow, originally known as Smith’s Hills, was an important hub for the five small villages that had been established in the area. A mail carrier

coming from Goderich would stop at the corner of what is now Lucknow Line and Blyth Road, collect any correspondence that had accumulated at the general store, and carry on towards Auburn.

Much has changed across Huron County in the past 173 years, and the same is true of the Carlow General Store. In the recent past, it had found new purpose by becoming the Carlow Mercantile - a popular antique store full of old toys, vintage furniture and farm equipment, and multitudinous bits of interesting local history.

When the Mercantile closed back in 2017, it wasn’t long before the Carlow General Store found new life with a new owner. When Attila took possession of the property, he set to work giving his new home a stunning

upgrade that’s a little bit of a restoration remix, using all kinds of recycled and repurposed materials. He has rebuilt the original balconies of the building, and adorned the entire building with upcycled trim. Even the smallest scraps and cast offs tend to be elevated into tiny but essential elements of the overall artistry of the property. Little chunks of leftover and broken stones are transformed into an elegant patio, scraps of wood brought together to create a homemade smoker. The overall look of the old General Store has become almost fantastical, an effect that is compounded by a decorative backyard land boat and dragon-topped streetlights, among countless other whimsical details. No longer needed to act as a post office or a local hub, the purpose of the Carlow General Store has become simply to be itself, in all its frivolous and glorious details. It’s become a home and an art project, as well as a funky local landmark worth keeping an eye peeled for.

While he may not be operating any kind of formal storefront at the moment, if you happen to see Attila outside working on his latest masterpiece this spring, he’s happy to show off some of the handiwork he’s done around the space that’s kept the historic building on the map and making people smile as they drive by. Corner of Blyth Rd (County Road 25) and Lucknow Rd (County Road 1).

Goderich BIA is planning a fun summer including:

* The Goderich BIA’s Farmers’ market, returning every Saturday and the Sunday Market from May long weekend to October long weekend. Saturday market runs 8am to 2pm and the Sunday market runs 9 am to 2 pm

* Enjoy our well-known Thursday evening concert series and Saturday afternoon concert series

* And....a few big events we have yet to announce!

Follow us on Facebook downtowngoderich Instagram at Goderichbia or visit our website at www.goderichbia.ca

The beauty of heritage

David Aylward and Ellen McManus began Huron County’s first craft cidery in 2016, brewing and bottling in a historic factory on East Street in Goderich that has been in McManus’ family for decades.

East Street Cider began as a manufacturing facility only but David and Ellen knew that someday they wanted to add a taproom, to invite the public into their unique heritage space.

As liquor laws in Ontario evolved, the possibility of that taproom came much closer to reality and in 2020 the company began lovingly restoring a large space in the northwest corner of the building, exposing the walls of cut stone from the Maitland River that had housed generations of craftsmen and entrepreneurs.

While that exposed stone and heritage beams give the place character, it also posed unique challenges for David and Ellen, who were doing most of the renovations themselves. Designing a space in a building built in 1856 meant that very little was level or true and, despite existing for over a century and a half, the building continues to settle and shift. All of these quirks had to be accounted for when framing,

hanging drywall and pouring floors.

Exposed beams and a defunct sprinkler system adds

to the character of the room, reminding patrons of the decades of

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Making egg magic in Goderich

The sign outside of the Bluewater Restaurant in Goderich is emblazoned with the slogan “Where the magic happens!” These intriguing words are made even more intriguing by the image that accompanies them - an anthropomorphic egg wearing a top hat and shooting stars out of a magic wand. This leads one to believe that some kind of egg magic must be happening within what appears to be an otherwise nondescript building.

Luckily, the non-descript nature only goes as far as the outside of the building. Inside, one room has an orange floor covered with vinyl records, and the other is covered in art featuring Elvis Presley throughout the ages. Which is not to say that Bluewater Restaurant should be classified as a 50s nostalgia diner -

it’s a magically-themed breakfast place with a magician for a chef that just happens to have a hearty respect for rock n roll.

The eggs on the Eggs Benedict may not come with top hats and magic wands, but they do come perfectly poached, which is its own kind of magic, and when you order the Grand Breakfast, the pancake element of the meal comes out first, so you can focus on it before the syrup soaks in. I think we can all agree that we like fluffy discs of cake with syrup on top!

Traditional home fries are an option, but so are a local breakfast favourite - dollar fries! A recent County-wide shortage of the deep fried discs has breakfast aficionados coveting these golden angels of the morning more than ever, and

Bluewater Restaurant doles theirs out in acceptably hearty portions.

In terms of the ever important morning meats, Bluewater serves up fat breakfast sausages, crisp, salty bacon, thick slices of ham, and tender peameal. Rye toast does come at an extra charge, but such is the price we pay when we want a slightly fancier slice of toast. Waffles piled with whipped cream are sure to delight all who dream of starting their day with dessert.

When you head up to the counter to pay, there’s no guarantee that owner, chef and mentalist Neil McMillan will come out and do a card trick for you, but it’s been known to happen on occasion. Bluewater Restaurant is located at 289 Huron Rd in Goderich, and makes egg magic from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., seven days a week.

The Pride of Huron County

On June 8, the Huron County Pride Festival is inviting absolutely everybody to come out to Courthouse Square for a day of celebrating all the beautiful differences that make humanity great.

Huron County Pride is a citizen-led grassroots group that has had an enormously positive impact on the community in a relatively short period of time. Last year’s inaugural revelries were a huge success, drawing in a huge crowd that came to dance, sing, eat, learn, and celebrate

the spirit of inclusivity. Activities included a morning yoga class, a concert by The Bayfield Ukulele Society, drag queen and king performances, a queer-positive vendor market, and an outdoor dance party. For many visitors of all ages, it was their first experience at a Pride celebration, and the response couldn’t have been more positive. There is real power in being seen, and being celebrated, for the person you really are.

