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A Visitor’s Guide to Huron County Summer 2020
SPEND THIS SUMMER in your backyard! Find all your favourite summer activities, beaches, in-season local food, outdoor fun, drinks on a patio, quirky road trips and majestic sunsets close to home. www.OntariosWestCoast.ca
STOPS ALONG THE WAY, SUMMER 2020. PAGE 3.
Stops Along The Way Summer, 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. The information in this issue is what was known or expected when we went to print on June 12. We advise you to call ahead to confirm, as the situation is still changing and likely to be fluid for the foreseeable future. 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 Huron Pie Trail ..........4
Vanastra ..........................23
Goderich ..........................7
Seaforth ..........................24
Hike in Huron..................11
Brussels ..........................25
Bayfield ..........................12
Blyth ................................26
The Barn Quilt Trail ........15
Wingham ........................29
Zurich ..............................16
Lucknow ..........................32
Grand Bend ....................17
Golf in Huron ..................33
Exeter ............................19
Eat local ..........................35
Hensall ............................19
Short-term stays ..............38
Taste of Huron ................20
Miniature golf..................42
Clinton ............................22
Postcards from Huron ....43
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 Nancy Fisher Denny Scott Sales: Brenda Nyveld Shelley Kroes
PAGE 4. STOPS ALONG THE WAY, SUMMER 2020
2
1
HURON COUNTY
Pie Trail 3, 4, 5
Legend
6
7,8 3
7
9
1
Armstrongs’s Home Bakery ~ Lucknow
2
Gorrie Line Produce ~ Gorrie
3
Jerry Rader Homestyle Catering & Market ~ Goderich/Zurich
4
Culbert’s Bakery ~ Goderich
5
Maitland Market ~ Goderich
6
Bartliff’s Bakery - Clinton
7
Zehr’s Country Market ~ Bayfield/Dashwood
8
Bayfield Berry Farm - Bayfield
9
Make A Wish Cakes ~ Exeter
STOPS ALONG THE WAY, SUMMER 2020. PAGE 5.
Huron County Pie Trail
Armstrong’s Home Bakery Lucknow
The Huron County pie trail
S
ave your fork, there’s pie! Are there any happier words out there? Here in Huron County we love a good pie, and we love to hear those words after a wedding banquet, country supper, or family reunion barbeque. However, this year, we will not be attending those special events, so we thought, why not look for all the places you can buy a really fine pie and start a Huron County pie trail!
We are going to invite all of you to participate as well. We’ll tell you about some great pies we have tried recently, as well as a few that are on our radar, and you can add your own suggestions via our social media @stopsalongthewayhuron on Instagram or Stops Along the Way on Facebook. “Things-in-Pastry” could, and possible should, be an entire food group. All the different types of pastry and pies alone can fill a recipe
box. But for the purposes of our delicious research we looked for whole pies to purchase and take home to eat. As our wonderful restaurants begin to open again over the summer, we plan to continue the search for more pie by the slice. We started with an exceptionally fine apple crumble pie from Zehr’s Country Market south of Bayfield (7). We loved the crust and the cinnamon sweet apples. Zehr’s has a Continued on page 6
PAGE 6. STOPS ALONG THE WAY, SUMMER 2020
The pies of Huron County Huron County Pie Trail
Continued from page 5 long list of pies baked right on site and will do other pies by request. While you are there you can stock up on other local items to make a complete dinner. Make-A-Wish Cakes in Exeter (9) offers select items that you can order through its Facebook page. More than just cakes, MakeA-Wish offers specialty donuts and pies as well. The selection varies so you need to check to see what is on offer every week. We did an easy low-contact pick-up as they do not have a shop. We tried a raspberry cheese pie and I may dream about that pie for a while. Thick cream in a graham wafer crust with just the right amount of raspberries on top. A good bakery is a joy to find, so we are blessed with so many in Huron and a couple are true institutions of baked goods. Culbert’s Bakery in Goderich (4) has been in operation since 1877 and Bartliff’s Bakery in Clinton (6) since 1902 and pies are just one of the types of tasty treat available at both. Visitors to
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
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Plowing Match cancelled By Shawn
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, host in have wheat be able to Plowwon’t they so Huron County t Brian 2021, said ion Presiden with The men’s Associat an interview in Wiersma aren’t yet Citizen. negotiations the match He said but it’s likelyhosted on a , 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 and organiz lly play, races in g potentia when Wiersma were 10 of board began discussin of those factorsraceway. There ic. With all for the over the course ed g the match. , pandem sful opening day bets placed the races, even if cancellin discussion surroundthe in Sunday 0 on $75,00 cancel The a day at 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 Princess competi the site, onto interne rs stands, races spectato over the competitors. that any conducted deeper into storyboard plowing match after diving it was clear nied by a by eight However, d accompameasure four feet said Blyth requeste Wiersma the the match g Band the issue, of a wouldon the north side of had to cancelCounty has Girls Marchin publication feet the board Huron cent of a $4,915 to aid in the the band. The building. Thresher anda outright. While to have few cases of Pharmacy to 50 per up for Pioneer history for d in for lucky Huron pay project. • The rather the compile also included the funding tion applied of been locally, bringingover which heritage-oriented d were: request the book, Loughlin all Hobby Associafor the restoration COVID-19 from All Girls the first printing of by the time the into of By Shawn Grants approve have grant of $4,000 bringing it competitors Ontario would the and District Blyth The Citizen press, already occurred stern d Seaforth Band, $4,700; the a cider said, so 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. in both 2016 Beth Historic $5,000; the Van either history. The feet, association thought to win grants Huron to County controversy Cultural Services the 21, 12 2017 Fund in feet by in Huron Heritage which on $3,100 and $1,200. young woman Furrow or Princess al Shed and cabin. Director of to be eight d the report, and Foundation, of the Society, log with the for the Memori All is planned Historical roof on the al Society Queen tion, saying that Rumble presenteorganizations ts County Seaforth and District for the cedar Match and Historic competi ul applican listed seven • The 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, Huron windows) With this last year’s Queen care homes, building t homes and one Ashfield-Colborn long-term said of retiremen winners, and Goderich Morriscare in Society’s archivesdetailed previous residents Wiersma Huron child and Princess cy and staff East Scott 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
Huron know that dropping by one (or both) is always on the list. What is your favourite from these legends? Maitland Market (5) is conveniently located on Highway 8 just outside Goderich and has a selection of its own produce as well as local foods and pies baked on the spot. It is wonderful to walk in just as your pie is pulled out of the oven, we tried a crumbly topped mixed berry pie. It was oozing with filling and the topping was superb! Armstrong’s Home Bakery in Lucknow (1) is well known both at its home location and at local farmers’ markets. A summer is not complete until we have a fruit custard pie. Using different local fruits in season, the custard then adds the right touch of creaminess to the delicious strawberry or other fruit. Bayfield Berry Farm (8) is well known for all of its wonderful berry products, but we tried a lemon meringue and can say it was outstanding. The kitchen here is busy
making all sorts of treats and you can even purchase beverages that are canned and bottled there if you want to complete your pie picnic. Jerry Rader’s Homestyle Market (3) is well known in both Zurich and Goderich as a great place to grab what you need to pull together dinner and its pies are the perfect end for that meal. The market lists 16 different types of pie on its website, so there is something for everyone. Gorrie Line Produce (2) features fresh Mennonite produce and baking and we sampled a perfect elderberry pie. What could be more Huron County? So, in this summer of new and more local adventures we hope you will join us and help us to expand on a Huron County pie trail. We know we have only scratched the surface of the fabulous pies out there for sale. As farmers’ markets and restaurants open again, let us know what you like by tagging #huroncountypietrail and #saveyourforktherespie
When outside,
Be Bite Wise i e Mosquitoes can cause West Nile virrus
Ticks can cause Lyme disease
The risk of getting sick from a bug bite is low. But why take chances? Protect yourself and oth hers:
USE bug repellants approved by Healtth Canada.. We W ear long-sleeved tops and pants. Light colours are best. Limit time outdoors
during dawn and dusk.
races Off to the
age grants win herit Repository Threshers,
COVID-19
Check your body for ticks. Check your pets as well.
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
cases County. and Perth information, visit hpph.ca. For more
huroncitizen.ca
hpph.ca
STOPS ALONG THE WAY, SUMMER 2020. PAGE 7.
Goderich
Menesetung Bridge Goderich
A bridge with a view
W
ho could have imagined, nearly 30 years ago, that one of the most spectacular views in Huron County would be from an abandoned railway bridge, rescued from the scrap heap? When CP Rail abandoned its line running from Goderich to Guelph, the company planned to demolish the trestle that had carried its trains high over the Maitland River. Some forward-thinking local residents, however, thought this bridge should be retained and citizens formed the Menesetung Bridge Association to purchase it and convert it into a walking bridge and trail. Hundreds of people rallied for the cause, donating money to help with the preservation and conversion. If you look down, you can see the names of donors on the planks that now carry pedestrians where heavy loads of road graders, salt and grain once chugged along.
The view is spectacular. You may look down and see seagulls actually flying beneath you. To the west you can see the harbour and Lake Huron and to the east the Maitland Golf and Curling Club. The noises of the town and the highway traffic are muffled and the loudest sounds are often the sighing wind and the cries of the gulls. The Canadian Pacific Railway was a relative latecomer to the area, arriving only in 1907. It carried passenger traffic only until 1961 and by 80 years after the first train was welcomed, the railway was seeking governmental permission to pull up the tracks. It’s not just the bridge that was saved. If you cross the bridge you can follow the former railway right of way east to the grave of Tiger Dunlop, who founded Goderich and helped open up the Huron Tract. You
can go all the way to Auburn on the Goderich to Auburn Rail Trail (GART), and for the adventurous you can carry on even further along the rest of the Goderich-to-Guelph (G2G) Rail Trail, a 127- kilometre trail through Huron, Perth, Waterloo and Wellington Counties all the way to Guelph.
