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A Visitor’s Guide to Huron County Fall 2020
The Name Says It All!
Sweets N’ Treats For a sample of best chocolate in the area, drop by Sweets N’ Treats. 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
We do Birthday Parties!
Stop by and see Norbert the Dragon and check out our newest piñata cakes!
14 B-Line Rd., Wingham, ON. N0G 2W0 (p) 519-357-3663 Email: sweets.n.treats@live.ca
STOPS ALONG THE WAY, FALL 2020. PAGE 3.
Stops Along The Way Fall, 2020 W
elcome to Huron County! Whether you are a firsttime visitor, seasonal resident or neighbour, we are working hard to help you find a safe way to enjoy our beautiful area. This issue contains what was known or expected when we went to print on Sept 8. We advise you to call ahead to confirm. While the phased opening for our area has been successful at flattening the curve, the future is unpredictable. Everyone is doing the best they can to make sure our businesses, employees, guests, customers and families are safe. Please take responsibility for your actions while you are out and about. Observe physical distancing, wear a mask when distancing is difficult or unpredictable and stay home if you are sick or have been exposed to someone who is. Above all else, be kind. – Publisher Deb Sholdice
TABLE OF CONTENTS The Fall Colour Tour ........4
Clinton ............................26
Goderich ..........................8
Vanastra ..........................29
Hike in Huron ................12
Seaforth ..........................30
Bayfield ..........................13
Brussels ..........................32
Zurich ............................16
Blyth ................................34
Grand Bend ..................18
Wingham ........................36
Exeter ............................21
Lucknow ..........................39
Hensall ..........................23
G2G Trail ........................41
Taste of Huron................24
Postcards from Huron ....42
is published by North Huron Publishing Company Inc. P.O. Box 429, Blyth, ON N0M 1H0 Tel.: 519-523-4792 www.stopsalongtheway.ca deb@northhuron.on.ca Editorial: Deb Sholdice Shawn Loughlin Denny Scott Sales: Brenda Nyveld Shelley Kroes
PAGE 4. STOPS ALONG THE WAY, FALL 2020
The 2020 Fall Colour Tour
Download this route from Google Maps at stopsalongtheway.ca.
STOPS ALONG THE WAY, FALL 2020. PAGE 5.
Maitland Block
Fall Colour Tour
Hitting the road
D
riving the backroads of unfamiliar territory can be unsettling, but getting off the highway is a great way to find the undiscovered jewels of a region. Rural Huron County offers quaint country roads and rolling hills. In mid-October you’ll find the woodland palette now a vibrant assortment of reds, oranges and yellows. We’ve selected this route for the views. There is more forest than town, so make sure you gas up and grab a coffee to go! Following the directions to the letter will have you start and finish in Goderich, but you can pick out any section and do it on its own. Remember - your GPS and Google Maps are your friends. To follow this route with no stops will take approximately two hours.
That should leave plenty of time if you find some things that interest you along the way. We’ve also indicated where you can cut short and head easily back to Goderich. 1. Follow Highway 21 north out of Goderich. Past the Maitland Golf Course and Country Club, you’ll cross the double “S” bridge over the Maitland River. As you come up the hill after Saltford, you’ll pass under the footbridge of the Goderich to Guelph Rail Trail on the former CN line. Note the Goderich airport and Sky Ranch Drive-In on the left. 2. At County Road 25 (Blyth Road) turn right. This corner is locally known as Dunlop Corner. 3. At Carlow, turn left on Huron Road 1 (Lucknow Line). 4. Follow Lucknow Line through
the villages of Nile and Dungannon. At the second corner north of Dungannon, you’ll turn right on Belgrave Road. 5. At the third road, take a left on Creek Line for your first gravel road experience of the trip. On your right you’ll see the Lake Wawanosh Conservation Area. 6. At the next corner turn right on Belfast Road. Watch for horse and buggy traffic, as you are sharing the road with our Mennonite community. 7. At the second corner, turn right on County Road 22 (Donnybrook Line). 8. Just past the Maitland River, turn left on Westfield Road. You will see signs for the Wawanosh Nature Centre. Continued on page 6
PAGE 6. STOPS ALONG THE WAY, FALL 2020
Fall Colour Tour
Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh
Huron’s rolling hills Continued from page 5 9. The first corner is Hoover Line, turn left. The road takes a big right and becomes Nature Centre Road. Past the curve on the left is the Wawanosh Nature Centre Conservation Area - a great stop for a picnic and a hike. [40 MINUTES] 10. The next corner is a right turn on Marnoch Line, one of the prettiest roads in Huron County. 11. Follow Marnoch right through to County Road 25 (Blyth Road), and take a right. 12. At Auburn just before the bridge, you’ll turn left on County Road 8 (Base Line). (To skip the rest and return to Goderich, stay on Blyth Road until you reach Highway 21. Turn left and you will be back in Goderich.) 13. At the next corner, turn right on Maitland Block. This is a quiet country lane that skirts the Maitland. The colours are amazing in the fall,
and once the road is opened in the spring it is the perfect spot for pictures of trilliums. 14. Back at the Base Line, turn right and continue south. [60 MINUTES] 15. At Little Lakes Road, turn right. You will cross the iconic Ball’s Bridge which is only open to light car traffic. Farther down this road, you will pass between the Little Lakes, a great place to stop and take a family photo! 16. Now turn right on River Line and as you crest the hill you will find one of the most amazing views of the Maitland Valley and Huron County. 17. There is a sharp left and the road becomes Hills Road. At the first corner turn left on Sharpes Creek Line and stay on this for several miles until you reach Highway 8 (Huron Road). (To skip the rest and return to Continued on page 7
GO WILD! EXPLORE YOUR LOCAL CONSERVATION AREAS
Maitland Conservation invites you to explore local Conservation Areas. Falls Reserve Conservation Area County Road 31 just west of Benmiller. Visit the scenic falls! Hiking trails and groomed ski trails. Open all year, park at the gate during the winter season. Naftel’s Creek Conservation Area East side of Highway 21, south of Goderich. Excellent walking trails. Free admission. Wawanosh Valley Conservation Area Follow the signs from County Road 4 north of Blyth or from County Road 22 north of Auburn. Community group programs available on a limited basis, email for information. For trail maps or information please contact Maitland Conservation: Voice: 519-335-3557 ext. 226 Email: maitland@mvca.on.ca Website: mvca.on.ca
STOPS ALONG THE WAY, FALL 2020. PAGE 7.
River Line at Hills Road Central Huron
Fall Colour Tour
The most colourful season Continued from page 6 Goderich, turn right on Highway 8 and you will be back in Goderich.) 18. Cross Huron Road into Holmesville and veer left on County Road 31 (Parr Line). 19. Now stay straight until you reach County Road 13 (Bayfield Road) and turn left. 20. At the first corner turn right on Bannockburn Line. This is a lovely, densely wooded area that passes by the entrance to Bannockburn Conservation Area, which has a great trail system. 21. At County Road 3 (Mill Road), turn right. Follow Mill Road through Varna and into the village of
Bayfield. [95 MINUTES] 22. At Highway 21 (Bluewater Highway), turn right to head north through Bayfield. If you have the time, you should explore the village. (To skip the rest and return to Goderich, stay on Highway 21 and you will be back in Goderich.) 23. Crossing the Bayfield River you will see Bayfield Harbour on your left. Keep on the highway up the hill until you see Bayfield River Road and turn right. You’ll pass the Old Homestead Campground on your left. Just as you see River Road Brewing & Hops (and their herd of Highland cattle) you’ll find your next turn. 24. Turn left on Orchard Line.
Along this stretch you’ll find a few things to keep you amused. Stop in at Bayfield Berry Farm and pick up a pie and some of their new fruit schnapps! Along the way you’ll see Pine Lake Camp and maybe catch a glimpse of some Texas Longhorn cattle if they’re out. You’ll be on Orchard Line for about 20 minutes. 25. When you reach Highway 8 (Huron Road), turn left. 26. This will bring you back to Goderich and civilization. [120 MINUTES] For a downloadable Google Maps version of the above trail, visit the Stops Along The Way website at stopsalongtheway.ca.