The centralizing circle of

Goderich’s Courthouse Square is a perfect place to collectively gather for a celebration of the very right to celebrate. It’s even rumoured that The Square was the inspiration for Walt Disney’s design for the Magic Kingdom at Disneyland. The original king of cartoons had family from just outside of Goderich and is known to have spent time there in his younger years, so it’s certainly possible.

Huron County’s Pride Festival is

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Where the ‘Magic’ happens

In the magical realm of Magic: The Gathering, players take on potent powers to engage in mystical duels of drawn cards. Each card depicts a spell, wielded deftly in battle. Instant and Sorcery cards offer fleeting flashes of magic, while enduring allies in the form of Creatures, Artifacts, and Enchantments linger on the Battlefield, bestowing lasting benefits. To fuel their sorceries, players must harness the mystical energy of Land cards, shaping the

flow of magic at their command. The complex gameplay of Magic: The Gathering goes beyond traditional role-playing games, boasting an expansive array of cards and incredibly intricate rules. It beckons players into its fold through various platforms, from physical gatherings to virtual realms like Magic: The Gathering Online. It creates a unique, dynamic ecosystem in which players craft decks from their own collections or improvise with assortments of cards. Continual innovation unfolds

with the release of expansion sets, enriching gameplay and fueling the global community's fervor. Suffice to say, those who like it, like it a lot.

Of course, to declare victory in the arcane arena, one must have an opponent for the besting, whether through direct combat, the summoning of fearsome creatures, or other, less direct means. And that’s one of the many reasons that Greg Edwards opened up Tabletop Giant & Escape Room in Goderich. Magic is a great communal event for strategically minded members of society. It’s a place where MTG fans of all skill levels can come to wage friendly battle against each other. The biggest showdowns tend to happen on Friday nights, but more casual dueling is welcome any time, and free Magic cards are often given out to participants to bolster their decks. The community that forms around a good Magic scene always has players coming and going, and newcomers are always welcome.

Don’t have any Magic cards but want to give it a try? Tabletop Giant can lend you a deck. Got way too many Magic cards? Tabletop Giant will take your collection off your hands and give you store credit. Do you have almost the right amount of Magic cards? Tabletop Giant also sells Magic cards, so you can top off your deck. Whatever your Magic needs, Tabletop Giant’s got you covered! www.tabletopgiant.ca 155 Anglesea Unit C, Goderich

Walkway on the way

In 2017, a group of community members banded together to raise the money to purchase the 4.75acre parcel of land known as the Bayfield River Flats, with both environmental significance and a deep historical tie to the area. The land that once held Thompson’s Mill, whose saw and grist mill were important developments to the pioneer settlers of the region, and a dam that provided the first bridge across the Bayfield River, has now been donated to the Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy to preserve and steward for generations to come. The Bayfield River Valley Trail Association’s volunteers will continue to maintain the property at no cost to the public.

After the bridge that carries Bluewater Highway (Highway 21) over the river was replaced in 2021 and new sidewalks added in 2022, another fundraising project was begun with the vision of creating a pedestrian walkway from the town of Bayfield to the flats without the need to cross the busy highway. This

project saw over $50,000 raised in the community to complete the walkway. The project is out to tender this spring, with a construction target of the month of May to complete the stone dust trail and landscaping.

Soon, visitors will be able to park in the town or at the marina or beach and after a 10- or 15-minute short walk, they will stroll leisurely under the bridge to enjoy nature and take in the interpretive signs along the trail to give context to the park.

The area features an easy trail just over a kilometre in length which has, in addition to the historical signs, picnic tables, a canoe launch, and an Osprey nesting site next to the bridge. While ambling along the trail, visitors can view the remnants of the mill, dam and a fish net reel. The space is also a designated Monarch butterfly reserve, and a popular stop on the annual migration route. https://htltc.ca/ bayfield-river-flats/ or https:// www.bayfieldtrails.com/ the-river-flats 76520 Bluewater Highway, Bayfield.

Preserving history

Late last fall, Bayfield held a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open the latest addition to its heritage buildings with the launch of the Penhale Carriage Two Cow Barn. If that sounds like a bit of a mouthful, rest assured that the reason behind the structure is just as interesting as the unusual moniker.

The display has been created to honour Tom Penhale and his team of local craftsmen who were renowned for their hand-crafted horse-drawn wagons and carriages from the 1970s to the 1990s. The world-class carriages have been featured in the Tournament of Roses parade and at Walt Disney World.

The Bayfield Historical Society and the Bayfield Lions joined forces to create a permanent home for a beautiful example of the craftsmanship in the form of an original landau carriage.

The two-cow barn represents a part of Bayfield’s past, from a time when

almost everyone in the village owned a horse, a cow, some chickens and perhaps a pig or a sheep, and housed them in a small barn or shed on their property. Several examples of these structures still exist today behind some of the older homes in the village.

After a successful fundraising campaign to buy the carriage, local architects and contractors helped the

community groups realize their vision of the barn to house the carriage.

The barn is located on Main Street, just behind the Bayfield Historical Society Archives and Heritage Centre, adding to the heritage district that the downtown has become known for.

While the barn is well-designed with character, it is closed to the public and storyboards will be used to tell the story of Penhale’s Bayfield Wagon and Carriage Works, and the works of art that it created. www.bayfieldhistorical.ca 20 Main St, Bayfield

519-482-9256

theoldhomestead.on.ca

35248 Bayfield River Rd., Bayfield

For decades, Denny’s Drive-In has been a Grand Bend institution, known for its quick service, silly signage, great burgers, and, of course, fresh cut fries. So when the best little burger joint in Grand Bend changed owners in the spring of 2023, locals were concerned that the menu would change along with it. Those concerns turned to excitement when the new owner, Lot Chansamone, started out by studying the secrets of the Denny’s menu, with lessons provided by none other than Valerie Boland, the previous owner. Chansamone is still getting her burger patties from Hensall’s masters of all things meat - Metzger’s. That means Denny’s is still serving thick, juicy burgers adorned with toothsome toppings on fresh, springy buns - it makes for a hearty handheld. She’s also still doing the fresh cut fries every day, with a little bit of help from her five children.