PAGE 8. STOPS ALONG THE WAY, SUMMER 2020
Hearing Goderich
H Goderich
uron Arts & Heritage Network, a not-for-profit group that works to promote culture and heritage in the county has produced a series of audio walking tours. There are six tours to choose from in Goderich, each exploring history in a different area of the town. “The Goderich Harbour Tour” explores the long association with the river, reaching back to the Attawandaron to today. A walk down “West Street Goderich” provides an interesting narrative for the places you’ll see including the town hall, Lions Harbour Park and the lighthouse. Explore the cultural hub located on “South Street and East Street Goderich” with the history of the beautiful buildings housing The Livery Theatre, Bedford Hotel and the East Street Station. “North Street - Goderich” tour features the history of St. George’s Anglican Church, the Huron County Museum, St. Peter’s Catholic Church and Huron Historic Gaol. You will be fascinated by the history of downtown Goderich, starting with “Courthouse Square”. And the final leg of your journey is an episode on two of the most iconic places in the county, “Menesetung Bridge and Tiger Dunlop’s Tomb”. All are available for free on Apple Podcasts by searching for “Huron Historic Walking Tours”. Have an event that should be in Stops Along The Way? Let us know... call 519-523-4792 or email deb@northhuron.on.ca
Helen Watson owner 36 Kingston Street Goderich, Ontario N7A 3K1 Toll Free: 855-524-4272
Local: 519-524-4272 info@feedthebirds.ca www.feedthebirds.ca
• 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!
Come see our selection of: • Tableware • Cookware • Bakeware • Linens The perfect place for finding the perfect gift! Gift registry & gift cards available.
COURTHOUSE SQUARE, GODERICH, ON
519-612-1919
Goderich
STOPS ALONG THE WAY, SUMMER 2020. PAGE 9. the retail space is open with physicaldistancing protocols in place. Curbside pick-up and free local delivery is available. For more information, visit its website at 2ndstreetlightwines.ca. CIDER Huron County has one dedicated cidery and that is East Street Cider Company in Goderich, situated, appropriately, on East Street. The cider has quickly become a favourite of local cider enthusiasts and drinkers in search of a crisp, refreshing option on a hot summer day on Lake Huron. East Street Cider offers its flagship cider, called the Landmark Dry, at numerous restaurants throughout Goderich and greater Huron County. Another constant offering will be the Huron Half Dry, though it is still in the Maitland Valley Conservation the works. Authority. They currently offer four seasonal The building’s interior features ciders as well, including Harvest pieces, by local artists. that are also Botanical, Watermelon Mint, Beach for sale. The space is ideal for events, Dog and Winter’s Bounty. but is waiting for the COVID-19 For more information, visit its restrictions to ease. In the meantime, website at eaststreetcider.com.
A refreshing town
O
ne of Huron County’s more popular craft breweries has proven to be Square Brew in Goderich, which offers refreshing and experimental beers to the masses in Huron County’s biggest town. Square Brew offers a range of fulltime beers, as well as a handful of rotating seasonal offerings. The Parsons Court location, which is not near Goderich’s famed Square, despite the brewery’s name, has been a beacon for those seeking a good time in Goderich. At the time of this printing, Square Brew was offering free delivery in several areas based on a schedule, and a pickup window option. For more information, visit its website at squarebrewco.com. 2nd Streetlight Estate Winery, located on Hwy. 8 between Clinton and Goderich, takes its name from the fact that it is at the second streetlight from town in both directions! The company currently has six wines in its collection, with three more scheduled for release this summer. The property is ideal as a destination winery. It is set back on a 500-metre driveway that sets the tone as it winds its way to the winery through the vineyards. The expansive building has stunning views of the Maitland River valley and the Kilgour Tract, a property managed by
Working in the community since 1833 to help meet the needs of all 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.
Shop at our stores (because we are not-for-profit, all funds are reinvested in our society which in turn helps the community)
St. Vincent de Paul 441 MacEwan St., Goderich www.facebook.com/SVDPGoderich svdp@hurontel.on.ca www.svdpgoderich.ca
PAGE 10. STOPS ALONG THE WAY, SUMMER 2020
Back in business
T
Goderich
he Goderich Farmers’ Market is proof that you can teach an old dog new tricks. As one of the oldest farmers’ markets in the area, which has survived relocations due to a tornado and becoming a sidewalk sale in the interim, the Goderich market is once again adapting to survive the COVID-19 pandemic that is causing everyone to rethink their business model. The market has always been held on The Square in Goderich every Saturday morning, but the Town of Goderich has closed the park until further notice. BIA Manager and Market Co-ordinator Susan Armstrong has been busy rearranging the entire market to ensure the safety of all the visitors and vendors. Because the Goderich Farmers’ Market brings together more vendors than the average market, it took some
creative thinking to make the reimagined version of the market work. The market will be held on Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. with several mini-markets, including one off South Street, one on Montreal Street and at curb side corner(s) on The Square. Under the Phase 2 re-opening guidelines, the market is still bound to only provide food. “We have an amazingly broad spectrum of local products,” Goderich Business Improvement Area Manager Susan Armstrong said. You can pre-order online to keep your visit brief by visiting www.goderichbia.ca for links to local vendors. All of the physical distancing procedures will be observed. Keep a minimum of six feet between yourself and others, and stay home if you are unwell. There are sanitizing and/or hand-washing stations available. “The market really is a destination
for local shoppers and visitors alike,” Armstrong said. For more information, visit www.goderichbia.ca At the time of press, the Goderich Flea Market that operates in the Courthouse Square Park on Sundays was unable to open due to the park closure and set-up requirements. In a Facebook notice, organizers said they were hopeful that restrictions would ease and they could get going in July. Follow the market on Facebook for updates.
417 Parsons Court, Goderich 519-612-1387 Open 10-4 Monday - Saturday
• Furniture • Appliances • New beds • Antiques • Collectibles • Electronics • Other household items facebook.com/parsonsusedfurniture ~ email: parsonsusedfurniture@gmail.com
STOPS ALONG THE WAY, SUMMER 2020. PAGE 11.
Auburn
Hike in Huron
Maitland Trail
A county with a view
W
ith over 30 trails to choose from in Huron County, there is something for
everyone. In the heat of the summer, the cool shade of a forest walk is a refreshing way to spend a quiet afternoon. Here are three well-shaded options. Naftel’s Creek Conservation Area This property is maintained by the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority and is located 7 kilometres south of Goderich. The trail system consists of two main loops with several side paths for a total of 3.2 kilometres of walking paths. Explore plantations, mixed deciduous forests, and cedar lowlands along the trail. In winter, the site is used extensively for cross county skiing. The orange loop leads past a small pond where you may spot painted turtles sunning themselves on logs. It continues on through a pretty birch stand and over a foot bridge into a mixed deciduous forest. Take the blue loop and enjoy long boardwalk over the wetlands. A small bridge crosses Naftel’s Creek, a remarkably clear stream. The loop continues around through a mature pine plantation along an open meadow. As it turns back there is a relatively new side trail and new
bridge that is a shorter route back to the parking lot, or you can continue back to the first bridge. If you take the long way home, be sure to keep an eye out for the remnants of an old cabin with a fireplace that is just visible in the bushes along the creek banks. Rodgers Tract The 13 Huron County forest tracts are a legacy of the massive reforestation effort across southern Ontario that was undertaken by municipalities in partnership with the province starting in the early 1900’s. Huron County residents and visitors are now reaping the benefits of that vision with over 1,500 acres of managed forests to provide education and recreational opportunities. On Hoover Line just south of Westfield Road lies Rodgers Tract. The trail consists one loop around a pond and a one long rolling straight path along a ridge ending with a view over a large gravel pit. The ponds and lowland marsh areas sing with the sound of frogs in the spring, and you will see a variety of nesting ducks early in the year. Portions of the trail reach heights where you feel like you are on a treetop walk. Maitland Trail The Maitland Trail Association is a group of volunteers that works with local landowners to maintain a trail
that follows the Maitland River from Auburn to Goderich for 48 kilometres. For a starting point, the section that begins near Auburn (just off County Road 25 on Bridge Road) is an easy walk on a well-marked trail (follow the white blazes) through the Robertson Tract and along the banks of the Maitland River. With gorgeous views of the river on one side of you, and a forest of trees, wildflowers and songbirds on the other, can you think of a better way to spend a couple of hours on a sunny summer afternoon? This will be a straight out-andback walk, so walk as far as you feel comfortable and then turn around and experience the same trail from a different perspective. For more information on the trail system, visit maitlandtrail.ca
35248 Bayfield River Rd., Bayfield
519-482-9256
theoldhomestead.on.ca
Bayfield
PAGE 12. STOPS ALONG THE WAY, SUMMER 2020
Cornerfield Wine Company Bayfield
A village of good taste
B
ayfield Brewing Company is one of two breweries that have recently opened in the Bayfield area. It is set up in the Bayfield Public House, which is on the village’s main street, offering mouth-watering food options along with the company’s beer. It is one of the county’s newest breweries, now offering seven beers. First is Cabinet Maker, a Canadian pale ale, followed by Woollen Shop, a brown ale; Captain Ronny, an India pale ale (IPA); Navigating Lieutenant, a light lager; Snook Stout, an Irish stout (named for local hockey hero and Stanley Cup champion Ryan “Snook” O’Reilly); Thresher, a Belgian witbier; and Hazy Sunset, a New England IPA. For the summer of 2020, Bayfield Brewing is offering free delivery for both food and beer in the area while they wait for the restaurant and patio
to reopen. For more information, visit its website at bayfieldbrewingco.com. Bayfield’s second brewery is River Road Brewing and Hops, so named for its Bayfield River Road location and its farm-based operation as one of Huron County’s only breweries to grow its own hops. River Road Brewing supports sustainable brewing, from its wood fired boilers, to feeding spent grain from the brewing process to a very attractive herd of highland cattle. Right now, River Road has seven staple offerings, and one seasonal, The Scurvy Elixer, a spruce tipinfused IPA. This summer, River Road is featuring a pick-up window for walkin orders, or you can call ahead for curbside service. For more information, visit its website at riverroadbrewing.com. One of the newer kids on the block
is the Durand family and its Cornerfield Wine Company. Set up on the home farm of Carrie and Adam Durand just south of Bayfield, Cornerfield offers seven varieties of wine: three whites, three reds and a dark blush, which they call a pale red. The Durands took note of note of a report that was created a number of years ago to determine the viability of vineyards along Lake Huron in this area and decided to get involved with the wine business, hiring Niagarabased winemaker Steve Byfield ahead of its first bottling. Cornerfield has taken advantage of the interesting terroir of Huron County and the family’s history on the land to create a unique winemaking destination. For more information on Cornerfield Wine Company, visit its website at cornerfieldwineco.com.
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STOPS ALONG THE WAY, SUMMER 2020. PAGE 13. to your usual meal accompaniment. Wine coolers and hard cider are new to Bayfield Berry Farm this year and more flavours will be arriving this summer. They will be available in cans and bottles ready for your next backyard barbecue. Due to the current COVID-19 situation, it is best to check out Bayfield Berry Farm’s Facebook, Instagram or website at bayfieldberryfarm.ca for more information on product availability, hours and shopping options.
