Recipes to Experience Elora and Fergus, 2009 by garrett klassen

EXPLORE, RELAX, INDULGE, ENJOY

recipes to experience

elora

fergus ontario

YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING IN ELORA & FERGUS, ONTARIO!

www.recipestoexperience.com

The finish that tops every visit. Books • Travel • Gifts • Movies • Music Canoes • Kayaks • Inflatables • Accessories Hammocks • Games • Diversions

An extraordinary 10,000 sq.ft. Outlet Store in the Old Fergus Market Building overlooking the Grand River. Open every day. 125 Queen Street West, Fergus ON 1.800.404.8544 www.cherryhillentertainment.com

recipes to experience

EXPLORE, RELAX, INDULGE, ENJOY

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 on your next visit here in 2009. This guide contains a sample of the many things there are to discover in this

elora & fergus: recipes to experience

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

EXPLORE, RELAX, INDULGE, ENJOY

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 our great home-grown talents at local venues and pubs, and enjoy almost four weeks of musical programming at the Elora Festival, this year celebrating its 30th Anniversary. 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 the Wellington County Museum 4

and Archives, to historic guided or selfguided 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 get 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

LOCAL FLAVOUR, LOCAL FOOD

fundamental and fast-growing evolution in food today is the movement to buy local. Buy Local! Buy Fresh!™ 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 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 more 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 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 elora & fergus: recipestoexperience.com

put more local foods on the breakfast table. Small retail food stores are meeting with one another to build partnerships that combine individual strengths and resources. We’re doing it all in the spirit of community. You could say we are returning to our roots. We are more aware than ever that sustainable farming is not an option, but a necessity; that the local food movement is not a trend, but a 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 taste the many recipes we have to experience. 5

EXPLORE, RELAX, INDULGE, ENJOY

INSIDE THE GUIDE

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

7 19 30 33 42 46 66 68 69 73

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 VISIT OUR WEBSITE AND LOGIN USING THE 4-DIGIT CODE ON THE BACK OF THIS GUIDE. YOU CAN ENTER FOR AN EXCLUSIVE CHANCE TO WIN ONE OF SEVERAL GREAT EXPERIENCE PACKAGES IN ELORA AND FERGUS!

Recipes to Experience visitor guide is produced with the help and commitment of the volunteers and tourism partners of Elora and Fergus, under the leadership of Elora Fergus Tourism. Writers: Kelly Waterhouse and Melanie Ward; Editor: Garrett Klassen; Principal photography: David Barr/www.photobar.com; Concept, design & layout: Crunch! Inc. Communications; Printed in Canada by RR Donnelley. ÂŠ2009. All rights reserved. For advertising opportunities, please email: info@recipestoexperience.com

explore, relax, indulge, enjoy

DINING

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

elora & fergus: recipestoexperience.com

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MEET THE CHEF | MATTHEW FOOTE

H 2 0 restaurant

ith a background that includes stints at some of the country’s top establishments, Executive Chef Matthew Foote is one of Canada’s rising culinary stars. His passion for local ingredients has inspired him to create honest and seasonal menus throughout his career and is the driving force behind his unforgettable cuisine at the historic Elora Mill Inn. Chef Foote attributes his success to his training, which began as a student at George Brown College. His apprenticeship at the Westin Harbour Castle helped propel him to other impressive posts including Scaramouche, Four Seasons Toronto and Langdon Hall, where an appreciation for the simplicity of food was first instilled in him. Executive Chef Matthew As Executive Chef at Foote: inspired culinary Elora Mill Inn, Chef Foote excellence. draws upon the expertise of local artisanal farmers and suppliers to create remarkable dishes such as organic chicken and heirloom tomatoes and seared dry scallops with spiced dahl purée and curry cream. “It is my sincere desire to cook with my parents’ spirit of hospitality; a skill that makes my wife swoon and the logic of my brother,” says Foote. “Most importantly, I am never too serious to cook for my children,” he offers. It’s this simplicity and passion that has garnered Chef Foote attention from renowned critics and foodies from across the country. When in Elora, indulge in and savour the gastronomic delights of Executive Chef Matthew Foote. Proud recipient of the CAA 4-Diamond Award and the Wine Spectator Award 2007 & 2008. Enjoy Fine Dining in our H2O Restaurant or casual fare in the Gorge Lounge. 77 Mill Street W, Elora, ON N0B 1S0 (519) 846-9118, Toll free: (866) 713-5672 www.eloramill.com 8