But the absolute must try item at Denny’s Drive-In is the Tom Yum Soup Deluxe. This hot and sour soup combines rich coconut milk and stock flavoured with lemongrass, chilies, galangal, and other herbs, and has long been a staple of Thai cuisine.

Chansamone also offers a nondeluxe version of Tom Yum, but the Deluxe version is absolutely worth the slightly higher price tag.

Grand Bend A new era

own culinary signature to the retro burger bar, in the form of truly spectacular Thai food. Chansamone clearly pays attention to all the little details that make Thai cuisine so beloved all around the world. As an added bonus, Denny’s once limited vegetarian offerings have been expanded to include fragrant curries, noodle dishes, soups, spring rolls, and more. She uses quintessential Thai flavours like Kaffir lime, lemongrass, ginger, Thai basil, and coconut throughout her menu, which makes it hard to decide what to order.

Having successfully secured the legacy of Denny’s Drive-In for another generation, the seasoned restauranteur set about adding her

The most popular dish at Denny’s is Pad Thai, of course. Chansamone’s Pad Thai is of the thin noodle, sweet and tangy orange sauce variety. It’s also topped with fresh cilantro and comes with crushed peanuts on the side - both signs of a superlative takeout Pad Thai. Thick, house-made spring rolls stuffed with well seasoned vegetables and (optional) pork make for a substantial snackjust make sure you let them cool down a little before biting into one fresh from the fryer!

While she may be relatively new to the hamburger stand game, Chansamone is no stranger to the realm of restaurants. She got her start running Thai Pad with her sisters in Lucan. Thai Pad is a funky, sit-down spot with an eclectic menu that is much-loved by locals from Lucan and the surrounding area. It’s her goal to foster that same sense of community with the people of Grand Bend. While she still loves the summer rush of tourists that have been stopping in at Denny’s for decades, Chansamone also strives to cater to Grand Bend’s year-round residents. One way of doing that was to switch the spot from strictly seasonal to a year-round eatery. In the winter, she keeps customers warm with some pretty serious soups, from Mexican Tortilla to Turkey Stew.

She also keeps things fresh by coming up with an enormous variety of weekly specials, from smoked pork chops with mashed potatoes to beef teriyaki with udon noodles to butter chicken with basmati rice.

Until summer hours start in June, Denny’s Drive-In is open from 4 to 8 on Thursday and Friday, and from 11:30 to 8 on Saturday and Sunday. Located at 86 Ontario St S, Grand Bend.

An experience to behold Grand Bend

There’s a reason why Grand Bend is one of Lake Huron’s most desirable vacation destinations - there’s no shortage of things to do! From swimming to ‘dive-in’ movies to chill tiki drinks to 90s dance parties - you can even get pizza with gummy bears on it! And that’s not even talking about all of Grand Bend - all this cool stuff is going on at just one place - The Kiwi Motel!

Located at 40 Main St E, the newly renovated motel certainly has a number of photo-worthy nooks and crannies for ‘gram fans, but the fun runs more than skin deep - The Kiwi is never satisfied with just being that place you hang your hat between trips to the beach - they love getting in on the fun. Movie nights and live music from local bands have already proved to be popular, and the warmer weather has been creating the opportunity for even more fun events and an expanded menu.

It’s fairly common for a cool hotel to have a funky bar in the lobby, but it’s less likely for a cool motel to have a funky bar in the lobby. But that should change, if The Kiwi is any indication of what a funky bar in a cool motel is capable of. Funky glassware, specialty cocktails, and craft beers are already available, and if you’re not into candy on pizza, there’s also less unorthodox options like BBQ chicken and Hawaiian. The Kiwi is also always looking for food, drink and activity suggestions from the community so they can bring more fun moments into the world.

The former Patio Motel has undergone a complete transformation, seeking to become a year round go-to spot for locals as well as tourists. They do have a number of rooms for rent, but you don’t have to be staying there to come in for a snack or a drink on the patio or at their backyard bar. There’s also a little indoor seating for rainy spring days, and special events are generally open to the

public. When it’s a bit chilly out, there’s often a toasty outdoor fire to sit by while you sip a latte or espresso martini. The year round appeal of Grand Bend continues to reveal itself, one cool motel at a time. Whether you need a place to stay or just a place to go, give The Kiwi a try - it’s a whole new kind of motel!

www.stayatthekiwi.com 40 Main St E, Grand Bend

Fresh, seasonal, delicious

By Shawn Loughlin

As Huron County steadily emerges as a culinary destination - a place where not only great food is served, but grown by some of the country’s best farmers - James Eddington stands alone as someone who’s been at the forefront of Huron County’s dining landscape for more than 25 years.

His landmark restaurant, Eddington’s of Exeter, marked its 25th anniversary back in 2022. It’s nestled in a designated historical landmark home on the main street of Exeter that was built in the 1870s.

Attracted to the restaurant business, a teenage Eddington first set foot in a kitchen to wash dishes near his childhood home of Thamesford, just east of London. The year he turned 20, he took a one-year lease on the building that is now home to Eddington’s surely unaware at the time that, more than 25 years later, he’d still be there innovating and feeding the diners of Huron County and beyond.

Now, in all those years since his initial one-year lease, Eddington has continued to expand his offerings, establishing relationships with local farmers, producers and other creatives in the industry to help him get where he is today.

However, things really shifted just under a decade ago when Eddington purchased a farm property to call his

own: 25 acres on the shores of Lake Huron. There, he grows something different every year, utilizing raised garden beds, an orchard and a greenhouse.

He works with local producers who are able to supply him with many of the staples that are of the highest quality, so on his farm he focuses on unique ingredients he can’t find anywhere else, like edible flowers, uncommon herbs, interesting fruit like blood peaches and other hard-tofind ingredients that set his food apart.

