Handcrafted in the South

Stop 1: Beachville District Museum

The Beachville District Museum tells the story of where stone comes from. Learn about how the local limestone quarry impacted building in Ontario, where you may see the stone along your travels, plus how it influenced settlement and therefore handmade arts in Beachville.  The Museum itself is located in a historical limestone home that shares the history of the region.  From mastodon bones to Beachville being the home of the first recorded baseball game in North America.

Book a Hands-on Heritage Experience.  Make a Victorian crazy Quilt pillow.  Enjoy a butter churn picnic. Make an 1800's style leather peel baseball. Then play a game like they did in the 1800's. 

Stop 2: Jakeman's Maple Syrup

Sweetened by five generations of maple-making expertise, this iconic Oxford County stop offers a delicious taste of local craftsmanship. Browse a wide selection of maple products, from classic syrup and maple spread to candies, cookies, and coffee, then explore the gift shop featuring handmade goods from local artisans.

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 150 years.

Stop 3: Norwich Museum

Step back in time and experience more than 200 years of rural life in Southwestern Ontario as you explore historic barns, a blacksmith shop, the Main Street Gallery, and the Quaker Meeting House. Discover Norwich's entrepreneurial spirit through stories of Canada's first cheese factory, the largest broom factory in the British Empire, and the area's rich Quaker and dairy heritage.

This fascinating stop celebrates the ingenuity, skills, and maker traditions that continue to inspire the Oxford Handcrafted Trail today.

Stop 4: At the 100th Mile

Celebrate 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 products, giftware, and unique handcrafted finds, 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.

Stop 5: South Norwich Historical Society

Discover the stories, craftsmanship, and ingenuity that helped shape rural Oxford County at the South Norwich Historical Society's heritage sites. Explore the Historic Otterville Station Museum, a beautifully preserved 1875 railway station featuring exhibits on local rural life, transportation, and community history, then step next door to Woodlawn Place, a remarkable octagonal home inspired by 19th-century architectural innovation.

Just a short distance away, the Otterville Mill stands as a reminder of the community's industrious past. Visitors can tour the Mill by visiting the Station first or booking ahead. Admire the building and grounds at the nearby pavilion, a perfect spot for a picnic or to take in the picturesque surroundings.

Stop 6: New Galma Dairy

Handcrafting extends beyond art at New Galma Dairy and Creamery. This family-owned farm creates artisan Gouda cheese, premium grass-fed meats, milk and more with care, offering visitors an authentic taste of the skill, dedication, and local pride celebrated along the Oxford Handcrafted Trail.

Reach out to New Galma Dairy to schedule a Barn Tour or get a behind-the-scenes look at how their cheese is crafted.

Stop 7: Solid Edge Wood Products

Crafted from locally sourced Ontario hardwoods, this family-owned business creates beautiful cutting boards, charcuterie boards, and other handcrafted wood products that showcase the natural beauty of the material.

Browse the shop for unique gifts, including family-made honey and handcrafted soaps, or roll up your sleeves and take part in a woodworking workshop to learn new skills and create something of your own. For DIY enthusiasts, a selection of hardwood lumber and live-edge slabs offers plenty of inspiration for future projects.