PAGE 8. STOPS ALONG THE WAY, FALL 2020
Going virtual
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Goderich
hile the Huron County Museum has once again opened its doors for you to visit its collection, this comes after the staff worked to bring various artifacts and exhibits to life virtually while it was closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The virtual museum is still open 24 hours a day at huroncountymuseum.ca/virtualservices. There you can access a database of over 3,000 artifacts and archival material, a collection of historic photographs, videos, walking tours and virtual exhibits. The most popular section is the digitized newspapers project where you can access more than a century’s worth of historic news. Currently they have more than 350,000 newspaper pages available from 1848 to 2015, with more being added all the time. The museum’s regular, permanent exhibits are now open to visitors by appointment during regular hours. Access without an appointment may be restricted due to capacity restrictions for physical distancing. For more information on how to plan your visit or virtual experience, go to www.huroncountymuseum.ca
Something for everyone... in beautiful, downtown
GODERICH • 100's of Authors • 1,000's of Titles New & Previously Read Everything from $1 Books to Signed/Collectible Editions. • Local History/Authors
34 West St. • GODERICH (519) 524-5224 bkped@hurontel.on.ca
Trade in the books you’ve read for some you haven’t!
STOPS ALONG THE WAY, FALL 2020. PAGE 9.
Goderich
Keep on climbing
M
aitland Valley Grotto is one of the newest attractions in Huron County and one of the most unique. Peter May and Matthew Elligson opened the bouldering gym in 2019 and it features 1,200 square feet of rock climbing walls towering 15 feet high. The bouldering style of rock climbing uses no ropes and focuses on finding specific routes determined by the colour of holds being climbed. A quarter of the holds are changed every week by professional “hold setters”, ensuring that the routes never get old. Regular members can tackle “projects” that can take up to a month to complete, with fresh climbs in between.
“You’ll surprise yourself; anyone can do it,” assures May. The attraction with rock climbing is that it is a full body workout with a realtime puzzle for mental stimulation. Special provisions under the pandemic stipulate that you will need to book an appointment and passes are limited to two hours at a time. Capacity restrictions are also in place so be sure to call ahead to reserve a time slot. Rigorous sanitization procedures are in place and there are physical distancing guidelines clearly marked for participants. The Maitland Valley Grotto is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturdays 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sundays from 12 - 8 p.m.
Call ahead for bookings at 519-6122060. More information is available at www.maitlandvalleygrotto.com
PAGE 10. STOPS ALONG THE WAY, FALL 2020
On the green all year long
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Goderich
our golf game doesn’t have to go on hold just because the weather stops co-operating in the fall. Deke Snow of Fore on the Floor in Goderich can keep you on the links all year long. His golf simulator has over 90 famous golf courses loaded into the system so you can play the best courses in the world without leaving Huron County. Users play with real clubs and balls through the simulator. The goal of the business is to get as close to the real thing as possible. Snow says the simulator is in demand all year, but reservations really ramp up once the fall chill sets in. This year, fans can enjoy a local brew while they work on their game as the facility is now fully licensed to serve alcohol. The racing simulator and virtual reality headsets are on
hold for now, while protocols to stop the spread of COVID-19 are in place. Fore on the Floor hopes to have them in use soon, as they are a popular component of the business. The racing simulator has real, wellknown racetracks loaded into the system and the racing seats feature everything one might encounter in a real race car. The seats rumble in co-ordination with the action on the screen and there are a real wheel, gear shift and pedals that put users in the driver’s seat of their favourite race car. The VR headsets have a wide range of popular software titles, but the most popular use is to integrate them with the racing simulator for an ultra-realistic experience. Appointments need to be prebooked under current protocols. To reserve call 519-612-3673 or visit foreonthefloor.ca. 390 Macewan St., Goderich.
417 Parsons Court, Goderich 519-612-1387 Open 12-4 Monday - Friday;10-4 Saturday Donations accepted 10-12 Thursday & Friday
• Furniture • Appliances • New beds • Antiques • Collectibles • Electronics • Other household items facebook.com/parsonsusedfurniture ~ email: parsonsusedfurniture@gmail.com
STOPS ALONG THE WAY, FALL 2020. PAGE 11.
The Huron County influence
Goderich
long and eclectic career has been admired by denizens of the county and beyond, including a play at the Blyth Festival in 1980 called The Life That Jack Built by a collective led by David Fox and Janet Amos. The Huron County Historical Society had initially considered featuring Mr. McLaren as a subject of a general meeting in 2020, but directors Mary Gregg and Susan Glousher took the idea and ran with it, ultimately winding up a partnership with the Huron County Museum to present a full exhibit of works on loan from members of the community and the McLaren family. The exhibit will feature over 100 of McLaren’s iconic paintings and illustrations along with personal artifacts. It opens Oct. 8 and run until April 30, 2021 at the Huron County Museum, 110 North St. Goderich.
H
uron County has long been home to a creative class, some born-and-bred and others who have been inspired to call the area home. Jack McLaren was a talented illustrator, caricaturist, performer and painter. During World War I he was a member of the Dumbbells comedy troupe that continued touring after the war as a leading Canadian vaudeville act. He was also a member of the Toronto Arts and Letters Club where he was an acquaintance of the Group of Seven. Jack and his wife moved to the Benmiller area in the 1960s and he became entrenched in Huron County until the end of his life. McLaren’s
Have an event that should be in Stops Along The Way? Let us know... call 519-523-4792 or email deb@northhuron.on.ca
Working in communities since 1833 to help meet the needs of community members
Food Bank
Soup Corner
Healthcare Resources
Family Resources
Self-serve, home visits, food for special dietary needs
Open six days a week to offer a hot meal to visitors
We offer various health care resources at no charge. See our website.
See the website for our list of resources to assist your family.
St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store 441 MacEwan St., Goderich www.facebook.com/SVDPGoderich ssvp@hurontel.on.ca www.svdpgoderich.ca
Hike in Huron
PAGE 12. STOPS ALONG THE WAY, FALL 2020
Bannockburn
Out on the trails
T
hese three trails are located close to each other between Clinton, Goderich and Bayfield and each one is only a kilometre or two in length, so you could do all three in a day. • BANNOCKBURN - One of the best trails to experience the changing of the seasons is Bannockburn Conservation Area managed by the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority. This 62-acre park has six different natural communities: Wet Meadow, Eastern White Cedar Forest, Bannockburn River and Walden Creek, Deciduous Forest, Old Field and Mixed Scrub, and Marsh. The variety of trees gives it a beautiful glow in autumn, along with goldenrod and asters in the wet meadow and old field ecosystems. There are interpretive signs along the trail giving information about various points of interest. The trail begins with accessible boardwalks and then goes up a rustic set of steps and proceeds through winding and hilly terrain of moderate difficulty. Allow at least an hour to hike the outer loop (about two kilometres). The short side trail will add an additional half hour to your
visit, but is well worth the extra time. It circles through a former farmstead and passes what remains of a stone foundation. The views along the river are pretty and the old iron bridges and boardwalks make for some excellent selfie opportunities. 76249 Bannockburn Line (south of Bayfield Road, between Clinton and Bayfield). • GEORGE C. NEWTON NATURE RESERVE - This 32hectare property was formerly a farm until it was bequeathed to Ontario Nature, a conservation organization, by a descendant of the naturalist for whom it is named. A well-marked, 1.2-kilometre trail leads you through what remains of the original orchards and a pine reforestation. A forested ravine is cut through by a clear stream that runs westward through the property. The old stone foundation is all that remains of the homestead, and a side trail will take you along the stream to the remnants of an old mill. This is a nice trail, with some hills. There is a risk of it being slippery after a rain, so be careful. 35913 Kitchigami Road. (From Highway 21 between Bayfield and Goderich,
take Kitchigami Road east. The reserve is located just past Porter’s Hill Line, on the south side of the road.) • SAWMILL TRAIL - The trail starts out on the first pioneer path east of Lake Huron leading from the first ford or crossing point on the Bayfield River. This shallow crossing was probably used for centuries before European settlers came to the area. It was also used as the first bridge and you can still see the pattern of stones in the river indicating where it was located. The trail is just over 1.5 kilometres long and takes you down a hill and around a loop that follows along the river to a point where you have a great view of the river flats and the bridge across the highway. Across the river, in the underbrush, you can just see all that remains of the old Thomson Mill which was lost to fire over a century ago. On Highway 21, just north of the bridge in Bayfield, turn right on Old River Road and proceed half of a kilometre and turn right at Sawmill Road, which is the first stop sign. The trail entrance is at the end of this short cul de sac.
Bayfield
STOPS ALONG THE WAY, FALL 2020. PAGE 13. dried bunches, dried buds, linen body spray, soap, sachets, body scrubs and eye pillows. Bayfield Lavender Farm would go on to be a fixture at area Christmas and farmers’ markets in 2018 and 2019, but James Smith added a wee daughter to her family late last year making the markets impractical. (She also has a four-year-old daughter and two teenage step-sons to help her in the lavender patch!) She has been focusing on online orders in the meantime, and is developing a small retail network. The current plan is to eventually open the farm to the public during the bloom (mid-July to the first week in August) and add a small retail space at some point in the future. In the meantime, Bayfield Lavender Farm’s products can be ordered by email at bayfieldlavender@gmail.com or by following the farm on Instagram for delivery. Products can also be purchased at local stores such as Shopbike Coffee Roasters in Bayfield and The Little Shed Flower Company in Varna.
