Recipes to Experience Elora and Fergus Ontario by garrett klassen

SAVOUR ELORA FERGUS PRESENTS

recipes to experience YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING IN ELORA AND FERGUS , ONTARIO!

www.savourelorafergus.ca

EXPLORE, RELAX, INDULGE, ENJOY

recipes to experience

the recipe for a good life

xtraordinary experiences don’t get much better, more diverse or more accessible than this. Located just an hour outside Toronto, Elora and Fergus are gems waiting to be experienced and explored in 2010. This guide contains a sample of the many things there are to discover in this savourelorafergus.ca

unique community. Inside you’ll find all the ingredients you need to put together your own personal recipe to savour Elora and Fergus: places to get away and stay, fabulous food and dining and fresh local farm gate produce from the people who grow our food. There’s the Grand River and the famous Elora Gorge, trails, shops, sensational 3

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festivals, cultural events, music and artisans—they all offer opportunities to taste and experience the recipe for a good life. ELORA AND FERGUS: A CLASSIC COUPLE Music—from the classics to classic rock—is prominent everywhere. You can hear both international and great home-grown talents at local venues and pubs, and enjoy almost four weeks of musical programming at the Elora Festival. There are country, Celtic and straightahead rock performances throughout the summer as well. Both the Fergus Truck Show and the Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games—the largest events of their kind in North America—feature an impressive musical component, as well as traditional competitions that draw entries and spectators from far and wide. The artistic community flourishes here, and is on display year-round at the widely respected Elora Centre for the Arts. There are other creative experiences too—from 4

the Wellington County Museum and Archives, to historic guided or self-guided walking tours, and events that invite visitor participation and expression. Many of the local works created here are offered for sale in our exceptional shops and unique boutiques. There are many oneof-a-kind items, and it’s a great opportunity to uncover the perfect gift for someone else, or yourself. Throughout it all, our Bed & Breakfast hosts and innkeepers will pamper you on your overnight stays, with quality accommodations that are as diverse and interesting as the homes and hosts themselves. From rural locales to in-town estates, a B&B stay is a great way to relax and indulge. And because you will undoubtedly ge t hungry again sometime after breakfast, there’s a wide variety of dining experiences that will suit every palate and taste. Some of our most accomplished chefs and establishments are featured within these pages. And, speaking of food... explore, relax, indulge, enjoy

recipes to experience

Sylvia Galbraith/www.silvercreekphoto.ca

SAVOUR ELORA FERGUS: LOCAL FLAVOUR, LOCAL FOOD A fundamental evolution in food today is the movement to buy local. It is a call that resonates throughout Wellington County, and the practice is readily supported by many area residents and restaurateurs. With the diversity of over 100 local farms and markets, anyone looking for farm-fresh produce—from fruits, vegetables and dairy to maple syrup, elk, beef or ostrich meat and more—doesn’t have far to go. It’s all right here. Today more than ever, people are connecting with foods in a new way. We’re highly conscious of how far our food travels, of who grows it and where. The way we eat, and how we think about that experience, is changing too. Throughout our community, you’ll see many examples of what we’re doing to share and promote the bounty of the lands that surround the Grand River. We are actively connecting businesses with agriculture, chefs with growers. Bed & Breakfasts are working on collective buying to put more local savourelorafergus.ca

foods on the breakfast table. Small retail food stores are meeting with one another to build partnerships that combine individual strengths and resources. The commitment to local food is everywhere. We’re doing it all in the spirit of community. You could say we are returning to our roots. Like many people, we know that sustainable farming is not an option, but a necessity; that the local food movement is not a trend, but a fundamental transformation in the collective mindset of communities across Ontario. We are a proud and active part of that change. A CULINARY CULTURE IS JUST THE START Our connection to the land here is strong. Our trails and natural waterways are valued treasures in our community, and make possible the many creative pursuits, attractions and experiences that both residents and visitors relish. So read on, enjoy, and join us to savour the many recipes we have for you to experience. 5

EXPLORE, RELAX, INDULGE, ENJOY

recipes to experience

savour elora fergus

avour Elora Fergus is our promise of local food at its best. We support our thriving local food culture by partnering with growers and microprocessors, retailers and restaurants, to offer both visitors and residents something very special. In culinary circles, the flavour of regional foods is sometimes called ‘terroir’. It means “of the earth” and has in the past typically been used in reference to the flavours in wines. But it is now also a term acknowledging the sense of place in the taste of our foods, which can be quite different from one region to the next. The same foods can differ in taste—sometimes subtly, sometimes distinctly —due to soils, watersheds and local climate. Recipes to Experience is your guide to the agricultural diversity of this region, and INSIDE THE GUIDE

Celebrity Growers Meet the Chefs The Grand River Festivals & Events Wayfinding & Maps Accommodations Walking Tours Calendar Highlights The Arts Boutiques & Diversions

the simple goal of Savour Elora Fergus is to share with you our passion for putting more local foods on local plates. So come savour that experience. Bon Appétit! And while you’re here, be sure to pick up a copy of our Guelph Wellington Local Food Map. This annually-produced guide to culinary and agritourism experiences connects you to more than 100 local farms, markets, retailers, restaurants and caterers that sell farmfresh food throughout the region. Produced by the Guelph Wellington Local Food Initiative, it features details of the Wellington Rural Romp that takes place every year in late September, and much more. Maps are available at our information centres in Fergus and Elora, and locations throughout Wellington County.

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www.elorafergus.travel

ELORA INFORMATION SERVICES

9 Mill Street E, Elora, ON N0B 1S0 (519) 846-9841 FERGUS INFORMATION SERVICES

400 Tower Street S, Fergus ON N1M 2P7 (519) 843-5140 Toll free: 1-877-242-6353

Savour Elora Fergus / Recipes to Experience visitor guide is produced with the help and commitment of tourism partners of Elora and Fergus, under the leadership of Elora Fergus Tourism. Writer: Melanie Ward; Editor: Garrett Klassen; Principal photography: David Barr/www.photobar.com; Concept, design & layout: Crunch! Inc. Communications; Printed in Canada by Commercial Print Craft. ©2010. All rights reserved. For advertising opportunities, please email: info@recipestoexperience.com

explore, relax, indulge, enjoy

SAVOUR ELORA FERGUS

down to earth

tastes of the grand

o matter the direction from which you come, all routes that lead here take you on a picturesque drive through some of the most beautiful agricultural landscapes in Ontario. With sprawling family farms and rolling back roads, we feel lucky to live here, and we want you to see why. Get a taste of who we are by taking a trip off the beaten path, where you’ll find the bounty of our lands in the hands of the people who grow the foods we love to eat. You’ll see why our local farmers have a passion for their work, their products, and are making a positive difference in the environment we share. When you stroll our downtown cores, you’ll find those local flavours ready to eat. A favourite weekend tradition from midJune through Thanksgiving is the Elora Farmers’ Market, arguably the prettiest farmers’ market in Ontario. This is a truly local food experience. Held along the savourelorafergus.ca

riverbank in the heart of the village, this small market offers a fabulous variety of farm fresh foods, from organic fruits and vegetables to meats, cheeses, jams and breads, baked goods and specialty teas. Every week there’s something new to enjoy, changing with the seasons. Sip your morning coffee while you explore the sights, sounds and tastes. Get to know the growers and learn some fabulous recipes that use the produce of the season. From blackberries to fresh herbs to blue potatoes, there is something for everyone, so get there early. You never know who you’ll meet or what you’ll see, but this is where people gather and it is always a treat. Connect with the people who grow the foods your family enjoys by taking a selfguided adventure with the Guelph Wellington Local Food Map, available at venues throughout our community. Explore the fresh foods of the season at farm gates 7

SAVOUR ELORA FERGUS

and surrounding farmers’ markets, Pick-YourOwn fields and garden nurseries. This is a great way to see the places and meet the faces of the farmers who planted or processed the products you are looking for, or find the local retail stores that sell local, fresh foods. This detailed map features a fabulous collection of foods to please everyone, from fruits, cheeses, yogurts and quality meats, to the unexpected flavours of organic ice creams, or ostrich meat. There are familyfriendly destinations where young and old can enjoy a taste of farm life at organic farming sites and garden greenhouses. End your day at one of the fine restaurants that commit to creating unique dishes using fresh foods grown here. We invite you to savour the sites and flavours of our home. As you tour around you will see that we are fortunate to live in the middle of a beautiful, natural setting. From the downtown cores to sprawling farm fields, our connection to the land influences every aspect of our quality of life, and we like to live well. We like others to live well too, so you’ll find a great variety of Fair Trade products in our stores. And you will 8

down to earth

see a growing commitment in our shops and dining establishments to provide quality local foods and products on their shelves or on their menus, so that our visitors and the people from our community have access to fresh, local fare with an appetite for health consciousness. Now... let us introduce you to a few of the folks that have inspired us to look beyond food trends to consider the health and welfare of our communities, while striving to create a sustainable future for the next generations of farmers. These are but a few of our local growers, whose passion and purpose is a shared view on the future of agriculture and community. Come and see why the bounty of our lands isn’t in what we grow, but in the people who grow it. That’s our community.

SAVOUR ELORA FERGUS

celebrity growers

savourelorafergus.ca

down to earth

celebrity growers

MEET THE FARMER | MARTIN DEGROOT

mapleton’s organic dairy

artin deGroot and Ineke Booy are living the dream. Working in harmony with nature to create a certified organic dairy farm, these farmers are creating products they feel good about. So they should. Anyone who has tasted their Mapleton’s Organic Ice Cream and Yogurts feels good about it too. Although you can find Mapleton’s Organic ice cream flavours all across Canada, and their yogurts throughout Ontario, for a real farm Martin deGroot and daughter Arwa: Mapleton’s Organic is a national, homegrown treasure. More than just ice cream, it’s about connecting people with the farm.

experience, they invite you to come out and visit them. Located just a short drive from Elora in the township of Mapleton, the family farm is where the magic happens. It has become a fun destination for thousands of visitors who travel from near and far to get a taste of real farm life. Making the connection between the farm and the consumer is a priority for Martin and Ineke. They’ve designed a new storefront and family-friendly activities to get people back to the farm to see where and how their food is grown, to learn about animal welfare, and the environmental standards that make Mapleton’s products truly unique. Visitors can tour the farm, enjoy wagon rides, explore the labyrinth, meet the animals and sample Mapleton’s fabulous flavours—such as Chai or Dandelion organic ice cream , or the creamy Vanilla yogurt. Organic meats and other treats can also be purchased, all with the confidence that these products were raised and produced on site, by the people who greet you when you get there. Open 7 days a week, 11 am to 6 pm Victoria Day to Thanksgiving. “Fridays at the Farm” runs every Friday from end-June to Labour Day, 4 to 8 pm. This fun family event includes wagon rides, crafts, buskers, animal demos & farm fresh food. 8548 Wellington Rd. 7, Moorefield ON N0G 2K0 (519) 638-1115. Details at www.mapletonsorganic.ca 10

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MEET THE FARMER | TRISH & DEAN SCOTT

celebrity growers

whispering meadows

t’s a 127-acre family farm, born from a desire to raise their three daughters in the country. And for Trish and Dean Scott, it‘s a natural. Farming is in their blood. Both grew up on one; Dean on a Raising Black Angus with care, kindness and respect.

beef and cash crop farm in Lucan and Trish on a beef and dairy farm just north of Guelph. Between them they have 80 years of experience in raising cattle. And are they ever. Black Angus roam the fields from spring to fall, feeding on a diet that is strictly plant and vegetable based, free of antibiotics and synthetic hormones. They graze on premium pastures, recognized as the best in the Ontario Pasture Management Competition of 2004. And the cattle are moved to new grazing pastures every one to three days. Their freerange diet is supplemented with corn in the last three months to sweeten, and help produce a marbled, delicious beef. Trish and Dean are naturally raising their herd to provide a supreme quality of meat, direct from the source to the kitchen table. They know that buying locally grown food is a great way to help the environment because the less distance it has to travel to you, the better. They welcome visitors and delight in getting to know their customers because, as Trish says, “when you know the farmer, you can trust the way your food is raised and prepared, because you know exactly what’s gone into it.” In this case, care, kindness and respect is what goes into growing their Black Angus beef. Beef available at Farm Gate, by chance or by appointment. (If you’re planning a visit, you may wish to call ahead.) Purchases can also be made online. 5656 Wellington Rd. 7, R.R. 5, Guelph, ON N1H 6J2 (519) 822-3435 www.whisperingmeadows.ca savourelorafergus.ca

MEET THE FARMER | DANA & ADAM THATCHER

celebrity growers

thatcher farms

ana and Adam Thatcher are raising two children. They’re also raising lambs, pigs, cattle and chickens, and bees. Here you can tour the farm and learn how buying from farmers helps to support and preserve agriculture.

