Forget the online shopping, fast food and quick trips to the mall. In its place find small town charm, unique boutiques, mouth-watering food and time to just relax. This walking tour through Ingersoll brings you the charm of a by-gone era before efficiency reigned supreme, combined with the modern flare of oh-so-cool shopping, antiquing, delicious treats and historic goodness. Walk or bike 1.5km of the Thomas Ingersoll Trail from the museum and arts centre into the heart of downtown Ingersoll. Explore cultural stops, four parks, unique shops and tasty eats along the way.
Culture Fix
Start your morning with a little heritage and arts. Both the Ingersoll Cheese Museum and The Ingersoll Creative Arts Centre are located in Centennial Park, where you can park your car and stretch your legs. A trip inside the museum offers a glimpse into our cheesy and agricultural past with many interesting stories and the Ingersoll Creative Arts Centre is host to gallery space, classes, an artisan gift shop and more. Wander along Halls Creek and then follow the path right into downtown Ingersoll by foot or on a bike.
Take in the Main Drag
Ingersoll’s main drag, Thames Street, has the loveable heart of small town Ontario. Start at the Wine Cellar and Cheese Shop to pick up some lovely Ontario and international cheeses and condiments and work your way down. Patina’s Gifts of Art & Craft is the place to pick up a gift ranging from beautiful handcrafted pottery to jewelry, kids toys and more. A few doors down, Roberts & Co. Ladies Wear is home to a lovely selection of women’s clothing and across the street, Dwell Urban Boutique offers up beautiful homeware, skin care, clean living supplies and trendy accessories.
Those in search of a bite to eat will love The Olde Bakery Café. Scratch soups, baked goods, sandwiches and more await you in this cozy café where you can dine in or take your food to enjoy in a nearby park. Be sure to try their cajetta latte made with local goat’s milk caramel.
If you’re into antiquing, Louis Lime Vintage and Modern Hipster Antiques bring in some truly unique pieces. Whether you want chic opulence or something rustic and cool, these pickers know their stuff and have curated an awesome array.
Tunes and Treats
You won’t regret a quick detour onto King Street where brightly painted Chocolatea awaits. This artisanal chocolate shop makes amazing chocolate with local ingredients in house and also carries a great variety of naked teas from around the world. Want to kick things up a notch? Consider signing up for a Truffle Camp experience!
On the same street, music lovers will fall for Ingersoll Music Academy. Shop a great selection of instruments, if you’re local consider a class or jam session and enjoy some of the friendliest staff around. Co-owner George even makes his own guitars out of recycled skateboards!
Stay the Night
Just a three minute drive from the cheese museum, The Elm Hurst Inn & Spa is an excellent spot to grab dinner, go for a nice stroll and cozy up for the evening! A member of Ontario’s Finest, this luxurious inn is right off the 401 but you’d never know it once you arrive. Now kick back and just relax.
Want more details? Check out the full itinerary from Tourism Oxford.