And, in recent years, Eddington has leveraged his relationships to create special themed dinners. For example, in early February, he and his team created a special multi-course, farmto-table meal with Schatz Winery at Zurich’s Hessenland Inn, while in March he curated a dinner that drew inspiration from Northern Portugal, based on a recent trip Eddington had taken.

His highly seasonal menus offer creative takes on appetizers that can be shared or enjoyed alone and main course options that use the freshest and most local of proteins, like beef, lamb and trout or vegetarian options like creamy mushroom pasta. And don’t decide too early; keep your ears open for the specials, as they often serve up the freshest and most creative options.

The desserts are balanced and

delicious and the cocktail, wine and beer options offer something for everyone, including non-alcoholic options as well.

Eddington’s plating is something to behold. The dishes truly are works of art and will call to the Instagrammers and aspiring foodie influencers to reach for their smartphones and make memories of the experience.

Also worth noting is that, earlier this year, Eddington’s was featured on OpenTable’s Top 100 Restaurants with Healthy Bites, a Canada-wide list released this January.

Eddington’s of Exeter is open for lunch and dinner from Tuesday through to Friday and dinner exclusively on Saturdays. Find the historic building at 527 Main Street South, Exeter. To make a reservation, call 519-235-3030 or book on opentable.ca, accessible through eddingtons.ca.

A chance to go ‘Loco’ in Clinton

When the aesthetically energetic Cafe Loco burst onto the coffee scene in downtown Clinton, the unapologetically funky establishment quickly became the #1 cult-hit coffee shop in Huron County. After spending the last few drab winter months settling into bright new digs at 14 Isaac St, the always inventive espresso bar/grab-and-go luncheonette/retro candy shop/vintage clothing shop is a one-stop-shop for anybody hoping to take their day from ‘blah’ to ‘huzzah!’

Locally roasted coffee from Shop Bike out of Bayfield is a great place to start for javanauts searching for a brew blacker than midnight on a moonless night, but a multitude of variations on the classic cup of Joe are also on offer. A hot pink menu board suggests a veritable beverage gamut of drinkables designed to suit all manner of tastes and tolerances, from classic cappuccinos to iced cheesecake lattes. Drink specials often reflect the spirit of the day, The savoury side of the snack case is stocked with house-made

sandwiches and other healthy noshables. Owner Kendra Horton can often be found behind the counter assembling sandwiches for the day or working on one of the stunning charcuterie boards or grazing plates she custom makes for special events.

A sandwich often tastes better when it has a funny name, and the celebrity-inspired ‘Au-Brie Plaza’, which comes with Brie, sliced pear and arugula, is no exception. Regulars pop into the shop often, seeking favourites like the chickpea salad or a breakfast bagel with bacon, egg, cheese and zingy chipotle mayo.

For those with a sweet tooth, Cafe Loco carries a variety of peerless treats created by local bakers, like the always excellent offerings from Milk and Honey Huron and Wilhelmina Bakery. There’s also a great little selection of retro 90s confections that includes some of the era’s strangest hits, like gummy burgers, Crybabies, and Garbage Candy, the candy that looks like trash!

There’s also a lot of great merch featuring lobsters and Cafe Loco’s very cool skull logo, as well as a

small selection of nicely curated vintage clothes that are perfectly priced for an afternoon impulse purchase to go along with a Vietnamese-style iced coffee.

While seating is limited, the powerful clash of patterns, mismatched vintage furniture and windowsill full of interesting books beckons for patrons to stay a while, just to soak up an atmosphere you can’t find anywhere else in the area. So come early, come often, and enjoy the vibes! www.cafeloco.ca 14 Isaac St, Clinton

Your hosts: Bob & Janice Clark

71 Kirk Street, Clinton 519-482-1163

Email: inquiries@kildonanhouse.com

Website: www.kildonanhouse.com

5.0 Google rating

Radar City Maniacs

The Clinton Spring Fair’s theme for 2024 has been declared as “Way More in ‘24”, and the dedicated board and volunteers are working hard to deliver on this bold statement.

The organization has added a headline concert on Saturday night in recent years, and this year are going out of their way to deliver quite the experience for fairgoers.

Volunteer Peter Meades has pulled in his years of promoting to organize this year’s event with top Canadian bands 54-40 and Sloan. Up and coming country star Owen Riegling from just across the border in Bruce County is opening the evening and sure to bring in local fans from across southwestern Ontario.

Meades says that working with the Clinton Fair board gives him an opportunity to give back to the community and he is excited for this concert as it gives fans a chance to “see big names in a small, intimate setting”. The idea was for the fair to continue to present classic rock icons

in a small town, and 54-40 definitely will play to those fans. Adding Sloan was to bring in the next generation, according to Meades, and will play to the nostalgia of those who grew up listening to this band that hit its stride in the 90s. Being able to book Riegling to open the concert is a great addition to the bill as he is a local talent on the cusp of big things. Meades has worked hard to bring in several demographics, keeping the fair fresh and relevant.

In addition to the concert, the ever-

popular demolition derby is set to return on Friday night. The fair experience wouldn’t be complete without a midway, youth activities, a car show and livestock displays. Competition will be fierce, but friendly, in the homecraft division and as competitors vie for the Ambassador of the Fair title.

Clinton Spring Fair is truly delivering “Way More in ‘24” from May 31 to June 2. Events at Clinton Arena and Clinton Raceway. www.clintonspringfair.com

Sunday Evening Buffet

Hitting the ground running

After a decade of running in Huron County, Peter Meades decided to turn his entrepreneurial spirit toward improving the experience of runners all over the region, and opened The Run Parlour in Clinton, the proverbial heart of the county.

Meades, and his partner Alex Ullman, founded the store after a number of years of testing the market with popup shops selling shoes and Meade’s own brand of running clothing, Inherit The Earth (ITE).

While Meades enjoyed running as a kid, it wasn’t until 2014 when he took up the sport seriously again as an adult. He was soon searching for better shoes and, especially, the perfect pair of running shorts. When nothing he found was exactly right, he delved into designing and ITE was born.

