Is your grocery shopping routine feeling a little too routine? Shake things up this fall by transforming your weekly shop into a scenic road trip with a tasty purpose. In addition to sourcing the freshest Ontario flavours for all your favourite fall dishes, you can find hands-on fun at pick-your-own produce stands and enjoy some strategic sipping to discover new local beers, wines and ciders. Here are some ideas for a fall grocery galivant in Hamilton Halton Brant.
In The Hamilton and Stoney Creek Area
Shop
Stock up on fresh fruits, vegetables, delicious baked goods and gourmet pantry items at Stoney Creek’s Punch Bowl Market and Bakery.
Pick
Head to Murphy’s Country Produce through the end of October to pick a wide range of produce, and while you’re there, grab some sunflowers too.
Sip
West Avenue Cider House offers traditional country flavours as well as more innovative, barrel-aged and cask-conditioned ciders. Six rotating taps mean there is always something new to sample. If you’d like to turn your grocery trip into an overnight getaway, consider booking their on-site vacation rental, Somerset Cottage.
Repeat
Other great stops to round out your trip include: Hamilton Farmer’s Market, Ottawa Street Farmer’s Market, Locke Street Farmers’ Market, Hamilton’s many stellar craft breweries, Ridge Road Estate Winery and Leaning Post Wines. Read our Fall For Hamilton blog post for even more itinerary inspiration.
In The Oakville & Burlington Area
Shop
After browsing Burlington Centre Lions Farmers’ Market, (open through October) or Oakville Civitan Farmers Market, head to Denninger’s Burlington or Oakville locations for fabulous meats, cheeses, and so much more.
Pick
Stop in at Applevale Orchards to pick your own Golden Delicious, Cortland, Spies and Macintosh apples. If you want fresh fall produce without having to do the picking yourself, Oakville’s Cristan Farms has a stand that offers visitors the pick of their crop!
Sip
Wet your whistle and stock up for fall sipping season at Nickelbrook Brewing Co. in Burlington and Cameron’s Brewing in Oakville.
Repeat
Other must-visit stops to round out your trip in Burlington include Farmer Jack’s, The Olive Oil Dispensary, and Wally Parr Sausage. In Oakville, stop by to stock up at Farmhouse Artisan Cheese, Firebat Coffee Roasters, and Monastery Bakery and Delicatessen. Read our Fall For Burlington and Fall For Oakville blog posts for more itinerary inspiration.
In The Milton and Halton Hills Area
Shop
Milton Farmers’ Market (open through October 9) is just the beginning of the farm-fresh fare that awaits in and around Milton. Chudleigh’s, Springridge Farm and Stonehaven Farm should also be on your list of stops.
Pick
Visit Andrews Scenic Acres to gather apples, pumpkins and fall flowers and don’t forget to pick up a fresh apple pie from the Farm Store.
Sip
Visit Orange Snail Brewers, in Milton, and Furnace Room Brewery, in Georgetown, to taste their latest selection of creative craft beers.
Repeat
Other great stops to round out your trip include The Meat Terminal, La Rose Bakery, and Willow Grove Heritage Honey Bee Farm. Read our Fall For Halton Hills blog post for more itinerary inspiration.
In The Brantford and County of Brant Area
Shop
Paris’ Wincey Mills is home to a year-round market hall with friendly vendors offering a diverse range of goods from fresh bread to gourmet popcorn, sausages, and more.
Pick
While the community of St. George is pressing pause on its annual Apple Fest this year, this community is still all about their apples. Orchard Home Farm and Brantview Apples are both fantastic choices for some autumn apple picking.
Sip
Your challenge won’t be finding a sip stop in this area; it will be narrowing down your options to only a few. Read our 10 Reasons to Explore The Craft Breweries of Brant County to select your pint picks.
Repeat
Other great stops to round out your trip include the Brantford Farmer’s Market, Elberta Farms Country Market, The Windmill Country Market, Hidden Roots Farms, Little Brown Cow Dairy, VanGro Farms Market. Read our Fall For Grand River Country blog post for more trip inspiration.