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MEET THE CHEF | PAUL TORRANCE

breadalbane street bistro

xecutive Chef Paul Torrance honed his skills in kitchen brigades and culinary institutes around the world, earning his title as Certified Chef de Cuisine. Now, Chef Paul has returned to take the helm of the Inn’s kitchen, bringing his unique experiences and a renewed desire to build a dining experience that connects people to the food they eat, right here at home. Passionate about the local food movement, Chef Torrance, together with Innkeeper/Chef Peter Egger, is leading the Executive Chef Paul Torrance: making the connection with a sustainable food future, every day.

way. The new menu of the Breadalbane Street Bistro is consciously designed to strengthen the relationship between diners and the local farmers who grow the tastes Paul serves. The detailed menu highlights that connection, educating consumers to think local too, for the sake of our regional economy, personal health and environment. And don’t forget the taste! It’s also about returning to the passion behind the culinary arts, the back to skill basics that Chef Paul believes in and exposes to his own brigade at all levels of food preparation: from butchering to baking, pastry to stocks and sauces, done with local products in season. This self-sufficiency keeps pre-fabricated foods out of the kitchen and builds a menu that utilizes every item in their planning—so food is not wasted. For Chef Torrance, the challenge is already half of the reward. The other half is the exemplary flavours he brings to each dish and the connection he has made with a sustainable food future. Vintners’ Quality Alliance Award, Ontario wine selection. Fine Dining: Breadalbane Bistro. Gastro Pub: Fergusson Room. 487 St. Andrew St. W, Fergus, ON N1M 1P2 (519) 843-4770, Toll Free: (888) 842-2825 www.breadalbaneinn.com elora & fergus: recipestoexperience.com

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MEET THE CHEF | DEAN MICHIELSEN

whispers

hispers has people talking, and that’s a good thing: Chef Dean Michielsen knows good news travels fast. He launched his culinary dream in April 2009, and Whispers has become the expression of his vision: to create a dining establishment that celebrates local food, local growers, and environmentally astute practices, while encouraging up-and-coming chefs to learn their trade in a modern kitchen. After all, that’s how Chef Dean got started: with an apprenticeship in the kitchens of some of Niagara-on-theFor Chef Dean, it’s all about local. Whispers’ menu draws regularly on produce from the Elora Farmers’ Market, located right across the road.

Lake’s most renowned inns, long before he was old enough to be on the payroll. That led him to a career in hospitality, with a résumé that shows he can handle a brigade along with the demands of challenging menus— skills he now teaches at Kitchener’s Liaison College. Whispers has been designed to compliment Chef Dean’s concept of a warm, inviting dining atmosphere, with an environmentally-efficient kitchen, including a Chef’s Table in the heart of the kitchen for private parties. The menu includes local foods, vegetarian and raw food choices, changing specialties, and homemade pastas and breads, served with integrity. “There is a care and passion in the creation of food,” says Chef Dean. “Every day we get better and learn more to constantly evolve as the demand expects, keeping ahead of the trends and changing with them. We’re going to do something here that we believe in.” Casual dining serving lunch & dinner 7 days a week. LLBO. Outdoor patio. Reservations recommended. Private function room available. 14 Mill Street E, Elora, ON N0B 1S0 (519) 846-1104 www.whispersrestaurant.ca 10