The ‘Mama Patch’
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hen Gemma James Smith and her ever-growing family moved to the little hobby farm on Porter’s Hill Line in 2017 she discovered an overgrown, but producing, quarter-acre of lavender that she lovingly refers to as the “Mama Patch”. As she harvested the lavender to dry that first year, little did she know that the patch would become a passion project. The project began with researching
how to propagate and grow lavender. She has since gradually developed that small patch to almost an acre growing approximately 2,000 plants, with more on the horizon. The need to rehabilitate the soil, and some further research led to the small farm adding goats, chickens and ducks. She began selling products under the label Bayfield Lavender Farm in 2018 and now provides a wide range of products, including fresh bunches,
Cornerfield Wine Co. Winery Enjoy a glass of fine, terroir-based wine while enjoying the pristine beauty of Bayfield in Huron County when you visit the Cornerfield Wine Co. Winery Hours: Open Thursday - Saturday 12-6; Sunday 12-4; Monday 12-6 Closed Tuesday & Wednesday
Visit us at 74444 Bluewater Highway, Bayfield
519-955-2723 www.cornerfieldwineco.com
PAGE 14. STOPS ALONG THE WAY, FALL 2020
Bayfield
to books, pottery to paintings, home decor to jewellery, this charming village leaves nothing to chance for Santa to worry about! Once you’ve ticked a few items off your shopping list, enjoy the charms of Bayfield’s famous restaurants. Long known as the place in Huron County for dining out, there is a restaurant, pub or eatery for every taste and budget - or start at a restaurant for lunch, shop the afternoon away and end the day with dinner and a beverage at another! To start planning your day trip to Bayfield, villageofbayfield.com has some great resources and a detailed list of all the shops.
What a village!
O
ne of the best ways to spend an afternoon in the fall is by taking a stroll along Bayfield’s Main Street. With an eclectic mix of retail shops and a range of restaurants, inns, unique art galleries and parks, a day gives only a taste of what the village has to offer. While it isn’t as quiet as you might think in the fall, once the hustle and bustle of the summer tourist season is over it is definitely a much more relaxed pace. With friendly shop owners and a wide range of stores, it’s a great place to get a jump on your Christmas shopping, especially for those perfect
unexpected gifts for the hard-to-buyfor names on your list. From clothing
Cottage Rentals in Bayfield|Port Albert Point Clark|Tiverton Make Your Memories Happen 800-565-4790 jennifer@cottagestays.ca
Purchase your Dream Home Now! EXCLUSIVE 55+ ADULT COMMUNITY Master planned community of 55 townhomes and Activity Centre in natural wooded se ing. Close to golf, sailing, fishing, hiking, canoeing and beaches. One-floor townhomes. 2-bedrooms plus den. A ached garage. In-floor heating and central air. All home plans range from 1,295 to 1,620 square feet.
New homes and re-sales available! Please call 519-565-4542 for an appointment Bayfield Mews Lane, Bayfield www.bayfieldmews.ca
STOPS ALONG THE WAY, FALL 2020. PAGE 15.
Bayfield Photo courtesy of Wilhelmina Laurie
The Mavis and Taylor Trails two-and-a-half-kilometre loop to the Bayfield River and back with more challenging terrain. The trail starts in a pine meadow and a 65-foot bridge carries you to a path through a heavily wooded area, eventually
arriving at a lookout point above the Bayfield River. Autumn colours highlight this trail to its best advantage. Stanley Complex, Mill Road, Varna.
T
he Bayfield River valley provides one of the most colourful fall vistas as the trees progress through their annual colour change. The Varna Trail system offers two relatively easy walks through the beautiful woodland adjacent to the river. The Taylor Trail is a one-kilometre, fully accessible loop of hard compact surface and flat terrain, making it the perfect outing for joggers, families with strollers and people with mobility issues. The varied setting of forest and meadow keeps it interesting. Combine it with the Mavis Trail if you are looking for something longer and slightly more challenging. The Mavis Trail is a four-season,
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Zurich
PAGE 16. STOPS ALONG THE WAY, FALL 2020
It’s that time of year
H
uron Ridge Acres near Zurich will be holding its annual Poinsettia Festival in November. There will be changes to the traditional format, due to both the distancing requirements under the pandemic criteria and, more happily, an exciting renovation to the location’s retail space scheduled to be complete in time for the festival. Huron Ridge will be open all fall while a new checkout area is constructed, with a new exit and entrance, reconfigured gates and parking lot. Sandra Regier, part of the management team at Huron Ridge, explained that the company is expecting to extend its hours to include Sundays this year over the three weeks of the festival to accommodate everyone, while limiting the capacity to about 20 people at a time. “That’s the number that seems to work well with one-way aisles and two-metre separation,” she said. For the first time, she is also expecting to book reservations so that patrons won’t have to line up outside
in inclement weather to wait their turn. She is hoping to have the reservation system open by the beginning of November, and all information on how to book will be available on the company’s website. The open houses have become a family tradition for many to enjoy the thousands of poinsettias set under hundreds of twinkling lights and dozens of candles with a background of Christmas music (sometimes live). Hours and weeks of planning and preparation go into creating the festive shopping experience. Between its retail sales and fundraising sales of groups and schools, Huron Ridge Acres will sell around 12,000 poinsettias of more than 20 different varieties and the poinsettias will travel as far as Tobermory in the north to Kingsville in the south. Huron Ridge Acres will open Wednesdays to Sundays, from Nov. 18-22, Nov. 25-29 and Dec. 2-6. To reserve your time, visit huronridge.ca.
74101 Bronson Line, Zurich 519-565-2122 www.huronridge.ca
Poinsettia Festival & Candlelight Event Wednesday - Sunday November 18-22 November 25-29 December 2-6 Candles are lit at 5 pm
Please see our website for hours and details on how to get your free tickets www.huronridge.ca
For group bookings please contact us in advance Merry Christmas from the Steckle Family!
STOPS ALONG THE WAY, FALL 2020. PAGE 17.
Zurich
Fresh, local, delicious strawberries (Masse keeps them fresh-picked long after the other growers are done for the season). It often has fresh strawberries right through to the end of market season. This market has wagons full of pumpkins and unique squash varieties, so you are guaranteed to find the perfect ensemble to make your porch the envy of the neighbourhood.
Masse also grows sweet corn, tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, beans, peas, squash, pumpkins and assorted fall decorations. The market carries other locally-produced items and baked goods. It is open from midJune to Nov. 1 each year from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. The market is located at 35291 Zurich-Hensall Rd, Zurich. Find them on Facebook to keep up with the harvest!
OVER 50 TURKEY ITEMS TO CHOOSE FROM! “We make healthy eating easy” KE
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$2
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Family Farming Since 1948
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RETAIL STORE OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! Hwy. 83, 37451 Dashwood Rd., Dashwood • 519-237-3561 • www.haytersfarm.com
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any turkey products co upon per v
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hat could be better than a fall drive to collect your pumpkins, squash and apples directly from the grower? Visiting Masse Fruit & Vegetables near Zurich is a long-standing tradition for many Huron County residents because of its extensive selection of fruits and vegetables. Its popularity in the fall is due to the pumpkin patch, fall decorations and the everbearing variety of
Grand Bend
PAGE 18. STOPS ALONG THE WAY, FALL 2020
Stay for the wine
T
he addition of the Schatz Winery to the elegant Hessenland Inn and its dining room and event space has been the culmination of a labour of love for the Ihrig family. Second-generation owners and innkeepers Frank and Liz Ihrig began work on the Schatz Winery with a micro test plot of grapes in 2015 and have since expanded to a five-acre vineyard with a new winery and retail space. The five acres are now growing varieties of “cool climate” grapes, including Petite Pearl, Marquette, Frontenac Blanc, Frontenac Gris, Riesling and Le
Crescent. They are now selling six wines with the distinct terroir of the property’s heritage farm on the shore of Lake Huron. Each of the wines is named to keep the love of family and the foundation of Hessenland in mind. The name “Schatz” is a German term of endearment and reflects the passion of the family that has created this estate. Hessenland has long been known for its charming inn with modern amenities, expansive gardens, beautiful saltwater pool, private beach access and a creative dining experience. It is one of the finest resorts in Huron County for
weddings, special events or just a weekend getaway. The Coach House is a converted barn structure, complete with stone walls and exposed barn boards. With the indoor restrictions in place due to COVID-19, hosting dining and tastings in the vineyard or on the outdoor patio in this idyllic setting is not too much of a hardship. Chef Frank offers a European-inspired menu with local ingredients. Come for the schnitzel, stay for the wine! For reservations and to learn more about the COVID-19 policies and procedures, visit the inn’s website at hessenland.com.
