Winter in Oxford County is the perfect time to slow down, savour the moment, and treat yourself to a cozy wellness retreat. Whether you’re looking to unwind with spa treatments, sip on expertly crafted coffee, or indulge in the region’s delicious food scene, this two-day itinerary has everything you need for a rejuvenating winter escape.
From charming cafés to luxurious spa experiences, Oxford County offers a delightful blend of relaxation and indulgence away from city crowds. Let us guide the way and get ready to unwind with hands-on experiences, spa treatments, and culinary adventures for a memorable winter escape!
Day 1: Savour, Sip & Unwind
This day is all about slowing down, savouring the moment and savouring each bite.
Stop 1: Quehl’s
Where: 33 Woodstock St S, Tavistock, ON (View Map)
Start your wellness getaway with a hearty breakfast at Quehl’s, a warm and welcoming spot known for its homestyle cooking. Located in Tavistock, this local gem serves up classic comfort dishes that will fuel you for a day of relaxation and exploration. This spot has a unique history dating back over 100 years and you’ll notice details celebrating this through out the restaurant including tables made from old bowling lanes that used to live on-site.
From fluffy buttermilk pancakes with a side of perfectly crisp bacon, to the Quehl’s classic omelette made with cheddar cheese, onions and chopped country style ham their breakfast menu is a comforting taste of home.
After your meal, on your way out be sure to stop by next door to browse and shop local goods, and ready made food to stock your pantry at Quehl’s General Store.
Stop 2: Pick Your Relaxation
It’s time to zen out! Choose from these two options, just 4-10 minutes away from Quehl’s by car.
Option 1: Transitions Equine Assisted Learning
Where: 965243 Maplewood Sideroad, East Zorra-Tavistock, ON (View Map)
After lunch, it’s time to step into nature and find balance with an unforgettable equine experience at Transitions Equine Assisted Learning. This unique wellness stop offers an obstacle and grooming experience with horses, helping guests connect with these gentle animals while practicing mindfulness and relaxation. Whether you’re brushing a horse’s coat or navigating an obstacle course, this hands-on experience is both grounding and rewarding. They offer all sorts of experiences from date nights to family hangs and more!
Option 2: Terra Nova Nordic Spa & Cafe
Where: 596145 Oxford 59, Woodstock, ON (View Map)
Embrace a little personal time at Terra Nova Nordic Spa & Cafe, an outdoor oasis designed for ultimate relaxation. Nestled in the heart of Oxford County, this intimate and welcoming retreat invites you to enjoy a full thermal experience, featuring a year-round outdoor hot pool, invigorating cold plunge, wood-fired and electric saunas, a soothing eucalyptus steam room, and so much more!
In between your hot and cold plunges, take some time to visit the Terra Nova Café, where you can enjoy a light meal or a treat at the coffee bar. For an extra special experience, gather your friends and indulge in their high tea service, complete with beautifully crafted bites and warm hospitality.
After refuelling, continue your relaxation in one of their peaceful retreat spaces, whether inside an authentic teepee or a cozy geodome, perfect for unwinding and fully disconnecting from the outside world. Whether you’re looking to reset your mind, refresh your body, or simply soak up the peaceful atmosphere, Terra Nova Nordic Spa & Café offers a one-of-a-kind wellness escape that blends indulgence with deep relaxation.
Stop 3: Lunch at Upper Thames Brewing Company
Where: 225 Bysham Park Dr #9, Woodstock, ON (View Map)
Next, settle in for lunch at Upper Thames Brewing Co., Oxford County’s first craft brewery. With a cozy, rustic atmosphere and a selection of house-made beers, this is the perfect place to enjoy a laid-back meal. For a true taste of Ontario, we suggest adding the Dead Reckoning Ontario Pale Ale (all ingredients from Ontario) to a flight and sipping your way through the brewery’s unique craft beer menu.
But wait, isn’t this supposed to be a wellness getaway? Well, we believe indulging can be an act of self-love and wellness but if you’re keeping your getaway alcohol-free, Upper Thames Brewing also offers a delicious variety of non-alcoholic options like flavoured sodas, (our favourite is the vanilla cola), hop waters and non-alch versions of their beers including the very popular Take a Hike IPA.
Pair your flight with a comforting meal enjoying a delicious platter of de gallo nachos with a dill pickle pizza or opt for something lighter like their wraps!
Stop 4: Treat Yourself to a Hands-On Culinary Experience
It’s time to meet a culinary artisan! Woodstock is home to two epic hands-on culinary experiences perfect for savouring the moment and gaining appreciation for the love that goes into your food and beverage.