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MEET THE CHEF | MATTHEW CRESSEY

13 mill street

bistro-style restaurant with homemade flavours, 13 Mill Street is serenely set back from the main street of Elora, its openair patio overlooking the Grand River where, in the lazy days of summer, swans drift by. It is here that Chef Matthew Cressey transforms basic meals into tempting taste experiences with a twist. Trained at the renowned Stratford Chef School, Matthew’s exacting standards and impeccable timing are what gives him an Chef Matthew Cressey: tempting taste experiences with a twist.

edge. He focusses on simplicity, in preparation and delivery, with just the right touch of flavour. Organization is a strong part of this chef’s make up, as is creativity in lunch and dinner menus that change seasonally to take advantage of local, fresh foods. It’s not unusual to see Chef Cressey at the Elora Farmers’ Market on Saturday, selecting just-picked items to incorporate in meals that day, including the daily specials of pasta and fish. Nor is it unusual to see owners Rebecca Cremasco and Johanna Scott assisting in that endeavour. Honoured as Youth Entrepreneurs of the Year at Centre Wellington’s 2007 Awards of Excellence for their success at the Dragonfly Café next door, both locations are dedicated to ensuring an extraordinary and fresh experience for every diner. To help do that, 13 Mill Street has defined two menu constants—a build-your-own all-Canadian beef burger, and flat-iron steak that maintains its flavour and tenderness even if ordered well done. The rest of the menu is an innovative work-in-progress: Chef Cressey likes creativity and change. So do Rebecca and Johanna. The result is all tastes covered, from vegetarian to meat. Casual bistro dining. Open daily, 7 days a week. LLBO. Reservations recommended on weekends. Specializing in Italian Sodas, fruit & flower flavours. 13 Mill Street E, Elora, ON N0B 1S0 (519) 846-1130 elora & fergus: recipestoexperience.com

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MEET THE CHEF | MOHAMMAD HAQUE

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 and Golam Mohiuddin: 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 12

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MEET THE CHEFS | JANETTE FENIAK, REINA TODD

van gali’s café

t started with a friendship begun two decades ago. Reina Choudhury-Todd, from England and Bangladesh, and Janette Feniak who hailed from Holland, chanced to meet through their sons. That encounter has culminated in Van Gali’s Café, a name Janette Feniak and Reina Todd: a friendship sealed with a love of food.

they chose to reflect their international heritage, and international Mom-style meals. Housed in their renovated circa 1880s stone building, Van Gali‘s reflects their friendship in its warm, relaxing ambience, its walls showcasing the black and white photography of a local artist. This dynamic duo is a demonstration of multitasking at its best. Reina takes massive, freshly baked, five-inch cookies out of the oven, while Janette rings up a bill. As Janette turns to a catering order, Reina prepares their signature Van Gali’s Panini with tuna, olives and feta on rosemary focaccia, provided this day by a German bakery in the area. They prepare meals the way their Moms would—using fresh ingredients and a willingness to experiment with tastes and textures. The menu offers homemade goodness from vegan to special diets, and everything in between. Made-daily soups are gluten and dairy-free, and can be taken home to enjoy; salads are a testament to freshness. In the summer, it can all be experienced outdoors on their patio, enclosed by a stone wall on one side, and a living fence of glorious trumpet vines on the other. Ideal for friends. Catering and private functions available. Casual dining. LLBO. Restaurant seats 30; patio seats 48. Wheelchair accessible. Open 7 days a week; dinner Thursdays through Saturdays. 180 St. Andrew Street E, Fergus, ON N1M 1P8 (519) 787-2900 www.vangalis.ca elora & fergus: recipestoexperience.com

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MEET THE CHEF | ETIEL SOLORZANO

bailey’s… c’est bon!

warm and cozy spot at the top of the hill in Elora, Bailey’s is as welcoming as owner Anne Hull. Exposed brick showcasing local artists’ paintings combine with a gleaming wooden bar and fireplace to create a soothing, casual atmosphere. Outside, the street-side patio beckons on a sunny day. Chef Solorzano’s creations wrest the most out of every bite; dessert? C’est Bon!, naturellement...

