As daylight dwindles and a crisp breeze fills the air, there's an undeniable allure to cozy up with comforting cuisine and a tantalizing beverage. Middlesex County has you covered with its many farm fresh destinations that offer an array of local products and experiences for you to enjoy.
Start your journey at Crunican Orchards, a family-owned and operated business that specializes in fresh fruit produce. Of course, a visit to Crunican's isn't complete without selecting the perfect bag of apples but you can also find a wide selection of local products like honey, jams, nuts, cheese, beans, and soup mixes. Located just south of Lucan Biddulph, it’s been operating since 1877 and continues to expand with the introduction of its latest product, Generations Cider. The cider's name is a nod to the five generations that have carried on the Crunican passion for fresh, local food. On Saturdays, when possible, Generations Cider creators, Colleen and Greg Crunican offer tastings from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Beer drinkers will delight in the selection of craft brews at Rusty Wrench Brewing Company in the heart of Strathroy. Warm up with a bowl of delicious soup, a sandwich made with local produce, and a pint of locally brewed craft beer. With up to seven beers on tap, you’re sure to find your new favourite.
Looking for a fun fall experience for your whole family? Apple Land Station in Thorndale hosts apple picking with lots of fun for the kids from Labour Day weekend until the end of October. Take a train ride tour of the farm, enjoy some fresh pressed apple cider, and the barnyard animals, and play on the sand mountain. It’s an experience your family is sure to remember! Don't forget to complete your visit with a browse around their on-site store that offers an array of classic fall tastes like their famous mile-high apple pies!
For grown-ups, there’s unique and sophisticated dining, and experiences to be had at The Chef’s Estate in Strathroy. Operated by world-renowned chefs Michael Callaghan & Barbara VanRassel, it’s a bed and breakfast and intimate dining spot. Gather your friends for a private dinner party or weekend getaway or sign up online for a cooking class! You can even host your wedding at their beautiful country estate.
Fall and winter are a special time at Jireh Hills Family Homestead, located in the southwest corner of Middlesex. It’s the time of year when baby goats are abundant on the farm and you are invited to come for goat snuggles! Jireh Hills also offers other hands-on experiences like cheese and yogurt making. Variations like Goats Milk Feta, Le Frommage De Chevre, Farmhouse Cheddar and Kefir can be taken home and enjoyed by those who partake in the experience. You can spend the night in their rustic cabin, hike around the property accompanied by alpacas, and enjoy the slow pace of the simple life.
Let the crisp air and vibrant fall colors guide you through Middlesex County’s culinary delights and cozy retreats, where unforgettable experiences and delicious discoveries await. Start planning today at visitmiddlesex.ca.