He spent the pandemic on a mission - to run every road in Huron County with what he coined “a garbage chariot”, cleaning up the side roads and highways, all while running in ITE and sharing the experience with his social media channels.

He soon discovered that he lived in a bit of a running “desert”, with no outlets carrying running gear all

along the south western edge of Ontario. The popup shops proved so successful that Meades and Ullman knew that they were on to something and the retail store was opened in August of 2023, catering to runners from Owen Sound to Sarnia.

In addition to the flagship Inherit The Earth line of clothing, the store carries other popular athletic wear such as Lululemon and Saysky Copenhagen. Meades has created a unique partnership with local Olympian Julie Ann Staehli, and New Balance, her sponsor, is featured heavily in the store, including the popular New Balance Rebels. Meades points out that good footwear is important to anyone who is on their feet a lot, so the store has become a destination for health care workers, teachers, retail professionals, servers and others. Besides clothing and shoes, the store carries everything you need to begin running, including hand-held water bottles, a must for hydration.

Meades’ other business is as a wellknown concert promoter in the area, and with so much experience in event-planning, it was a natural evolution for The Run Parlour to begin hosting running clubs, nutrition

workshops and races. In fact, he is in the planning stages of a unique 5K social run, with a surprise destination that will feature a concert with a mystery headliner. Watch The Run Parlour’s social media for details on “Band on the Run” as they become available.

Inside this classic, small-town storefront lies a runner’s dream - a mecca that is the envy of its urban counterparts. Not only does Meades and his team supply every piece of gear that you may need, the running clubs and events provide a complete running community to support and nurture the sport in the area.

www.runparlour.com

5 Albert St, Clinton

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Downtown Seaforth has no shortage of distinctive heritage buildings, but there’s one stretch of Main Street that stands head and shoulders above the restthe Cardno Block, which stands at 39-47 Main Street South. Constructed in 1877, the three-storey building is anchored around a striking clock tower that makes the block a hard to miss landmark with a prominent position on Main Street.

stores” and built the Cardno Block.

The unique space on the second floor quickly evolved into the wellknown Cardno Music and Concert Hall. From touring opera companies to vaudeville performances, a variety of entertaining shows were put on in the venue, which were always greatly enjoyed by the local population. The Hall also acted as a gathering place for local service groups, and politicians wishing to address their platforms. Patriotic concerts were given during World War 1, some of which featured local singer Grace McFaul Mullen.

History on display Seaforth

The ornate decorations of the Cardno Block reflect one of Seaforth’s most prosperous times. Local businessman and developer Alexander Cardno had the building constructed shortly after much of the downtown had been burned in a catastrophic fire.

As the clock tower ticked away, the Hall was replaced by more modern facilities, and ceased being used as a public space. However, the influence of Cardno’s cultural efforts to improve the social quality of life within Seaforth and the surrounding countryside will not be soon forgotten.

The whimsical block was recognised for its historical value in 1980, in accordance with the Ontario Heritage Act, with special attention paid to its distinctively curved mansard roof and clock tower. The building is constructed in a most eclectic style, taking inspiration from the Napoleon III style of architecture, which blends together distinctive structural design elements from different historical periods into an anachronistic facade. The unique slate tile of the clock tower turret and mansard roof may remind observers of dragon scales or a gum drop covered gingerbread house.

Before that, from 1873 to 1877, a hotel had operated on the property. Cardno tore down the hotel and adjacent building to make way for his vision of “five large commodious

No walking tour of Seaforth would be complete without a stop to admire the dynamic details of the Cardno Block and its towering clock. 39-47 Main St. S., Seaforth

When Ron and Becky Janmaat decided to open a Dutch/Canadian restaurant in downtown Seaforth, they were hoping to bring together more than just their respective culinary heritages - they wanted ‘Juncti8n’ (pronounced Junction Eight) to become the go-to gathering place for locals and visitors alike looking to meet up over some casual comfort food or a cup of coffee.

It didn’t take long for the Janmaats’ dream to become a reality. When they first opened their doors in the fall, a large section of Main Street was closed for an extended period of time, but despite that fact, the little shop has seen a steady influx of Seaforthians excited to sample the sandwiches or try the fresh cut potato

wedges.

The long high table in the middle of the room often fills up quickly with families and friends celebrating the chance to eat together, and some seated counter space facing the street is a perfect place to people-watch while awaiting a takeout order, or to perch during a lunch break. There’s also a monthly sandwich special that frequently draws inspiration from the menu of Johnny’s Sub and Sandwich Shop,’ a beloved local lunch spot on Main Street that closed a few years ago. It’s easy to envision a young family making this cute spot their goto for eating out. Obviously, cheese burgers and chicken fingers will always be staples for Seaforth’s littlest citizens, but adventurous young people will also be enticed into

trying their first Nasi Hapjie.

The custom made wooden tables are a suitable setting for catching up with a buddy over burgers, or splitting some Dutch street food with a date. There’s cones of fries, Indonesian-inspired noodle croquettes, and onion stuffed frikandel sausages. And mayo, of course. Lots of mayo. No tour of the Netherlands would be complete without a hagelslag (chocolate sprinkle and butter) sandwich and a cup of coffee!

Whether you go with a Canadian classic like ham and cheese, or try the Dutch meatloaf sandwich, it’s all about customizing your toppings at Juncti8n. You can try a BLT with blackened garlic mayo, or a fully loaded Greek veggie burger with lettuce, cucumber, tomato, onion, tzatziki, and olives, or tuna salad or multigrain with chipotle mayo, hot peppers and spinach. The list goes on, but whatever you decide on, you may as well add some potato wedges for a mere $3 extra - they’re great!

Juncti8n is located at 13 Main St in Seaforth, and is open from 11-8, Tuesday to Saturday, and accepts cash and cards.

Fancy a good read?

The Blyth Repository of History began as the collection of Brock and Janis Vodden, historians and genealogists who became the keepers of the unofficial archives and museum for the area.