It all says “home”—not surprising, since Anne’s mother, father and her five children have all worked here. Anne herself is one of two C’est Bon! bakers responsible for tantalizing the taste buds with decadent pastries, among them Anne’s famous, madefrom-scratch, Hummingbird cake. It’s the perfect way to indulge the senses or finish a meal prepared by Chef Etiel Solorzano. Here’s a chef who’s as enthusiastic about food and fun as the Hull family. Born in Ecuador, Etiel brings an exciting and colourful flair to the eclectic menu. It’s a potpourri of taste experiences with something for everyone, fed largely by his creativity in using locally grown fruits, vegetables and meats to wrest the most flavour out of every bite. Ethnic dishes such as tapas and vegetarian Portobello caps with white beans finished with Asiago, compliment Bailey’s signature dishes of braised lamb shank and fish pie—a decades’-old family recipe supplied by Anne’s grandmother. “I work to bring life to food,” says Chef Solorzano. For him this is more than a profession. Food with fun is a calling. Theme nights are planned. Casual bistro dining, 7 days a week. LLBO. Summer hours: 9 am to 10 pm. Reservations recommended on weekends. 146 Metcalfe Street, Elora, ON N0B 1S0 (519) 846-8880 baileys.restaurant@gmail.com 14

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MEET THE CHEF | JON SWEENEY

fifty west

“

ur kitchen is your kitchen.”That’s the approach Executive Chef Jon Sweeney and his talented culinary team takes in satisfying every palate at Delta Hotels’ Fifty West Restaurant. If you want something not on the menu, they’ll do what they can to deliver it. For a 120-seat restaurant—plus another 65 with the summer patio—that attention to service is remarkable.

Executive Chef Jon Sweeney: personalizing the dining experience, large and small.

Executive Chef Sweeney is up to it. Scottish born and trained, his is a world of experience that encompasses all manner of food preparation and design—from the requirements of a large conference hotel, to the needs of intimate restaurants and country clubs. He is a chef with both flexibility and flair; a master at blending local flavours with southern Ontario tastes, and together with his team, artfully presents tempting aromatic dishes that incorporate ingredients found here and in neighbouring communities. Admittedly, it’s not always easy to shop locally. As a national chain, Delta Hotels is required to buy foods certified through large distributors. But where they can, they do, all while encouraging their distributors to source regional growers. It’s working. On Chef’s dinner menu, The Butchers Block is a statement of local fare: Wellington County reared beef in a variety of cuts prepared by a local butcher shop in Guelph; the Fifty West summer salad, a mix of leaves tossed with seasonal, Ontario-grown fruits; and pickerel from Lake of the Woods. 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 elora & fergus: recipestoexperience.com

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MEET THE CHOCOLATIER | GERRY BYERS

i love chocolate

he name says it all. I Love Chocolate is a cornucopia of hand-made chocolates and sweets—and it came about by happenstance. Neither Krista nor Gerry Byers started out as chocolatiers. In 1994, when I Love Chocolate opened, Krista had spent a Chocolatier Gerry Byers: sometimes love leads to chocolate.