Branching out
B
ayfield Berry Farm has new beverage options for your summer refreshment. Like many other businesses, Bayfield Berry Farm is busy expanding its product lines with the hope that fresh new tastes will entice local shoppers and tourists alike to seek them out. Nestled on Orchard Line just outside Bayfield, this family farm has been growing a long list of fruits and vegetables for almost 20 years.
Known for its charming bakery and tearoom as well as market produce, Bayfield Berry Farm never stops developing new types of products, most recently included fruit wines, ciders and wine coolers. Using berries grown right on the farm, Bayfield Berry Farm has five fruit wines available on its website with new flavours in development due to arrive on the shelves soon . Fruit wines are becoming more popular and provide a lovely change
Hearing the history
H
uron Arts & Heritage Network, a not-for-profit group that works to promote culture and heritage in the county has produced a series of audio walking tours. As one of the oldest communities in the area, Bayfield has a rich history and many stories to tell. This series explores three areas with downloadable audio walking tours. The first, titled “Pioneer Park and Bayfield Harbour” explores the shipwrecks, sailors and history of Admiral Bayfield, namesake of the village and surveyor of the Great Lakes.
Next, you can revel in the stories of lovers, cow patties, and war Continued on page 14
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
Woodland Drive In 17 Mill Road, Bayfield 519.565.2460 *Feel free to call in order ahead*
Open daily 11am to 9pm Proudly serving Metzger’s Burgers! Daily weekday lunch specials & dinner specials. Ask about our gluten friendly options! Stay for dessert we won’t disappoint. *Made to order Ice Cream Cakes Available*
PAGE 14. STOPS ALONG THE WAY, SUMMER 2020
The freshest of the town
M
ary Brown, organizer of the Bayfield Farmers’ Market, knew that this was going to be a different year when the COVID19 pandemic hit us fast and furiously in the early spring. When the opportunity to join the Open Food Network platform came along, she jumped in with both feet. As a result, the Bayfield market was one of the first out of the gate with a modified business model and so it was able to open relatively early in the summer. The market now has a preorder/prepay standard that allows the vendors and customers to have a virtually contactless transaction. All products are ordered online with a secure system for every vendor in one handy site. The online shop opens on Sundays at 8 a.m. and closes
Wednesday at 11 p.m. for Friday pick-up. Pick-up times are from 3-4 p.m. or 4-5 p.m., depending on where you fall in the alphabet. For a small $5 fee, you can select delivery within 15 kilometres of Bayfield at checkout. The pick-up area is the parking lot at the north side of Clan Gregor Square, as the park was still closed as of this writing. With the pandemic restrictions in place, they are only able to offer food items. Organizers and vendors are
serious about the local food movement at the Bayfield market. Any food that vendors sell must be produced within 75 kilometres of Bayfield, which doesn’t restrict the variety on offer because there are so many growers in the local area, from produce and meat to baked goods and preserves. The food can only be produced by the vendor, as resellers are not allowed at this market. To order, you can access the Open Food Network platform from bayfieldfarmersmarket.com.
Bayfield
Continued from page 13 memorials in Bayfield’s town square as you stroll through “Clan Gregor Square�. And don’t miss “Bayfield Main Street� featuring a globetrotting nurse, a daring rescue and a murder as history comes to life on main street. All are available free on Apple podcast by searching for Huron Historic Walking Tours.
History
!" #$ "%"&' '
There’s more to Huron County than 44 pages
PIZZA, WINGS & MORE 519-565-2030 2B The Square, Bayfield
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stopsalongtheway.ca
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www.pizzabythesquare.ca CALL OR ORDER ONLINE Take out only
STOPS ALONG THE WAY, SUMMER 2020. PAGE 15.
Barn Quilt Trail
A lasting barn quilt legacy
T
he 2017 International Plowing Match, held just outside of Walton, has left Huron County a legacy that will outlast many memories created during those successful five days: the Huron County barn quilt trail. The concept came to many local residents at a Huron County Plowing Match courtesy of Cheryl Gardiner of Gardiner’s Gate. She had a display at the match years before the event came to Huron County, showcasing a unique business dedicated to custom, handcrafted barn quilts. Barn quilts are large (most range from one foot squared to eight feet squared), handpainted badges for barns, many of which you can see high atop the landscape along the rolling hills of southwestern Ontario. In Huron County, over 130 barn quilts have been erected in recent years and they are all listed and
mapped on the Ontario barn quilt trail website, many complete with descriptions of the barn quilts, their design and the story behind them. Some are placed at businesses, while others are at home farms or schools. Some are even at event grounds, like the site of the annual Huron Pioneer Thresher and Hobby Association’s reunion in Blyth or at Don McNeil’s shop and museum in Brussels. The 132 barn quilts located throughout Huron County are spread consistently throughout the community, though many are concentrated in the central communities of Huron, with most located south of Wingham and north of Hwy. 8 near Clinton and Seaforth. A book detailing the barn quilts of Huron County was even produced in the months leading up to the 2017 International Plowing Match, though
it was such a popular item that it has now sold out. Many of the barn quilts celebrate a family’s history or the history of a farm and the commodity it has been producing for generations, while others celebrate Canada or the Huron County community. Near Brussels, the Armstrong family’s barn quilt celebrated the aerodrome located at the farm and the family’s rich aviation heritage. Norah’s Pinwheel at the home of Brian Schlosser is a special one, especially with its roots in the International Plowing Match. Schlosser featured the barn quilt at the match at the Brussels Fall Fair tent, asking visitors to sign the quilt. He then sealed it up and erected it on his barn with all of the signatures. For more information on the Huron County barn quilt trail, visit barnquilttrails.ca and select the Huron County trail.
PAGE 16. STOPS ALONG THE WAY, SUMMER 2020.
Tour the countryside
N
Zurich
ot all the fun is at the beach, which is why the Municipality of Bluewater and Huron County have compiled a number of walking and driving tours for Bluewater communities. These tours, accessible both on foot and by car, are available at explorebeyondtheshore.ca. You can choose the type of tour that you want by category. There are five Heritage Tours to choose from. There is a tour of each of the villages, Zurich, Hensall, and Bayfield. and two tours that take you around the
scenic countryside through the townships. These tours are available in digital and printable formats. They feature points of interest including heritage buildings and history of the area. The Spirits of Bluewater Tours are six self-guided driving tours of the wineries, cideries, distilleries and breweries within about an hour’s drive of Bayfield. The Bluewater Area Farm Tour takes you through beautiful Bluewater to an excellent selection of farm direct stores located within a 30minute drive of Bayfield. The Bluewater Adventure Trail is a directory of the best outdoor
experiences the greater Bluewater area has to offer, including water sports, horseback riding, hiking, fishing, birding and more! Who doesn’t love a good treasure hunt or a bargain? The Thrift Trip is a directory of all the antique, thrift, and flea markets located within a 30minute drive of Bayfield and Clinton. The directory includes housewares, fashion, furniture, accessories and more! The website features downloadable maps, details about the stops, and information about the region. To hit the road, visit explorebeyondtheshore.ca.
Artizan Alley brings people together dog) is happy to help you find what you are looking for and will also discuss custom orders. The shop will be open Tuesday to Saturday and a growing list of
vendors is available on the website at www.artizan-alley.com. Updates about newly-arrived items and any changes to hours will be posted on the business’ Facebook page.
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W
hile opening a small business in late 2019 proved not to be ideal timing, with a pandemic just around the corner, Shanon Waht is hoping both locals and tourists will delight in the unique array of items to be found at Artizan Alley. Located in downtown Zurich in an old bakery building, the store is now home to almost 50 vendors as well as Shanon’s own creations. The large space is a treasure trove of interesting displays showcasing candles, quirky birdhouses, handmade vintage and salvaged pieces and much more. Around every corner you will find something you didn’t even know you needed! The friendly staff (including Sawdust, the official greeter and shop
Grand Bend
STOPS ALONG THE WAY, SUMMER 2020. PAGE 17. Horse Estate Winery near Grand Bend, with its grand winery building, bar and wedding venue. This summer will be an unusual one with Dark Horse’s popular wine tours and tastings shuttered for the timebeing, but the retail outlet is open for limited hours. The store is limited to five customers at a time, and everyone is required to wear a mask. (If you arrive without one, Dark Horse is selling masks with all proceeds going to charity.) Curbside pick-up and free delivery within a designated area are also excellent options. You can order from all of the winery’s collections Unapologetically, One Horse Town, Valegro and 18 Hands. Dark Horse also offers gift cards and wine clubs. A fun party idea available in their store is a tasting kit, so you can host your own wine tasting in the comfort of your own home. For more information, visit darkhorseestatewinery.com.
Something to drink?
B
ad Apple Brewing Company has been accumulating a steady fan base since opening its Highway 21 location between Grand Bend and Bayfield several years ago. Founded and operated by the Ingram family, the company offers inventive and tasty beers in both growlers and cans. Bad Apple also offers a hybrid cider beer brewed with fresh pressed cider using apples from their own orchard. The brewery’s online store sells everything from its line of beer and
merchandise, to an interesting range of items from local businesses that includes woodworking items, chorizo pepperettes, coffee, kombucha and brewed dog biscuits. For the summer of 2020, the taproom is closed at time of this writing due to the COVID-19 control measures, but the store is open (one customer at a time, please) and curbside pickup or delivery within 30 kilometres is available. To order go to badapplebrewingco.com. The winery that made the biggest splash in Huron County is Dark
Come to our on-farm Brewery! 7143 Forest Rd. Plympton-Wyoming (4 km South of Forest) stonepickerbrewing.com
FISH & CHIP THURSDAYS Meal Deal for Two! 4 pieces Battered Haddock Denny’s Fries 2 servings Coleslaw $
18.50
+ HST
It’s a Grand Bend Tradition! 86 Ontario Street South Grand Bend, ON Debit, Visa & Mastercard accepted Summer Hours: Late June to Labour Day 7 days/week 11:30 am - 9:00 pm
PAGE 18. STOPS ALONG THE WAY, SUMMER 2020
Grand Bend
Rest and relaxation
T
he Pinery Provincial Park near Grand Bend is one of the province’s most stunning provincial parks, situated on the coast of Lake Huron and home to one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world. This is said to have been confirmed by National Geographic magazine as it once listed Grand Bend’s sunsets as
being among the 10 best in the world. The park stretches over 2,500 hectares and was established back in 1957. It’s open year-round and is home to the extremely rare Oak Savanna and Coastal Dune ecosystems, including tremendous biodiversity with over 800 vascular plants and over 300 bird species. The park includes 10 walking trails, a 14-kilometre bike trail and 38 kilometres of groomed ski trails. The Pinery also boasts a provincially-
significant wetland called the Old Ausable Channel, which is perfect for canoeing, hydro biking, paddleboating or kayaking. There are a number of camping options available for the park, including roofed accommodation, car camping and group camping. For more information on the Pinery Provincial Park, search for it on ontarioparks.com or visit the Friends of Pinery Park’s website at pinerypark.on.ca.
