You don’t have to look far to find a wildly authentic adventure in Hastings County! Located exactly halfway between Toronto and Ottawa, Hastings is known for its outdoor escapes and adventure, vibrant communities and of course, a food scene that will make you say “wow” after every meal!
Because no adventure is complete without coffee (or tea), we’re sharing 5 can’t-miss coffee stops in Hastings County, so you can start your visit off right:
Farm Girl Cafe
Where: 18 Mill St, Stirling, ON (View map)
The team behind Farm Girl Cafe were gardeners before they were baristas, which is made evident by the beautiful, garden-inspired decor and farmhouse touches in the cafe. On the menu, you’ll find a wide selection of baked goods, all made in-house or brought in daily from other local producers. For a perfect morning, grab an espresso drink to go, then pop in to some of the cute neighbouring boutiques for a spot of retail therapy.
The Muse Gallery & Cafe
Where: 23 Bridge St W, Bancroft, ON (View map)
At The Muse Gallery & Café, you’ll find three generations working: owner Liz Raymond is the barista, gallery curator, and unstoppable force that keeps the café running; her mother Rose works in the kitchen, turning out classic Hungarian stews, breads, and baked goods; and Liz’s daughter is responsible for some of the unique creations on the menu, like the colour-changing iced tea made with butterfly pea flower. The walls of this cozy spot are lined with local art, crafts, jewellery, candles, and lots more. Stop by every day from 10am-4pm for coffee and a bite to eat (and maybe a new piece of art for your home).
Cube Coffee Bar
Where: 301 Victoria St N, Tweed, ON (View map)
After establishing a popular café in Budapest, Hungary several years ago, Aniko Fenyvesi, owner of Cube Coffee Bar, found herself relocating to Tweed, Ontario to open another location. Offering specialty coffees, cakes, pastries, and more, this new space is a thoughtfully-designed gathering space that is generating a strong sense of community. Fenyvesi is particularly proud of her Sunday dinners, a collaborative endeavour with other chefs that draws tourists and Tweed locals alike. Keep an eye on Instagram for upcoming dates!
Wattle & Daub Cafe
Where: 26b Station St, Bancroft, ON (View map)
Wattle & Daub is operated by Bancroft Community Transit, a non-profit organization providing community members with door-to-door transportation services for health appointments, work placements, special programs, and more. The cafe is set in a beautiful location in Riverside Park. The menu includes homemade soups, tasty sandwiches, and sweet treats. Their decadent butter tarts alone make this a must-visit spot in Bancroft!
Hidden Goldmine Bakery
Where: 59 Durham St S, Madoc, ON (View map)
Hidden Goldmine Bakery in Madoc specializes in scratch-made baked goods like classic butter tarts, fresh fruit pies, cookies, cinnamon sticky knots and their classic golden fudge nugget. The heritage building provides a beautiful backdrop for the seating area, which doubles as an antique store full of fun finds and collectibles. Open year-round from Wednesday to Sunday.