Eat Your Way Through Prescott Russell!
Ready for a culinary adventure in the heart of Eastern Ontario? Prescott-Russell is the perfect destination for a day trip or overnight adventure full of farm-fresh flavours, smoky BBQs, and handcrafted wines. Whether you’re a food lover looking for your next great meal or a traveller eager to discover hidden gems, these five stops will give you a true taste of this beautiful region. Grab your appetite and let’s dive in!
Stop #1: Cannamore Orchards
Where: 480 County Rd 32, Crysler, ON (View Map)
Start your day in the most refreshing way possible: picking fresh strawberries at Cannamore Orchards in Crysler. This family-run farm is a little slice of countryside heaven, offering acres of strawberry fields where you can hand-pick your berries while enjoying the peaceful surroundings. The orchard is perfect for families, couples, or anyone who enjoys the simple pleasure of farm-fresh fruit. It’s not just a pick-your-own experience, it’s a chance to connect with nature and support a local, family-owned business.
Cannamore Orchards isn’t just about strawberries. Come fall, the farm transforms into a Halloween hotspot with its famous Acres of Terror event. From haunted hayrides to spooky mazes, this annual event draws thrill-seekers from all over. Whether you’re here for the strawberries or the spooks, Cannamore offers something special year-round.
Pro Tip: Bring a cooler to keep your produce fresh throughout the day. Arrive early for the best pick and to avoid the midday heat—plus, the early morning light is perfect for photos!
Stop #2: Moonshine BBQ + Smokehouse, Hawkesbury
Where: 806 Main St E, Hawkesbury, ON (View Map)
After working up an appetite in the orchard, it’s time to head to Moonshine BBQ + Smokehouse in Hawkesbury, where the smoky aroma of slow-cooked meats welcomes you before you even step inside. This BBQ joint is a dream come true for meat lovers. Their focus is on crafting the perfect harmony of flavours, slow-cooking premium meats like pork, beef, and chicken for up to 16 hours. Moonshine BBQ combines the best of southern-style BBQ with a dash of French-Canadian influence, resulting in a unique and mouthwatering dining experience.
The owners, Fred Beaver and Dave Szamosi, have poured their love of BBQ into every detail of the menu. From the signature rubs to the selection of woods (maple, cherry, and hickory) used for smoking, everything is designed to create deep, rich flavours that leave you wanting more. Whether you’re craving tender brisket, juicy pulled pork, or crispy BBQ chicken, every bite is a testament to their dedication to quality.
Don’t Miss: The Succulent Pork Shank is a true standout, slow-cooked to perfection with fall-off-the-bone tenderness. If brisket is more your style, the Prime Angus Beef Brisket is smoked for hours and served with a side of creamy, gooey mac ‘n’ cheese. Both dishes are hearty, comforting, and packed with flavour.
Pro Tip: Come hungry and ready to feast! Portions are generous, and you’ll want to save room for some BBQ to-go. Their takeout options are perfect for reliving the smoky goodness back at home.
Stop #3: Les Vergers Villeneuve & Blueberry Farm – Wine & Cheese Tasting
Where: 1341 Rollin Rd, Saint-Pascal-Baylon, ON (View Map)
Next up is a stop that will satisfy your more refined cravings: a wine and cheese tasting at Les Vergers Villeneuve & Blueberry Farm. Located in the heart of Eastern Ontario, this fifth-generation family farm has been growing fruit for over 175 years. They produce a wide variety of fruits, including apples, pears, blueberries, and grapes, which are used to create some of the finest fruit wines in the region.
The farm’s picturesque setting, with its orchards and vineyards, is the perfect backdrop for a relaxing wine and cheese tasting. Les Vergers Villeneuve offers tastings that feature 18 different fruit wines, each paired with artisanal cheeses from Fromagerie St-Albert and cured meats from local producers. The combination of local wines, cheeses, and meats makes for a tasting experience that showcases the best of what Prescott-Russell has to offer.