A night at the movies
W
ith permission to open after the COVID-19 pandemic had somewhat abated, the Starlite Drive-In near Grand Bend is ready to serve its audiences with a few small changes. The site, located on Crediton Road near Grand Bend, has a summer full of classic and new films for families to take in, having started in early June. Due to the pandemic, the snack bar at the site is closed, though outdoor food and beverages are welcome. The bathrooms are also open. Starting July 17 and running to July 23, Tenet and the horror classic Them are playing as a double-feature. Tenet, director Christopher Nolan’s newest offering, is a spy film featuring John David Washington and Robert Pattinson. The film tasks Washington’s character with preventing World War III. Them, the classic 1954 horror film, looks at what happens when atomic tests cause ants to mutate into giant monsters that threaten the world. July 24 through 31 Disney’s liveaction remake of Mulan takes over the second screen, while Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker plays afterwards. The live-action remake of Mulan features Yifei Liu as the titular character who pretends to be a man to join the army, preventing her father from facing that danger. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is
the last of the final three films in the main Star Wars story, bringing the story originally filmed in the late 1970s to its conclusion. For more information, show times or ticket information, visit the theatre’s website online at starlitedriveintheatre.com
Providing a variety of healthy, high quality, vacuum-packed pork cuts. Visit us online or contact us for pre-orders and pick ups. Web: thewholepig.ca Email: thewholepig@hay.net Store: 519-237-3255 Cell: 519-851-3327 37871 Dashwood Rd., Dashwood
STOPS ALONG THE WAY, SUMMER 2020. PAGE 19.
Home to the white squirrels patchy colouration and dark eyes. Still rarer is the white morph, which appears to be an inherited condition resulting in white fur not related to a lack of pigmentation. Exeter’s squirrels appear to be the latter. These variations mean that white squirrels are rare but can be spotted virtually anywhere. What is interesting is that there are five locations in North America where white has become the predominate colour and have permanent thriving colonies of white squirrels, and Exeter has the most prominent population in Canada. (Other communities are Brevard, North Carolina; Marionville, Missouri; Olney, Illinois and Kenton, Tennessee. There is also a colony
now known in the Trinity Bellwoods neighbourhood in Toronto.) It is believed that they have thrived due to the white colouration not being identified as prey by predators, and by receiving some degree of protection from residents who take great pride in their wildlife. Exeter’s white squirrels can be seen in parks and trail areas, but are most prevalent in residential areas, particularly in the historic core area, being documented since 1912. Have fun on the hunt for a selfie with a white squirrel, and make sure you tag #ExperienceExeter on your social media posts!
Exeter
E
xeter residents have fallen in love with their white squirrels and they don’t care who knows. You may have noticed these unique residents as you drive through Exeter, or at least their images which adorn banners and signage in town. While there are no species of white squirrel in North America, there are several genetic mutations that can cause the Eastern Grey squirrel to have white fur instead of the usual grey, black or reddish fur. Albinism is a mutation that causes an animal to have no pigmentation and also results in red eyes. There is also leuticism which is also a genetic condition which affects pigmentation, but these squirrels have
The trails of South Huron
T
he South Huron Trail represents a beautiful vista in the southern end of Huron County that provides hikers with options. The MacNaughton-Morrison Trail links with Morrison Dam Conservation Area Trail to create the eight-kilometre South Huron Trail. Shaded, barrier-free nature trails surround the Morrison reservoir for hiking, running, birdwatching,
bicycling, cross-country skiing and nature appreciation. The 30-acre lake is a favourite spot for family fishing. The MacNaughton-Morrison section of the South Huron Trail passes through towering hardwood and pine forests, skirts along the Ausable River, and gives a bird’s eye view of the river valley at several lookouts. This all-season trail is four kilometres long. The 75-metre Stirling Bridge spans
The Metzger’s legacy
T
ucked away on a side street in Hensall is Metzger Meat Products, one of Huron County’s premier meat producers. The processing site and retail store serve not only the community of Hensall but, through stores throughout the area, the entire county as well, with both fresh and frozen products being shipped to local grocery stores. Gerhard Metzger’s store offers staples of any butcher shop as well as unique creations like the company’s bacon rolls, bacon-wrapped pork
tenderloin and breakfast sausage. In reviews, customers laud the general quality as well as the specialty products, like traditional German fare. The knowledgeable staff and great selection are celebrated, as are products like the company’s hamburger patties, Landjaeger sausages and bacon, alongside staples like pork chops, steaks and cold cuts. For more information, visit Metzger Meat Products on Facebook or in person at its location at 180 Brock Ave in Hensall.
the Ausable River mid-way between MacNaughton Park and Morrison Dam. Lookouts, including the treetop boardwalk, provide scenic vistas of the forest, river valley, or golf course. Benches allow you to pause and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. Educational kiosks identify the birds and animals that call the corridor home. Thanks to trail loops of different lengths (2 km, 4 km, or 8 km), you can spend 20 minutes or two hours enjoying nature. For more information on the trail, visit the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority’s website at www.abca.on.ca.
Fresh Big Slices
$ (630 cals/slice)
375
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
PAGE 20. STOPS ALONG THE WAY, SUMMER 2020
a TASTE of
HURON COUNTY
G. L. HUBBARD LIMITED
A Taste of Huron
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
Hillsview Farms
Organically Home Grown Produce and C.S.A. since 1996
519-529-3653 New Online Store. Home delivery and many pickup locations. localline.ca/hillsview-farms or on our Facebook shop Call or message for current hours and locations.
Dashwood • Smoked Pork Chops • Steaks & Burgers • Homestyle Sausages • Deli Meats • Meat Package Deals
519-565-5566
519-237-3668
75073 Bluewater Hwy., Bayfield, ON N0M 1G0
70963 Bronson Line, Dashwood, ON N0M 1N0
paul@zehrscountrymarket.ca
justin@zehrscountrymarket.ca
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.
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
J.R. FEAR APIARIES INC. RR #2, Wingham
519-357-3656
Fresh Honey Pure Unscented Beeswax Candles Creamed Honey Honey Baskets
Curbside Pickup Available www.fergusonapiaries.on.ca
STOPS ALONG THE WAY, SUMMER 2020. PAGE 21.
Green’s Meat Market & Abattoir
Proudly serving farmers, families and our community since 1971
‘Let us fill your freezer’
237 Arthur St., Wingham (519) 357-2912 612 Campbell St., Lucknow (519) 528-2242
Quality & Local Ingredients Open Monday - Saturday Come in Thursday - Saturday for our market-style fresh counter!
OPENING FOR THE SEASON IN MID-JUNE
Local...Quality...Delicious Local Beef • Pork • Lamb • Poultry Specialty European Meat Products
Open Mon. - Fri. 9 am - 5 pm Sat. 9 am - 3 pm
PICKED FRESH 35291 Zurich Hensall Road, Zurich, ON N0M 2T0 FOR YOU DAILY Phone: 519-236-7907 Email: massepumpkins@hay.net Open daily Like us on Facebook for up-to-date info
519-262-3130 www.metzgermeats.com
100% grown here ~ start to finish
“Our aim is to supply you with fresh, quality vegetables while supporting local family farms.” THE COUNTRY MARKET IN HOWICK TOWNSHIP
GORRIE LINE PRODUCE 77697 Orchard Line, Bayfield 519-482-1666 Please follow facebook/Instagram for updates & operating hours Offering • alcoholic beverages • baking • preserves • cider
44122 Howick-Turnberry Road at Gorrie Line intersection Watch for signs Open from May to October Closed Sundays Vegetables, Fruits, Sauerkraut, Pepperettes, Pickled Beets, Salsa, etc. Home Baking (Friday & Saturday), Maple Syrup, Jams & Jellies, Cutting Boards and more Teeswater
Belmore
Mildmay Gorrie Line Produce
M
Howick-Turnberry Road
Clifford
Jones Feed Mill
**Coming Soon** • Fruit Liqueurs • Fruit Spirits (Schnaps)
We are currently open Tuesday, Thursday-Saturday 10-4, Sunday 11-3 with online & curbside orders available BAYFIELDBERRYFARM.ON.CA
Wingham
Wroxeter
Gorrie
Fordwich
A Taste of Huron
180 Brock Avenue, Hensall
MASSE FRUIT & VEGETABLE FARM
C/O MIKE AND DIANNE MASSE
PAGE 22. STOPS ALONG THE WAY, SUMMER 2020
Clinton
On the RADAR Positioned in the middle of Clinton, nearly at the centre of Huron County, is a FPS-20 search RADAR antenna, originally donated by the Canadian Forces Bases Clinton in 1967 as a monument to the country and the people trained at the base. The base, located where Vanastra is now, was Canada’s first RADAR school, opening in August, 1941 with courses starting a month later, teaching members of the military from the United States and Canada how to use the new technology. The monument, located where Victoria, King and Ontario Streets meet in Clinton, was presented to the town of Clinton by the base in honour of the Canadian Centennial and commemorates the establishment of the first RADAR training school in North America.
Quenching Clinton’s thirst
T
he first Huron County brewery with a physical location to welcome patrons through its doors was Stone House Brewing Company in Varna. The company’s first offering was a Czech Pilsner, followed soon by a German dark lager and now a light cream lager, all under the watchful eye of owner Mike Corrie, who has been in the beer industry for 25 years. Stone House beer can be purchased at the brewery or at over a dozen restaurants and bars throughout Huron County, and is now available at select The Beer Store locations. The company also offers a robust collection of souvenirs and the brewery. The company is offering curbside pick-up and free delivery with a minimum order, within 30 minutes of Varna. For more information, visit its website at stonehousebrewing.ca. The first family to jump on Huron’s wine potential was the
Landsboroughs with Maelstrom Winery located in Huron East between Clinton and Seaforth, and are now producing intriguing wine that has taken the county by storm. Maelstrom has wine dating back to the 2015 grape harvest and a number of varieties to keep residents and visitors alike guessing, but always coming back. The winery is family-owned and operated and has a wine club for
those enthusiastic about the winery’s products. While the tasting bar is temporarily closed for safety during the pandemic, the lovely retail outlet is open with physical distancing in place. Curbside pick-up and free delivery within Huron County and beyond is available. For more information on Huron County’s first winery, visit its website at maelstromwinery.ca.