Option 1: Roasting Lab at Early Bird Coffee Roasters (Roasting Lab)
Where: 815 Juliana Dr, Woodstock, ON (View Map)
After breakfast, make your way to Early Bird Coffee Roasters, where coffee isn’t just a drink—it’s an experience. This small-batch roastery in Woodstock is known for its high-quality beans, expertly roasted to bring out their best flavours. Warm up with a freshly brewed cup or a coffee flight to try different roasts and soak in the rich aroma as you delight in this peaceful getaway.
For an even deeper dive into the world of coffee, take part in Early Bird’s Roasting Lab experience (sign up in advance) with Elio Caporicci, the mastermind behind the roast. Start by tasting a selection of their light to dark roasts, paired with a local baked good, and discover what makes each batch unique. You’ll learn about the origins of Early Bird’s beans and how different growing climates shape their flavour profiles.
Then, watch as Elio works his magic, transforming green coffee beans into a decadent, rich brown with his refined roasting skills. The best part? You’ll get to choose a roast to create as a group, following along as Elio walks you through the process. Before you leave, you’ll package up a ½ lb bag of your custom roast to take home—so you can relive the experience at home.
Just in and out for a quick cup of joe? Early Bird Coffee also has a downtown location on Dundas Street!
Option 2: Habitual Chocolate (Handcrafted Harvest Experience)
Where: 389 Dundas St, Woodstock, ON (View Map)
Continue the indulgence with a visit to Habitual Chocolate in downtown Woodstock, where you can take part in their brand-new Handcrafted Harvest experience. Led by chocolatier Angela Neddo, this immersive workshop offers a deep dive into the bean-to-bar process, giving insight into what makes truly exceptional chocolate— which, as you’ll learn, isn’t always what you’d expect!
The experience begins on a sweet note with a guided tasting of Habitual’s handcrafted chocolates, making this an absolute must for any chocolate lover. During the bark-making workshop, you’ll craft your own chocolate bark using Oxford-grown and locally produced ingredients, discovering how quality, sourcing, and technique influence flavour.
Throughout the experience you’ll have a ton of fun playing chocolatier for the afternoon, experimenting with flavours like blueberries from Berrylicious Farm and lavender from Deep Purple Lavender Farm among others to create your own unique chocolate bark. With an array of local ingredients to mix and match, this hands-on experience lets you get creative while discovering how different flavours complement rich, handcrafted chocolate (seriously, we had to pull our photographer away)!
Whether you’re a lifelong chocoholic or just looking for a fun way to reconnect with your food, this workshop is the perfect way to treat yourself and spend time with those you love.
Stop 5: Dinner at SixThirtyNine
Where: 639 Peel St, Woodstock, ON (View Map)
End your day with an unforgettable dinner at SixThirtyNine, one of Ontario’s longest-standing Feast On® Certified restaurants. Known for its dedication to locally sourced ingredients, this fine-dining gem crafts a menu that changes with the seasons, ensuring every dish highlights the freshest flavours of Oxford County.
For a truly special experience, we opted to try the Chef’s Table Experience, an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the art of fine dining. Seated right in the heart of the kitchen, watch as each dish comes to life, fully immersing yourself in the energy of a bustling dinner service.
The prix fixe menu showcased a thoughtfully curated selection of dishes and because it changes with the season, it may look a little different when you go to visit! We started with a daily amuse-bouche followed by their signature housemade rosemary focaccia served with whipped butter and salt. Next came the Five Brothers (from Gunn’s Hill Cheese just down the road) arancini, perfectly crisp and served with beet aioli and topped with parsley gremolata, and a refreshing spiced rum and apple cider sorbet as a palate cleanser.
For the main, we savoured a rich and comforting potato gnocchi with chicken, mushrooms, leeks, and truffle cream, before finishing with a decadent dark chocolate ganache tart topped with maple chantilly and salted caramel cream.
Throughout the meal, we had the opportunity to engage with the chefs, ask questions, and truly appreciate the craftsmanship behind each dish. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for an extraordinary dining experience, SixThirtyNine’s Chef’s Table is an absolute must— just be sure to book in advance!
Stay the Night: Elm Hurst Inn & Spa
Where: 415 Harris St, Ingersoll, ON (View Map)
For a restful night’s sleep, check into the Elm Hurst Inn & Spa in Ingersoll. With cozy accommodations, a full-service spa, and an on-site restaurant, it’s the perfect place to unwind and recharge. Whether you’re indulging in a relaxing treatment, savouring a delicious meal, or simply soaking in the peaceful surroundings, Elm Hurst is the ultimate retreat for a stress-free wellness getaway in Oxford County.
Day 2: Shop, Indulge & Unwind
Day 2 of this cozy getaway is sure to have you feeling rejuvenated and satisfied. We recommend starting your day with breakfast (included with your room) at The Elm Hurst Inn & Spa and perhaps booking yourself in for a massage or mani-pedi before seizing the day!
