Fall tends to get us talking about the scenery in South Georgian Bay, and understandably so. But October is also a wonderful time to explore what’s growing, baking and being poured around the region.
Apples are in season, farm markets are full of possibilities for Thanksgiving dinner, and a coffee stop becomes even more appealing after a cool morning walk. One of the things I love about living here is how easily these small outings fit into everyday life. You don’t need a whole weekend planned. Sometimes, an afternoon and a few stops are enough.
If you’re looking for a delicious way to enjoy the season, here are a few places to start.
Start with the apples
It wouldn’t be a taste of fall in South Georgian Bay without apples. The orchards around The Blue Mountains, Thornbury and Meaford are part of what gives this area its character, and harvest season is a good reason to take a drive beyond the main streets.
At T&K Ferri Orchards in The Blue Mountains, the farm-gate market operates during the September and October harvest. Along with apples, you can find apple blossom honey and Grandad Jack’s apple cider, pressed on-site. Pick up something to snack on, bake with or bring to your Thanksgiving table.
If you’d like to build a few stops into your day, the Apple Pie Trail is a helpful starting point. This self-guided route connects apple-inspired food and experiences across The Blue Mountains, Thornbury, Clarksburg and Meaford. Choose a few places that catch your interest and leave yourself time to explore along the way.
Bring the harvest home
There’s something satisfying about heading out for a few groceries and coming home with the beginnings of a good meal.
Goldsmith’s Farm Market & Bakery in Thornbury makes that easy. Its own farm supplies many of the fruits and vegetables sold in the market, alongside local meats, dairy and cheese. The in-house bakery is another reason to stop, particularly if you’re hoping to bring home a pie without doing the baking yourself.
In Collingwood, Currie’s Farm Market brings together produce grown on its own farm and food sourced from other local producers. This family-run market is a great stop for seasonal ingredients and a few extras to round out your meal.
With Thanksgiving approaching, both offer an opportunity to build part of your menu around what’s available locally. Or keep things simple: fresh bread, cheese, apples and something sweet make a perfectly good lunch after a morning outdoors.
Shopping this way brings you a little closer to the farms and businesses that are such an important part of our community.
Make time for a bakery stop
A fall outing feels more complete with a warm drink and a place to sit for a while.
In downtown Collingwood, Gibson & Company is tucked down an alleyway off Hurontario Street. Stop in for a coffee before browsing the shops or settle in for a catch-up with friends after a cool morning walk.
If your afternoon takes you to Thornbury, Cranky Bear Café is a welcoming stop for coffee and something sweet. Tucked beneath Smitty’s Bike Shop on Bruce Street, it’s an easy place to take a break between exploring the shops and heading down to the waterfront.
These are the sorts of stops that make an ordinary afternoon feel like time well spent. Bring a friend, catch up over coffee and enjoy being out in town.
Sample a local cider
For another way to enjoy apple country, spend an afternoon at one of our local cideries.
Grey & Gold Cider offers tastings at its orchard-side bottle shop, where you can sample farmhouse-style ciders and choose a bottle to bring home. At Spy Cider House & Distillery, settle in with a drink and a bite to eat while taking in the views. Duntroon Cyder House brings traditional English cider-making techniques to heritage apples, giving you another take on this fall favourite.
Choose a stop to pair with a scenic drive or an afternoon walk, and bring home something new to share over dinner.
Make an evening of it
After a day exploring, keep the evening going at Bar Bijou, a new addition to downtown Collingwood. Located in the historic Tremont building on Simcoe Street, the space takes inspiration from the salons of 1920s Paris, with an all-day café that transitions to cocktails in the evening.
It’s another reason to head downtown, meet up with friends and discover something new in our local food and drink scene.
Enjoy what’s close to home
For me, part of the appeal of South Georgian Bay is having all of this within reach. A farm-market stop can become part of your grocery routine. An afternoon visiting friends can include a bakery detour. There’s always another local business to get to know.
This October, make a little time to explore through food. Bring home a bag of apples, stop for coffee somewhere new or plan dinner with friends. It’s a simple way to enjoy the season and support the people who help make this area such a good place to call home.