Nestled on 140 acres of gorgeous countryside in Eramosa Township in Wellington County, familyowned and operated Thatcher Farms came about as the result of their love for wholesome, healthy food. They raise their own hormone- and additive-free meat products, collect Omega 3 eggs from their chickens, and produce their own honey. And they share it with others, offering these fresh products in their Country Store. They also offer homemade meat pies, a collaborative effort between themselves and Fraberts Fresh Foods in Fergus. They supply the meat; Fraberts makes the pies. They’re verifiably proud of what they grow. After extensive examination, Farmers’ Markets Ontario ® has certified them in My Pick™–a program that verifies they sell only what they grow themselves. Adam is a graduate of the Ontario College of Agriculture and Dana is an elementary school teacher. They believe that knowing where your food comes from and how it’s grown are essential ingredients to eating well. It’s what’s behind their approach to sustainable farming. At Thatcher Farms, you meet the people who actually grow your food. And it doesn’t get any fresher than that. Visit “The Farmer's Wife~ Bakery and Butcher Shoppe”, located at the farm. Self-guided farm tours. Visitors welcome. Country store open year-round; Thurs - Sat, 10 am to 5 pm, or by chance. #5727 5th Line Eramosa, Rockwood, ON N0B 2K0 (519) 856-4073 www.thatcher-farms.com 12

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celebrity growers

MEET THE FARMER | ELISABETH BZIKOT

best baa

t the heart of everything Elisabeth and Eric Bzikot do, there is a philosophy that guides their role as farmers: environmental sustainability and the health and welfare of their British Milk Sheep. The quality of their sheep milk products is based on their integrity, and that has been the key to their success. Elisabeth’s talent for creating fine artisan cheeses began at the Cheese Education Guild, where she learned techniques to produce signature sheep’s milk cheeses, including a Brebis Frais, Ramembert, Mediterranean-style Feta and an aged Eweda. These products can be found at major Elisabeth (left) and daughter-in-law Nicole: making a place in the market for themselves and others.

farmers’ markets and fine dining establishments throughout the GTA and right here, at locations across Wellington County. As founders of The Ewenity Dairy Cooperative, this family is helping other independent Ontario sheep farmers find the market to produce and sell their quality sheep’s milk at a fair price. Sharing a belief in environmental agriculture practices and standardized codes of animal welfare, this cooperative effort created The Ewenity Dairy brand, a line of sheep’s milk, yogurt and cheeses, to the mutual benefit of the farmers involved. This is sustainable farming in action. A full line of products can be found at The Best Baa Farm store in Fergus, run by son Peter and wife Nicole, where customers can take a taste of the farm home to enjoy. Lamb, sheep milk, yogurt, cheese and ice cream. Open Mon to Fri, 12 to 6 pm. Best Baa Dairy and Store, 820 Gartshore, Fergus, ON (519) 787-0707 www.ewenity.com savourelorafergus.ca

celebrity growers

MEET THE FARMER | MARCIA & JOHN STEVERS

blue haven farms

arming is not an easy life, but it’s balanced by peacefulness. And, laughs Marcia Stevers, that’s reason enough for her and John to “do chores with head lamps.” Up before the sun, John feeds the animals; then it’s out the door to work in Guelph, getting back in time to do night At Blue Haven Farms, getting that peaceful feeling generally involves a lot of work.

chores. Marcia continues with those through the day. Theirs is a mixed farm, sitting on 10 acres where all manner of organic, pasturefed livestock roam outdoors year-round. Over by the pig hut, four babies are sunbathing on straw outside, even though it’s winter. They’re from two litters of thirteen each, courtesy of Anize and Patzy—Diego had a part to play too—all purebred Tamworth pigs known for their tender, well-marbled and savoury meat. There are sheep and goats and a variety of birds, from pheasants to turkeys, ducks to geese—even French Guinea fowl. And what all the livestock has in common is that they’re free-range, grass fed, hormone and antibiotic free. A retired teacher, Marcia is adamant that a humane, hands-on approach to raising them is wise, ethical, environmentally sensitive, and results in a better product. The proof is in the pork: it’s sold to a collection of Toronto restaurants, whose staff drives to their farm to get it. It’s in the school tours Marcia and John host, introducing the country to the city. And it’s in the families that drop in to learn and to meet the animals. Meat and produce available at Farm Gate and Farmers’ Market. Also featuring fresh garlic, Jerusalem artichokes, herbs and specialty mushrooms. 6089 4th Line, Rockwood, ON N0B 2K0 (519) 787-1973 www.bluehavenfarm.moonfruit.com 14

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MEET THE FARMER | LYNDA SAUVÉ

celebrity growers

shepherd’s watch 100 mile market

ynda Sauvé and Carol Sampson are counting their sheep, while counting their blessings. The hard-working duo are the creators and operators of the Shepherd’s Watch 100 Mile Market & Café in Arthur, a place where farmers, producers, craftsmen and artisans can get their products to market. And it’s a treasure of local delights. It largely came about out of necessity, because they too needed a place to get their own products to market. Lynda and Carol Lynda Sauvé: cheeses, wool products, and a market that supports businesses 100 miles in every direction.

also operate Shepherd’s Watch Sheep Dairy Farm, and from it comes their independent line of fresh yogurts, artisan cheeses, milk, meat—and plenty of wool. And the 100 Mile Market blossomed to include others in their community. The pair is as passionate about community and the benefits that come from working together, as they are about their cheeses and handcrafted wool products. For them, it’s about bringing the country community to the customer in one spot, to offer the homegrown, homemade and home-crafted products that would otherwise take people 100 miles off in all directions to find. It’s working. Their store has become a landmark for local—in baking, in produce, in sweaters, socks, yarn, and a lot more. Even better, on a summer’s day you can sit on the porc h and enjoy the tastes and flavours of all good things homegrown, giving you a recipe to experience the country— right where it should be. Quality blankets, wool, sheep’s milk and sheep products, local foods and friendly service. Open 7 days a week; hours vary. Farm visits and tours by appointment. 211 Smith St., Hwy 6, Arthur, ON N0G 1A0 (519) 848-2228 savourelorafergus.ca

celebrity growers

MEET THE VINTNER | KAMIL TROCHTA

cox creek winery

hen you think of wines, it’s time to start thinking of Wellington County. Winemaker Kamil and Jerry Trochta invite you to taste the fruits of their labour from Owner Jerry Trochta: balance in everything is a philosophy that serves well in wine, and in life.

their own vineyard, located between Fergus and Guelph. Sip a taste of their award-wining selection of fine wines, with a flavour to compliment any palate. The key to their success reflects their philosophy: balance in everything. Farming, like life, requires a delicate

balance, and the better balanced the grape, the better the end result. Kamil tests his grapes for the equal levels of sugar and acidity needed to create flavourful bouquets—the result of which is an impressive product line of 28 varieties of wines, from dry to sweet, white and red, dessert and ice wine. Their retail store, in the heart of the vineyard, offers visitors a chance to sample wines and purchase their favourites. The Cox Creek vineyard is 3.7 acres of pesticide-free Baco Noir grapes, grown next to black currants and an apple orchard on their beautiful property, which also affords a perfect setting for weddings and events. Though they import grapes from the Niagara region, they continue to support area farmers by purchasing their fruits locally, including elderberries, raspberries, strawberries and other fruits. Through Kamil’s skill and craftsmanship, Cox Creek Cellars Inc. are in their 12th year, celebrating a balanced life in the community they call home. Open for tastings year-round, and for tours by appointment. Host your wedding, corporate or charity event. Open Tues to Fri, 12 to 6 pm, Sat 11 am to 6 pm, Sun 1 to 4 pm. Hwy 6 north of Guelph, at intersection of Wellington Road 22 (519) 767-3253 www.coxcreekcellars.on.ca 16

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celebrity growers

MEET THE BREWMASTER | GEORGE EAGLESON

f&m brewery

ead Brewer George Eagleson is experimenting with a little of this, and a little of that. From Guelph retailer Planet Bean, he adds certified Fair Trade coffee, et voilà—a seasonal brew is born to the accolades of many. Except for a few casks and kegs on reserve, F&M Brewery’s two batches of StoneHammer Oatmeal Coffee Stout are gone, gone, gone. Good tidings though. George is mixing up more. He’s getting ready to run his second season of Maple Red ale. This time, Like life, beer for George Eagleson can be one big experiment. It’s working.

his little “this and that” is the addition of maple syrup from neighbouring Rockwood. F&M Brewery is a study in local, handcrafted beers. They’re not big, but what they produce—thanks to George and the rest of the team—is. It’s earned them not only sales, but awards; their signature StoneHammer won Gold for its Pilsner in the Canadian Brewing Awards in 2009. StoneHammer Dark Ale won the Gold just the year before. And George, well, he’s all about the industry. “I get inspiration from brewers all over the world.” And he shares his discoveries with others, as they do with him. For this Head Brewer, it all makes for an exciting moment in craft master history, where helping another means everyone benefits. George takes a personal approach to supporting the local hop and barley industries. Last summer he helped to harvest hops just north of Guelph. Two weeks later, they were in the beer. Producing the StoneHammer family of traditional beers: Dark Ale, Pilsner, Refreshing Light. Available in some local restaurants and select licensees. 355 Elmira Road N, Guelph, ON N1K 1S5 (519) 824-1194 www.fmbrewery.com savourelorafergus.ca

MEET THE FARMER | KAREN BERTIN & ROB UNSWORTH

celebrity growers

hav a heart beef

or Karen Bertin and Rob Unsworth, their Grass-Finished Galloway beef is a labour of love. Rob sums it up: for him, “it’s the only animal you can totally love, and the only one good for your heart.” Home on the range, Galloway cattle are free to roam.