STOPS ALONG THE WAY, FALL 2020. PAGE 19.
Grand Bend
Preserving local history
A
fter an unprecedented closure due to the pandemic, the Lambton Museum is finally able to welcome visitors back into the facility. The museum’s Lambton Gallery tells the story of the community’s early origins, explaining the endless battles between plants and wind that helped shape the sand dunes along Lake Huron. Moving on to human habitation, displays explain the early occupation of this area by the Attawandaron people, who lived in the region between Lake Huron and Lake Erie more than 400 years ago. The exhibit goes on to explain the early years of settlement, farming and household tools, the mills and other early industries including the story of the county’s role in the early oil industry. The museum will be featuring an exhibit titled “Capturing the Moment: Photography in Lambton County” from October, 2020 to February, 2021. The art and science of photography has captured people’s imaginations for over 200 years. You Continued on page 21
Grand Bend
PAGE 20. STOPS ALONG THE WAY, FALL 2020
Riding the ‘Wave’
E
ven more impressive than the fleet of vehicles, which ranges from a seven-passenger Yukon XL van to a 33-passenger party bus with perimeter seating, is the range of experiences that Wave Tours offers. Brad Oke began the tour bus and limousine service as a second postretirement business. It all started when patrons of a bar and restaurant in Grand Bend he owned needed rides to and from the bar. An old ambulance was pressed into service and a new business idea was born. The ambulance evolved into Tour the Shore. Eventually the bar was sold, and the transportation business grew into the full-service tour operation now named Wave Limo and Tours. In addition to the company’s own fleet of vehicles, Wave has access to book almost any transportation mode you can think of, from helicopters to small planes to luxury motorhomes. While you can book the usual limousine service for concerts, airport shuttles, weddings, etc., it seems like the tours around the countryside are
the company’s biggest draw, offering a chance to see the local attractions with a fun, knowledgeable driver as a guide. “Getting off the highway and meeting the owners of these craft breweries and small wineries is the hook for our guests,” says Oke. The icing on the cake is the knowledge of the area, and the unscripted stories the drivers bring to each tour. A typical tour lasts fourand-a-half to five hours, and will bring the party to three venues with a tasting included at each. With the pandemic hitting just as his season was about to ramp up, Oke was unsure what to expect. As the province rolled through the phased openings, Wave was finally able to resume operations and found the tours especially popular especially with “bubbles”. Family, social and work bubbles which already had close contact have found the tours to be a safe, fun way to get out and enjoy the county. To pick a tour and the vehicle that’s right for your bubble, visit wave.limo.
We have the best mums in town! Find them in Grand Bend.
Guided tours Christmas Open through House wholesale November 28th & 29th greenhouses Everything you need for Christmas! Poinsettias, Christmas Cactus, Cyclamen, etc.
10133 Lakeshore Rd., Grand Bend
519-238-1321 Hours: Open 7 days a week 8 am - 5 pm westlandgreenhouses.com email: westlandgreen@hay.net
STOPS ALONG THE WAY, FALL 2020. PAGE 21.
On the prowl
Exeter
the importance of healthy owl habitat, what makes owls incredible night time hunters and discover positive actions they can take to protect these magnificent creatures. This year the small groups will be unable to meet Otis the owl mascot, as Conservation Halton is unable to bring live owls to the talks. After the talk, groups will have a guided hike into the forest to call and listen for owls like the Eastern Screech Owl. Even if you can’t attend, follow ABCA on Facebook as the organization highlights owls during November. Due to the lack of nesting trees in the area everyone can get involved by building nesting boxes to help out the Eastern Screech Owl. Find step-by-step instructions at audubon.org/news/how-buildscreech-owl-nest-box. Call 519-235-2610 to book your family adventure. There will be a small fee to participate. Visit abca.ca for more information.
E
ven naturalists can be affected by a global pandemic. With hundreds of events across the county being cancelled, the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) has had to rethink the traditional night hikes and Owl Prowls that are so popular they attract hundreds of visitors to Morrison Dam
Conservation Area each fall. Beginning in November, groups of 10 or less can explore Morrison Dam at night with ABCA staff as they lead your group in a COVID-19-friendly hike in search of owls. The evening begins with a short talk about owls found locally across the watershed. Families learn about
Keeping history alive Grand Bend
Continued from page 19 will be able to follow the evolution of technology and the psychology around pictures through the display. But Lambton Heritage Museum is more than just the indoor displays. Out back you’ll find a blacksmith shop, a beef-ring slaughterhouse, a church, a school and a home, all fully furnished for the times, as well as two large implement sheds housing a fascinating assortment of agricultural implements. The outdoor buildings are traditionally open mid-April to midDecember. Museum@Home was developed to give the public access to the museum while it was closed, but remains available for anyone to use. From
heritage highlights to cool craft tutorials, the online collection is a great way to learn from home. Lambton Heritage Museum has enhanced health and safety protocols in place to ensure visitor and staff safety. Those protocols include updated hours of opening Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and
Thursday from 11a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and building capacity limitations. Visitors must pre-book a ticket to visit. Visitors are required to book an appointment in advance, either by phone (519-243-2600 press 0 to reach the front desk) or through the museum’s online system. For more information on the museum, visit lambtonmuseums.ca.
Come to our on-farm Brewery! 7143 Forest Rd. Plympton-Wyoming (4 km South of Forest) stonepickerbrewing.com
Exeter
PAGE 22. STOPS ALONG THE WAY, FALL 2020
MacNaughton Park Exeter
Exeter exploration
I
n order to further explore Exeter, two walking tours have been designed to offer visitors and locals a depth of history and flavour for the community you just don’t discover on your first drive through. The first walking tour is set along Exeter’s main street, highlighting many of its architectural features from the late 1800s. This tour includes 11 stops: Exeter’s old town hall, the “Old Reliable House”, the Jackson Manufacturing Company, the former home of The Exeter Times (which would go on to merge with
The Exeter Advocate), the former Bible Christian Church, the Exchange Bank of Canada and the former Masonic Hall among others. The second Exeter walking tour focuses on the town’s historic, heritage homes. The tour includes 13 stops (11 homes and two churches). Some of the houses included on the tour date back to the 1830s, highlighting the history and heritage of Exeter. Maps, locations and descriptions of every site, as well as more information about Exeter, are
available on Exeter’s website online at experienceexeter.ca.
Fresh Big Slices
375
$ (630 cals/slice)
plus tax
137 Garafraxa St. S. Durham ......519-369-5494 1 Rattenbury St., Clinton..............519-482-7200 47 Ontario St., Mitchell.................519-348-8600 4 Colborne St., Walkerton............519-881-3093 518 Main St. S., Exeter ................519-235-4235 132 Josephine, Wingham ............519-357-2332
STOPS ALONG THE WAY, FALL 2020. PAGE 23.
Huron’s new flavour destination Hensall
years in Huron County. The restaurant’s website has an engaging story of the owners’ arrival in rural Ontario from the big city of Toronto, and the decision to buy a home and business in a whole new world away from their friends and family. Armed only with their love of food, they seem to have taken up the challenge better than anyone could have imagined. They’ve even added a second location in Grand Bend and haven’t looked back. The reputation of Roro’s food has reached all corners of the county and beyond. The menu ranges from their famous Roro burger and wing nights to butter chicken poutine, samosa platters and mango curry chicken. It is open from Sunday to Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays it stays open until 8 p.m.
N
ew restaurants are always an exciting venture for both the owner and the community.