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
Vanastra
STOPS ALONG THE WAY, SUMMER 2020. PAGE 23. 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.
Your hosts: Bob & Janice Clark
A unique history
T
he 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.
71 Kirk Street, Clinton 519-482-1163 Email: inquiries@kildonanhouse.com Website: www.kildonanhouse.com 5.0 Google rating
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PAGE 24. STOPS ALONG THE WAY, SUMMER 2020
Up your alley
T
Seaforth
his summer, Seaforth will be going through a massive reconstruction project on its main street, digging deep below ground level to update infrastructure and improve the road surface. As a result, there are plenty of irons in the fire to keep people coming to Seaforth. The Seaforth Business Improvement Area (BIA) and Jan Hawley, Huron
East’s Economic Development Officer, have been working on alternatives for a number of months. With traffic detours established and main street and front door access to most businesses disrupted due to the road work, they have been thinking outside the box so visitors and residents can access their favourite Seaforth businesses. The work began on May 1 with the Shop to Win campaign in Seaforth, but what Hawley and the BIA truly
hope will turn heads and bring people to the town will be the “Art that’s right up your Alley” project, a joint effort with heritage architect Dr. Chris Cooper, a frequent collaborator with Huron East. The project will serve two purposes. First, it will clean up an alley that had long been an eyesore in the town, and second, it will help shoppers gain access to the shops of Seaforth through their back doors during the construction. Hawley, Cooper and others are working to create murals, decorative windows, painted doors and other artifacts, including a vintage phone booth donated by Tuckersmith Communications Co-operative, one of the first sponsors of the project, to improve the look of the alley and turn it into a tourist attraction. Hawley said she drew inspiration from a well-known decorative alley in Stratford that has served the same purpose, bringing people from far and wide to see the alley and photograph it. While the project has been created to aid Seaforth’s main street businesses during this time, Hawley sees it not only as something that could be expanded and continued in Seaforth, but that it could also be tailored to other communities in Huron East.
Renowned brew
T
hough Half Hours on Earth is a small batch brewery located in Seaforth, it’s made a name for itself in the short time it has been open by winning two awards. The tiny brewery, so small it’s only a retail operation, has won friends near and far and regularly ranks among the top breweries in Canada by Untappd, a beverage benchmarking website. In addition, it was recently certified as Canada’s first carbon-neutral brewery by TreeCanada, thanks to its tree planting. The brewery’s beers tend to lean towards American and Belgian farmhouse-style ales, but when the brewmaster feels like brewing an IPA, Imperial Stout, or anything else, he’ll likely just go
ahead and throw those into the mix. The beer is sold in 375-millilitre bottles, 355-millilitre cans and “growler” fills. You can sample the beer but there’s no tap room. You can order ahead for pick-up
Visit
during their retail hours, on Saturdays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The company is now offering free delivery on orders over $125. To order, visit the brewery online at halfhoursonearth.com.
Seaforth Golf Club
“Huron County’s Home of Golf” "Seaforth Country Classic" thanks our players, sponsors, fans, and volunteers for their support of the Seaforth Country Classic & its charities. We plan to continue this great tradition as soon as we are allowed. www.seaforthcountryclassic.com
42990 Front Rd., Seaforth 519-522-0985 www.seaforthgolf.com
seaforthgolf@seaforthgolf.com
STOPS ALONG THE WAY, SUMMER 2020. PAGE 25.
Fresh and outdoors
A
Brussels
fter a successful couple of years in its new indoor home, the Brussels Farmers’ Market will now make the move outdoors to the cement pad on the north side of the Four Winds Barn for the safety of vendors and customers during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is expected the market itself will look and run differently for much of the summer, but may begin to move indoors and bring in other types of goods, if the province begins to loosen restrictions. For now, the only items available will be food produced by the vendors. To limit contact, an empty table will be placed at each vendor’s stall to facilitate the exchange after items have been selected. There will also be directional paths to follow so physical distancing can be maintained. Sanitizing stations will be placed at the entrance and the exit, and vendors will sanitize their hands and tables after each transaction. The market runs Fridays until midOctober for the hours of 2-6 p.m.
Some hiking time
B
russels could be the ideal hub for a hiking and walking vacation. You should stay a few days and see all that this charming little village has to offer. Solace on Turnberry Spa. Shop. Suites or The DeWit - Luxury Suites both offer short-term rentals in downtown Brussels, or you could opt for the traditional bed and breakfast at The Gray’s of Brussels. Once you’ve found a place to stay, you can check out the excellent hiking in the area. Just south of town, on Walton Road is one of Huron County’s forest tracts, The Rea Tract. Nestled in a quiet grove beside the former CN rail line, now the Goderich-to-Guelph Rail Trail (G2G), this tract packs a lot of trails into a relatively small property. The trails meander throughout the propery, crisscrossing each other but there’s no need to worry about getting lost. The rail trail on one side and Walton Road on the other side helps you keep your bearing. Sunshine Conservation Area is not
large but has a scenic lane back to pretty pond area. It is west of Brussels Line on Cranbrook Road just past Button Line. West of Brussels on Morris Road is the Stevenson Tract, a managed Huron County forest as well. This 200-acre parcel is bisected by the Maitland River with two distinct trails, each with its own parking lot on either side of the river. The terrain is quite hilly with a few steep sections, so make sure you have good walking shoes on. The Maple Keys Sugar Bush was once the site of thriving maple sugar production and is now managed by the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority as a recreational trail. Where the two trails meet, a few large, old maples still stand. This is an easy walk of a little over a kilometre with a loop and a linear trail section through a plantation, lowlands and upland hardwood areas. If you still have energy after these, there are at least 27 more trails within an hour of Brussels right in Huron County!
Brussels Fresh food. Friendly neighbours.
• Fresh Produce • Deli Department • Fresh Meats • Baked Goods • Hot items to go Plus all your grocery needs
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
Blyth
PAGE 26. STOPS ALONG THE WAY, SUMMER 2020
A true Huron County destination
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. The summer of 2020 will see operations focus on Mil’s Verandah, a covered patio for outdoor dining. A reservation-only format will allow for time and 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
— SPONSORED CONTENT —
WELCOME BACK TO THE Cowbell Explore the beauty and bounty of Huron County’s backyard this summer with a stop at Cowbell Brewing in Blyth. Cowbell is a fully-accessible, familyfriendly restaurant and craft brewery, featuring a state-of-the-art brewing facility, restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating, retail store, and entertainment spaces. Cowbell is committed to providing you with a one-of-a-kind experience, highlighted by delicious craft beer. New protocols and procedures are in place, and things are going to look a little bit different this summer, but we are taking every precaution to keep you safe. Your health and well-being, and that of our Team Members, is our highest priority.
40035 BLYTH RD., BLYTH, ON
Farm!
To allow for ample social distancing, seating is limited and reservations are required. Call 519-523-4724, or visit our website, to make reservations. Unable to get a reservation for your preferred time? Consider ordering online for food and beverage service through Cowbell Curbside Pick-Up, and enjoy a picnic instead!
COWBELL @ YOUR DOOR We ship everywhere in Ontario with contactless delivery. Free shipping on orders over $45. Shop from the comfort of your home or cottage at store.cowbellbrewing.com.
RESERVATIONS: 519-523-4724
COWBELLBREWING.COM
PAGE 28. STOPS ALONG THE WAY, SUMMER 2020
Taking in Blyth’s green spaces
W Blyth
hen the Canadian Pacific Railway quietly abandoned its line through Blyth in 1988, 71 years after it arrived to great fanfare, the village could have been left with an ugly scar if not for the imagination of some local residents. Today, the former railway lands are part of the Blyth Greenway Trail. The railway happened to run beside Blyth Brook as it passed through the village (in fact the brook was actually relocated a few feet north back in 1907 to make room for the freight yards) so it makes a pleasant place for a stroll or a quiet place to escape to contemplate nature. There are also kiosks that explain the importance of Blyth Brook and the history of the railway. The giant water tank with a photogenic patina and a backdrop of trees lining the creek banks is a great place to stop for a picnic and a selfie.
Listen in
H
uron Arts & Heritage Network, a not-for-profit group that works to promote culture and heritage in the county has produced a series of audio walking tours. Blyth is wee village with a big imagination, and the history of the village has inspired a nationallyacclaimed theatre company and a series of craft beers. Step out with these three walking tours to dig a little deeper into the roots of its love for storytelling. At the heart of it all are the quirky characters that inhabited the “Blyth Village Life”. Hear about a few of them as you explore the downtown area. Learn about life on the rails that became Blyth’s trail on “Blyth Greenway Trail”. The village once stood at the crossroads of two railroads, and is now hoping to capitalize as a town that sits directly Continued on page 29
Heading east from the water tank you’ll take a meandering path to the left of the old rail trail that leads to a beautiful stone arch over the Blyth Brook. Blyth Greenway Trail is part of the Goderich-to-Guelph (G2G) now being developed allowing hikers to travel on a groomed trail all the way from Guelph to Lake Huron. The Memory Garden (Drummond Street) and the Blyth Horticultural Park (Dinsley Street) are two lovely
garden areas that are maintained by the Friends of the Village of Blyth. If you’re looking for a wide-open space for the little ones to run off some pent-up energy, then head over to Wellington Street to the spacious Blyth Lions Park. Here you’ll find a playground and wading pool. Unfortunately, these two attractions have been shuttered for now, but the Blyth Lions hope to have them up and running as soon as the COVID19 restrictions make it feasible.
Bachert’s Elite Bed & Breakfast “Auburn’s Best Kept Secret” Welcoming guests to explore our scenic location and experience our pampering. Your hosts Keith and Janet Bachert
38326 Blyth Rd., Auburn 519-526-7135 email: kjbachert@sympatico. ca
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, SUMMER 2020. PAGE 29.
Wingham
Relaxation on Lake Wawanosh
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estled on a quiet country lane southeast of St. Helen’s, this little gem may be Huron County’s best kept secret. The Lake Wawanosh Conservation Area is known to locals as a quiet place to fish or hike. Motorized boats are prohibited, but canoeing and kayaking are popular. The hiking trail ranges from easy to moderate with a few hilly sections. It makes a half circle from the road to the back section of the lake where it
has excellent views of the water. This conservation area is a little off the beaten path, but well worth the
extra effort to find. Pack a picnic lunch, turn off the cell phone and relax. 85442 Creek Line, Lucknow.