Stop 1: Pick Your Relaxation
Retail therapy or hydrotherapy? Pick your perk!
Option 1: Explore Downtown Ingersoll
Enjoy a slow morning before heading out to explore more of Oxford’s hidden gems. Just give minutes from The Elm Hurst Inn & Spa, downtown Ingersoll boasts a charming downtown.
We recommend stopping by The Evergreen Coffee Lounge, a specialty coffee shop in downtown Ingersoll known for its expertly crafted espresso drinks, premium teas, and fresh-baked treats. Whether you’re in the mood for a perfectly brewed latte or matcha tea, a house-made sandwich of the day, or a vegan and gluten-free pastry, this cozy café is the perfect spot to fuel up for the day ahead.
While you’re there, take a moment to admire the local artwork displayed throughout the café, created by talented artists from the Ingersoll Creative Arts Centre. This thoughtful touch adds an extra layer of Oxford’s local charm, inviting guests to connect with the region’s creative spirit while enjoying their coffee.
After that java, take a relaxing stroll down the main drag, where you’ll find charming shops like Patina’s Gifts of Art & Craft, offering a curated selection of unique home décor and Canadian Pottery and The Wine Cellar & Cheese Shop, a must-visit for local wines and artisanal cheeses.
Also, don’t sleep on Sunday Morning Interiors, a shop bordering the line between cool and chic with houseware, clean living supplies and more. With great coffee in hand and a day of stress-free shopping ahead, this is the perfect way to savour the best of Oxford County.
Option 2: Wave Nordic Spa + Kalo’s Restaurant at The Oxford Hills
Where: 324183 Mt Elgin Rd, Mount Elgin, ON (View Map)
For lunch, double down on your rest and relaxation goals with a delicious meal at KALOS at The Oxford Hills, followed by a rejuvenating visit to Wave Nordic Spa. Nestled within the same property of The Oxford Hills Golf Club, KALOS offers refined dining with a menu that is both warming and filling!
Some of the memorable bites we enjoyed included the Steak Sandwich topped with a horseradish mayo, Gunn’s Hill Handeck cheese, fried onion, on toasted ciabatta and served with fries. If you’re in the mood for a special treat, don’t miss the cocktail menu crafted by Tyra Wiebe. Our top pick? The Pomegranate Mojito—a refreshing blend of white rum, simple syrup, pomegranate juice, and lime that perfectly balances sweet and tart flavours.
Afterward, keep the relaxation going at Wave Nordic Spa, where you can unwind with hot-cold therapy and soothing treatments, ensuring you leave feeling refreshed and recharged. Because a little indulgence never hurt anyone, right?
Stop 2: Discover An Oxford County Cheese Producer at Red Dragon Dairy
Where: 383723 Salford Rd RR#1, Salford, ON (View Map)
When in Oxford County, a visit to a local dairy is a must, and Red Dragon Dairy is the perfect stop! This family-run cheesemaker, led by owner Ellis, specializes in rich, creamy sheep milk cheeses, perfect for pairing with local preserves and fresh-baked bread.
In addition to their award-winning cheeses and yogurts, the shop offers a taste of the U.K., stocking pantry and specialty items that pay homage to Ellis’ Welsh heritage. While you’re there, be sure to stock up—and don’t miss their newest offering: rosemary lamb sausages, made with sheep raised right on their farm for a true farm-to-table experience.
Want to discover more local cheeses? Plan an escape along The Oxford County Cheese Trail!
Stop 3: Dinner at Elm Hurst Inn & Spa
Where: 415 Harris St, Ingersoll, ON (View Map)
Before heading home, enjoy a final, elegant dinner at Elm Hurst Inn & Spa, where the dining experience is just as memorable as the setting. Guests can choose from à la carte offerings or indulge in a prix fixe menu, each dish crafted with precision and care.
At the helm is Chef Philippe Coeurdassier, recently recognized as a Maître Cuisiniers de France—one of the highest honours in French gastronomy. With a dedication to excellence and a vision of earning a Michelin Guide distinction, he and his team create dishes that celebrate Oxford County’s rich culinary landscape.
Whether you opt for pan-seared Hokkaido scallops with cauliflower and chorizo risotto or the slow-roasted prime rib with Yorkshire pudding, every bite is a testament to expert craftsmanship. Finish on a sweet note with a classic crème brûlée, the perfect way to toast the end of an unforgettable getaway.
Plan Your Perfect Winter Retreat
Get ready to warm up with wellness and comfort food in Oxford County this winter! Whether you’re sipping on locally roasted coffee, relaxing in a Nordic spa, or enjoying a farm-to-table feast, every moment of this itinerary is designed to help you indulge, unwind, and recharge.