Roro’s a la carte, a family run eatery on the main street of Hensall, has built a solid reputation in its first few
Artisans
of Huron
Unique Ironwork • Talented Artisans • Gourmet Foods • Unique Works of Art 398 Queen Street, Blyth, Ontario Phone: 519.523.4276 Tuesday - Saturday 11 am - 5 pm Vendor Cooperative ~ We Welcome New Vendors
mapleandmoose.com
Benches, railings, gates, furniture and more One-of-a-kind functional art Visit our website at
www.workingiron.ca allan@workingiron.ca 36854 Dungannon Road, Dungannon
519-529-3434
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 84849 Ethel Line, Brussels, ON
519-887-9456 www.countryquilting.ca
Fabrics, Quilts & Much More 519-392-6046 murhilfarm@wightman.ca 3855 Bruce Rd. 4, 5 kms. N. of Teeswater
Antiques & Home Decor Shop Clinton , ON www.antiquesrad.com antiques.rad@gmail.com
Taste of Huron
PAGE 24. STOPS ALONG THE WAY, FALL 2020
a
TASTE
of
HURON
COUNTY G. L. HUBBARD LIMITED Growers And Packers Of Quality Rutabagas
The Hubbard Family Dinsley St., Blyth 519-523-4554
Bayfield • Local pork and beef • Homestyle Baking • In-season fruits and vegetables • Maple syrup, honey and preserves
519-237-3668
75073 Bluewater Hwy., Bayfield, ON N0M 1G0
70963 Bronson Line, Dashwood, ON N0M 1N0
paul@zehrscountrymarket.ca
J.R. FEAR APIARIES INC. 519-357-3656
77697 Orchard Line, Bayfield 519-482-1666 Please follow facebook/Instagram for updates & operating hours Offering • alcoholic beverages • baking • preserves • sweet & hard ciders • apples
**Now Available** • Fruit Liqueurs • Fruit Spirits (Schnapps)
Farm Store is open for shopping as well as online orders & curbside available
• Smoked Pork Chops • Steaks & Burgers • Homestyle Sausages • Deli Meats • Meat Package Deals
519-565-5566
RR #2, Wingham
100% grown here ~ start to finish
Dashwood
justin@zehrscountrymarket.ca
Fresh Honey Pure Unscented Beeswax Candles Creamed Honey Honey Baskets
STOPS ALONG THE WAY, FALL 2020. PAGE 25.
TASTE
of
HURON
COUNTY
Farm To Cup! We hand roast in small batches, strictly fresh for order. Our goal is to discover incredible coffees, build trusted relationships with coffee producers and bring you an unparalleled Coastal Coffee experience.
Check out www.coastalcoffee.ca for list of retailers and restaurants.
Green’s Meat Market & Abattoir Open Monday-Saturday ~ 8 am - 6 pm
20 varieties of apples and fresh cider Play & Learn Centre Saturdays 1 pm - 5 pm Hayride leaves at 3 pm
23 Orchard Lane Brussels, ON N0G 1H0
519-887-6883 www.MaitsideOrchards.ca
Proudly serving farmers, families and our community since 1971
‘Let us fill your freezer’ Quality & Local Ingredients
612 Campbell St., Lucknow (519) 528-2242
Open Monday - Saturday Come in Thursday - Saturday for our market-style fresh counter!
The Garlic Box Fresh, unpasteurized honey! More than just honey... NATURAL BEESWAX SKIN CARE, CANDLES, GOURMET BBQ SAUCE, HONEY SPREADS, HONEY MUSTARD, HONEY BUTTER Thurs. 9-5; Fri. 9-5; Sat. 9-5 HWY. #84 BETWEEN HENSALL & ZURICH 519-236-4979
Your one-stop shop for local garlic Award-Winning Food Innovators Made With Local garlic Growing garlic goodness from field to fork since 1998
Curbside Pickup Available www.fergusonapiaries.on.ca
www.thegarlicbox.com www.garlicrecipes.ca Open Monday - Friday 9 am - 5 pm
Taste of Huron
a
Clinton
PAGE 26. STOPS ALONG THE WAY, FALL 2020
Get out with the family
O
ne of the nicest family playgrounds in the area is located at the Clinton Conservation Area at 77960 London Road. With a spacious picnic pavilion, a playground and a hiking trail with a footbridge over a portion of the Bayfield River, there is something for people of every age. A recent addition has been a nine-hole disc golf course. The hiking trail is a two-kilometre double loop that starts out near the pavilion. One loop stays on the park side of the river and hugs the bank of the river for a pleasant and easy walk after your picnic. The second loop makes it a true hike and starts just across the footbridge and continues on upstream, up a ridge and circles back to the bridge through a small pine plantation. There is often evidence of beaver activity in the area, with the occasional dam popping up along the river and on one of the side channels that you can see from the ridge. In fall and spring the water can top the footbridge making the back loop of the trail inaccessible.
Huron County s 1st Winery!
Come visit our tasting room! A variety of wines and ciders
Open 7 days a week 11 am to 6 pm ~ Pick up still available ~ 519-233-WINE (9463) • 78925 Sanctuary Line, Huron East (Clinton)
www.maelstromwinery.ca
STOPS ALONG THE WAY, FALL 2020. PAGE 27.
Clinton
The great outdoors
V
isitors who like watching waterfowl and other birds have a unique opportunity at the Hullett Provincial Wildlife Area (HPWA), a 5,420-acre wetland and upland reserve northeast of Clinton. Situated along the Maitland River between Seaforth and Clinton and one concession north of Highway 8, the HPWA offers marshes, fields and forests for wildlife habitation. The HPWA is located along the migratory paths of the Atlantic and Mississippi waterfowls, and has two viewing stands that allow visitors to see the birds in the Pintail and Bluebill pools. The Hullett Marsh Waterfowler’s Association also works with other HPWA volunteers and contributors to protect and promote the habitat of the waterfowl. Canoeists are welcome to utilize the ponds and enjoy close-ups of the wildlife, except between May 15 to Aug. 1 while the waterfowl are nesting. Hunting waterfowl, pheasant, wild turkey, white-tailed deer and
small game is permitted in certain zones during hunting seasons. Two recently-added trails allow more opportunities for those who wish to hike or horseback ride while enjoying the diverse wildlife, trees and flowers. The trails vary in length and difficulty, accommodating the goals and abilities of every visitor. The site now contains a 60-acre grassland, a habitat created by the Friends of Hullett, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Ducks
Unlimited, for the preservation of the Eastern Meadowlark, the Bobolink and other grassland species. From Feb. 1 to June 15, a 400metre buffer zone surrounds the eagle’s nest at the HPWA and provides the birds with an undisturbed environment during breeding season. For more information, contact the Friends of Hullett at 519-482-7011. The HPWA guide book can be found online at www.hullettmarsh.com.
Currently doing takeout Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates
• Catering available for corporate and family gatherings
Clinton
PAGE 28. STOPS ALONG THE WAY, FALL 2020
The walls of history
I
f the walls could talk, the vintage buildings of Huron County’s towns and villages would tell many a tale. In Clinton, the walls go much further, illustrating the history of the town through a number of murals on prominent buildings around the town. The mural project began in the summer of 1997 and there are 10 murals on view in the town. All of the murals have Clinton’s history as a theme, from the very first one which celebrated Clinton’s history as the railway hub of the county to one on the back of the grandstand at Clinton Raceway which honours the famous trotting and pacing horses that have come out of Clinton. Two artists are responsible for the work. Early murals were painted by Robert Simpson and later, more elaborate, murals were created by the late Allan Hilgendorf, an artist from Chatsworth, in Bruce County. The murals tell such bits of history as the delivery of Massey-Harris farm implements on March 14, 1899
(visible when travelling towards Clinton’s main intersection along Highway 8 from the east) or one in Millennium Park on Highway 8 (Huron Road) just east of the main intersection that depicts old businesses and colourful characters along main street. That mural is set in the days when television first arrived in Clinton, drawing crowds to the sidewalk to watch wrestling on a TV set in the window of a local appliance store.
Your hosts: Bob & Janice Clark 71 Kirk Street, Clinton 519-482-1163 Email: inquiries@kildonanhouse.com Website: www.kildonanhouse.com 5.0 Google rating
Welcome to
Parker House Motel Satellite TV, LED TVs in all our rooms, Wireless Internet, free local calling, A/C, fridges, microwaves Your host: Ann Anderson 77575 London Rd., Clinton ~ Municipality of Bluewater PHONE: 519-482-3469 Ext. 0 • FAX: 519-482-9545 www.parkerhousemotel.com • email: reservations@parkerhousemotel.com
STOPS ALONG THE WAY, FALL 2020. PAGE 29.
Vanastra
A walk full of history
T
The Royal Canadian Air Force Base in Vanastra, which was once declared top-secret, is now the setting for a new heritage walk that celebrates the community’s history. The walk was created last year as a Jane’s Walk – part of a worldwide network of walks created to honour Jane Jacobs, the late journalist, author, urban planner and community leader – which attracted over 150
people who attended the ribboncutting and inaugural walk. Thanks to the foresight of Huron East Council, 10 heritage plaques line the trail, offering information and historic stories about the community that was so important to the Canadian Armed Forces for so many years. The site was integral in the development of RADAR in Canada. A large sign directing visitors to the heritage walking trail has been
erected at the Vanastra Recreation Centre. The centre serves as the natural beginning of the trail and the history of the community. There are also plans to plant a small garden at the base of the large sign, that will also be home to a series of black-and-white photographs celebrating the site’s history. For more information, visit huroneast.com.
