1. Find the Perfect Pumpkin
Let’s give ‘em pumpkin to talk about! October is the perfect time of year to pick the perfect pumpkin.
Whether you carve it up, set it out or eat it (imagine that?!), there’s a pumpkin for you in Oxford County. This year, Snyder’s Family Farm has a pick-your-own pumpkin patch as well as pre-picked pumpkins to delight in. While you’re there, you may want to hit up their on-site bakery too (just sayin’).
Also along our back roads, Thames River Melons has the perfect pumpkin (or squash) for you! Check out their pumpkin wall (pictured above) for all the beauties your inner designer desires. While on-site, be sure to also check out their market for freshly baked hand pies, produce and more!
Finally, Berrylicious Fruit Farm in Woodstock swaps their signature blueberries for pumpkins, corn and fall décor in October. Pick up a classic orange pumpkin and maybe a homemade pie, jelly roll or preserve while you’re there!
4. Cycle Past Gorgeous Fall Colours
Where: The back roads of Oxford County
Fall is a great time to hit the trail, the gravel road or the paved routes through Oxford County on your bicycle! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or you’d like a little guidance, there’s a cycling route (or trip!) for you.
6. Visit a Small Town Museum
History buff? Fall is a wonderful time to visit a small town museum. With exhibits often changing for the season and kids back in school, it’s a quieter time to take in some heritage.
In Woodstock, the Woodstock Museum NHS gives visitors a great glimpse into the city’s past through ever-changing exhibits and permanent ones too! Be sure to check out their Facebook page for upcoming events.
Just down the road in Beachville, explore the area’s rich history including North America’s first baseball game, agricultural stories and so much more. Wander the exhibits and once you’re done, consider chilling out on the property to take in the fresh fall air!
In Ingersoll, The Ingersoll Cheese Museum tells the area’s rich dairy and cheese history in a replica factory. Inside the museum proper, discover Ingersoll’s important connection to The Underground Railroad and many other community stories.
Annandale National Historic Site in Tillsonburg is built inside of the 1880s home of the town’s first mayor. Decorated to the nines, you’ll love discovering the tales of the Tillsons and admiring their design.
7. Go for a Refreshing Fall Walk
Let’s be honest, the real beauty of fall is Mother Nature herself.
On your next visit to Oxford, might we recommend a couple of trails to admire the colours and get outside?
In Tillsonburg, we love the Carroll Trail. Winding its way through the forest, along the banks of the Otter Creek and through the scenic Bridges Golf Course, it’s a real treat during the fall. You can access the trail from Baldwin Street or park your car downtown and walk down John Pound Road (starts as Broadway St.).
In Woodstock, The Youth Start Trail is a lovely, easy and short trail perfect for fall. You’ll go through a tree-canopied trail, along a boardwalk and river banks. It’s scenic and quiet, allowing you to take in all the beauty! You’d never know you’re just minutes from great stops in downtown Woodstock either!
Finally, in Sweaburg, Trillium Woods Provincial Park is a short, 1km, easy trail (wheelchair friendly) perfect for a crisp fall day. After you're done, hop across the road to Jakeman's Maple Farm to pick up some mapley treats!
We do ask that if a trail parking lot is full, you choose a different trail to avoid overuse.
8. Visit a Farmers' Market
Fall is our favourite time of year to visit the farmers' market! Squash, beautiful bouquets of rusty orange and yellow, hearty baked goods and more abound.
On Saturday mornings, check out the Woodstock Fairgrounds Farmers' Market or the Tillsonburg Farmers' Market for all the local splendour. Meet the farmers, grab a bite and enjoying all the amazing hearty veggies available this time of year.
Also, be sure to check out some of the more exclusive tastes you won’t find at other markets! We love the deep-fried apple hand pies in Tillsonburg and the Dutch cookies from Shep’s Bakeries in Woodstock.
11. Roast Your Coffee
Join the roaster at Early Bird Coffee in Woodstock to learn all about the art (or rather the science) behind roasting a superior coffee.
Elio Caporricci will lead you from green bean to a beautiful brown finish and have you taste a variety of their roasts (along with local baked goods of course!) before you roast one together.
You'll use all of your senses in this experience! To book, call 519-532-3127.
12. Fall Treats
Our local bakeries are creating allllll the fall treats your little heart desires.
In Ingersoll, The Olde Bakery Café serves up awesome made-from-scratch treats you need to try. We love that fall brings their pumpkin spice donuts that are small and packed full of delicious, doughy flavour.
In Woodstock, several delicious bakeries line the main street (Dundas). Start at one end at Dee-Lights Bakery and Fine Foods for mouth-watering scones, cookies and more.
Just a couple of blocks down, Two Guys & a Whisk makes an almond croissant that puts all others to shame and peanut-butter balls that are out of this world.
Next stop, one block down from there is Whisk and Roll! Pop in for modern twists on classic baked goods like their dill pickle and cheddar scone or grab a tasty lemon square.
Last (but certainly not least), Snyder’s Family Farm has a completely drool-worthy bakery. Pop in for their famous pumpkin whoopie pies, pumpkin cinnamon buns and caramel apple cutie pies!
14. Book a Romantic Getaway
Adding a romantic getaway to your fall bucket list is an awesome way to enjoy the season. Book a delightful package at a local Oxford hotel, go for a walk in the fall colours and so much more! Book a Romantic Overnight Getaway with this offer.
15. Take a Cooking Class
Join the team at 1909 Culinary Academy to pick up some new skills in the kitchen this fall! They offer rotating classes from grilling the perfect steak, preserving the season, to international cuisine. Get your taste buds ready and your apron prepped! It's going to be a blast.