Take a tour with you Continued from page 28 along the Goderich-toGuelph Rail Trail, a hiking and biking corridor that stretches over 127 kilometres. “Blyth Festival and Memorial Hall�
will tell you the story of a town, and theatre company, that saved a war memorial. All are available free on Apple Podcasts by searching for Huron Historic Walking Tours.
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PAGE 30. STOPS ALONG THE WAY, SUMMER 2020
Preserving our nature
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Wingham
he Maitland Valley Conservation Authority was formed in 1951 to protect the water, forests and soil of the watershed, and the drainage area, of the Maitland, Nine Mile and Eighteen Mile Rivers, along with smaller watersheds on the Lake Huron shoreline. This large area covers much of the northern half of Huron County and into the neighbouring counties of Bruce, northern Wellington and Perth counties. The work of the organization, along with its community partners, is crucial to providing a healthier environment and preserving our natural heritage. The Authority’s conservation activities are driven by the municipalities, landowners and community organizations. The MVCA manages 28 Conservation Areas encompassing 4,600 acres including wetlands, floodplains and river valley areas. These areas range from urban day-use parks to provincially significant environmental sites. These Conservation Areas protect forests, wetlands, plant life and wildlife, and improve the overall health of our watersheds, including the quality and supply of our water resources such as recharge areas. Conservation areas encourage people to get outdoors and be active, while enjoying and appreciating nature. They provide year-round facilities and outdoor recreational opportunities for people of all ages
and a range of abilities, including picnicking, geocaching, birdwatching, boating, camping, swimming, hiking, fishing, cycling, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Although some Conservation Areas have limited access in order to protect sensitive lands and/or wildlife, many provide important public recreational opportunities at low or no cost. Many of the trails and parks highlighted in Stops Along the Way
are managed by the MVCA. It’s important to acknowledge that these assets are the result of a lot of hard work by this organization, the municipalities that own it and their volunteers. Everyone should understand these efforts and those of the organizations that maintain the greenspaces enjoyed by the public. To learn more about the important work that the MVCA does so all can enjoy our natural environment, visit the website at mvca.on.ca
256 Josephine St., Wingham 519-357-1840 2stepshoe@gmail.com
‘Straight From The Farm To You’
519-335-6352 43269 Amberley Rd. on Hwy. 86 between Wingham & Listowel
Maple Candy Maple Butter Join the conversation on our social media @stopsalongthewayhuron
Gift Baskets Maple Sugar
www.drudgesmaplesyrup.com
STOPS ALONG THE WAY, SUMMER 2020. PAGE 31.
Exploring Wingham Street until you reach William Street and using the parking lot at the playground and splash pad there or you can enter in the north end of town on Josephine Street (Wingham’s main street) through the big wooden arch on the west side of the street and park in the lot there. This entrance leads to the spectacular lookout on the 150metre-long former CN Rail bridge which was saved after the railway wanted to demolish it in 1995.
The Wingham Community Trail runs along the old abandoned rail bed, crossing the Maitland River and then makes a loop around the Turnberry Flood Plain Conservation Area to take you back. Several benches are placed along the trail on the east side of the river. A covered gazebo is at the east end of the trail.
Wingham
L
ike many Ontario towns, Wingham owes its existence to a river. Back in the spring of 1858 Edward Farley floated down the river from the now-vanished village of Bodmin to what is now the location of Wingham where he cleared land and build a log cabin. The river became a source of power for early industries but times changed. In 1983, with the failure of the dam that had backed up the water to power the Howson’s flour mill, it was not repaired (the mill had burned decades earlier) and nature reclaimed the river flats. In 1991 a committee set out to turn the area into an ecological park. Today the trees and shrubs they planted have matured and the trails provide a pleasant walk for residents of the town and visitors alike. You can access the trail from the south end by going west on John
The Rural Reading Room Specializing in
Rural Living & Local Authors
Bookshop 405 Queen St., Blyth
huroncitizen.ca/marketplace
Tour and enjoy over 25 diverse private gardens open all summer for visitors Brochures available at tourism spots and libraries
www.gardensofhuronperth.com
• Vitamins & Supplements • Dairy, Wheat and Gluten-free foods • Bulk and organic foods • Body care and “green” products • Protein powders and bars 222 Josephine St., Wingham
519-357-3466 120 Inkerman St. E., Listowel
519-291-4920 www.pandoraspantry.com
WELCOME TO
North Huron!
North Huron offers something for everyone. A talented community that offers activities throughout the year. Discover our trails and gardens and savour our fresh, delicious local cuisine, all within the municipality. From gourmet meals prepared by award-winning chefs, to farm-gate products to take home. Take time to explore the unique shops on our main streets and experience our local sites and festivals. Visit northhuron.ca for more information. Leave your cares behind and spend some time in beautiful North Huron!
Stay... Play... Experience...
Lucknow
PAGE 32. STOPS ALONG THE WAY, SUMMER 2020
Celebrating the legends
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egendary athletic heroes from two centuries are remembered in artistic works in the village of Lucknow. Probably the most iconic imagine in Canadian sporting history is recalled in a huge mural on a building on the corner of Campbell Street (main street) and Ross Street (Lucknow Line). Here the joyous leap of Lucknow native Paul Henderson is pictured after he scored the winning goal in Moscow as Canada salvaged its wounded pride and Team Canada won the first Canada-Russia hockey summit in 1972. The two-storey mural is located right across the street from the location of the old Lucknow arena, where Henderson learned the game, (since replaced by the current building). Henderson’s father, Garnet, was station agent for many years at the Canadian National Railway station, also long gone from the village. Downtown is a much smaller artistic tribute, a sculpture, to a hero from a century earlier. Like many other communities in Bruce and Huron Counties, Lucknow was a proud Scottish town and, in the late 1800s, it hosted the Caledonian Games, showing off feats of strength of Scottish origin such as shot putting and tossing the caber. Thousands
came to the village to watch the competitions. In 1882 the games attracted the Scottish hero Donald Dinnie, the champion wrestler and heavyweight athlete of the world. Such was his stature and the community’s love of
all things Scottish that Donald Dinnie has remained part of Lucknow’s culture every since. Several years ago a sculpture of Dinnie was commissioned by the community. You can see it at the corner of Inglis and Campbell Streets.
MON-FRI 9-6, SAT 9-5
Fashion, Home Decor & More
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
Golf in Huron
STOPS ALONG THE WAY, SUMMER 2020. PAGE 33. cancellation, there is still plenty of golf to be played in Huron County this summer and fall. Woodlands Links Woodlands Links is a golf course where it’s said that no two holes play alike. It’s a shotmaker’s course where water comes into play on 11 of its 18 holes. Also making it challenging are 28 strategically-placed bunkers and natural rough running along the well-manicured fairways. The championship Par 72 links course is 18 holes and over 6,600 yards long and it boasts a full practice facility as well. Due to COVID-19, the course now requires prebooked tee times and you must call the pro shop at 519-482-7144 when you arrive. The course is only allowing one rider per cart, unless both golfers are from the same household. For more information on the course or to book a tee time, call 519-4827144 or visit its website at woodlandslinks.com, where the course accepts online tee time bookings. Seaforth Golf Club call ahead and book tee times and The Seaforth Golf Club boasts a groups are spread out further than mature and challenging golf normal to minimize bottle-necking at experience on its course. It is one that tee boxes. In addition, like most has been recognized on the national businesses, golf courses are putting stage, playing host to the Seaforth safety protocols in place to ensure the Country Classic for over a decade. safety of both employees and golfers. The 18-hole, Par 71 course Huron County has always been a measures nearly 6,300 yards from the major player on the golf scene with Highland tees and offers all of the numerous high-level courses in the standard amenities, including a pro area. It has also been home to a shop, power carts and lessons. professional golf tournament for over The course has been family-run by 10 years, though that will change this the Doig family for well over 50 year with the cancellation of the years and it is open from 7 a.m. until Seaforth Country Classic due to the dark throughout the warm season. It pandemic. is listed at number 18 on Golf The tournament, which began as a Advisor’s list of the top 20 golf Canadian Professional Golf courses in Canada. Association (CPGA) stop, has raised Tee times can be booked by phone over $130,000 for charity since its or online and walk-on play is no inception in 2008. In the later years, longer permitted due to the pandemic. the tournament adapted to include 36 For more information, or to book a male professionals and 36 female tee time, call 519-522-0985 or visit professionals playing simultaneously seaforthgolf.com. with each winner guaranteed a first Goderich Sunset Golf Club prize purse of $7,500. Goderich Sunset Golf Club is However, despite the tournament
Back on the greens
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s the province of Ontario has crept out from under the rock of the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the first recreational activities permitted by the government was golf, an announcement that had enthusiasts cleaning their clubs, stretching their backs and waiting in parking lots for tee times. Though there have been some changes to ensure physical distancing can be practised and optimal cleanliness and sanitization can be maintained, golfers were able to return to the links just ahead of the Victoria Day weekend, a true milestone on the way to summer here in Ontario. Golf was a natural leader for the new normal with COVID-19 still making the rounds. It’s an outdoor sport with plenty of distance between players, so it wasn’t a surprise when it was the first outdoor recreational activity to be allowed, despite the ongoing pandemic. Most courses are asking players to
Continued on page 34
Golf in Huron
PAGE 34. STOPS ALONG THE WAY, SUMMER 2020
Same courses, new rules Continued from page 33 located just seven kilometres north of Goderich on Highway 21. It features an 18-hole regulation course, a ninehole Par 3 course and a driving range equipped with a practice putting green and chipping area. The club also features a clubhouse, a snack bar and a patio, in addition to power carts, club rentals and a fullystocked pro shop, though safety guidelines and physical distancing will be enforced to ensure all are safe this season. The club also boasts professional lessons with Ashley Gravett, who graduated with honours from the Professional Golf Course Management course at Georgian College. She became a golf professional and a member of the PGA of Canada in 2014. The course is a challenging one, in that water comes into play on 13 of the course’s 18 holes, which span 5,797 yards from the blue tees. Goderich Sunset Golf Club is located at 33937 Golf Course Road. For more information, or to book a tee time, call the pro shop at 519-5248047 or visit the website at sunsetgolfclub.com. Wingham Golf Club Wingham Golf and Curling Club is located at RR4, Wingham and features a Par 35, nine-hole golf course, in addition to its restaurant, patio and curling facilities. The course’s signature hole is its final hole, the ninth, which can result in a high number on your scorecard if you’re not careful.