After Janis passed, Brock sought a group of like-minded community members to take over the collection and continue to make it available for research and study. A committee was struck and the collection moved to a wing of the local newspaper office (405 Queen St) and opened to the public in 2019.

In order to maintain and curate the archives, fundraising was needed and about this time the Blyth Festival was looking for another group to take over the beloved annual book sale that they had hosted for over 40 years. Long-time book sale organizers Ann

Webster and Deb Sholdice, along with a team of dedicated volunteers, picked up the torch and continued the sale for the Repository.

Over the years, the first weekend in June has become a mecca for bibliophiles to stock up on their favourite summer reads or to find a long-sought-after edition of a classic. The sale continues to evolve, and is now held on Friday evening and allday Saturday in the hall of the Trinity Anglican Church.

In addition to the large selection of quality hardcover and paperback books, donations are likely to include puzzles, games, posters, CDs and DVDs. The committee respectfully declines torn or dirty items, textbooks and encyclopedias, making the selection as relevant as possible for sale goers.

The committee will accept

donations from the public on Thursday, May 30 from 8 am to 8 pm and on Friday, May 31 from 8 am to 1 pm. If you have a donation for the sale outside of the scheduled intake, call us to arrange at 519-523-4792.

This year the sale runs from 4 pm sharp to 8 pm on Friday, May 31, with no early bird sales allowed to make sure everyone has fair access to their favourite authors and collectible editions! The sale will open again at 9 am on Saturday, June 1 and run until 4 pm. The best deals to be had are on Saturday afternoon from 2 pm to 4 pm when volunteers will blow out the remaining inventory with their famous “box sale”! www.blythrepositoryofhistory.com Book sale at Trinity Anglican Church, 166 Dinsley St, Blyth.

A thriving cider scene in Goderich

Continued from page 10 manufacturing that has taken place within its walls. Even the tables and benches nestled along the walls have been designed and built by the duo to complement the industrial vibe. The space is arranged into conversation areas and cozy nooks, lending itself to a variety of events now being held.

In the summer of 2023, East Street Cider hosted a patio so that patrons could enjoy their cider on-site while the renovations continued and finally, in September, the wait was over and the taproom opened for the first time. It was the opportunity to meet the neighbours and welcome the community into their space. Since the fall, events ranging from vinyl nights to the everpopular bingos are bringing in new faces and familiar regulars alike.

In addition to its own ciders, the taproom boasts a carefully curated selection of regional craft beers and wines, and non-alcoholic drinks, ensuring that everyone who visits can find the perfect beverage.

Aylward is the brewer, developing seasonal flavours of cider with 100 per cent Ontario apples, in addition to their year-round labels like the Landmark Dry, their original and still most popular cider. The company is becoming known for its unique flavours, like the Harvest Botanical which is steeped with botanicals and dried fruit and hints of hibiscus.

Exclusive to the taproom, East Street Cider is also able to serve up new flavours in super small batches, so drop by often to see what’s new and exciting. The taproom is open Thursday - Saturday from 2 pm to 9 pm and Sundays from 1 pm to 6 pm. Follow its social media pages for upcoming events and for extended summer hours.

For more information, visit www.eaststreetcider.com or arrive in person at 130 East St. in Goderich.

Available to order by the side or mixed quarter.

At the farm store:

Assorted cuts & patties Available to order fresh

At the farm store: Frozen, Whole or in pieces (Drumsticks, wings, breasts)

Pride Festival to return

Continued from page 13 most definitely a family-friendly day of fun, but it’s also important to remember that all Pride celebrations stem from a long history of civilian protests and rebellion against unjust laws. This celebration of the LGBTQ+ community’s identity, rights, and history has its origins in a series of protests. In New York City there were the Stonewall Riots in 1969, when LGBTQ+ bar patrons at the Stonewall Inn fought back against police harassment and discrimination. In Canada, similar protests occurred in the city of Toronto in 1981, following Operation Soap - a coordinated police raid on four of the city’s popular bathhouses. These and other reactions to targeted police action became watershed moments in the fight for equal rights. Brave individuals came together to march as one in the face of systemic discrimination.

Those marches are now commemorated by Pride parades and celebrations - colorful and joyous displays of diversity, inclusion, and love. Expressing one’s enthusiasm for inclusiveness is also a big part of what Pride is all about, so get out your rainbow flags, dress up in a fun costume, enjoy some music and dancing, and come together to show solidarity.

The Huron County Pride Festival has already become an important symbol of progress and resilience in the ever ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights. While there is still much work to be done to achieve full equality and acceptance, Pride is a great reminder of the power of unity, the importance of visibility, and the ability to create positive change through fun. So come on out to Goderich’s Courthouse Square on June 8 - it might just be the happiest place on earth!

Juicy options in Wingham

Duck Duck Juice + Gym is a health-driven labour of love being brought to the people of Wingham by local residents Hailey and Cody McCann. When the couple originally opened their 24 hr fitness centre just up the street from their current location, they were hoping to create a space in Wingham where people can feel supported as they work towards living happier, healthier lives. Now that they’ve made the move to their new location at 164 Josephine St, the dynamic duo have been expanding the offerings of their gym to include an array of classes, including strength training, meditation, and both restorative and Vinyasa yoga.

Exercise is a big part of the McCanns’ overall ethos for living well, but they are also working to help provide proper fuel for the body. That’s where the ‘Juice’ part of ‘Duck Duck Juice + Gym’ comes into play. This March will mark the reopening of the gym’s juice and smoothie bar, which serves healthy drinks and coffee. Unlike the rest of the gym, which does require a membership, the sip n shop smoothie bar is open to the public. Healthy versions of familiar flavour combos, like peanut butter and jelly and piña colada have already proved popular with Winghamites looking for a midday boost or an afternoon treat. They also make a take on a Tim Horton’s

Iced Capp that has a whole lot less refined sugar and a lot more protein.