It is true that Grass Finished Galloway beef is heart friendly, containing only three per cent fat content in the entire animal, and high in Vitamins A, C, E, and Beta-Carotene, as well as offering a host of other health benefits. It’s also true, as Karen points out that the tenderness, flavour and juiciness of the beef are innate characteristics of this heritage breed. But it’s the way the beef is raised that shows the love of the animal that these two have. Karen and Rob provide a stress-free environment. Conditions permitting, their cattle are free range, able to come and go as they please with shelter available if needed. Humanely produced without antibiotics, hormones, pesticides or GMOs, their cattle are content, or as Rob says, “they’re happy cows making healthy beef.” The ‘Hav A Heart’ beef brand encompasses five farms in neighbouring communities, three of which are Mennonite farms and all of which follow protocols in raising and producing Grass Finished Galloway beef as established by Karen and Rob, who also source the animals. Between the farms, over 400 head of cattle graze. By the summer, after calving season, it’ll be 800. It‘s big, but without the factory approach. As Rob explains, “It’s five sustainable farms with one common denominator bringing us together.” Grass Finished Galloway beef. Signature line of cranberry gourmet all beef summer sausage. Beef delivered or available at Farm Gate, Minto & Elora Farmers’ Markets and select retailers. Visitors welcome on call ahead basis. 9192 School Road 7, R.R. 2 Harriston, ON N0G 1Z0 (519) 338-3333 www.havaheartbeef.ca 18

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celebrity growers

MEET THE GROWERS

elora farmers’ market

elcome to the “prettiest farmers’ market in Ontario”, surrounded by some of the best farmland, growers and producers in the province. The Elora Farmers’ Market grew from the vision of its Fresh country air and produce, Saturdays on the banks of the Grand River.

original champions, Barb Lee and Rhoda Lipton. It started five years ago with a handful of vendors and a belief that the market and its patrons would grow together. And it did! The Elora Farmers’ Market has created a special place in our community. On Saturday mornings it’s the place to be. The smell of freshly-baked bread and the aroma of coffee lure you in. The warmth and energy of the market vendors and the wonderful riverside setting add to the pleasure of finding the best in local foods. In this world of fastfood, global sourcing and questionable traceability, this is where you come to find real food at its best. The fact that you greet old friends and make new ones along the way just adds to the experience. Come and meet the people who grow your food. Fresh local produce, herbs and flowers; fine local meats, poultry, cheeses, honey and maple syrup. Divine baking and preserves, food demonstrations, guest artists and entertainment. Every Saturday, 9 am to 1 pm., rain or shine, mid-June to Thanksgiving. East Mill St., Elora, ON (519) 846-1396 www.elorafarmersmarket.ca savourelorafergus.ca

DINING

fabulous food experiences

Fergus â&#x20AC;˘ 519.843.4483

180 St. Andrew Street East, Fergus, ON N1M 1P8 519.787.2900 www.vangalis.ca

cafĂŠ, inn & catering

Scrumptious meals prepared with the freshest ingredients. Our broad menu will tempt every palate, from meat lovers to vegans. We invite you to be our guest.

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DINING SAVOUR ELORA FERGUS

fabulous food experiences

meet the chefs “Anybody can make you enjoy the first bite of a dish, but only a real chef can make you enjoy the last.” François Minot, Editor, Guide Michelin

savourelorafergus.ca

MEET THE CHEF | MATTHEW FOOTE

fabulous food experiences

breadalbane street bistro

hef Matthew Foote’s passion to use locally grown ingredients in his menu creations is a perfect fit to the principles of freshness and sustainability that is the Breadalbane Street Bistro, and the driving force behind its cuisine. His is a background that makes him one of Canada’s rising stars. He attributes his success to his training, beginning as a student at George Brown College in Toronto. His subsequent apprenticeship at the Westin Harbour Castle propelled him to other Executive Chef Matthew Foote: making the connection with a sustainable food future, every day.

impressive posts including Scaramouche, The Four Seasons Hotel Toronto and Langdon Hall, where an appreciation for simplicity in food was first instilled. As Executive Chef, he draws upon the expertise of local artisanal farmers and suppliers to marry fresh local tastes with explosive flavour for a dining experience bar none. He is strongly supported in this by Innkeeper Peter Egger, whose approach is to connect people with the very food they eat by showcasing global delicacies made from food grown right here at home, literally at a grassroots level. And it’s mirrored in Chef Matthew. As talented as he is, he has a down to earth outlook when it comes to food preparation. “It is my sincere desire to cook with my parents’ spirit of hospitality; skill that makes my wife swoon and the logic of my brother,’ he says. “Most importantly, I am never too serious to cook for my children.” Awarded the VQA Restaurant Award, 2004 – 2009. Wine tasting and cooking classes available. Fine Dining: Breadalbane Bistro. Gastro Pub: Fergusson Room. 487 St. Andrew St. W, Fergus, ON (519) 843-4770, Toll Free: (888) 842-2825 www.breadalbaneinn.com 22

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MEET THE CHEF | BRIAN McLEOD

fabulous food experiences

elora mill inn

xecutive Chef Brian McLeod is on a roll, just not the drum roll he initially envisioned he’d be doing in a rock band. Fortunate for us, because he’s a talented chef, now at the helm of the Elora Mill Inn’s fine dining Restaurant. Locally born and raised—much like the ingredients he chooses to use in his tempting A different kind of drumstick: Chef Brian McLeod’s kitchen is the heart of local food in Elora.

dishes—he was introduced to his career at the early age of 15, working as a baker in hometown Kincardine. Trained at George Brown’s well-known culinary school in Toronto, Chef Brian worked his way to London, England where he took on the position of Sous-Chef with the Millennium Copthorne Hotels, gaining even more experience by volunteering in the renowned kitchen of Chef Gary Rhodes. A couple of years later, he found himself back in Ontario at Peller Estate Winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake, where he cooked with Jason Rosso and Tony de Luca, eventually leading the award-winning team of Grosvenor’s of South Hampton before moving to The Sheraton on the Falls for three years. Well-rounded and with a set of skills acquired from some of the best, this chef is hands-on. He stands behind the line, working side-by-side with his team to ensure every morsel of food coming from the kitchen is worthy of both the people who create it, and those who eat it. “I want the restaurant to be the heart of Elora, and that happens by making great food with local products that everyone will enjoy.” Yes, he’s on a roll. Recipient of the VQA Award of Excellence, 2007, 2008 and 2009. Enjoy Fine Dining in our Restaurant or casual fare in the Gorge Lounge. 77 Mill St. W, Elora, ON N0B 1S0 (519) 846-9118, Toll free: (866) 713-5672 www.eloramill.com savourelorafergus.ca

MEET THE CHEF | MARY CHESTER

fabulous food experiences

whispers

hispers has people talking, and that’s a good thing. Restaurant owner Fran Weima, knows good news travels fast. There are special touches here: cozy nooks and corners for intimate dining; Joel Masewich’s vibrant art displayed over the fireplace and on the walls; and a Chef’s Table for private parties in the centre of this very efficient kitchen. Fran launched her culinary dream in April 2009, and Whispers has become the expression of her vision to create a dining establishment that celebrates local food, Mary Chester, right, and owner Fran Weima: Whispers’ menu regularly draws on produce from the Elora Farmers’ Market, right across the road.

local growers and environmentally astute practices. In the kitchen, Mary Chester and her culinary team reflect that philosophy. With her plus 25 years in the industry, Mary is no stranger to creating delectable dishes with “fresh” at the heart of their ingredients. To that end, locally grown foods are used in the Whispers‘ kitchen and that means menus change seasonally to take advantage of what’s at hand. It’s a diverse menu, offering not only homegrown foods, but also vegetarian and raw, as well as made-from-scratch pastas and mouthwatering, homemade breads, all served with the pride these foods so richly deserve. The tempting changing specialties, together with the warm and inviting atmosphere and attention to your comfort, are ingredients for a recipe to savour. Casual dining serving lunch & dinner. LLBO. Outdoor patio. Please visit website for detailed hours. Reservations recommended. Private function room available. Live music Fridays & Saturdays. All-day Sunday buffet. 14 Mill Street E, Elora, ON N0B 1S0 (519) 846-1104 www.whispersrestaurant.ca 24

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MEET THE CHEF | MOHAMMAD HAQUE

fabulous food experiences

fergus tandoori grill

ohammad Haque wears many hats. He and his partner, Golam Mohiuddin, are owners of the Fergus Tandoori Grill, specializing in fine Indian cuisine. He is also the Executive Chef of this highly-rated restaurant and on occasion, has been known to double as the pleasant host and server. Executive Chef Mohammad Haque: flavours worth the drive to Fergus.

Mohammad and Golam chose to open in this historic Scottish enclave because they saw an opportunity to bring their traditional meals and methods of cooking them here. While Golam is the business end, Mohammad explains, “We are like the branch and its leaves,” obviously a synergy that works. There is no other restaurant in downtown Fergus that offers these taste experiences. From melt-in-the-mouth butter chicken with just the right amount of heat, to succulent shrimp Korma and garlic Naan, Chef Mohammad presides over a kitchen whose mission is to prepare authentic Indian foods, many of which are cooked the unique Tandoor way. And where possible, he uses locally grown ingredients, such as farm eggplant, in his mild bharta. The result is paradise. Tender, spicy or mild depending on taste buds, and delivered to table in copper bowls to keep it hot, the food is a delicious sharing of the Chef’s own. From hosting intimate cooking classes to custom-designing unique temptations for gatherings and weddings, this chef freshly prepares his exotic flavours for a tasteful recipe to experience. Casually elegant. LLBO. Maximum 30 persons. Reservations recommended. Lunch: 11:30 am – 2:30 pm. Dinner: 5 pm – 10 pm 7 days a week. Five-star quality rating at www.foodpages.ca 232 St. Andrew St. W, Fergus, ON N1M 1N7 (519) 787-2304 savourelorafergus.ca

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fabulous food experiences

MEET THE CHOCOLATIERS | GERRY & KRISTA BYERS

i love chocolate

he name says it all. For 16 successful years, self-taught chocolatiers Krista and Gerry Byers and their team have been hand-crafting decadent delights in Belgian chocolate at this Fergus location. Their shop is stuffed with chocolate goodies and treats—whatever you Chocolatiers Krista and Gerry Byers: sometimes love leads to chocolate.

