Have some time off over the holidays? These stops on the Sarnia-Lambton Middlesex County Great Taste of Ontario passport are surefire ways to make the most of this precious time, eat something delicious and cheers to a great new year.
Spend Some Holiday Time In Sarnia-Lambton and Middlesex County
Get ready to discover tasty Italian eats, fantastic craft brews and more in this part of the province where eating local is the name of the game. Here are our five can’t-miss stops (but there are so many so seriously download that passport).
How the Itinerary Works
Basically, we’re taking you in a big circle so you can see these five stops but really, if you wanted to make two days of it, you could add one stop in both Middlesex and Sarnia-Lambton and call it a weekend. Then your travel time between the counties will be your only longer stretch.
Ok, onwards!
Stop 1: Heeman’s
Where: 20422 Nissouri Rd, London, ON. (View Map)
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Open since 1963, Heeman’s is a cidery, greenhouse and berry farm that makes any winter day feel like summer vacation.
Head into the greenhouse and wander the aisles for gorgeous houseplants to warm up your space, a selection of preserves like dill pickles and honey and stop by the Berry Beanery Café in-house for a great cappuccino, strawberry shortcake or one of their seasonal treats that will hit the sweet spot any time of day.
Before you go, you need to grab a few bottles of their cider or mead. From honeyberry mead and blackberry bochet to extra dry ciders and more, you’ll find it in their well-curated lineup of bevies. Want to try some before you leave? The Berry Beanery now serves cider too!
Stop 2: The Fat Olive
Where: 2135 Dorchester Rd #4b, Dorchester, ON. (View Map)
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Stop two is lunch! We hope all that wandering in search of the perfect house plant helped you work up an appetite.
The Fat Olive in Dorchester is home to some fantastic Italian cuisine, nestled into this uber-small and charming town.
This family-friendly eatery serves up made-from-scratch dishes like basil pesto bowtie pasta, mushroom risotto and an assortment of paninis at lunch- yum!
Stop 3: Pinery Provincial Park
Where: 9526 Lakeshore Rd, Grand Bend, ON. (View Map)
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You didn’t think it would be all food, did you? Ok, that does admittedly sound like something we’d suggest but huzzah for trying new things!
Stretch those legs and go for a hike at Pinery Provincial Park (you most likely just carbo-loaded after all, so you’ll be ready to go). Located on the shores of Lake Huron, the Pinery offers stunning views of the water as well as wooded forests.
In the winter, when weather permits, go for a snowshoe, rip down a hill on a toboggan or skate on their rink. Take in the snow-covered dunes and even go for a cross-country ski.
Fancy a stay overnight? Good on ya! Cozy up around a campfire and book yourself into an electrical or non-electrical site or try one of their yurts (but hurry, they book up quite quickly).
Stop 4: Shale Ridge Estate Winery
Where: 9090 Widder Rd, Thedford, ON. (View Map)
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Ready for a cool spot? Shale Ridge Estate Winery is a site to behold. Crafting both cider and wine, this spot is PERFECT for cozying up on a wintery day.
Grab a glass of their limited-edition cranberry spice cider and if you have a party of six or more, book one of their swing tables. You’ll be swinging around a big picnic table together and if that doesn’t make you feel like a kid again (albeit with wine in hand), we don’t know what will!
Stop 5: Rusty Wrench Brew Co.
Where: 9 Front St W, Strathroy, ON. (View Map)
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Still hungry AND thirsty? Well lucky you! Rusty Wrench Brewing Company has a full menu of craft beers made in-house and mouth-watering food.
BBQ nachos and a pulled pork sandwich? They got you. Meatball sandwich and a big ol’ pretzel? Don’t mind if we do! You’ll feel right at home in this casual spot and you’re definitely going to find something to scratch that craving.
This time of year, may we recommend pairing up that feast with their Crappy Tire Dark Chocolate Oatmeal Stout or perhaps a Left-Handed Spanner IPA? Cheers!
A Visit to Remember
Well, we hope you enjoy it! Remember- you can always do this as a weekend escape. Ready to go? Download that passport and you’re well on your way.