summer working part time in a chocolate shop while going to university, and as part of her course, she presented a business plan on how to operate one. Gerry was a framer working in construction. Their desire to work together led them to chocolate; supplier difficulties propelled them to manufacture their own. Self-taught, Krista and Gerry produce some of the finest chocolates to be found anywhere. Some of that is due to the highquality, imported Belgian chocolate they use, which requires tempering, not just melting, to be workable; some from their creativity in new ways of looking at, and savouring chocolate. Much of it comes from the “love” in I Love Chocolate, with the painstaking attention to hand detail that makes every chocolate a first-time, delectable experience. One of their newest equipment acquisitions is an enrober that they fondly call “Lucy” after the famous “I Love Lucy” episode where she tries, without success, to keep up with a sped-up conveyor belt of chocolates. Unlike the show, here hand-piped truffle fillings are coated—enrobed—with chocolate, and calmly decorated as they make their way along a conveyer belt to harden. Times change. Open year round, Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm. Extended hours from April to December Thursday and Friday until 8 pm. 128 St. Andrew Street W, Fergus, ON N1M 1N5 (519) 843-7906, Toll free: (800) 830-7881 www.ilovechocolate.ca 16

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MEET THE LOCAVORE | DEREK ROBERTS

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 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 Chef Derek’s enjoy-at-home meals use the same local ingredients visitors can buy in Fraberts farmfresh market.

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 Tuesday to Friday, 9 am to 6 am; Saturday 9 am to 5 pm; Sunday 11 am to 4 pm. The Fergus Marketplace on the River, 105 Queen Street W, Unit 3, Fergus, ON N1M 1S6 (226) 383-7374 www.frabertsfreshfood.com elora & fergus: recipestoexperience.com

FOOD FROM THE GRAND LANDS

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 midelora & fergus: recipestoexperience.com

June through to Thanksgiving weekend is the Elora Farmers’ Market, arguably the prettiest farmers’ market in Ontario. This is a truly local food experience. Held on the grounds of the Elora General Store along the 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, baking 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 Wellington

FOOD FROM THE GRAND LANDS

County Buy Local! Buy Fresh! map, available at venues throughout our community. Explore the fresh foods of the season at farm gates and surrounding farmers’ markets, Pick-Your-Own 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 fruit, 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 local fresh foods. 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 20

down to earth

others to live well too, so you’ll find a great variety of Fair Trade products in our stores. And you will 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.

FOOD FROM THE GRAND LANDS

celebrity growers

elora & fergus: recipestoexperience.com

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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. Enjoy an authentic organic experience on a family farm. Open 7 days a week, 11 am to 6 pm, Victoria Day through Thanksgiving. Winter hours: 11 am to 5 pm. 8548 Wellington Rd. 7, Moorefield ON N0G 2K0 (519) 638-1115 www.mapletonsorganic.ca 22

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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 their own vineyard, located between Owner Jerry Trochta: balance in everything is a philosophy that serves well in wine, and in life.

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 eleventh 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 elora & fergus: recipestoexperience.com

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MEET THE GOAT FARMER | KATIE WILMAN

river’s edge goat dairy

atie and Phillip Wilman are young farmers with an award-winning approach to sustainable agriculture. Determined to farm, they bought their own property and prepared to enter into goat farming, all while opening a dairy, developing new product lines, renovating their Victorian farmhouse and raising a family. Katie Wilman adds culture to make yogurt.

Today their dairy provides a variety of award winning artisanal cheeses, yogurt, fresh milk and other products such as soaps, creams and lotions all made from fresh goat’s milk. Products are sold on the farm and by order or from their booth at the Guelph Farmers’ Market. As more and more consumers look for fresh local products, their variety of dairy products meets that demand. Today they raise meat goats, as fresh goat meat has proven to be leaner, with less saturated fat than most meats. The meat is delicious in curry and on the barbecue. Quick to act on a trend they use goat milk and goat butter in a variety of popular confectionery products from melt-in-yourmouth truffle chocolates to butter tarts. This is a real working farm and there is always something on the go. Visitors are welcome to see the goats in their natural pasture environment. Attached to the barn is a state-of-the-art milking parlour and dairy. Every year, they open the barn doors to the public on special occasions. The Wilmans are an inspiration to other young people wanting to get into the sustainable farming business. It can be done. Open house Sat June 27, 1 to 5 pm, Sun, June 28, 12 to 4pm. For other events visit website. River’s Edge Goat Dairy products are found on the menus of Wellington County restaurants. 8102 Wellington Rd. 109, Arthur, ON N0G 1A0 (519) 848-2203 (888) 209-7330 www.goatmilkproducts.ca 24

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celebrity growers 14

MEET THE SHEEP 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 Elisabeth (left) and Nicole: making a place in the market for themselves, as well as others.