PAGE 30. STOPS ALONG THE WAY, FALL 2020
Year-round shopping in Seaforth
P
Seaforth
atrick Irwin and Natalie Slaght, organizers of the Seaforth Community Market, had planned on a year-round, indoor market full of vendors and customers and were well on their way to achieving this when a global pandemic slowed those plans. The market is now bigger and better than it was when it was shuttered due to the COVID-19 crisis. As Huron East reopened early in the summer along with the rest of the province, the market turned into an outdoor market to accommodate the number of vendors and customers that it attracts. The huge outdoor area at the Seaforth Agriplex has allowed the market to grow, averaging more than 30 vendors each week, sometimes bringing over 40. Slaght said the market is growing by word of mouth and attracting vendors from farther distances, which provides more variety in the products available. They now see artisans with sewn, knitted and handcrafted items, health and beauty products, green and eco-friendly retailers, hot take-out food and the ever-popular farmers’ produce such as vegetables, milk, cheese and yogurt.
The Citizen Get all the news you need in Huron! 4 • Editor l 12 • Trave l Health 14 • Menta aries 15 • Obitu
include $1.25 GST
Citizen
The
EK THIS WEials
e nt news sourc
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2020 June 18,
g Company Huron Publishin Items to North Undeliverable 1 Return nt No. 4005014 ns Mail Agreeme Publicatio
Specializing in Rural Living & Local Authors
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huroncitizen.ca/marketplace
Seaforth is getting a Makeover
Shop To Win Contest Come and explore all Seaforth has to offer and get in on our draws for BIA gift certificates Over $1600 in BIA gift certificates won so far.... still 18 more chances to win! Draws each Friday till December 31st and every entry is in every draw!! Grand Prize of $2020.00 December 31st Collect 5 receipts dated May 1 to December 31st from any Seaforth BIA business, put in an envelope with your name and phone number and drop off at the Shop Seaforth mailbox in downtown Seaforth (beside CIBC)
No. 25 Volume 36
Plowing Match cancelled By Shawn
It’s business as usual in downtown Seaforth.
Loughlin
The Citizen PlowHuron County place This year’s to take scheduled cancelled ing Match, has been to on Aug. 20-21, to be shifted change. with the program one major 2021 with Leisa Albers’ Brussels Pete and host the match was set to won’t area farm but the Alberses this year, in their field next year, in have wheat able to host be so they won’tHuron County Plowt Brian 2021, said ion Presiden with The men’s Associat interview an Wiersma in aren’t yet Citizen. negotiations the match He said likely it’s a but hosted on finalized, west, being next August. will move St. Helens farm near that the Albers family It’s possible match in future years, the could host that Wiersma said.told The Citizen Wiersma future of this of about the discussions began near the end of year’s match association’s board April. The in March before much due to directors met shut down April c. Its of North America 19 pandemi cancelled the COVIDs were of April May meeting was and it was around the end s of the ers say it and member lly in play, organizwere 10 races when Wiersma and g potentia There those factors of board began discussin raceway. With all of the course pandemic. opening day for the bets placed over if cancelling the match. surrounded , even on in sful races, on Sunday discussi $75,000 cancel the The a day at the opening day as it was a succes and nearly board should the match, weather for the track held its 2020 whether the or hold record books the on Raceway just the perfect (John Stephenson photo) were in banquet and match outright The Clinton to be one for the day with No fans the awards experience. and was a but cancel of the Furrow and it’s sure day unlike any other. and betting -19 it was a virtual allow ed online the Queen COVID tions and notjust the an opening were stream t due to the site, Princess competi interne rs onto the stands, races over the any spectato competitors. rd that conducted deeper into plowing match by a storyboa after diving it was clear feet by eight accompanied However, four d said requeste measure Wiersma the Blyth the match g Band the issue, of a wouldon the north side of to cancel Girls Marchin publication board had Huron County has feet . cent of a $4,915 to aid in the the band. The r and the y building While few cases of to 50 per for PharmacHuron Pioneer Threshefor a outright. d history in lucky to have pay for up project. • The the compile also included the funding been rather 19 locally, bringing tion applied heritage-oriented over book, which Hobby Associa the restoration of d were: Loughlin all of COVIDGirls request printing of the from By Shawn Grants approve the time the grant of $4,000 forbringing it into have tors by District All Blyth the first would competi and Citizen The press, already occurred stern Ontario d Seaforth Band, $4,700; the a cider said, so the the had it can be included g had been made. the southwe sible, he Council approve of History working order so application Fund Marchin ry of History, $2,000; been irresponmade to cancel. Repository display during Huron County for a r and Hobby Reposito reunion. • The Blyth Huron Heritage a working annual of $2,000 decision was a number of other $25,000 in June 10 meeting, though Huron Pioneer Threshe the Bayfield requested a grant g people about as that the some association’s $4,000; There were as well. The board also said grants at its generated a play Association, $5,000; Thyme wall mural educatin string of arsons Rumble’s report received Huron applicants factors in the year ahead forthe al Society, had Egmond the largest unsolved mural one of the among councillors. both 2016 Beth Historic $5,000; the Van history. The feet, association thought to grants in to win either controversy Cultural Services the Huron in Huron County 21, feet by 12 Heritage Fund al Shed and in 2017 which on $3,100 and $1,200. young woman Furrow or Princess Director of to be eight d the report, and Foundation, the cabin. is planned with the al Society, for the Memori on the log Queen of Rumble presenteorganizations saying that District All and Society cedar roof County Historic and al tion, ts the for Match seven Historic competi ul applican listed • The Seaforth onal Plowingget-togethers $5,000 for as successf which will • The Bayfield a grant of businesses and and Internati to a from the fund, applied for ance (painting and most fairs wouldn’t be fair for grants in South exterior maintenwood structure al cancelled, it cases each are three cases each the year. Historic repair to on there and Bluewater, two winner this decision being made, 738 tests of the Bayfield . of e-Wawanosh, windows) With this last year’s Queen care homes, building homes HuronAshfield-Colborn and one long-term retirement care in s archives said previous of Goderich winners, and Society’ Wiersma detailed Huron Princess cy child staff and residents East and MorrisScott to the fund of emergen The report Furrow and from the Seaforth 4,706 Central in Huron By Denny applications and 57 tests not included in the case each grants the the successful longMaranda Klaver Hallahan from The Citizen which included d. centre staff Turnberry. confirmed cases in Grace ely, have by the society, 2012, 2018 and 2019. Health team general tests performe area and is in Perth t home cases No new s for Perth Public new case d area, respectiv or retiremen in 2009, 2011, 21 applied for $5,000 the total 5,000 general The Huron The one total for Perth to Westfielto stay in their positionrs can term care d, leaving approaching in the two bringing the • Thyme on repaint brickwork remains at been confirme and staff across (HPPH) is and agreed year before successo 19 tests and case County, to 41 while Huroncases remain have d residents at 23. to repair an extra public COVID- ng one new County of confirme building structure County next year. d cases. Five confirmi and Perth confirmed maintain theThe application noted counties, be crowned 15 confirme 26 Huron have also been 23 in Huron website, the unresolved. on page 8 aesthetics. since last week. There have been four e workers to the HPPH Continued , d 4,706 Perth, there in healthcar According
races Off to the
age grants win herit Repository Threshers,
ars 5,000 testing ne
In Stratford and had performe ve cases in 56 cumulati organization confirmed St. Marys, Perth East in Monday with pending and in cases each tests as of cases each 119 tests and two In Huron, positive results, come back negative.d North Perth and West Perth. the rest havethe HPPH has completeof Perth South Additionally,on residents and staff 2,840 tests
The Rural Reading Room
1H0 LS, ON N0G BRUSSE Box 152, Inc., P.O.
d
COVID-19
“The biggest surprise for customers is the vendors,” says Slaght. “They are great people delivering quality products, and making it a friendly atmosphere to shop in!” The market runs from 3 to 7 p.m. every Thursday at the Seaforth Agriplex. The current plan is run until at least Thanksgiving, but the dream is to return to an indoor market at the Agriplex, so monitor their Facebook.
cases County. and Perth information, visit hpph.ca. For more
huroncitizen.ca
Shop to Wi n!
Be sure to check out our beautifully decorated back alleys with easy access to our stores!