During the tasting, you’ll discover the farm’s passion for winemaking and its dedication to using fresh, local ingredients. From the crisp Blueberry Wine to the sweet and aromatic Pear Wine, each bottle reflects the care and craftsmanship that has been passed down through generations.
Don’t Miss: The Pear Wine is a fan favourite, offering a beautifully balanced sweetness that pairs perfectly with the creamy artisanal cheeses. For something more robust, try the Blueberry Wine, which captures the bright, fruity essence of summer in every sip. Be sure to stock up on a few bottles to take home!
Pro Tip: The tasting concludes with a dark chocolate cup paired with a dessert wine, making for the perfect sweet ending. Take your time, savour each pairing, and make sure to grab some extra wines and local cheeses for your tastings at home!
Stop #4: Hammond Hill – Cozy Cabins and Outdoor Fun
Where: 861 Du Golf Rd, Hammond, ON (View Map)
After an indulgent afternoon of food and wine, it’s time to check into your home away from home at Hammond Hill, the first eco-experience and wilderness retreat of its kind in Canada.
This retreat, nestled in 62 acres of mature woodland, offers an incredible balance of nature, adventure, and cozy comfort. Whether you’re staying in one of their modern cabins, a tiny home, or a yurt, you’ll feel both pampered and connected to the outdoors.
Hammond Hill is the ultimate getaway for those who love the outdoors but don’t want to sacrifice comfort. Each tiny home or cabin is fully equipped with heating, electricity, and running water, making it easy to enjoy nature without roughing it. Picture yourself waking up to the sound of birds, enjoying your morning coffee on a private deck, and firing up the BBQ for a simple outdoor meal—all while surrounded by the peaceful beauty of the forest.
If you’re in the mood for some fun after checking in, Hammond Hill has a range of activities to keep you busy. Cool off with a swim in their ponds, explore the hiking trails, or get competitive with a game of beach volleyball. If relaxation is what you’re after, unwind in the beer garden, sip on local brews, or take a yoga class in the forest.
Stop #5: Dinner at Broken Stick Brewing Company
Where: 600 Du Golf Rd, Hammond, ON (View Map)
End your day with a relaxed dinner at Broken Stick Brewing Company, a true gem in Prescott-Russell’s culinary scene. Located on-site at the Hammond Golf Course, this brewery combines the best of craft beer with hearty, delicious food. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, perfect for unwinding after a day of adventure, and their selection of locally inspired brews is not to be missed.
What sets Broken Stick apart is its Farm and Forage beer series, where ingredients like wild herbs, fruits, and plants are sourced from the golf course grounds and local farms. This commitment to using local, foraged ingredients creates a unique drinking experience, with flavours that change with the seasons. Whether you’re a craft beer enthusiast or just dipping your toes into the world of beer, their selection is diverse enough to please every palate.
For dinner, indulge in some of their signature dishes that perfectly complement their beers. The BBQ Chicken Pizza is a fan favourite, featuring smoky chicken, tangy BBQ sauce, and a crispy crust that pairs beautifully with a cold pint of beer. If you’re craving something a little lighter, the Kale Caesar Salad is fresh, flavorful, and topped with a delicious garlic dressing. Their Honey Garlic Wings are also a must-try, offering the perfect balance of sweet and savoury.
Don’t Miss: Be sure to order a flight of their on-tap beers to experience a variety of flavours. The Helles is a crisp, refreshing choice, while the Stone Sour delivers a tangy punch. Don’t leave without trying at least one brew from the Farm and Forage series—it’s a true taste of Prescott-Russell!
Plan Your Next Culinary Adventure to Prescott-Russell A
From picking fresh strawberries in the morning to relaxing in a cozy cabin under the stars, Prescott-Russell offers an unforgettable day trip for food lovers, adventure seekers, and everyone in between. Whether you’re here for the farm-fresh produce, the smoky BBQ, or the craft beer, each stop on this journey adds a new flavour to your experience. Ready to explore? Start planning your trip today and dive into the rich tastes and natural beauty of Prescott-Russell!
