A Grand River Country Ramble

Start your day with a leisurely brunch stop in the friendly little town of St. George. The Thistle Stop Café’s all-day breakfast is an excellent way to fuel up for the travels ahead. Don’t forget to buy a few of their apple fritters for the road. The recipe they use has been handed down for three generations!

Drongkowskis’ Farm Market & Deli is another must-stop shop while in St. George. Pack a few of their two-handed sammies for later in the day. Their signature coffee shakes pair perfectly with one of their delicious coconut cream tarts!

Next, make your way to Howell Road for a visit to Brantview Apples & Cider and Howell Road Cider Co. This historic family orchard has ties to a War of 1812 sharpshooter! Pick some apples, try your luck in the eight-acre corn maze and then sample Howell Road Cider Co.’s deliciously dry ciders.

No fall day in the country would be complete without stocking up your trunk with freshly harvested produce. Besides tasty fruits and vegetables, Elberta Farms Country Market offers baked goods, eggs, cheese, honey and more.

For a fun little hit of history, plan a stop at the Adelaide Hunter Hoodless Homestead National Historic Site. The museum’s interpreters will share captivating stories about Hunter Hoodless, an outspoken educator and social reformer who worked tirelessly to release women’s full potential toward social action. Architecture enthusiasts will enjoy taking in the home’s balanced definition, broad Georgian proportion and Gothic revival arch.

While the world’s large cathedrals may get all the glory, there’s something particularly compelling about a small, country church. Paris Plains Church, a quaint cobblestone building, dates all the way back to 1845. Rocks and cobbles from nearby fields were collected by the congregation to create this church for local settlers. While inside tours are not available, visitors are welcome to explore the historic church’s well-kept grounds.

For passionate foodies interested in pesticide-free and sustainable farming methods, a visit to The Cobblestone Farm is a must. The farm’s juicy San Marzano tomatoes, 17 varieties of gourmet garlic and eight different types of potatoes will make memorable meals all winter long!

Wrap up your day exploring the streets and shops of downtown Paris. Bring along this self-guided walking tour route created by the Paris Museum and Historical Society.  After your walk, shop the town’s unique boutiques for treasures like crystals at Wabi Sabi Crystals, one-of-a-kind art at The Paris Bohemian Gallery and locally sourced Indigenous-made products and more at Hollow Willow.

After walking and shopping, settle in for a delicious meal at one of Paris’ many fabulous restaurants. Favourites include:

• Paris Beer Company
• Stillwaters Plate and Pour
• Capeesh! Craft Kitchen & Cellar
• Cobblestone Public House
• edit Restaurant at Arlington Hotel
• Juniper Dining Co.