See you in Seaforth
STOPS ALONG THE WAY, FALL 2020. PAGE 31.
Seaforth
Getting some air
T
yler and Summer Papple found themselves smitten by the love of flying after their son decided to take lessons a few years ago. Tyler and Summer were exploring flying themselves in 2015 and it snowballed as they became pilots and then commercial pilots, and now Summer has gained additional experience as a MedEvac pilot in northern Manitoba. They opened their own aviation business in 2017. Their business offers air taxi service, crop scouting, aerial photography, surveying and parcel pickup and delivery, but their love of flying really shows in their sightseeing tours. They offer 25-, 45- and 70-minute
flights from their farm in Seaforth, Goderich airport on select days or you can customize your experience with them. “Shoreline tours are the most popular in the summer”, says Summer, “a 45-minute flight from the farm in Seaforth will travel to St. Joseph’s and up the coast to Goderich and then back to the farm.” While an aerial tour of Goderich is always a highlight, with picturesque views of the Square, harbour and the mouth of the Maitland River, Summer Papple points out that it is the sheer quantity of farmland in Huron County that is most noticed by their customers. “The geometric patterns formed by the roads, fields
and woodlots at the back of farms is amazing.” The Papples use a Cessna 172 airplane, which can fit the pilot and three passengers. Summer explained that taking off from the farm, using a grass runway that runs between two fields of soybeans, is a thrill few people have experienced before. They fly year-round, but the sightseeing tours are most popular from late March to October, with the fall colours tours being particularly busy. Gift certificates are available and make a unique Christmas, birthday or “just because” gift. Visit pappleaviation.ca for schedules, sample flights and rates.
Brussels
PAGE 32. STOPS ALONG THE WAY, FALL 2020
A tiny chapel
V
isitors to Brussels travelling on Morris Road (Huron County Road 16) from the west can stop at one of the province’s most unusual chapels. St. John’s Masonic Chapel on the north side of Mill Street at the west side of the village was built by lodge members on land given to them by Bell Canada, as a place for solace and spiritual contentment. The interior of the cozy white chapel, which was officially dedicated May 29, 1994, is a miniature replica of a church, complete with an altar and pews. It is open 24 hours a day. With lovely landscaping maintained by the Masons each year, the exterior of the property is the perfect setting for photographs and quiet contemplation.
The Municipality of Morris-Turnberry Located in the northern part of Huron County, the Municipality of MorrisTurnberry is a prime agricultural community, rich in productive agricultural land. Our municipality offers a great setting for industrial, commercial and residential growth. Explore the beauty of Morris-Turnberry on the G2G Rail Trail, snowmobile and ATV trails. Relax and unwind with a round of golf or dinner at one of our fine dining establishments.
a wonderful place to visit in any season
Come visit us today! www.morristurnberry.ca Municipal Office: 41342 Morris Rd, PO Box 310, Brussels Open Monday - Thursday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm PH: 519-887-6137 FAX: 519-887-6424 EMAIL: mail@morristurnberry.ca
STOPS ALONG THE WAY, FALL 2020. PAGE 33.
Apples, peaches and pears Brussels
of September and October. Activities include picking your own apples, hayrides, frisbee golf, a giant sandpile and a river look-out trail, all for $5 per person or $20 for the whole family (plus HST). As with most activities this year, it is best to call ahead. Located at 23 Orchard Lane, Brussels. 519-887-6883. www.maitsideorchards.ca
Brussels Fresh food. Friendly neighbours.
• Fresh Produce • Deli Department • Fresh Meats • Baked Goods • Hot items to go Plus all your grocery needs
J
ared and Monica Brouwer have been raising their growing family on the century-old Maitside Orchards on the outskirts of Brussels since 2016. They grow more than 20 varieties of apples, peaches and pears, including some heirloom varieties. The on-site retail market carries their apples, and varieties grown in other midwestern Ontario orchards, along
with a wide range of local and seasonal products including cider, potatoes, strawberries, vegetables, meats and preserves. Store hours for September to December are Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Brouwers plan to continue their popular outdoor “Play and Learn Centre” on Saturday afternoons from 1 to 5 p.m. at the farm for the months
A good stop on your way to the cottage Mon. - Fri. 8 am - 8 pm; Sat. 8 am - 6 pm; Sun. 10 am - 6 pm
519-887-9740 38 King St., Brussels
Have an event that should be in Stops Along The Way? Let us know... call 519-523-4792 or email deb@northhuron.on.ca
Delivery available throughout Southwestern Ontario 226 Turnberry Street N., Brussels, ON 519-887-6277 • 1-800-881-0030 www.mcdonaldhomehardware.com
Blyth
PAGE 34. STOPS ALONG THE WAY, FALL 2020
A destination all its own
A
conversation about the Huron County beer scene can’t take place without first discussing Blyth Cowbell Brewing Company. While the company may not have been the first with its stakes in the ground, it has certainly emerged as the local brewery with the most expansive reach. The beer is now available in LCBO stores and the Cowbell team has developed a destination experience in Blyth that has brought hundreds of thousands to the village since it opened in 2017. While the destination brewery opened in the summer of 2017, Cowbell beer was in the hands of consumers months earlier, beginning with its flagship beer, Absent Landlord, the first of six beers in the Founders’ Series. The company would go on to add another two mainstay beers independent of the Founders’ Series, the popular Shindig and the new Gravel Run, as well as a monthly cycle of experimental beers in its Renegade Series, some of which are available on tap or in growlers and cans at the brewery or through Cowbell’s online shop. A reservation-only format will allow for time and physical distancing between guest arrivals and departures. Physical distancing guidelines, rigorous sanitizing protocols and staff health and safety
procedures have been implemented to keep everyone safe. When you book your reservation, you will receive an e-mail with clear instructions on how to enjoy your time at the Cowbell Farm.
Curbside pick-up and contactless delivery are popular options that will remain part of the operations for the foreseeable future. For more information, visit its website at cowbellbrewing.com.
Happy to host you during your travels
1-888-281-2746
Modern space in a rebuilt 1893 historical building Located just 250 meters from the G2G Trail 3 nearly identical units ideal for group bookings Only 800 meters to Cowbell Brewing Co. Relaxing outdoor patio space Enhance your stay with local experiences
Taste of Huron gift basket, yoga retreat, walking tours private musical performances, bike rentals, art classes
www.airbnb.ca
437A Queen Street, Blyth, ON
STOPS ALONG THE WAY, FALL 2020. PAGE 35.
Blyth
Award-winning local cheese
O
n a small farm just south of the village of Blyth, the Van Dorp family has been producing some of the country’s best goat cheese. Paul Van Dorp is the master cheese maker at the farm, as well as the owner of the business. He is helped along by cheesemaker and sales manager Sarah Reid and technical assistant Leendert Van Dorp. The Van Dorps began making cheese commercially in 2012 and their cheese instantly stood out as a hard goat cheese in a world of soft goat cheese. The cheese was quickly adopted by local restaurants and shops, but it has impressed those even further afield as well. In the years since, the fruits of Blyth Farm Cheese’s labour have been awarded at various levels. In 2014, the company’s gouda was named the best in Canada at the inaugural Canadian Cheese Awards, held in Toronto. Blyth Farm Cheese would then go on to sweep the flavoured goat and
sheep cheese class at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, taking all three of the category’s top spots, in both of its first two years. In the years that would follow, the company has been awarded consistently at the Royal, including being named Grand Champion in the goat and sheep milk variety cheese class thanks to its Golden Blyth variety. For more information, visit blythfarmcheese.ca.
Creative Adventures! Vintage Clothing, Custom Design & Costume Shop www.pickaposie.ca 437 Queen Street, Blyth Wed-Sat 11am-5pm 647-286-6721
Discover local textile & fibre art in our gallery or take a class in the studio. www.factsblyth.ca
Blyth Corner Farm Cottage 82328 London Road
https://www.airbnb.com/h/cornerfarmcottageblyth cornerfarmcottageblyth@gmail.com
PAGE 36. STOPS ALONG THE WAY, FALL 2020
Wingham
Unique finds
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ou may not think of Wingham as a shopping destination, but the vibrant and busy downtown is full of interesting shops and historical architecture. With a range of retail options ranging from main street staples such as Stainton’s Home Hardware and Microage Basics (office supplies) to the more eclectic Annette’s Treasures (Dutch imports) and Bilbo Bongins (cannabis accessories), you can easily find all that you are looking for and more. Home decor, health food, personal care, antiques, and more can be found right on Josephine Street. No visit would be complete without going the extra mile to the north end of town on B Line for Sweets N’ Treats - your one-stop chocolate shop! As the cooler weather sets in and you start to think about that long list of Christmas gifts to buy, be sure to check out Wingham. The Wingham BIA promotes the area with fun contests and events and maintains a very helpful list of all the businesses online at winghambia.ca.