However, many who play the course regularly say that the very first hole really sets the tone for the rest of the round. The hole, which has been described as tough, but fair, really rewards precision. If you hit the ball too far, it will end up in the water, but if you hit it too short, it will end up in the sand. With such a tough hole right off the bat, the Wingham golf course challenges golfers from their very first swing of the club. The course recently welcomed patrons back, asking them to only drive one per cart, to practise physical distancing on the course and not remove the pin flags. The club also features a driving range, carts, club rentals, a pro shop as well as lessons. It’s open from April until mid-October. To book a tee time at the club, call 519-357-2179 or visit the club’s Facebook page for more information. White Squirrel Golf Club An 18-hole, Par 72 course located at RR2, Zurich that boasts a total yardage of just over 6,200 yards, the recently renamed White Squirrel Golf Club is a local favourite. Located north of Grand Bend on Hwy. 21, the course features power carts, club rentals and a pro shop. The course owners have asked that all provincial safety protocols be enforced, including sanitization and physical distancing. You must book a tee time for the course, as its offices remain closed. Back nine starts are not being permitted at this time. For more information, or to book a
tee time, call the pro shop at 519-2364030 or visit the course’s website at whitesquirrelgolfclub.com. Bluewater Golf Course Bluewater Golf Course is a targetstyle nine-hole course that has been described as challenging. The course features plenty of bush with a lot of sand traps and water hazards. To give the nine-hole course a new look for a second time around, it offers a multi-tee system that can transform the course significantly the second time, making it play nearly 400 yards longer for a total of 6,122. Bluewater Golf Course is located on Bluewater Highway north of Bayfield. It features power carts, club rentals, a pro shop and a snack bar. The course is open from April 1 to the end of October. The course also features an adjacent campground that’s home to over 100 seasonal sites, open from May 1 to the end of October. In addition, there are over 25 adult year-round living sites on the grounds. To battle the spread of COVID-19, the course will space tee times out in 12-minutes intervals and accept online bookings in addition to those by phone. No walk-ons will be permitted on the course. For more information on the course, or to book a tee time, call 519-4827197 or visit the website at www.bluewatergolfandcamp.ca. Exeter Golf Club Exeter Golf Club is a nine-hole golf course located in Centralia and it measures just over 3,000 yards. It’s located two kilometres east of Highway 4 on County Road 6. It dates back to 1961. It’s a Par 36, nine-hole course that features a charming clubhouse, constructed from a century-old barn that is now home to The Barn restaurant and pub. The course features a driving range, power carts and club rentals. Like most other courses in Huron County, it’s no longer allowing walk-ins due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so you can book a tee time online or by phone. For more information, or to book a tee time, call 519-235-1517, or visit www.exetergolfclub.ca. Ironwood Golf Club Ironwood Golf Club is located at 72 Continued on page 35
STOPS ALONG THE WAY, SUMMER 2020. PAGE 35.
Shopping local, eating local By Nancy Fisher Food Columnist for The Rural Voice
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Eat local
he summer of 2020 will be one we all remember, but probably not in the usual way people look back at summers gone by. There may be fewer concerts and ball games, but more backyard nights and stargazing. Fewer far-flung vacations, and more nights at home snuggled under a blanket watching a favourite old movie. Many of us are doing a lot of reflecting, counting our blessings and redefining our idea of summertime celebrations. Here in Huron County, our blessings are many, including some of the finest local foods on offer. While it may seem like “local foods” is a catchy new phrase used by marketing companies to catch our attention and dollars, living in the heart of farm country we have always had access to a wide variety of options right on our doorstep. We can truly see the local items all around us, and talk to the people who grow, Continued on page 36
Going low in Huron County Continued from page 34 Wellington Street in Exeter. It features over 6,100 yards of rolling landscape that has been described by many as being very user-friendly. The course is 18 holes and a Par 71. The course has been hosting golfers for over 50 years. It has recently become part of the GolfNorth family, which operates 31 golf courses across Ontario. For more information, or to book a tee time, call 1-888-833-8787 or visit www.golfnorth.ca/ironwood. Maitland Country Club The Maitland Country Club in Goderich features a picturesque ninehole golf course that’s artistically threaded through the scenic Maitland River valley. The course is both scenic and challenging and the club
also features tennis and curling. The club offers a fully-stocked pro shop, power carts, pull carts, club rentals and CPGA golf lessons. The nine-hole course is a Par 34 with a total yardage of over 5,600 yards. It’s open from April to November, from 8 a.m. until dark. The club is located at 25 North Harbour Road in Goderich. For more information, or to book a tee time, call 519-524-9641 or visit the website at www.themaitland.com. Oakwood Resort Oakwood Resort has plenty to offer at its location just north of Grand Bend on Highway 21. The resort offers a 126-room hotel as well as a newly-built pub to complement the 18-hole, Par 70 golf course.
The 5,356-yard course is the heart of the operation, which dates back to the 1920s. The course also offers a fully-stocked pro shop, lessons and memberships. It is open from 7 a.m. to dusk from April to October. The location features practice putting greens, tournament packages, tee time reservations, private lessons, carts and a driving range. Tee times must be booked in advance online or by phone and no tee times will be booked on-site. Upon arrival, golfers should stay in their cars until instructed otherwise and they are asked to pay with debit or credit card, rather than cash. For more information on the course, or to book a tee time, call 1-800-3872324, or visit the resort’s website at www.oakwoodresort.ca.
Eat local
PAGE 36. STOPS ALONG THE WAY, SUMMER 2020
The bounty of Huron County Continued from page 35 produce, and create them. A quick drive around the County can fill your backseat with a feast. Sometimes the things closest to you are the things you walk right by. So maybe this summer of less travel is a good opportunity to bring our focus to all the great stuff we have right in our own backyard. We can all do our part to support
our friends, families and local businesses. It’s heartwarming to see so many of the local businesses supporting each other, and it’s smart too. The market on the corner less than a mile from my house not only has items grown and baked here, but it carries a large assortment of other brands from in and around Huron County. I can easily pick up almost everything I
need for a great dinner in one stop. As the season progresses there will be more and more produce options, locally preserved items and others frozen to keep through the winter ahead. I get quality, convenience and a friendly chat with a neighbour all while supporting the broader local economy. Recently I pulled together an Continued on page 37
STOPS ALONG THE WAY, SUMMER 2020. PAGE 37.
Simple, fresh and local can be found at the Bayfield Farmers Market’s online ordering site or at its own website. Tomato tart made with frozen puff pastry is simple yet looks impressive. For this meal I simply used frozen puff pastry (a staple I am never without) as the base for a couple of different flavours of tart. After unrolling the pastry on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, I split it in half and gently separated it. Using the tip of a paring knife score a line around the outside about ½ inch from the edge of the pastry. Be careful to not cut all the way through. Then with the tip of the knife poke the center of the pastry a few times to prevent it from over-rising. Bake at 425F for about 10 minutes to set the crispness. The edge should just start to rise a little higher than the middle. Meanwhile thinly slice your tomatoes and season lightly. Tomato season is what makes summer glorious. The varieties of tomatoes available now amazes me, and for
this tart it doesn’t matter which size or shape they are. We are lucky to have so many sources of tomatoes in this area, and roadside stands are a great way to find them. Many farmers are selling right from their farm-gate. Hillsview Farm sets up in Clinton right next to Tim Hortons on Fridays and in Austin’s Appliances parking lot in Goderich on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Remove the tart shells from the oven, cool slightly, and spread with either pesto (you can make your own but many of the bottled ones are quite good) or some shredded white cheddar with a bit of mayonnaise and fresh thyme. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, Say Cheese carries some yummy local goat cheese called Stonetown from nearby St. Marys. You can find them at the Blyth Outdoor Market or on
Eat local
Continued from page 36 amazingly simple meal made with mostly local ingredients. You can’t beat a smoked pork chop for ease of preparation and big impact taste. By simply grilling it on a barbeque you enhance that smoky taste and get to practise your grill mark technique. These smoked pork chops came from Metzger Meat Products and I always love that company’s products. I topped the chop with a very tasty peach and red pepper chutney from Zehr’s Country Market just south of Bayfield. The market has many shelves of tasty jams, relishes and chutneys that can enhance any meal. I find this peach and red pepper chutney goes with lots of different items, I may even test it out inside my next grilled cheese sandwich. It pays to check for where your food is grown, no matter where you purchase it. And we have so many options to purchase. From farm-gate to farmers markets; butcher shops to grocery stores, the local producers, growers, and brands are out there and will reward you with quality. Nothing says summer meals like a simple potato salad. Such a versatile dish with so many variations. You can use leftovers or fresh boiled local potatoes. As summer progresses tiny new potatoes can’t be any simpler to find or prepare. Don’t miss the Goderich Farmers’ Market on Saturday mornings, as there will be sure to be vendors with them in stock by late June or early July. I often toss a few mint leaves right into the pot as I boil them. For a basic but tasty potato salad I combined approximately four cups of cooked potatoes, two tablespoons of chopped chives, with half a cup of mayonnaise and a heaping teaspoon of spicy mustard. Season with salt pepper and a dash of paprika. Adjust the amounts of mayonnaise and seasonings to your taste. I served this on a bed of local greens. Firmly Rooted Farm from Belgrave area made a name for itself with its greens, supplying many of the best restaurants in the area. Firmly Rooted
Continued on page 38
Huron County s 1st Winery!
Come visit our tasting room! A variety of wines and ciders
~ Pick up or delivery available ~ Hours: Open daily 11:00 am - 6:00 pm; Friday and Saturdays 11:00 am - 9:00 pm 519-233-WINE (9463) • 78925 Sanctuary Line, Huron East (Clinton)
www.maelstromwinery.ca
Short-term stays
PAGE 38. STOPS ALONG THE WAY, SUMMER 2020
Cottage Stays Bayfield
Short stays in Huron County
K
nown as Ontario’s West Coast, Huron County has long been popular as a daytripping destination to the beach for thousands from all over southwestern Ontario. Generations of families have also invested in summer homes along the coveted coast. But there is an option that lies somewhere between those two extremes. During a regular summer, there are plenty of attractions and events to keep you busy for however long you could get away. Even during the current summer as we cope with a global pandemic, you can safely trade your current living room view for a fresh panorama.
