Best if: You like travelling in a pack
Time of Year: Year round
Days: Tuesday-Saturday
Total Time: 1 day or stay overnight
Don't Forget: Your cooler!
Beer, brie and your best buddies. Need we say more? Hop in the car for the ultimate culinary road trip through Oxford County, exploring back roads and quaint towns. Leave your formal wear behind, grab those stretchy pants and get ready for a great time.
Stop #1: Gunn’s Hill Artisan Cheese
Kick off your day with a scenic drive along back roads and up the dirt path to Gunn’s Hill Artisan Cheese. Inside, head cheese maker Shep Ysselstein will walk you through the cheese making process from collecting milk off his family’s dairy farm all the way to aging the cheese to perfection. Of course, you’ll follow up the tour with delicious samples and the chance to bring your own home.
We love: Brigid’s Brie- a soft surfaced ripened brie that the cheese maker loved so much he named it in memory of his mother-in-law.
Things to consider:
- Fridays are curd days (warm and squeaky)
- Tours must be booked in advance and require at least eight people
Stop #2: Cheesy Cow Co.
Stock up on Canadian-made products and sample cheese suggestions from their expert team. Cheesy Cow Company boasts a wide selection of locally sourced and international artisan cheeses, along with an array of accompanying delights such as preserves, craft sauces, confections, quality meats, and charcuterie.
We love: Their samples and Canada-made products
Stop #3: Upper Thames Brewing Company
It’s all about keeping things local. Upper Thames Brewing Company brews small, unfiltered batches in house using ingredients found right in Oxford whenever possible. Grab a table with your friends then hop up to the counter to order a tasting flight to discover some new favourites. If your crew isnt a fan of brew, don't worry. Upper Thames Brewing also make several craft sodas (we love Route Beer), hop water (carbonated water with a hint of hops and lemon) as well as several non-alcoholic wines. They are also. Don’t forget to bring a growler to fill up to enjoy with friends at home.
We love: Take a Hike double dry hopped ale
Things to consider: Upper Thames Brewing Co. hosts live music, trivia and bingo nights. Check their Facebook page for details.
Stop #4: Stay the Night The Elm Hurst Inn and Spa
By now you’re probably full! A nice quiet drive to The Elm Hurst Inn and Spa will have you feeling relaxed in no time. This iconic landmark is best known for being the site of the James Harris Cheese Factory and Mansion but today serves as a small and luxurious country inn. Wander the extensive grounds, book a spa treatment (maybe for the next morning) and grab a nice dinner at the hotel restaurant.
We love: The Oxford County Cheese Trail Package
Things to consider: The spa has monthly promotions, check online for details!
Ready to go? On the list below,use the "My Trip" heart icon to save stops for your own custom itinerary. Access your "My trip" itinerary in the top right menu on this website. Copy the "My Trip" link to save, share or hit the road with a ready to go map and all stop details.
