Explore new hidden gems as you discover the best Ontario experiences this summer in Oxford County.
Dine Alfresco
Summer brings two of our favourite things, local food in season and dining alfresco (outside with fresh air and views)! Visitors have several unique options to enjoy both of these activities together on local you-pick farms.
Thames River melons offers several options. Grab something from the farm food truck serving farm fresh berry milkshakes and farm beef burgers. You can also book one of two more immersive experiences including Meet the Bees where you get to know the busiest pollinators on the farm then enjoy a sweet treat. The other option gets you harvesting in the field then joining Farmer and Dietician Alex Chesney in the kitchen to whip up a delicious brunch to enjoy with farm views.
Berrylicious Fruit farm makes sure farm visitors are well fed. On a daily basis try one of their baked specialties from pies to scones and jelly roll cake. They also host berry days serving up pancakes (with berries of course). For a more magical experience book one of their picnics in the patch or Marians Tea in the patch. A variety of picnic menus are available and the tea is a celebration Wendy's family recipies passed down by her mother.
Makkinks Flower Farm understands people want to linger to enjoy the flowers. Visitors can do just that relaxing in the cafe or booking a relaxing daytime or bonfire experience in the garden. Packages for couples or friends are available allowing guests to feast on local food in the company of flowers.
If you are reading this and the leaves are turning don't panic. Swap pumpkins for flowers and have a campfire at Snyders Family Farm and Fear Farm. Campfires are available in the fall/Christmas seasons. A great times to cozy up with a with one of their gourmet hot chocolates or something from the bar. Roast hotdogs on the fire (provided) or order off the menu. You can pair this experience with a daytime Snyders Family visit or a night time Fear Farm romp through the haunts. You pick your adventure by firelight.
Cut-Your-Own Bouquet at a Flower Farm
From approximately June through until the beginning of October (depending on the flower season), you can head to two flower farms. Makkink's Flower Farm offers you-pick flowers, cafe, workshops and memorable experiences from date nights, friends parties and floral workshops (including everlastings and seasonal arrangements in shoulder seasons). The Garden in Harrington offers a bouquet bar for you to choose and select your flowers, seasonal subscriptions, private flower arranging classes on a small patio overlooking the flower fields and a wide variety of creative and wellness experiences. If you would rather paint flowers than pick them - book Perennial and Palettes. In this experience you join artist Aggie Armstrong in the farm's flower garden. Surrounded by flowers you will learn simple techniques to develop a regular practice painting with water colours. Read more details below about both locations and visit their website to book experiences.
Country Zen
It is true country living has a different pace of live, and local residents want to share it with visitors. We encourage you to breath deep and relax with one of the following farm adventureus.
If you want to breath deep and say "ahhh" book a soap making experience at Wild Comfort Body Care. Here you will create your own custom batch of soap selecting an essential oil scent perfect for you. If you want to breath deep and say "Ommmm" attend the weekly meditation session at Berrylicious Fruit Farm. If you want to hear "bahhh" consider yoga with a goat at Udderly Ridiculous Farm Life. Let your four-legged partner help you perfect your downward dog. If a stroll is more your stye slow down and walk an alpaca letting your pace and energy synch with your walking companion.
If your way involves a "neigh" we suggest joining the herd at Transitions Encompassing Wellness. Book a reiki session with horses, enjoy a cowgirl kickback or horseplay date night. Whether it is one two, a family, or a group of friends you all can slow down interacting with horses. Transitions also partners with Two Rows Initiative, providing programming and space to foster meaningful connections between non-Indigenous individuals and the richness of Indigenous culture.
If gentle adventure makes you feel groovy consider an outfitter experience with Grand Experience. Kayaking, paddling, cycling and hiking adventures are available. Whether you have a slow paddle on the Nith, a roll on a country road or stroll through the forest you will leave refreshed, with new skills and new stories to share when you get home.
Living History
The Norwich and Beachville Museums are helping visitors live history in new hands on ways. A visit to the Norwich and Beachville museums will take you into the daily routine of female farmers in the 1800's. Female farmers were responsible for the family dairy cow and using up and preserving the milk for personal use or sale. In this experience you make a batch of fresh churned butter and then enjoy the spoils. You will then sit down and enjoy your fresh butter on local bread with honey or preserves. This is the perfect famly outing which includes an absolutely delectable snack.
the Beachville Museum offers two additional experiences. One will have you learning about Victorian Quilting while making your own quilted quare to bring home using scrap fabrics and embroider thread. If sports is more your passion you can sit down and make an 1800s style leather baseball. You will be winding up the twine and sewing your leather with sinew. Weather permitting there will be a game of ball playing by 1800's rules. They were different. The museum should know at the first recorded baseball game was played in Beachville Ontario.
Roaster or Chef's Table
We don’t know about you, but for us, waking up on a lazy summer morning to the sound of the birds singing and enjoying a fresh mug of delicious coffee outside is one of our fav things in the world.
The key part to that is that the coffee should be good. What better way to ensure that than if you roast it yourself? Next, you’ll select a type of roast to make as a group and watch as it comes to life before your eyes. Finally, you’ll bag the roast up to enjoy at home. Ahhh.
If you are more of a night owl - cozy up at the best seat in the house at SixThirtyNine Restaurant. This family-owned fine dining restaurant has been welcoming guest to their restaurant and into the kitchen for 20 years. Book the chef's table and consider trying the Chef's tasting menu where every course is a surprise. SixThirtyNine is committed to serving local and was a founding member of FeastOn a program certifying restaurants that serve Ontario food and beverage.