can imagine, and then some. And they’re all lovingly created on site. What started out as a small retail operation—born from a business plan Krista created at University and the desire both she and Gerry had to work together—has become a destination; one where people can taste, discover, savour and take home their favourites. Some of their success is due to the high quality imported Belgian chocolate they start with; some to their pure creativity in finding new ways of looking at chocolate. But the biggest is the love that goes into the painstaking attention to detail that makes every chocolate a firsttime, delectable experience. There’s no doubt these chocolatiers have lots of love. Over several years, Krista and Gerry have adopted five Haitian children, and established various in-store programs for sending support to the orphanage where they once resided. They’ve taught a family in Port au Prince how to sew, providing them with a skill for a sustainable income. And their sister store, I Love That Gift! showcasing gifts and home décor, features the aprons this family in Haiti has made. No wonder that “love” figures so prominently in everything they do—from family and staff, to hand-crafting some of the finest chocolates and sweets anywhere. Open year round, Mon to Sat, 10 am to 6 pm. Open late Thurs & Fri until 8 pm, April to December. Extended hours during Holiday times. New delivery to your door by messenger service. 128 St. Andrew St. W, Fergus, ON N1M 1N5 (519) 843-7906, Toll free: (800) 830-7881 www.ilovechocolate.ca 26

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fabulous food experiences

MEET THE BAKERS | KELLY SMITH & MACEY SIEVWRIGHT

sweet and simple

he first thing that hits you is the wafting smell of freshly-baked bread. From that moment on, the mouth is watering and the eyes are feasting on an array of sinfully rich and decadent cakes, cookies, pastries and tarts—even sandwiches made with the bread Macey Sievwright has baked that morning for “people-on-the-go” lunch combos. Macey is part of the dynamic duo of sisters who own this bakery. Kelly Smith, with Cake ladies Macey Sievwright and Kelly Smith: makin’ bakin’.

the highest designation a baker can receive in Canada—a Red Seal pastry chef attained only after 8,000 hours and a five-year apprenticeship under a European master pastry chef—is the other. Together they’re known as the Cake Ladies. Their fun-hearted motto: “make any occasion a cake occasion” is well-earned and deserved. Kelly has created hundreds of cakes, skillfully shaping and designing them for weddings, themes, corporate functions and birthdays. Some are on display—a purse cake complete with clasp and strap; a wedding cake topped with hand-sculpted chocolate roses in an edible bouquet; a cake in a funky, art deco design. But it is Macey’s red shoes, based on her beloved Wizard of Oz, that really take the cake. Created for her on her 30th birthday by Kelly, the shoes showcase that anything is possible in the realm of this pair’s creativity. “The sky’s the limit,” Macey says. Even that may be somewhat conservative when Kelly starts decorating a cake. Open Tues & Wed, 9:30 am to 5 pm Thurs & Fri, 9:30 am to 6 pm Sat, 9:30 am to 4 pm 187 Saint Andrew St. W, Fergus, ON N1M 1N6 (519) 787-3222 www.sweetandsimpleshop.com savourelorafergus.ca

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MEET THE EVANGELIST | DAVID MEDEIROS

fabulous food experiences

the village olive grove

tocking nothing but the finest in olive oils and vinegars, the husband and wife team of David Medeiros and Barbara Anderson are on a mission: to take the mystique away from the use of extra virgin olive oils and vinegars through education and sampling. Man on a mission: David Medeiros is out to educate on the use of fine oils and vinegars.

The idea started with their desire to operate a wine shop. Instead, they opened The Village Olive Grove—not such a big leap. Oils and vinegars are similar to wine in that each pairs uniquely with different foods. David explains that only international award-winning oils with gold, silver or bronze designations are carried in store. Many are not sold anywhere else in Canada, such as the one that hails from musician/singer Sting’s estate in Tuscany. And they’re not just for cooking. They shine at providing that healthy finishing touch on foods. Shelf signs provide informative tasting notes, the origin and Awards on their 50 oils and 30 vinegars, including how to pair with foods. Two tasting bars, one of which overlooks the Grand River, make it easy, scenic and fun for visitors to sample interesting flavours and learn. Which is the reason they also offer dropin workshops to explore the fine art of tasting and using oils and vinegars, including a handcrafted ice wine vinegar and Verjus, produced provincially in the Niagara Region. “Oils and vinegars are where wine was 30 years ago,” says David. But not for much longer. He’s out to change all that. Featuring Rincón extra virgin olive oil from Spain, selected Best of Class and Best of Show; Gold Medal Winner, Los Angeles, 2009. Tastings and weekend Culinary Workshops throughout the year. 8 Mill St. W, Elora, ON N0B 1S0 (226) 384-7000 www.thevillageolivegrove.com 28

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MEET THE LOCAVORE | DEREK ROBERTS

fabulous food experiences

fraberts fresh food

hopping for fresh produce, meats and cheeses is meant to be a daily occurrence here. Styled after the European way of buying daily to eat fresh every day, Fraberts Fresh Food is all about getting the farm to the table, as fast as possible. Owners Jackie Fraser and Derek Roberts, the “Fra” and “berts” in the name itself, opened their doors with a Chef Derek’s enjoy-at-home meals use the same local ingredients visitors can buy in Fraberts farm-fresh market.

commitment to offer the freshest foods they could. And that meant finding local producers where foods didn’t have to be trucked for miles, and adjusting both products and meals as the growing season changes. Chef Roberts is highly adept at adjusting. A graduate of the Culinary Arts Institute of Ontario, he’s honed his skills with large batch cooking for banquets at Kingsbridge Centre in King City, and refined them further as a sous-chef at the Breadalbane Inn in Fergus. With those skills, his passion for fresh and the support of local growers, he creates madefrom-scratch meals to take home that are as nutritious as they are tasty. Even his deli meats are marinated and cooked here, then hand sliced as needed. Fraberts is also a fresh market, where you can buy and cook with the same ingredients Derek uses every day. From stews to soups, Chef Roberts begins and ends with fresh. The result—if not just like Mom makes—is very close to it. But then Mom probably didn’t add locally brewed Hockley Valley dark ale to her beef stew. Event catering and monthly cooking classes available. Open Mon to Fri, 9 am to 6 pm; Sat 9 am to 5 pm; Sun 10 am to 5 pm. The Fergus Marketplace on the River, 105 Queen Street W, Unit 3, Fergus, ON N1M 1S6 (226) 383-7374 www.frabertsfreshfood.com savourelorafergus.ca

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MEET THE CHEF | CAMERON BRYCE

fabulous food experiences

fifty west

e’s worked at some of the most prestigious hotels and restaurants in Canada. Executive Chef Cameron Bryce wields skills honed from 11 years of food preparation and design in such kitchens as the five-star Eden Dining Room in the Rimrock Hotel in Banff, and the fine-dining Auberge du Pommier in Toronto. Today, he and his talented culinary team Executive Chef Cameron Bryce: personalizing the dining experience, large and small.

are serving up international foods with local flavours at Delta Hotels’ Fifty West Restaurant. And the kitchen is humming. It takes passion and energy to deliver fine foods in a restaurant which seats 120 people, adding another 65 in the summer with a patio. But they do it. Every day. “Our kitchen is your kitchen” is the approach Chef and his team takes. If you want something that’s not on the menu, they’ll do what they can to make it. But why would you? His creativity for blending what’s grown right here with an understanding of what people are looking for arrives at artfully presented, aromatic dishes to tempt the most discerning palate. It’s not always easy to shop locally. As a national chain, Delta is required to buy foods certified through large distributors. But Cameron works closely with distributors to source ingredients in keeping with the 100 Mile Diet. Result? Chef’s menu reads like a “who’s-who” of fresh tastes: Ontario steaks, lamb and pork. Truly a delight for any food lover. Contemporary dining. Open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Sunday brunch 11:30 am to 2 pm. Reservations recommended. 50 Stone Road W, Guelph, ON N1G 0A9 (519) 780-3700 Toll free: (866) 520-4552 www.deltaguelph.com 30

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MEET THE CHEFS | SHARIF AMHED

fabulous food experiences

spice 11 fine indian cuisine

hef Sharif Ahmed is enthusiastic about his food, and proud of his restaurant. He has reason to be. His restaurant has been named best Indian restaurant in 2009 by the regional weekly newspaper, Echo Weekly, and a year earlier received the highest Indian restaurant review in the local Guelph Mercury. Not bad for a restaurant that’s only been around a couple of years. He credits it to the approach he and his assistant chef, Min Bahadurtandoon, have taken. “We want to serve people Chefs Sharif (seated) and brother Min: it’s all about how you put it together.

with different taste experiences, and do it the way they like it.” That, in fact, is how the name of the restaurant came about. There are 11 main spices in Indian food that will give you the flavour, but it’s the way you combine them that makes all the difference. Their lunch buffet has become a popular spot to experience that. This is Sharif’s dream. Although he worked in one of the finest Indian restaurants in Toronto, he wanted to be able to offer a unique, tailored experience to Indian food. Now he does. Inspired by the roots of traditional dishes, Chef Sharif and Assistant Chef Min—who worked in Dubai for 14 years as a special Indian chef—are a team that accommodates taste, but encourages more. Whether it’s creamy butter chicken or more spicy chicken Dansak, if you want suggestions, he’s there, and quite willing to make them. Perhaps he’ll get you to try something new. Lunch Buffet: Mon to Fri noon – 2:30 pm, Sat Lunch Special: 11:30 am – 2:30 pm. Dinner: 5 – 10 pm. Sun Dinner: 1 – 9 pm. 105 McDonnell St., Guelph, ON N1H 2Z7 (519) 821-3343 www.spice11.com savourelorafergus.ca

GRAND ADVENTURES

outdoor experiences

a river runs through it

he scenery is beyond compare. The eons-old limestone cliffs rising from the riverbed at times take your breath away. Here flows Ontario’s great Heritage River: The Grand. Imagine drifting on a tube on a hot, summer’s day, looking at those cliffs from the bottom up—a wholly different view. Consider the ballet of fly-fishing in its quiet stretches, matching wits with some of the wiliest and finest brown trout you’re likely to see. Or the immense power of the river in the spring and fall, when levels rise and the crescendo at Templin Gardens or the Tooth of Time is almost deafening. The wonder of nature as exemplified by the upper Grand River runs through the centres of both towns, and offers a diverse range of adventures, explorations and activities. The famed Elora Gorge is accessible from within scenic Victoria Park in Elora, and via the expansive Elora Conservation Area just downstream. Here you can test your kayaking skills, or make arrangements to learn. For a more relaxed water adventure, enjoy a leisurely float through the Gorge in an inner tube and see centuries of nature’s work undisturbed and up-close. With advance notice, you can try your 32

hand at zip-lining or rock climbing, which is offered by several organizations. You can walk or bike on the scenic Elora Cataract Trailway—a 47-kilometre trail that connects Elora to Belwood Lake, the Forks of the Credit, and points beyond. FLY FISHING The Grand River has become one of Canada’s premier fly fishing destinations. Fly fishers from Europe to California and all points in between come to Fergus and Elora for the experience. Part of the allure is that the River has many faces—from the flat, easy-wading limestone section between Belwood and Fergus, to the escarpment between Fergus and Elora where cliffs tower 60 feet above you with barely a sign of civilization, to the downstream sections, where the river weaves through meadows and cedar bush. There’s no need to hurry though; the fish aren’t going anywhere. Fishing on this stretch is strictly catch-and-release. Bring a camera.