The McCanns also hope to make cleaner eating more approachable. Hailey advocates for developing a positive attitude towards food by making straightforward meals with simple ingredients. Her meal prep recipes include dishes like taco bowls, chicken with vegetables, chili, cheeseburger salad and beef stir fry. Like her smoothie recipes, Hailey strives to provide customers with easy food options that aren’t just good for them, but something that they actually look forward to. So stop in at Duck Duck Juice + Gym the next time you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s also good for you!

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Taste with a view

There’s a little restaurant in Wingham that makes for a perfect place for a date - The Riverview Local Eatery at 499 Josephine St. Chef Curtis Wells has created a menu with lots of great options for some romantic eats, no matter what stage of your relationship you may be at.

Just starting out? Grab a quick drink and get to know each other a little better while you split a plate of Parmesan Honey Fries for an easygoing meet-up. If the conversation goes well, the date may escalate into a shared spinach and artichoke dip, or order of wings, if it’s wing night.

Been living together for a minute? Spice things up with a new ritual and head to The Riverview every Thursday for Pasta Night. Wells makes a different fresh pasta dish every week - it’s got all the comfort of a relationship routine, without the risk of falling into a rut! Recent creations include three-cheese ravioli in rosé sauce, lemon pepper shrimp linguine, classic spaghetti and meatballs. Make it a real mid-week unwind with a few beverages, and work out a plan fort that kitchen remodel together over a Caesar salad and some garlic cheese bread while you await Riverview’s latest pasta creation. It’s understood that you each have to order different pastas, so you can try each other’s, even if you both secretly want the same thing.

Many years spent marinating together? Split a bottle of wine and reflect on a life well-lived together with the slow braised beef short rib with garlic mashed potatoes and the baked Atlantic salmon with lemon

caper butter, just like you do every date night. When you made this reservation six weeks ago, you preordered your meals, to ensure your preferred usual would be available.

Whatever sort of food you end up ordering, be sure to save room for something sweet - the rotating menu is full of decadent and playful desserts. A wander to nearby Riverside Park for a twilight stroll or a seat on one of the benches by the river is a perfect end to any evening.

Of course, The Riverview isn’t

strictly for couples - groups and solo dinners are more than welcome! Saturday Is All You Can Eat Ribs night, which is a more the merrier activity if there ever was one. The Riverview has a chill and casual vibe with really good food - a winning combination that can be conducive to more stimulating conversation and a generally good time. The service staff always seem to be collectively enjoying their jobs, and are always enthusiastic about making menu recommendations.

The dining room is small, with limited seating, which means that even when it’s busy, it never feels overly noisy or hectic. But it also means that it’s always best to make a reservation. On balmy spring days the sizeable patio may also be open, but space can still fill up quickly. And a reservation always makes a special night feel even more special! The Riverview Local Eatery is closed on Sundays, but opens at 11 am every other day of the week. Monday and Tuesday is lunch only, dinner available Wednesday through Saturday. Reservations can be made at 519-912-1444.

Carving out a place

Adam Youngblut of Youngblut Timber Art knew that since his studio and gallery doesn’t look like a traditional storefront, he’d need something eye-catching to let people know about the veritable menagerie of chainsaw carvings contained within his workshop just outside of downtown Lucknow. He settled on carving a life-sized grizzly bear to install outside the door of the shop, next to a bright yellow banner that simply reads ‘Chainsaw Carvings’. “The bear is like my business card,” he explained. “I make a lot of bears!”

Other recently carved creations are mostly fauna and flora that can be found across Canada - beyond bears, there are deer, moose, fish and various birds of prey, all captured in moments ranging from glorious battle to quiet contemplation. On this particular afternoon, Youngblut was mid-way through work on the figure of a fox, its individual personality just beginning to take shape. He may make a lot of bears, but no two are ever exactly the same - each one takes on some of the character of the piece of wood it comes from. He works with a lot of scrap wood from a wide variety of sources, like construction projects. The completed works in the store come in all shapes, sizes, and price points, from huge eagles with wild wingspans to tiny tree wizards peering out of little logs. Wall hanging pieces are popular with

customers lacking the required space for statues.

Native creatures may be his main focus, but there’s also a number of more exotic beasts in the store, including a lionfish, a live-edged gorilla, and an octopus. Among the many pine trees, there is also a cactus or two. “I just make what people like,” he explained simply. There are

also a few older pieces in the shop awaiting minor repairs, including a large Chinese dragon in need of tail reinforcements.

Anybody looking for a custom carving should make their request well in advance - depending on the complexity of the piece and the business of the season, it can sometimes take a number of months to bring a highly detailed project to fruition. There’s also an interesting seasonality to customer requests that mirrors nature.

Whenever he’s not busy doing custom carvings, Youngblut just carves whatever happens to inspire him that day. He does a lot of onlocation carving and chainsaw demonstrations, which means his storefront tends to keep fairly erratic hours, especially during the busy summer months. Calling or texting (519-386-9262) in advance to set up an appointment is an option, or you can take your chances and just pop by - if the open sign is on, that means Youngblut is inside, probably working on something interesting. Beside the Esso Station, Hwy 86, Lucknow

One could easily drive through the town of Lucknow a thousand times without taking note of Waterworks Park just off of Campbell St, but the diminutive green space marks the site of what was once the first waterworks of the Village of Lucknow. In 1890, a white brick building was constructed on the west side of the adjacent Dickie’s Creek, and was used by the town for fire protection until 1931. Water taken from the river was moved through the mains using energy supplied by a wood-fired steam boiler. When firemen needed to be called to put out a conflagration, they were alerted by steamwhistle.

Now, Waterworks Park has become a hidden gem amongst Lucknow’s green spaces. The same river that the town once utilized for early fire safety now offers a perfectly tranquil setting to break for lunch on the long trip to the cottage. When standing on one of the two bridges that cross over Dickie’s Creek, it’s hard to believe that moments ago, you were pulling

off Hwy 21 looking for a place to stretch your legs.