A stay of a few nights to a few weeks might be just the key to a relaxing break from home. With options ranging from rustic to luxurious, you’re sure to find your ideal getaway. We’ve investigated a few of these options for you so here is just a sample of each. Cottage Rentals With their property sitting idle for much of the summer, many summer home owners offer their piece of paradise for rent when they can’t be there. Many can be found on Airbnb, but if you’re looking for a slightly different experience, Jennifer
Taste the county Continued from page 37 Facebook. Place the sliced tomatoes on top and sprinkle with more cheese. Then pop back in the oven and bake until the pastry is crispy brown and the cheese melts. Slice and serve while warm, though the leftovers can be quite good. Summertime cooking should be all about enjoying the fresh flavours of the foods growing around us. It does not have to be complicated as so many of the foods are best served
with little to no preparation. Prepared foods created right here in Huron County are also plentiful if you want an easy dinner. Now is a great time to get the whole family involved in the meal planning, quick road trips to grab what you need, cooking, and enjoying the best that Huron County has to offer. These vendors are just a few of the many choices you can find right here. For a few more great options, see A Taste of Huron County on page 20.
Whaling of CottageStays.ca is able to offer you a hosted stay. She manages a collection of over 25 cottages, primarily in the Bayfield area with 20 lakefront properties and the rest within walking distance of Lake Huron. Almost all of the properties are also pet-friendly, so you can bring the whole family and without leaving your fur-babies at home. With the current conditions creating so much uncertainty, she has worked hard to create a safe environment for those visiting the area including increased sanitation and flexible cancellation policies. Her vision is to help you have the perfect vacation, and she considers herself part cottage host, part travel guide. Take a look at the properties and Jennifer’s service at cottagestays.ca Personal Concierge Service To help you have the perfect visit, CottageStays.ca is partnering with My Concierge, a personal services company in Goderich. With the personal shopping service at your disposal, you can have the cottage fridge filled with your favourite foods and beverages before you arrive, and have replenishments delivered as needed throughout your stay. Lisa Walker of My Concierge is an entrepreneur who found a way of Continued on page 39
STOPS ALONG THE WAY, SUMMER 2020. PAGE 39.
Make yourself comfortable Short-term stays
fireplaces, and a large shared terrace only steps from theatre, greenspace (including the Goderich-toGuelph Rail Trail for biking and walking) and the legendary Cowbell Brewery. You can book online through Airbnb but if you are looking for a more curated experience, owner Annie Sparling suggests that you call her directly. She has a variety of add-on services that she can discuss with you, and her enthusiasm and knowledge will ensure that “you get to know Huron County like the locals know it!”. She can provide local food baskets, bike rentals or even private concerts on the terrace with local musicians. Find Blyth Studio Suites on airbnb.ca or call 1-888-281-2746. Campgrounds Huron County is home to a wide variety of camping experiences from
Blyth Studio Suites
Continued on page 40
Continued from page 38 turning her love of shopping and running errands into a full-time business. Pretty much anything that would distract you from enjoying your Huron vacation, she can look after for you - from shopping and petsitting to a full range of butler and professional services. To find out more about the services that Lisa can provide, find her at www.myconciergeservices.org Once you have that lakeview vista, you won’t have to leave! Suites and Hotels The number of short-term rentals in Huron continues to swell, and many of the new properties to come on the market are creative uses of older spaces. Blyth Studio Suites is one of those unique properties. It is located in the Howard Block, a lovingly restored 1893 commercial building in downtown Blyth next to the Blyth Festival Theatre. There are three modern, airy units with all the amenities that you would seek for a getaway to a charming rural village fully equipped kitchenettes,
Huron County
Beach Water Quality
Learn beach water results: Follow us on Twitter @huronbeachinfo Beach Info Line Toll free 1-888-221-2133 ext 2501 hpph.ca/beachinfo
Cottage Rentals in Bayfield|Port Albert Point Clark|Tiverton Make Your Memories Happen 800-565-4790 jennifer@cottagestays.ca
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Short-term stays
Cottage Stays BayďŹ eld
Getting away from it all Continued from page 39 seasonal lots for large mobile homes to rustic opportunities for tent camping and everything in between. Whether you are looking for quiet weekend retreat with golfing at your doorstep, or a community of fellow campers with access to an indoor pool you’ll find the perfect place to park your RV. With the phased opening in Ontario, there are some extra considerations when heading out in your RV or with your tent under your arm, so please be sure to understand
FALLS RESERVE Conservation Area at Benmiller
Continued on page 41
Have an event that should be in Stops Along The Way? Let us know... call 519-523-4792 or email deb@northhuron.on.ca
Explore our 230 acre natural playground! On-line reservations can be made at www.mvca.on.ca n
Family camping, spacious serviced and unserviced sites, radiofree sites available. n Seasonal campsites available. n Picnic area, hiking and biking trails, swimming in the cascading waterfalls. n Excellent fishing in the Maitland River and stocked trout pond. 80900 Falls Reserve Line, Benmiller [t] 519-524-6429 or 1-877-FALLSCA [e] falls@frca.on.ca [w] mvca.on.ca
STOPS ALONG THE WAY, SUMMER 2020. PAGE 41.
All the details
Short-term stays
Continued from page 40 the rules around physical distancing at the campground you’re booking. Pick-up and Delivery Services When the province was shuttered earlier this year in response to the COVID-19 virus, many of our local businesses responded quickly, ramping up their curbside pick-up and contactless delivery options, with most retaining that option even as we slowly begin to open up. Grace Vanden Heuvel had to take it one step further and completely re-think her business model. Award-winning tour operator 519 Tours provides group tours for six to 14 people in its three minibuses, acting as a chauffeur for groups with their own agenda including airport runs, Niagara and Pelee wine tours and wedding parties. But Grace really shines with her planned tours where she gets to show off all things Huron County. After everything ground to a halt in March, she came up with “Tours in a Box”, an innovative way to bring local producers to her customers since she could no longer bring her customers to them. Since she was license to deliver alcohol, she created boxes packed with products from the local craft breweries and wineries, along with coffee, food products and artisan crafts. She is planning on a series of boxes, each with a unique set of items inside. All series will be available to be ordered online, but make sure you order early as quantities are limited. For more information on 519 Tours, visit the company’s website at 519tours.ca
Artisans of Huron
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
Unique Ironwork 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 A collaborative marketplace showcasing Huron County’s creative artisans. Monday-Saturday Check website and facebook for hours Offering: Blyth Farm Cheese, Meats, Baking, Preserves, Etc.
Gourmet Edibles & One-of-a-Kind Items!
26 Isaac St., Clinton 519-482-1445
www.madeinhuron.com
Antiques & Home Decor Shop Clinton , ON www.antiquesrad.com antiques.rad@gmail.com
Creative Adventures! Vintage Clothing, Custom Design & Costume Shop www.pickaposie.ca
Dicover local textile & fibre art in our gallery or take a class in the creative space. www.factsblyth.ca 437 Queen Street, Blyth Wed-Sat 11am-5pm 647-286-6721
Mini-putt
PAGE 42. STOPS ALONG THE WAY, SUMMER 2020
Point Farms Goderich
Golf: the miniature version
A
s with all activities in the summer of 2020, please be mindful of what needs to be done to keep everyone healthy. Stay home if you are sick, or have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for the coronavirus. These businesses are taking extra precautions to keep their guests and employees safe. Please be mindful of physical distancing protocols at all facilities and follow the instructions. Start off at either end of Hwy. 21 in Huron County and spend the day with the kids or grandkids exploring all three courses. Miniature golf is a great game for the whole family, with its level playing field for every age and ability! Just don’t forget that ice cream and mini-putt go together like summer and day trips! • Point Farms Market & Miniature Golf - This 18-hole course is centred around a windmill that was moved to the course from a local farm. And the agricultural theme doesn’t stop there - many of the holes have antique farming implements as obstacles to get the ball around to get to the hole, including a miniature barn on Hole 14. Hole 3 is considered the trickiest, with two humps to try
and negotiate without knocking the ball off the course. Kids love the hole with the swinging milk can and the whoosh of the “loop de loop” hole! All of this will cost only $6 per person, or $20 for the whole family. It’s a one-stop attraction where you can do a quick round of 18, grab ice cream with the grandkids, get all your camping supplies and, coming this July, it will be the new home of a fry truck. 82522 Bluewater Hwy., (Hwy. 21 North) Goderich. • Putts Mini Golf at Gold Coast Landscaping Inc. – Who better to purchase and re-open an idle mini putt than a full-service landscape design firm? A meandering river wanders through these 18 holes, with a stone waterfall and wooden bridge, showing off the design skills of the team. The pretty setting belies the challenge of the course. Many find the very first hole with its “bumps and grinds” the most difficult on the course. Others enjoy the challenge of timing their putt to avoid the traditional swinging pole. Can you figure out the right trajectory to get through the tire on Hole 4? All of the holes are sponsored by local
businesses, making this a real community favourite. Bring out the whole family for a relaxing afternoon (depending on how competitive your family is!) 75526 Bluewater Hwy., (Hwy. 21 South) Bayfield. • Grand Bend Mini Golf – Don’t be fooled by the name. The former Sam’s Playing Field and Mini Putt is under new ownership, but it is the same historic 18-hole miniature golf course. It features miniature replicas of buildings around Grand Bend, such as The Colonial Hotel, and buildings that are no longer there like the casino and the original lighthouse. Don’t miss the framed pictures dotted throughout the course of the original buildings for reference. For just $8 per person (tax included) you can try your hand at sinking a putt before the swinging caber knocks your ball off the course. At another hole, you will have to judge the correct speed and trajectory to get the ball up the ramp, through the building and over the rock garden. The lovely tree canopy over the course provides a shaded hour of fun – a cool break from the strip. 72 Main St., Grand Bend.
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onservation Brussels Crea A Jones Bridge on MacNaughton Trail
Line at Abraham n Road w to James
Line at Marnoch ntre Road e Nature C
Maitland Bridge on G2G at Auburn
Kinburn Line at Front Road
Conservation Hullett Marsh W Line in ildlife Area
Stirling Bridge on MacNaughton Trail
Ball’s Bridge Morrison Dam Bridge on Morrison Road
Wawanosh Nature Centre Footbridge
Tag @stopsalongthewayhuron when you post the most photogenic places in Huron
Seaforth is getting a Makeover
Diggin’ Main 2020 Construction Contest Come and explore all Seaforth has to offer and get in on our draws for BIA gift certificates 33 Weekly $100 Draws every Friday starting May 15th 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)
It’s business as usual in downtown Seaforth. Be sure to check out our beautifully decorated back alleys with easy access to our stores! See you in Seaforth
Shop to Wi n!