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GRAND ADVENTURES

the grand river

savourelorafergus.ca

outdoor experiences

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MEET THE GUIDE | KEN COLLINS

outdoor experiences

grand river troutfitters

idely known for their education, guiding, expert knowledge, and passionate support of the world-class brown trout fishery, Grand River Troutfitters has broadened its reach as a full-service, “gotta-go-there” fishing Front-of-house O.J. MacDonald keeps the retail store humming when Ken is guiding or teaching.

mecca in southwestern Ontario. Spin fishing has been added to their repertoire. So has live bait and archery. Their 2,700 square foot shop, perfectly situated on the banks of the Grand River in Fergus, now boasts a 20-yard, indoor tournament archery range. Some might find that a little strange. But from owner Ken Collins’ point of view, it’s just a natural extension of the seasons, and the outdoors. “Whether it’s wading waters or walking woodlands in Ontario,” he says, “it’s all about an outdoor experience.” He’s as passionate about preserving that experience for all river visitors as he is about personal service, and the quality and variety of the gear in his shop. But for him it’s not about the gear. It’s what it helps you do. Ken Collins walks the talk. “The rule book on fly fishing has pretty well been written by us,” he says, referring in part to local catch and release strategies that ensure the sustainability of the sport fishery. The result has touched a lot of people. In their plus-15 years of business, Grand River Troutfitters has taught more, taken more people on the river, and helped stock more fish than there ever will be anglers to tell the tale of the “one that got away”. So tips-up, and keep a tight line. May the fish be with you. Open year-round. Authorized MNR Hunting and Angling License issuer. Guiding packages, instruction and special excursions. Founding member and supporter, Friends of the Grand. 105 Queen St. W, Fergus, ON N1M 1S6, (519) 787-4359 www.grandrivertroutfitters.com 34

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FESTIVALS , EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS

experiences to celebrate

the celebration’s the zing

here aren’t many better at throwing a party than the truckers and the Scots. Want proof? Two of the area’s biggest events—the Highland Games and the Fergus Truck Show are here. Both feature outstanding musical guests along with plenty of downhome competition and just plain fun. Music is a big part of everything that happens in our community. And we have it in all tempos and genres. From great live music to award-winning theatre, the roar of a performance engine to the thunder of real horsepower, around here we believe that culture is food for the soul and we’re serving it up hot. Dig in! If theatre’s your flavour, the Drayton Festival is an outstanding professional theatre company just a short drive from Fergus and Elora. It features fabulous live performances of award-winning musicals, dramas and comedy plays. Each year, more than 200,000 visitors enjoy the high calibre of talent that this local theatre brings.

There are stars above, and stars on stage. This year, raise a glass and toast the 31st Anniversary of the Elora Festival and Elora Festival Singers, as they continue a proud tradition of bringing the world of music right to our doorstep. Once heard, you’ll understand why musicians travel from far and wide to be a part of this amazing musical experience. REALLY BIG SHINY TRUCKS In July, the Fergus Truck Show plays host to the biggest trucking event in all of North America, bringing the industry and the people who rely on it together for an openair entertainment weekend like no other. The

ELORA FESTIVAL The sweet sounds of voices singing in harmony combine with classical melodies and the rhythmic beats of World Music, and echo through the caverns of the Gorge and flow throughout the village. This is the sound of Elora on a warm summer night. savourelorafergus.ca

FESTIVALS , EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS

event has grown into a four-day festival that is fun for the whole family. From the roar of the truck pulls to the smashing excitement of the Demolition Derby, the show is punctuated by four days and nights of some of country and rock music’s major headlining acts. SCOTLAND WITHOUT THE AIRFARE In August, the tents go up and the excitement around town builds. You can hear bagpipes in the distance and you know it’s time for the 65th Annual Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games. One of the best parties of the summer, clans and the curious gather from around the world to enjoy three days of great live music, Highland dancing and worldclass competition in the Heavy Events. There’s genealogy, guest speakers, and camping. Oh yes, did we mention music?

experiences to celebrate

take us into the future, celebrating who we are and where we came from. A FEAST FOR THE SENSES When seasons turn to fall, Sensational Elora turns the town into a festive, ten-day event that celebrates all the things we love, from music and art, drama, film, heritage architecture and breathtaking scenery, to our love of local foods and the people who make them. In the spirit of community, our Empty Bowls and Empty Glasses fundraiser helps support our own Centre Wellington Food Bank. In this Celebration of the Senses, we delight in Film on a Plate, the Sensational Soup Off, the Moveable Feast and a Film Festival for Youth. Add cooking classes, a bed race, a gorgeous gala kick-off and a full slate of events, and it’s well... sensational!

HERITAGE & SUMMERLONG EVENTS The spirit of place here is strong, and the telling of it can be found in the Wellington County Museum and Archives. Standing like a hilltop sentinel between Elora and Fergus, it is the jewel of our heritage crown, and a centre for year-round events and exhibitions that 36

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FESTIVALS , EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS

food for the soul

savourelorafergus.ca

explore, relax, indulge, enjoy

FESTIVALS , EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS

experiences to investigate

wellington county museum & archives

stablished in 1954, the Wellington County Museum and Archives today makes its home in a building with a much earlier and storied history. Originally constructed in 1877 as a selfsufficient industrial farm to house the poor, it was called the â&#x20AC;&#x153;House of Industry and Refuge.â&#x20AC;? Later, it became a long term care home. Since 1975, when the Museum located here, an ever-popular year-round program of events and exhibitions draws thousands of visitors annually. Changing museum standards and building codes led to an expansion and renovation project that was completed in 1987. And in 2010, a much-needed expansion of the Archives has tripled storage capacity, and provides a larger and better equipped public reading room to meet the increasing demand by genealogists and researchers. The impressive hilltop site and stately 19th century architecture reflects the importance of the Museum and Archives as an established feature in the cultural and historical mosaic of the community. Stories from our past to the artistic voices of our present celebrate who we are and where we are going. Changing exhibitions and honoured long term displays guarantee that visitors will see something new on each visit. Outdoor all-ages activities include butterfly-watching and the annual end-of-summer car show. Visit our website for a full list of events, including Doors Open, Rural Romp, Harvest Home Festival. 0536 Wellington Rd. 18 (between Fergus and Elora) R.R. 1, Fergus, ON N1M 2W3 (519) 846-0916 www.wcm.on.ca 41

ELORA

maps & wayfinding Chefs / Culinary 11 Breadalbane Bistro 12 Elora Mill Inn 13 Whispers 14 Fergus Tandoori Grill 15 I Love Chocolate 16 Sweet and Simple 17 The Village Olive Grove 18 Fraberts Fresh Food 45 Van Gali’s Café 46 Goofie Newfie 47 The Dragonfly Café

Grower Attraction / Event Retail / Service Dining Bed & Breakfasts Dining+Accommodation Tourism Info Centre

Growers 4 Best Baa 10 Elora Farmers’ Market

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FERGUS

maps & wayfinding

Attractions & Events 21 Grand River Troutfitters 22 Wellington County Museum & Archives 48 Fergus Scottish Festival 49 Elora Gorge Conservation Area 50 Butterfly Garden 55 Elora Centre for the Arts 56 Stone Threads Fibre Art 68 Grand River Raceway 68 OLG Slots 69 Elora Festival Office 70 Elora Festival Venues

Accommodations 23 3 Bears B&B 24 Drew House 25 Log Cabin Heaven 26 Four Seasons 27 Sem Wissler House 28 Stoneacre 29 Tynavon 30 Wiggit Hall 31 After the Ceilidh 32 Beatty House 34 Dream Corners 35 Fergus Fly~In 40 Stonehurst 41 St George’s 42 Thistlebrae

35 Shops & Boutiques 57 Steve’s Sheepskins 58 Stÿll 59 Karger Gallery 60 Elora General Store 61 Ben Heather Celtic 62 Macadi Jewellery 63 Estate of Mind 64 Sweet Trash 65 Rakesh Esthetics 67 Cherry Hill Entertainment

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savourelorafergus.ca

GUELPH AND WELLINGTON COUNTY

Grower Attraction / Event Retail / Service Dining Bed & Breakfasts Dining+Accommodation Tourism Info Centre

44 51 20

Savour Elora Fergus www.savourelorafergus.ca

19 www.guelphwellingtonlocalfood.ca

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maps & wayfinding Growers 1 Mapleton’s Organic 2 Whispering Meadows 3 Thatcher Farms 5 Blue Haven Farms 6 Shepherd’s Watch Market 7 Cox Creek 8 F&M Brewery 9 Hav A Heart Beef Chefs / Culinary 19 Fifty-West 20 Spice 11 Attractions & Galleries 66 Wellington Artists Gallery

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Accommodations 25 Log Cabin Heaven 26 Four Seasons 33 De Herberg 35 Fergus Fly~In 36 Maplecrest 37 Morning Glory 38 Oxy Acres 39 Riverwood 43 Maryhill Inn 44 London House 51 Norfolk Guest House 52 Highland Pines 19 Delta Guelph Hotel 23 Grand Retreat

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savourelorafergus.ca

EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS

experiences to celebrate

explore, relax, indulge, enjoy

EVENTS & OCCASIONS

experiences to celebrate

The Travelling Gourmet Experience the sights, sounds, freshness and foods of our local growers and farms in true style. A unique, two-night experience that incudes accommodation and breakfasts, highlighted by an afternoon quest for freshness in your own chauffeured stretch limousine! Afterwards, enjoy a private gourmet dinner made with fresh local foods from the area. Groups welcome. For details, visit www.ruralRitz.com

Look for this Travelling Gourmet symbol at these participating B&Bs: De Herberg, Fergus Fly~In, Maplecrest Farm, Morning Glory, Oxy Acres, Riverwood. Transportation by Mirage Limousine.

For your most special, personal and private occasions... Proposal

•

Anniversary

•

Romance...

Indulge in a truly outstanding, private package to celebrate love. Two full days, exotic meals, including a gourmet candlelight dinner. Chocolates, roses & champagne. Massage treatment and chauffeured carriage to and from your door via stretch limousine. An unforgettable experience, exclusively for two. Enquire today for availability. • 877-343-9981 • escape@grandretreat.com

Grand Retreat, Elora, Ontario A private acre of heaven on the banks of the Grand River

grandretreat.com

savourelorafergus.ca

ACCOMMODATIONS

overnight experiences

setting the standard

ake a deep breath—and exhale. Whatever escape you’re looking for, you’ve come to the right place. Each of our area Bed & Breakfasts and Inns has their own unique charm, and hosts are wellversed in the art of indulging. As a group, we’ve set ourselves a lofty goal: to “set the standard” when it comes to Bed & Breakfast accommodations in Ontario. Our members, the B&Bs of the Fergus Elora Bed & Breakfast Association, strive to provide a quality of service and overnight experience that’s unsurpassed. The same is true in Guelph, where members of the Guelph and Area Bed & Breakfast Association look forward to welcoming you, and making your stay unforgettable. Our communities also feature outstanding Inns and larger hotels, including the Delta Hotel in Guelph, the Elora Mill Inn, and the historic Breadalbane Inn in Fergus. Several websites are available to help you find room availability and property details in advance. A visit to www.febba.ca will show you at a glance who has rooms available within the entire community, which is helpful when you want to overnight on a popular weekend. Another good resource is www.hostoncall.com, which reports B&B room availability for a wider geographic area, including Guelph. 48

And if you find yourself in-town and need help booking accommodations, simply call or visit one of our Information Centres listed on page 6. They’re open seven days a week, and will go online to help find a lastminute room for you, quickly and easily. But a bed isn’t all that makes for a bed & breakfast experience. There’s the breakfast too. And we like to go out of our way to provide a breakfast you’ll remember and rave about—often made with locally available produce and ingredients. In many large and small ways, we’re here to do what it takes to make you feel at home. Welcome to ours.

