Handcrafted trail logo colourLooking for flowers, local flavours, and self care?

Explore Oxford using this Oxford Handcrafted Trail trip itinerary

About this route:

Treat your senses to a day of flowers, flavours and self-care in Oxford County. Stroll through flower gardens and markets, savour locally crafted food and drinks, and pamper yourself with artisan skincare and soap products. From pick-your-own flower farms, to scent blending experiences, and in house roasted coffee, this route offers a refreshing blend of beauty, taste, and relaxation.

Flower Farms & Creative Workshops

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The Garden in HarringtonCircular image of a flower farm with a barn in the distance

If fairytales are true, we feel they are happening on this quiet gravel road in Harrington. A rustic flower farm where time has stood still (except the chickens do wander). Shop the build your own bouquet bar, book a flower experience, or sign up for one of their many handcrafted workshops. 

While the farm naps in the winter, the workshops continue in St. Mary's at their floral shop. Be sure to check out this family-operated farm, bringing the spirit of the Handcrafted Trail to life through locally grown blooms, and more!

 

Shops & Skincare

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Jarful Local RefilleryCircular image of a scent blending workshop at Jarful Local Refillery

Discover a different kind of handcrafted experience at Jarful Refillery, a refill store with a passion for local.  Browse handcrafted personal care products, refill everyday essentials, or create something uniquely your own at the Scent Station by customizing products with your favourite natural essential oils.  What makes this refill shop stand out is their passion for local and the fact that they make several of their products in house. With a strong commitment to local this includes an all-Canadian sourced hand lotion. They also carry other local body and home products as well as a recycled fashion brand.  Shoppers are encouraged to bring their own bags and containers to reduce waste, but they also have a customer bottle exchange and containers for purchase.


cartoon illustration of essential oil and dropper with drip of oil coming outFor a deeper dive, book the Scent Blending Experience. You will leave with your own custom essential oil blend plus shop made scented soap or lotion.

 


 

 

Betty's Marketplace
Circular image of two people standing out front of Betty's Marketplace storefront.

From candles to pottery, deliciously crafted treats, and more, discover thoughtfully curated finds at Betty's Marketplace, a unique downtown destination that connects shoppers with local businesses, makers, and one-of-a-kind pre-loved treasures (online only). You will love exploring their gourmet section complete with popcorn, teas, preserves and a local cinnamon bun spread with a loyal following.  They also offer a wide selection of skin care items and have a small refill section.   All items in the shop are carefully curated and selected with items to appeal to everyone on your gift list.  Betty's Marketplace is the perfect stop to shop consciously, support local, and uncover pieces with a story to tell.

At The 100th Mile
Circular image of the inside of the At The 100th Mile store.

Join owner Victoria in her Norwich shop where she celebrates the best of local at this charming artisan marketplace, where Canadian-made products take centre stage and most items come from within 100 miles of Norwich.

Browse a thoughtfully curated selection of foods, candles, bath and body, giftware and more, making it easy to support local makers and producers. Whether you're searching for the perfect gift or a special treat for yourself, there's a treasure waiting around every corner.

 

Local Bites & Beverages

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Early Bird Roastery & CafeCircular image of two people enjoying cafe drinks at Early Bird Roastery & Cafe

Step inside this beautifully restored early 1900s yellow-brick building, home to Oxford's only artisan coffee roaster.  The front of house offers a welcoming cafe where you can order a coffee tasting flight, a specialty beverage and enjoy house baked treats.  On the walls you will discover a rotating informal gallery curated by artist Kate Innes. The shop window includes a mural by 6Slice (Sean Hammond) inspired by Elio's Dutch heritage and love of Delf blue tiles.  Grab a chair and relax in this community minded cafe in the heart of downtown Woodstock.  If you smell fresh roasted beans check the back room - Elio may be working his magic!

coffee roasting illustration iconIf you're looking for an immersive experience, join owner Elio Capporici for the Roasting Lab, where you will discover the craft and science of coffee roasting, leaving with freshly roasted beans! 

 


 

Jakeman's Maple Farm
Circular image of Jakeman's maple products.

Sweetened by five generations of maple-making expertise, this iconic Oxford County stop offers a delicious taste of local craftsmanship. As you wander the property and head towards Trillium Woods for a stroll, watch for the whimsical faces artistically mounted on the trees, adding a playful and creative touch to the landscape. It's the perfect place to discover unique gifts and savour a tradition that has been perfected for more than 140 years.

Wrap up your visit by browsing a wide selection of maple products, from classic syrup and maple spread to candies, cookies, and coffee. Then, explore the gift shop featuring handcrafted goods from local artisans, and relax of the deck with your maple treats!


 cross stitch illustrationPick up a Blyss-Stitch Designs cross stitch kit near-by at the Woodstock Museum.  These kits are a reflection of the Oxford community - the architecture of our cities, the heritage breeds raised on farms in the county, and other favourite things.


 

New Galma Dairy & Creamery
Circular image of cheese from New Galma Dairy

Handcrafting extends beyond art at New Galma Dairy and Creamery. This family-owned farm creates artisan Gouda cheese, house made bitterballen, tallow skin lotion and the Dutch favourite Vla (think custard meets pudding!).  You can also shop for premium grass-fed meats and whole fat milk.  Sample a broad variety of cheeses and bring some home to fuel memories of your trip to Oxford County.


Cheese illustration Want to take a deeper dive into cheesemaking? Reach out to New Galma Dairy to schedule a Barn Tour or get a behind-the-scenes look at how their cheese is crafted.


 

The Elm Hurst Inn, Spa & RestaurantCircular image of dish made by chef at The Elm Hurst Restaurant

Indulge in delicious handcrafted meals, by Executive Chef, Philippe Coeurdassier, a Maître Cuisiniers de France, at this historic mansion restaurant for breakfast, lunch of dinner. Wander though a rotating gallery in the main corridor, relax on the grounds, book a spa treatment, and stay the night with a culinary package. Not only does the Elm Hurst Inn have an exceptional dining experience, but it is often a common venue for maker retreats in the area with its ample banquet rooms, on site spa, and luxurious grounds

Whether you're coming for a meal or retreat, you'll find yourself immersed into the Oxford handcrafted world, in more way than one!

Mountainoak Cheese Ltd.Circular image of cheese room at Mountainoak Cheese Ltd.

Learn about the art of cheese making from Adam and Hannie, who immigrated from the Netherlands, where they ran a cheesemaking school dairy farm, in Gouda. 

Visit their cheese factory for award winning Goudas, the Dutch specialty quark (think yogurt meets cheese) and cultured butter. Learn the art of cheese making and check out their tours, offered once a month!

 

SkyWay Cafe & CateringTillsonburg Regional Airport circle

Check out Tillsonburg's best kept secret: All day breakfast and lunch specials! Located inside the Tillsonburg Airport, you can enjoy your breakfast or lunch while watching planes come in for a landing or take off. On occasion you may even see a Harvard Aircraft or two.

Enjoy your meal, surrounded by murals by local artist Stella Jurgen. Her art transform the airport into a gallery celebrating aircraft, local heritage, and community spirit.  The Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association also has a hangar at the airport, where they restore, and take people for flights in these classic training aircraft.  

Events along this route

See what's on the calendar at these locations