While Waterworks Park is charming all year long, its early spring flowers make it a perfect place to take pause during a busy day. The first snowdrops of the season can often be found there, with crocuses and hyacinths arriving soon after.

Tiny spring peepers also emerge in the spring, making themselves known through song - spotting them is always trickier than hearing them! Many species of native fish also call the river home, and spring is one of the best times to observe immature

trout feeding on insects near the surface of the water. Northern flickers and downy woodpeckers can be seen flitting from tree to tree and checking fallen logs for insects spurred into motion by the warming weather.

Dickie’s Creek is one of three creeks that have always added a great deal of character to the town of Lucknow while providing invaluable natural resources. The banks of the river can become slippery and the flow of water quite fast during the spring thaw, so it is best to keep to the designated park space and bridges. 476 Campbell St, Lucknow

Photo courtesy of Corrie Cooper

Huron County’s asparagus trail

As April approaches each year, it conjures from the earth the most verdant vanguard of vegetables - asparagus. These tender spears of spring emerge annually as an emblem of the season's awakening. When the temperature transitions away from the chill of winter, asparagus begins its ascension from the earth, slender stalks stretching skyward as a signal of renewal in a symphony of shades, from emerald to jade.

While asparagus may be available year round at the grocery store these days, there’s no substitution for the flavour of fruits and vegetables at the height of their seasonality. Adhering to the rhythms of the natural world means that awaiting the abundance is half the fun for aficionados who relish the anticipation almost as much as the arrival, eagerly awaiting the opportunity to adorn their springtime dishes with its delicate, yet delectable essence.

As April turns to May, the allure of asparagus continues to amplify, popping up in farmer’s markets and farm stores all over Huron County.

Asparagus really makes its mark in May - the harvest reaches its zenith, bringing forth a crescendo of culinary creativity. Chefs and cooks find ways to incorporate asparagus into an array of appetizing appetizers and mouth watering mains. Its tender texture and fresh flavour pair well with almost everything - even the most simple preparations have the ability to elevate the most humble of dishes into a memorable meal.

As June begins its journey, it signals the impending end of asparagus season, as the succulent stalks succumb to the sun's strengthening rays. As the days lengthen and temperatures rise, asparagus takes its leave, retreating until the next spring's seasonal symphony needs asparagus to add its aromatic accent to spring’s arrival.

Since the subtle flavour of asparagus is optimal when it’s been harvested recently, the best place to pick up some of these spiky little stalks is from as close to the source as possible. Luckily, Huron County has its fair share of farm stores and produce stands that sell directly to

customers looking to connect with the seasonality of the area’s landscape.

Part of the fun of asparagus season is never knowing exactly where you’re going to find it. Even though asparagus tends to grow very quickly, it also takes several years for a patch to become fully established. This and other environmental factors mean that it can be hard to predict where asparagus is going to turn up first. Demand is also high, and supplies often sell out quickly. Planning to find asparagus can lead to disappointment, but that makes it all the more exciting when you do come across some at the height of its season! It’s such a versatile vegetable, and you’ll have no trouble finding just the right thing to pair with it for a simple, special Spring meal that’s sure to create some lasting Huron County memories. Here are a few ideas for farm stores to visit, just to get you started!

Lucknow - Meeting Place Organic Farm, 86016 Creek Line, RR1, Lucknow. Find more info at meetingplaceorganicfarm.ca

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Farm Store Trail

On the hunt... for asparagus

Continued from page 35

This multigenerational family farm got its start with an orchard of apple trees and a team of draft horses. They’ve steadily added variety to their land stewardship project, and now sell fresh organic vegetables, meat and plants to lucky folks all over Ontario. This spring they hope to be selling their organic asparagus at their brand new store on the farm, which the McQuail family plans to open in mid-May. Meeting Place also carries the number one accoutrement for asparagusbutter. And it’s not just any butter - it’s 100% Jersey butter from St. Brigid’s Creamery near Brussels. St. Brigid’s is an extremely high quality butter, and while it does come with a price tag to match, everybody should try fresh spring vegetables with very good butter at least once in their lives! Select your favourite organic, pastureraised steaks and you’ve got everything you need for a romantic meal.

Farm Store Trail

Wingham - Homegrown Local Grocer, 239 Josephine St, Wingham. Homegrown Local Grocer gets a lot of its seasonal produce from its own family farm in Fordwich, but it’s also Wingham’s downtown depository for products from a wide range of other local farms. They carry fresh produce, frozen meats and fish, local cheese, artisanal preserves, bread, eggs, and so much more. If asparagus is available, you’ll find everything you need here to make a fairly effortless frittata - just dice asparagus with other seasonal vegetables, add to beaten eggs, mix in shredded or crumbled cheese, and bake!

Goderich - Maitland Market and Supply, 79988 Porter’s Hill Line, Goderich. This family-owned farmer’s market is well-known for its wide selection of reasonably priced local wares. If you find your asparagus here, you can pair it with any number of the easy to prepare Huron County classics that Maitland

Market has on offer. Roasted asparagus with smoked pork chops from Metzger’s in Hensall sounds great, but so does grilled skewers of teriyaki turkey from Hayter’s in Dashwood - you can’t go wrong!

Zurich - Masse Fruit and Vegetable, 35291 Zurich Hensall Rd, Zurich. This fresh, bright, family run produce stand has everything you need to make a big, sprightly spring salad. Pick up whatever you think

will pair well with asparagus heremixed greens, spinach, berries, radishes, and as many other spring vegetables as you can handle. Blanch or shred asparagus, and toss it all together with your favourite salad dressing!

These are just a few suggested ways to enjoy Huron County’s bounty of spring asparagus, but to be perfectly honest, there’s no wrong way to enjoy asparagus! Bon appetit!

Everything you may need from the preparation of your culinary delights to presentation

 Cuisipro

 Le Creuset

 Staub

 Wellness Mats

 All Clad

 Royal Doulton

 Waterford Crystal

 Portmeirion