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ACCOMMODATIONS

overnight experiences

relax & indulge

BED & BREAKFAST CODES

FB CB PB SB AC R CC SF YR C P NP WA

Full Breakfast Continental Breakfast Private Bath Shared Bath Air Conditioning Reservations Credit Cards Smoke Free Year Round Children Welcome Pets in residence No Guest Pets Wheelchair Accessible

garrett klassen & melanie ward

ELORA

FB,PB,AC,R,CC,SF,YR,NP

3 bears

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grand retreat

ecommended by Janette Higgins in her Guide to “The Best Places to Bed & Breakfast in Ontario.” Our riverfront property has three guest rooms, all with private or ensuite bath, and can sleep a maximum of nine. Guest quarters are separate from the residence, with a private entrance to our guest kitchen. Here you’ll find fridge, microwave, coffeemaker and other conveniences. The Chart Room features a pool table, upright piano, TV with DVD, guest computer with free high speed wireless internet, darts, games and a small library. There's also a walkout to the covered guest patio that overlooks the river and gardens, a hammock, and a firepit for late-night stargazing by the Grand River. Small touches will make you feel welcome, including fresh-cut flowers, bottled water if you wish it, stemware and a welc ome folder with maps and area brochures in each room. There are bathrobes, blow dryers in each bathroom and nightly turn-down service with a chocolate on the pillow. Creative, gourmet breakfasts and personalized menus are created daily. World-class fly fishing on a prime catch-and-release section of the river is right outside our door, and access to the Elora Cataract Trailway is just a kilometre away. 568 South River Road, Elora, ON N0B 1S0 (519) 843-5556 (866) 457-7770 getaway@the3bears.com www.the3bears.com Member: FOBBA 50

fergus elora bed & breakfast association

roger dufau & kathleen stanley

ELORA

FB,PB,AC,R,CC,SF,YR,C,NP

drew house

estled in the heart of Elora, Drew House offers guests a magical retreat from the pressures of everyday life. A historic two-acre estate, this nineteenth-century home with its rustic stone coach house and gardens provides room to relax and enjoy a peaceful night’s stay. Drew House was constructed between 1848 and 1854 by George Drew, a prominent village attorney. It is notable for its fine architectural features, from its wraparound porch and hand-carved bric-a-brac trim, to its distinctive cathedral windows. The historic main house is ideal for families. The front, with its grand staircase, has four guest rooms, a library, fireplace, kitchen, sitting areas and two full baths. The rear portion of the house—originally the servants’ quarters—can sleep a maximum of five, with two bedrooms, sitting areas, fireplace, and kitchen. The renovated stone coach house, which once served as a livery, features six guest rooms, all with private bath. Two are equipped with Jacuzzi-style tubs. We serve a full, gourmet breakfast each morning. Cooking classes are offered periodically throughout the year. With ample off-street parking, we are within walking distance of Elora’s shops, restaurants, cinema and scenic attractions. 120 Mill St. E, Elora, ON N0B 1S0 (519) 846-2226 innkeeper@drewhouse.com www.drewhouse.com setting the standard: www.febba.ca

ro cober

ELORA

FB,CB,PB,AC,R,CC,SF,YR,NP

log cabin heaven

elcome to our luxurious, five star, private Bed and Breakfast, Day and Destination Spaâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;open year round! We are featured in Inns, Healing Lifestyles, Solo, Spalife and Grand Magazines. Our secluded, five-acre, hilltop country spa retreat is just across from the Elora Gorge Conservation Area. The gated entry leads to our beautiful log home, offering one luxurious guestsuite for the ultimate in privacy, with king size, hand carved log bed and a glass walkout onto a private sundeck, overlooking your own enchanted forest. Amenities include private ensuite with oversized Jacuzzi, bathrobes and imported aromatherapy products. The Spa offers an indoor heated pool, waterfall and cedar sauna. Relax in the hammock for two, enjoy a meditation, cooking class or outdoor massage. Our resident California chef creates menus using local, organic foods and offers international cuisine, vegan, vegetarian, exotic meats and specialty diets. Packages available with gourmet dinners, cooking classes, massages, meditation, facials, scrubs and candlelit swims to meet your every desire! Overnight packages for one to two adults. Day spa packages available for private groups from one to 10 adults. Indulge your senses in a quiescently delightful experience for the spirit and leave peacefully refreshed! 7384 Middlebrook Road, Elora, ON N0B 1S0 (519) 846-9439 info@logcabinheaven.com www.logcabinheaven.com Member: FOBBA 52

fergus elora bed & breakfast association

ELORA

margaret & john markvart FB,PB,R,CC,SF,YR,C,NP

four seasons ~ quatre saisons

elcome to our home on three scenic acres overlooking the beautiful Grand River Valley just a short walk away from the entrance to the Elora Gorge Conservation Area. Three beautifully decorated bedrooms, two with ensuite, one with private bath. Warm hospitality, delicious breakfast. 7379 Wellington Rd 21, R.R. 2, Elora, ON N0B 1S0 (519) 846-8678 email@fourseasons-quatresaisons.ca www.fourseasons-quatresaisons.ca Member: FOBBA

ELORA

marilyn bustard FB,CB,PB,R,AC,CC,SF,YR,NP

sem wissler house

his old stone house with very colourful perennial gardens offers two rooms with ensuite bathrooms, and a two-room suite with queen bed, single bed, pullout couch and TV/VCR. Common areas include den with TV/DVD, library with TV, living room, kitchenette, deck and patio.

17 George St., Elora, ON N0B 1S0 (519) 846-2130 marilyn.bustard@sympatico.ca www.bbcanada.com/1248.html setting the standard: www.febba.ca

kay & dave bradley

ELORA

FB,SB,AC,R,SF,C,NP

stoneacre

elcome to Stoneacre— your home away from home. Our 1873 restored stone home provides a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. We offer two rooms, each with a queen bed. There are two bathrooms—one up and one down, a wood stove in the family room for winter evenings, private off-road parking and an acre of tree shaded gardens. Start your day with a full breakfast (let us know if a special diet is required), then walk into Elora to shop, dine, or hike the scenic Elora Gorge. 363 Geddes St., Elora, ON N0B 1S0 (519) 846-5497 stoneacre@wightman.ca www.bbcanada.com/4645.html

ELORA

chris craig & david bluhm FB,PB,AC,R,CC,SF,YR,NP

tynavon “The most beautiful B&B in the region.” –Toronto Star ynavon offers relaxation and comfort in an 1856 stone home only three blocks from downtown. Four beautifully decorated rooms with private baths and lovingly restored living room with fireplace await. Recommended by Janette Higgins’ “Best Places to Bed & Breakfast in Ontario”.

84 Mill St. E, P.O. Box 1024, Elora, ON N0B 1S0 (519) 846-6695 (866) 334-3305 relax@tynavon.ca www.tynavon.ca 54

fergus elora bed & breakfast association

julie denneny

ELORA

CB,PB,AC,R,CC,SF,YR,P,NP

wiggit hall guesthouse & gallery

elcome to our historic guesthouse and gallery. A place for art lovers, our gallery features fine art by Tim Murton and is open weekends or by appointment. Located within a very short walk to everything Elora has to offer including the Gorge, guests are welcome to come and go as they wish. Each private room is decorated in a mix of traditional and contemporary, featuring ensuite bathroom, individually controlled air conditioning, original character and woodwork. Our perennial garden, balcony and porch are comfortable places to enjoy your fresh ground coffee and home baking or to chat, surf, read or perhaps paint... 249 Geddes Street, Elora, ON N0B 1S0 (519) 846-0024 wiggithall@cogeco.ca http://home.cogeco.ca/~wiggithall/

FERGUS

www.timmurton.com

mike & linda baker FB,PB,AC,R,SF,YR,NP

after the ceilidh

fter the Ceilidh (pronounced kay-lee, from the Gaelic for party or dance) offers two spacious guest suites: The Skye Garden Suite is an intimate thirdfloor hideaway featuring queensized bed, private ensuite bath, gas fireplace, separate air conditioner, mini fridge, coffee maker, and relaxing Jacuzzi tub for two. The romantic Ceilidh Castle Suite offers a queen mahogany four poster bed, private ensuite bath with jet massage shower, gas fireplace, separate air conditioner, mini fridge, and coffee maker. Our guests enjoy the common MacKay sitting room with TV, comfy chairs, wireless internet and a second floor balcony.

505 St. Andrew St. W, Fergus, ON N1M 1P4 (519) 843-4411 lambko@sentex.net www.febba.ca/ceilidh setting the standard: www.febba.ca

FERGUS

edward & stephanie smith FB,PB,SB,AC,R,SF,NP

beatty house

amed Ontarioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best example of an Arts and Crafts Style house, our Heritage home maintains its original dĂŠcor. Surrounded by beautiful gardens, and centrally located in historic downtown Fergus within walking distance of shops, pubs and restaurants. Relax and leave refreshed after enjoying a delicious home-cooked breakfast. 235 St. David St. S, Fergus, ON N1M 2L6 (519) 843-4101 eketch36@aol.com www.febba.ca/beatty

ria pulles

FERGUS

FB,PB,R,CC,SF,YR,NP

de herberg

urrounded by gardens, fields, trees and a secluded pond, de Herberg is a peaceful haven, close to Fergus and Elora. It offers three spacious rooms, all with private bathrooms, one with a Jacuzzi; as well as a sauna and exercise room. Enjoy a great European style breakfast. Lunches and dinners are available on request. R.R. 4, Belwood, ON N0B 1J0 (519) 843-7552 utah38@sympatico.ca www.febba.ca/deherberg 56

www.ruralritz.com Member: FOBBA

fergus elora bed & breakfast association

FERGUS

arlie & verna hunt FB,CB,PB,AC,R,CC,SF,YR,C,NP,WA

dream corners

or down-home hospitality, come visit our century home which maintains a lot of its originality. Relax in our guest lounge or sit on one of our many decks and enjoy our beautiful gardens; then awake in the morning to the aroma of home baking and enjoy our scrumptious breakfast. Our home offers three rooms which includes a family suite and wireless internet. We are close to downtown with its many pubs, restaurants, shops and the Grand River for fly fishing enthusiasts, or you can take a walk or bike ride on the nearby Elora Cataract Trailway. 498 St. David St. N, Fergus, ON N1M 2K2 (519) 787-7737, fax: (519) 787-2152 dreamcorners@wightman.ca www.dreamcorners.com

FERGUS

chris & helen juergensen FB,AC,R,SF,C,NP

fergus fly~in

ew Cape Cod house with heated indoor pool and sundeck. Two large guest rooms with a third bedroom behind one of them, which is suitable for family or close friends. Our rooms have sofa and armchairs, tables and colour TV. Enjoy our country breakfast with home-baked bread and buns. Arrange for a daytrip in our airplane.