STOPS ALONG THE WAY, FALL 2019. PAGE 37.
Shop Wingham
• Vitamins & Supplements • Dairy, Wheat and Gluten-free foods • Bulk and organic foods • Body care and “green” products
256 Josephine St., Wingham 519-357-1840 2stepshoe@gmail.com
• Protein powders and bars 222 Josephine St., Wingham
519-357-3466 120 Inkerman St. E., Listowel
Annette Monsma Owner
Annette’s Treasures Galore Dutch Specialty Store & More 519-912-1515 annettestreasuresgalore.com
519-291-4920 www.pandoraspantry.ca
We have moved to 206 Josephine Street, Wingham, Ont.
Fall Savings! Come On In...
Wingham
PAGE 38. STOPS ALONG THE WAY, FALL 2020
A trail full of beauty
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ew signs have been installed along the Wingham Community Trail at several trailheads throughout the town. After the Wingham Trail Committee identified the need for a new kiosk along the trail behind Maitland River Elementary School, the committee worked with nowretired North Huron Public Works Director Sean McGhee to increase the signage along the trail as well. The committee has since installed six new signs along the trail, included photography depicting views along the trail, a map of the trail and points of interest along its path. Alicia Riley, formerly of Wingham, designed the signs, which feature photography courtesy of Kaitlin Beard and Alex Strong. The new kiosk behind Maitland River Elementary School was designed and built by Thomas Beard with help from Terry Deyell, Phil Beard and Wayne Elston, who is president of the Wingham and District Horticultural Society. For the new roof of the structure, Diamond Steel Roofing donated the materials.
‘Straight From The Farm To You’
519-335-6352 43269 Amberley Rd. on Hwy. 86 between Wingham & Listowel
Maple Candy Maple Butter Gift Baskets Maple Sugar
www.drudgesmaplesyrup.com
STOPS ALONG THE WAY, FALL 2020. PAGE 39.
Lucknow
company, concentrating on small batches fresh each week. He has developed relationships with growers and imports his coffee based on flavour profiles coming from good farms. Through this “journey of tasting” he has created a portfolio of coffees with notes ranging from honey to brown sugar to blueberries to hazelnuts and beyond. This passion and knowledge about coffee has made Coastal Coffee a household name in Huron County and beyond, with its coffee available in restaurants and markets across the region. The retail shop is currently open at 86252 Kintail Line about 20 minutes north of Goderich via Highway 21 on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and is the destination of a great fall drive. Or you can order online and arrange curbside pick-up at either the Kintail Line location or at Square Brew in Goderich. Delivery is available for a nominal fee. Visit coastalcoffeecompany.ca to order or for more information.
Photo courtesy of Hannah Dickie
The journey of tasting
F
or those of you who have been long-time readers of Stops Along the Way, you may remember Coastal Coffee from our stories in the Zurich section. About a year-and-a-half ago in the late winter, early spring of 2019, owner Ben Gingerich began a search for a rural property where he could scale up production of the roastery and combine it with a family home. At the same time, a unique structure, the former Ashfield Presbyterian Church,
came on the market and intrigued the Gingerich family. After purchasing the structure, Gingerich began the renovation process. When complete, the old church will be an interesting combination of production roasting facilities, retail location and family headquarters located on the rural Kintail Line north of Goderich. Gingerich is passionate about exceptional coffee and founded Coastal Coffee as a specialty roasting
Armstrong’s Home Bakery Made Fresh Daily • Honey baked bread • Assorted rolls • Seasonal fresh fruit tarts • Cookies and squares • Soups and sandwiches • Pies • Cakes made-to-order • Gluten-free goods
Lucknow
Bulk Food Store • Baking supplies • Gluten-free products • Candy • Popcorn • Scooped ice cream Take home or eat here in our dining area
519-528-2211
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
Lucknow
PAGE 40. STOPS ALONG THE WAY, FALL 2020
A sight to behold
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ou won’t need to spend much time at the DL Farms alpaca operation to understand the bond between the human family and their alpaca family. Dee and Lloyd Graham and their daughter Adria began with their first pair of alpacas in 2006, shortly after Dee had retired from teaching. Their farm, just east of Lucknow on Amberley Road (Highway 86), is now home to an award-winning herd of over 100 animals. “The alpaca is a unique animal. They ingratiate themselves instantly into your heart,” explains Dee. A beautiful small, cabin-style retail store has just been added between the Grahams’ home and a large field of content female alpacas, known as hembras, caring for their young crias. The field for the male alpacas (the machos) is behind the house and out of sight of the ladies! The farm is open to the public and sells high-quality items made from alpaca wool and fleece. All of the retail items made from wool are from the farm’s own animals. The animals are sheared and the raw wool is cleaned and then sent to a local mill
to be processed into natural yarn and felt. The yarn then returns to the farm where Dee dyes it herself and knits socks, hats and sweaters. Other items in the store include fleece items and blankets that have been sourced on buying trips to Peru where the Grahams have created fair trade arrangements directly with the craftspeople. Dee’s daughter Adria crafts unique dryer balls from the wool, and Dee creates amazing pieces of felt art. The Grahams also enlist the help of several local artisans to keep up with the knitting, contributing to a small cottage industry in the area. The store
features local honey from Fear Apiaries, which houses hives on the Graham farm. Local Mennonite maple syrup is also a popular item on the farm’s shelves. The Grahams are busy running the farm, caring for their animals and creating the wonderful alpaca products for the store, so currently the store is open by chance or appointment. If you’re driving by, the “open” sign may be out, but it is best to call ahead and ensure they are able to show you around! 542 Amberley Road, Lucknow. 519-528-2406 For more information, visit dlfarmsalpaca.com.
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STOPS ALONG THE WAY, FALL 2020. PAGE 41.
G2G Rail Trail
Connecting communities
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ith the Goderich-to-Guelph (G2G) Rail Trail now open and improved from end to end, walkers, runners and cyclists are now free to travel from Goderich to Guelph and to all points in between on an abandoned rail bed that has been converted into a fine, smooth trail. The rail line, built by the Guelph and Goderich Railway, was completed in 1907. The rail line’s goal was to link the port of Goderich and a number of rural communities to Guelph. While the rail line proved to be beneficial for decades, freight and passenger traffic began to decline with the advent of the automobile and the line would eventually be decommissioned. The line was
officially decommissioned in 1988. The process of turning the former line into a trail began in 1998, when the County of Wellington and the Municipality of Waterloo leased 45 kilometres of the trail from just outside of Guelph to Millbank and created the Kissing Bridge Trail. The Goderich to Auburn Rail Trail and the Blyth Greenway Trail would be developed in later years as well, bringing a trail and its benefits to the west end of the former rail line. The process of creating the G2G Trail then officially began several years ago, when local trail enthusiasts saw the potential of the G2G and began preparing the necessary paperwork and clearing the trail. G2G Rail Trail Inc. was formed in 2013 and work began on ensuring the
trail’s success and accessibility from one end to the other for a number of recreational, tourism and economic reasons. The trail officially opened to the public in 2015 and has seen plenty of traffic in the years following. In the years since, much work has been done and improvements have been made. The G2G has even played host to a number of events in recent years. It is even the subject of a Lynda Wilson book called Walking Home, which details her and her husband’s trek from one end of the trail to the other. They were the first to walk the trail from end to end before it opened to the public. For more information on the trail or any of its events, visit its website at g2grailtrail.com.
PAGE 42. STOPS ALONG THE WAY, FALL 2020
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Kelly Stevenson is an OCADU graduate and an award winning artist based out of Blyth, ON. Through her ongoing series “razing landscapes�, focused on abandoned and falling down structures, Stevenson explores how the rural landscape is changing and reimagines a life for the structures that are an iconic part of the rural Ontario landscape. She produces a yearly calendar featuring drawing from the series. To see more work or buy a calendar visit kellyedstevenson.ca
Entertain like a Pro, formal or relaxed.
Everything you may need from the Preparation to the Presentation of your culinary delights.
519-612-1919 Courthouse Square, Goderich
The Culinary Boutique in the heart of Downtown Goderich.
Central Huron welcomes you to experience our Bounty
Municipal Office Box 400 Clinton, ON N0M 1L0 519-482-3997 email: info@centralhuron.com. Website: www.centralhuron.com
Whether at home, cottage or on the road We’re here to help you sleep better than ever.