R.R. 1, Fergus, ON N1M 2W3 (519) 843-1487 christel.juergensen@sympatico.ca www.fergusflyinbandb.com Member: OFCA www.ruralritz.com setting the standard: www.febba.ca

FERGUS

george & dorothy collin FB,PB,SB,SF,YR,NP

maplecrest farm

elcome to our renovated country stone house. Ten kilometres to the tourist events of Fergus, Elora and Belwood Lake. A unique gathering room and solarium are special features in our home. Gardens and a pottery studio are our focus. Come and enjoy! 6827 2nd Line, R.R. 3, Fergus, ON N1M 2W4 (519) 787-1849 www.ruralritz.com gd.collin@sympatico.ca www.bbcanada.com/5304.html Member: OFCA, FOBBA

FERGUS

cathy chanasyk FB,PB,R,SF,YR,P

morning glory

elcome to casual elegance and warm hospitality. Our spacious King Room boasts a four-piece ensuite with Jacuzzi tub, TV/DVD and walk-in closet, while our tailored Queen Room offers private TV/DVD and bath. Enjoy vaulted ceilings and large windows throughout our home. We offer a variety of delectable full breakfast menus with emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. Relax by our pond and outdoor sitting area. Just a short walk down the hill from our property is beautiful Lake Belwood and the Cataract Trailway. Enjoy the many local tourist events of Fergus, Elora and the Grand River area, just minutes away. Come and experience the glory of Morning Glory! 1 Amalia Crescent, Belwood, Ontario N0B1J0 (519) 787-2225 www.ruralritz.com chanasyk@morningglorybnb.com www.morningglorybnb.com Member: FOBBA 58

fergus elora bed & breakfast association

FERGUS

peter & melanie morel FB,PB,R,CC,SF,YR,P

oxy acres

ur log home on 95 acres of reforested farmland offers a peaceful, bright environment with all accommodations on the main floor. Perennial gardens, trails and birdwatching. Visit Melanieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s weaving studio. Fifteen minutes from Fergus and the Grand River. Enjoy a full breakfast prepared with seasonal local produce. Family dogs share our home, and canine guests are welcome. Special rates for dog care while you explore. Horse livery is available at a neighbouring farm. 7032 3rd Line, RR 3, Arthur, ON N0G 1A0 (519) 848-6521 belv@sympatico.ca www.febba.ca/oxyacres

www.ruralritz.com Member: OFCA

only half of a bed & breakfast experience is the bed Experience the outstanding breakfasts and beds served up by the members of the Fergus Elora Bed & Breakfast Association.

.ca Setting the Standard

visit www.febba.ca for complete property information and online availability setting the standard: www.febba.ca

FERGUS

bert & marilyn peel FB,PB,AC,R,SF,YR,NP

riverwood b&b and retreat centre

xperience the country. Riverwood offers a beautiful, peaceful setting in which to relax, tucked away on 12 acres of woods with the Irvine River running through the back of the property. Enjoy the beautiful perennial gardens and a walk in the woods. In our air conditioned home, guests enjoy a separate wing of the house including a sunroom, living room with TV and walkout to the wrap-around porch. The guest rooms have ensuite baths and are all on the main floor of the house. We are minutes away from Fergus and Elora. Bicycle and snowmobile trails are close by. We have plenty of parking for cars and recreational vehicles. Be sure to ask about our Travelling Gourmet Experience, called “Rural Ritz”, where you tour local farm gate producers in style in a chauffeured stretch limousine; then enjoy a private gourmet dinner prepared by a local chef. And if that’s not your style, perhaps we can interest you in one of our backyard bonfires, or professional ballroom dancing classes. Also available are “Hobby Getaway Packages” for scrapbookers, knitters, card makers and quilters. “Bridge Getaways” are also popular. Your hosts, Bert and Marilyn, are dedicated to making your stay a memorable one. 6885 5th Line, R.R. 1, Belwood, ON N0B 1J0 (519) 843-9982 www.ruralritz.com info@riverwoodretreatbb.com www.riverwoodretreatbb.com Member: FOBBA 60

fergus elora bed & breakfast association

FERGUS

deb & rich schlieker FB,PB,AC,R,CC,SF,YR,NP

stonehurst

njoy the warmth and comfort of our heritage home. Our timeless 1867 Georgian stone home is located in the heart of Fergus, mere steps away from the local restaurants, shops, entertainment and sights. More than a complement to the town, Stonehurst shares in its history and is an ideal place to stay when you visit and explore Fergus and Elora. Recommended by Janette Higgins as one of ‘The Best Places to Bed & Breakfast in Ontario’, our guests enjoy beautifully appointed rooms each with a private ensuite – two have the added luxury of an air-jet tub. High ceilings enhance the generous room size and the bedding is of superior quality for a most restful slumber. Guests have use of the year-round hot tub and exercise room as well as a seasonal swimming pool. Those wishing to relax in tranquil surroundings can choose to spend time in the conservatory with its indoor fountain, in the Victorian and Georgian gardens or simply lounge in the shade on the front porches. The scrumptious daily breakfast is served with traditional flair in the elegant dining room. Stonehurst breakfasts always include coffee/tea, juices, fresh fruit, home-baked specialties and a hot daily selection. 265 St. David St. S, Fergus, ON N1M 2L6 (519) 843-8800 info@stonehurstbb.com www.stonehurstbb.com setting the standard: www.febba.ca

Member: FOBBA 61

barbara dyer

FERGUS

FB,AC,SF,YR,NP,SB

st. georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

uilt in the 1920s, this charming red brick house offers two bedrooms each with double beds and central air conditioning. Close to downtown Fergus and situated directly across from the Curling Club. Only five minutes to Elora with its picturesque scenery and quaint boutiques. Short drive to St. Jacobs and Mennonite Country.Local attractions include Elora Gorge and Quarry, Art and Glass Studios and Antique stores. Close to excellent fly fishing on the Grand River and hiking and biking on the Elora Cataract Trailway. 185 St. George St. W, Fergus, ON N1M 1H8 (519) 787-1825 saintgeorge@sentex.net www.bbcanada.com/2655.html

jennifer johnson

FERGUS

FB,PB,AC,R,SF,YR,NP

thistlebrae

ympathetically restored c1920 home with two ensuite, queen guest rooms. French doors from guest living room lead to deck and in-ground pool. Multi-course breakfasts feature home baking and preserves. Walk four blocks to downtown Fergus and the Grand River. 146 Garafraxa St. E, Fergus, ON N1M 1C9 (519) 843-3083 jenjohn@cogeco.ca www.febba.ca/thistlebrae 62

fergus elora bed & breakfast association

webb & sandra kamminga

MARYHILL

FB,PB,AC,R,CC,SF,YR,NP

maryhill country inn

aryhill Inn is an historic 1850s restored country inn which offers six luxurious guestrooms, each with its own ensuite bathroom, fireplace, comfortable sitting area, satellite TV/VCR and air conditioning. Some rooms have a clawfoot or soaker tub. A full gourmet breakfast is served on Wedgwood China in our elegant great room. The Inn is centrally located near Fergus/Elora, and 12 minutes from St. Jacobs, which features boutique shopping and a large farmers’ market. Enjoy the quiet atmosphere of the Inn which served as a stagecoach stop in the 1800s.

1302 Maryhill Road, Maryhill, ON N0B 2B0 Toll free: (877) 748-3098 manager@maryhillinn.com virtual tour: www.maryhillinn.com

melanie & andy mclennan

GUELPH

FB,PB,SB,AC,R,CC,SF,YR,C,NP

london house bed & breakfast

ver the last 20 years, Melanie and Andy McLennan have welcomed guests from around the world—and from the neighbourhood—through the doors of London House Bed and Breakfast. Sink into the comfort and quietness of this heritage home in one of Guelph’s most beautiful neighbourhoods. The smell of fresh baking and specially blended coffee will coax you out of bed in the morning. The attention to your personal needs, and to the fine details of decor and cleanliness, will keep you coming back again and again. 80 London Road W, Guelph ON N1H 2B7 (519) 824-6874 Toll free: (877) 836-6874 info@londonhouse.ca www.londonhouse.ca Member: FOBBA setting the standard: www.febba.ca

ACCOMMODATIONS

Relax with us in Comfort & Style 180 St. Andrew Street East, Fergus, ON N1M 1P8 519.787.2900 www.vangalis.ca

overnight experiences

café and inn Private Overnight Accommodations Breakfast included in our downstairs café

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ACCOMMODATIONS

savourelorafergus.ca

overnight experiences

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FERGUS & ELORA JUNE 26, 2010 10 am – 4 pm

savourelorafergus.ca

CALENDAR

experiences to bookmark

2010 highlights JUNE 26

Doors Open Fergus and Elora, www.elorafergus.travel A one-day opportunity to explore our history and heritage buildings. JULY 1 Elora Dominion Day & Fergus Canada Day Celebrations, elorafergus.travel Pancake breakfast, parade, live music, BBQ, duck race, fireworks and more. JULY 9 – AUG 1 The Elora Festival, www.elorafestival.com Treat yourself to the world’s finest music; various locations throughout Elora. JULY 10 – 11 Art in the Yard, Elora Centre for the Arts, www.eloracentreforthearts.ca Popular annual outdoor juried art exhibition and sale. JULY 22 – 25 Fergus Truck Show, www.fergustruckshow.com North America’s leading family entertainment and trucking event. JULY 31 World’s Longest BBQ, Grand River Raceway, www.grandriverraceway.com Thousands of Canadians raise forks and take part in a toast to regional fare. AUGUST 2 Industry Day at Grand River Raceway, www.grandriverraceway.com Catch the spirit of live harness racing, featuring the Battle of Waterloo. AUGUST 13–15 65th Annual Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games The best of Scotland, without the airfare. www.fergusscottishfestival.com AUGUST 27–28 Riverfest, Elora Centre for the Arts, www.eloracentreforthearts.ca Grab your lawn chairs and friends for an evening of cool music and hot food. AUGUST 29 Antique and Classic Car Show, www.wcm.on.ca Entertainment, refreshments, family activities and the best cars around. SEPTEMBER 10 Fergus BIA Classic Car Show, www.fergusbia.ca About 140 oldies into downtown for this 15th Annual classic show n’ shine. SEPTEMBER 17–19 Fergus Fall Fair, www.fergusfallfair.ca Country joins with the townsfolk for a fun weekend, including a midway. SEPTEMBER 25/26 Elora Fergus Studio Tour, www.elorafergusstudiotour.ca OCTOBER 2/3 A unique opportunity to visit working artist studios and meet the creators. OCTOBER Monster Month, www.elora.info Opportunities galore to join the monstrous fun in this month-long festival. OCTOBER 3 Harvest Home Festival, Wellington County Museum, www.wcm.on.ca A family celebration of the county's rich agricultural past. OCTOBER 1–11 Sensational Elora, www.sensationalelora.com Award-winning, 10-day Festival of the Senses, featuring the renowned music, art, drama, film, food, scenery and architecture of historic Elora. For a full and complete year-round listing of all festivals and events in Elora, Fergus and Wellington County, please visit www.savourelorafergus.ca, and click the Calendar link.

1-877-242-6353 68

explore, relax, indulge, enjoy

THE ARTS

creativity

experiences to inspire WEBSITES TO WATCH

www.febba.ca www.wcm.on.ca www.elorafestival.com www.fergustruckshow.com www.eloracentreforthearts.ca www.fergusscottishfestival.com www.guelphwellingtonlocalfood.ca www.elorafergusstudiotour.ca www.sensationalelora.com www.savourelorafergus.ca www.elorafergus.travel www.fergusfallfair.ca www.fergusbia.ca www.elora.info

savourelorafergus.ca

THE CREATIVE COMMUNITY

experiences to inspire

elora-fergus studio tour

he Elora-Fergus Studio tour brings together artists and the people who buy their art in the relaxed and informative setting of studios spread across scenic Centre Wellington. Being on the tour gives artists the opportunity to showcase their works and studios to the public. But the tour is more than just an insight into the creative process—artists get face-to-face with local residents and visitors who may know them only as names on a canvas or a piece of pottery. The tour gives art a face and a personality. The first studio tour, in 1987, featured about a dozen artists in a "trial run" and it's grown over the years to become a staple of the fall art and tourism calendar in the area. In 2009, three dozen Centre Wellington artists working in almost every artistic medium took part—internationally known painters like Joel Masewich, award-winning glass artists like Stephen Kitras and Tim and Katherine McManus, plus jewellers, potters, sculptors, fabric artists, photographers, metal workers and encaustic artists.

The self-guided, free tour runs the last weekend in September and the first weekend in October, and takes visitors on a delightful trek through historic Fergus and Elora, and out into the autumn countryside in the heart of southwestern Ontario. Home base is the restored stone school building now the Elora Centre for the Arts—one example of the wealth of history and heritage buildings visitors will find on the tour. Many are within short walking distance of each other. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 25-26, Oct. 2-3, 2010. 37 artists across Centre Wellington. Studios open 10 am to 5 pm each day. Select studios also open year-round by appointment. Pictured above: Stephen Kitras, Linda Coop, Barry McCarthy. www.elorafergusstudiotour.ca 70

explore, relax, indulge, enjoy

THE ARTS

experiences to inspire

the arts in elora and fergus

here is a cultural vibe that radiates through Elora and Fergus, a creative energy that draws artists, musicians and art lovers together to build an enclave of talent with a supportive audience. Art is alive here. Culture feeds our souls and we invite you to savour the sights and sounds that inspire our vibrant villages. Some of the most important artists in our nation have been inspired by our landscape. A.J. Casson fell in love with our scenic views. This is the birthplace of the panoramic camera, through John R. Connon’s lens. Many more artisans would follow, wooed to the area by the rustic beauty and historic structures. There was something special here and visitors could feel it. ARTISTIC EXPRESSION IN EVERY FORM Today we are home to an eclectic group of celebrated artisans: choreographers and dancers, writers and poets, musicians, painters, actors, singers, sculptors, potters and weavers, photographers, designers and craftspeople—all visionaries of culture. From this innovative group, organizations and collectives have blossomed, each with its own distinct flavour of artistic expression. Village Idiot Productions bring live music and outdoor art to Elora while independent theatre companies such as Elora Community Theatre and Grinder Productions grace the savourelorafergus.ca

stage of the newly refurbished Fergus Grand Theatre. Exhibitions hosted at the Wellington County Museum include the annual juried art show, “Insights.” Through the Elora Arts Council, artists of diverse mediums put together the Elora Fergus Studio Tour, a successful behind-the-scenes tour of the intimate studios of participating artists that has grown into a “must see” event over two weekends in autumn. A CENTRE FOR THE ARTS Art has a permanent home in a 150 year-old restored heritage building which has become the Elora Centre for the Arts. It offers studio space, fine art instruction in different mediums, performance space and children’s programming too. The Minarovich Gallery welcomes the public to exhibitions featuring an impressive combination of nationally renowned artists and locally emerging talents, engaging artists and visitors alike. The gallery is free to the public. When the summer sun warms the rocks of the Gorge, the arts come outdoors with a summer lineup of family-friendly events. July brings the annual Art in the Yard to the grounds of the Elora Centre for the Arts, an art-lovers shopping delight. Whatever the season, the spice of life is art, and we have it in abundance here. It’s eye candy all year long. Enjoy the view. 71

THE ARTS

experiences to inspire

special 2010 dates for the arts ARTCETERA 2010 ART AUCTION, MAY 6 – 8 ART IN THE YARD, OUTDOOR JURIED ART SHOW AND SALE, JULY 10 & 11 IMAGINATION STATION, SUMMER ARTS CAMP FOR KIDS, AUGUST RIVERFEST MUSIC EVENT, AUGUST 27 & 28

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RETAIL RECIPES

boutiques & diversions

the finishing touch

he final spices and finishes for your recipe to savour Elora and Fergus await you in the unique shops, boutiques, galleries and cafés of our community. Like the final details on the presentation of a well-prepared plate, this is where you’ll find the flourishes of your visit that you can take home as a memorable gift, or simply enjoy. In Elora you’ll discover the artistry and artisan work created at the hands of the creative community living here. Some items are clearly one-of-a-kind, while others are merely uncommon and unusual. In shops housed in centuries-old stone buildings, you’ll find sculpture, glass, soft leather clothing, pottery and antiques: unique items you simply have to stop to admire, and sometimes, make your own. In Fergus, just five kilometres and mere minutes away, you’ll discover a different, but equally rewarding experience. Walk the streets of this historic Scottish enclave and pop into a fine clothier, gift shop, or browse some books. There are excellent jewellers, pubs, a chocolatier, and a highly-personal and experienced health food store, amongst many others. In between, soak in the energy, the soothing power and majesty that is the Grand River. It flows through the heart of town in an area known as Templin Gardens—a scenic, savourelorafergus.ca

not-to-be-missed visit at the walking bridge to the old Fergus Marketplace building. And when you’ve experienced it all— relax. Let yourself be pampered in any of our peaceful, serene day-spas, whose sole mission in life is to make you feel rejuvenated—just in time to have some fun at the slots and take in live harness racing at the Grand River Raceway. AROUND THE NEXT BEND... Retailing will always be about stores, whether they are housed in the limestone buildings that line our streets, or in the virtual environment of the web. But something else is happening, and it’s all about basics. It has to do with how people and communities work together to efficiently make fresh foods available on local tables. Home delivery is making a comeback. Connections are growing between our producers and restaurants, where farm-fresh is now often delivered daily to the door by the grower, a trip back to those days when the milkman used to call. Retail stores are working with local B &Bs to supply and sell the homemade goodness created from justpicked ingredients. Getting fresh local food to table is one of the next great challenges of our high-tech age. It’s a puzzle that communities 73

RETAIL RECIPES

throughout North America are trying to solve, with initiatives like the Ontario Culinary Tourism Alliance, the Slow Food Movement, and the 100-Mile Diet. The systems that support the delivery of local food to smaller end-users is improving. The local food supply chain is evolving, getting stronger, and diversifying throughout Ontario. And that means the future and the viability of eating local is growing. It’s right here, and we are embracing it. Change begins with small communities just like ours, and projects just like this. Elora and Fergus are unique. Wellington County and the City of Guelph, with its University and renowned agricultural research station, are leaders on the world stage on many important fronts. We have

boutiques & diversions places, landscapes and experiences here that you will not see or find anywhere else. As a traveller once said: “No matter where you go, there you are.” Here, we’re all about giving you that exclusively personal experience which is yours alone; one that is fed and fueled by whatever moves you. All the ingredients are here. And as every great chef knows, it’s all about how you put them together.

Savour Elora Fergus

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RETAIL RECIPES

boutiques & diversions

the finishing touch If art is in the eye of the beholder, then the beholder has much to please the eye in Elora and Fergus. The wealth of artists and artisans who live here, and the shops that showcase their works, hold extraordinary discoveries for every kind of shopper. From painting and photography to sculpture and metal work, from exquisite glass to handcrafted jewellery, from fine chocolate to carved wood, clothing to Celtic, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find it all within an easy stroll along our main streets.

savourelorafergus.ca

RETAIL RECIPES

Steveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Sheepskin & Leather

boutiques & diversions

English domestic lamb and other fine Shop leathers from around the world ~ made into garments right here in our own shop. Custom designs; Lifetime alterations. We are the first Official Rieker Store in North American, offering fine footwear for women and men.

50 Mill Street, Elora, ON 519.846.0490 www.stevessheepskins.com

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RETAIL RECIPES

savourelorafergus.ca

boutiques & diversions

RETAIL RECIPES

boutiques & diversions

Approved

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RETAIL RECIPES

savourelorafergus.ca

boutiques & diversions

RETAIL RECIPES

boutiques & diversions

Wellington Artists’ Gallery and Art Centre Exciting new creations by local artists working in many media May 1st to November 13th, 2009 For directions and information, visit www.wellingtonartistsgallery.ca

mirageLimousine your mobile oasis

Open daily 10:00 am to 5:00 pm 6142 Wellington Road 29 RR4 Fergus, ON 519-843-6303

Weddings, proms, casino trips, special functions & events. Airport flat rates, corporate accounts. 519.846.1900 www.miragelimousine.ca

Sometimes you travel for fun. Sometimes it’s work. But it’s always because you need to get somewhere. We help you manage a process, so that you can think about the destination. And enjoy getting there.

Sedans and stretches serving all major airports and your personal transportation needs throughout southern Ontario.

explore, relax, indulge, enjoy

classy. comfortable. cheap. OK, make that inexpensive...

Brand new quality bargain books, great DVDs, and unique diversions in 10,000 classy, comfortable square feet of incredible prices. With new books going onto the shelves every day, you can choose from over 50,000 titles, all at 50 to 80 percent off retail. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one of the only places you can spend $20 and save $50â&#x20AC;&#x201D;every day. Thousands priced at $5.99 or less.

Located in the Old Fergus Market Building overlooking the Grand River. Open late, 364 days a year.

Yes, we sell to retail stores too. Call for information about wholesale pricing.

Fergus DISCOVER DOWNTOWN

ONTARIO

On any given weekend, the town of Fergus is a sight to behold. Its historic main street vibrates with life. Here, 19th-century architecture has become home to local shops, pubs, restaurants and merchants who still pride themselves on offering customers the personal, small store service of yester-year. Here you’ll find everything from fine jewellery to high-quality men’s and women’s fashions; from bo oks and entertainment to great food with a local flair. For your sweet tooth, there’s a chocolatier and specialty bakery. Whether you’re looking for something for everyday, or a special gift for a special friend, you can find it in Fergus. Discover the newly restored Fergus Grand Theatre, Templin Gardens, and the must-visit walking bridge that crosses the Grand River as it cuts through the centre of town. On June 26, there’s Doors Open, giving visitors access to private historic spaces. And the Fergus Scottish Festival & Highland Games, and the Fall Classic Car Show are events not to be missed. Plan a personal visit to Fergus this year. We look forward to seeing you Downtown!

Fergus BIA 519.787.1384 | www.fergusbia.ca

Visit recipestoexperience.com and enter code 1126 for a chance to win a prize package in Elora & Fergus!