Eweda. These products can be found at major farmers’ markets and fine dining establishments throughout the GTA and right here, at locations across Wellington County. As founders of The Ewenity Dairy Co-operative, 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, yogourt 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 Thurs and Fri, 12 to 6 pm, Sat 12 to 5 pm. Best Baa Dairy and Store, 820 Gartshore, Fergus, ON (519) 787 0707 www.ewenity.com elora & fergus: recipestoexperience.com

celebrity growers 15

MEET THE BEEKEEPER | JIM & TRACY CONEYBEARE

coneybeare honey

im and Tracy Coneybeare lead a sweet life, and they know it; they love their work. Jim is a third generation beekeeper. Tracy is his assistant. The family business goes back to 1920, but the integrity for beekeeping practices hasn’t changed a bit. Like any farmer, Jim understands that the welfare of agriculture depends on what we do now, locally, and how farmers work together. It’s about sustainability. His apiary Sweet job: with about 35 million bees to care for, Jim and his swarm cover a lot of ground.

locations are spread out across 18 farm sites throughout Wellington County, where his bees benefit local farmers and local farms benefit his bees. Given that one third of food we eat somehow relates back to the work of the bees, Jim’s work is about a lot more than honey. His livestock might be small, but no other food-producing creature works as hard as a bee. With over 500 bee hives in his care, and approximately 70,000 bees in each hive, the bees rely on their keeper to protect their health and welfare. A visit to the Honey House, just north of Fergus, allows visitors to see the end result; how a honeycomb becomes liquid gold, processing more than 100 barrels of honey a year. Coneybeare Honey products can be found at food and specialty retail locations across Wellington County. No matter where you find it, a taste of Coneybeare Honey is the flavour of home, and a “honey” of a recipe to experience. Visit the Honey House, or call ahead to book group tours. Coneybeare Honey is available at retailers throughout Wellington County. Open Saturdays, or by appointment. 215 Forfar Street, Fergus, ON N1M 1B4 (519) 843-7328 26

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celebrity growers 16

MEET THE BUTCHER | BRENDA MAZIARZ-ROSS

wellington country marketplace

t’s the old-fashioned values of quality and customer service that have put Wellington Country Marketplace on the map. It comes completely natural. As Brenda Maziarz-Ross flips the “Open” sign on the front door, she feels she’s returning to her roots by following the family tradition. Her grandfather’s first butcher shop opened in 1934. Husband Bill, a trained butcher himself, sets to work in the back. Their vision is to retain that slower pace of life, and share it with others. Not a place, but a journey: Brenda and Bill honour values and tradition.

The market is renowned for its meats. Customers can return to buying local, fresh, quality meats using time-honoured family recipes to create cuts at affordable prices, processed right on site where you can see the high professional standards. Their famous smoked meats, uniquely flavoured without fillers or preservatives, keep people coming back for more. There’s fresh local baking, prepared meals, coffee, jams and jellies, free samples and sweet treats. All fruits and vegetables come from neighbouring farms, and most of the staff does too! This is much more than a place to buy food. Here, families bring children to wander the serene country property, take a climb on the jungle-gym, pet the animals and meet Wilbur the Boar. All in all, it’s a step back in time. The journey Brenda and Bill are on touches everyone who visits their store. Their joy is apparent. For visitors passing through, it makes for a journey with a happy ending. Offering quality local meats and local foods served with a commitment to customer service. Bring the family for fun in the countryside. 5259 Jones Baseline, RR4, Guelph, ON N1H 6J1 519-827-1515 elora & fergus: recipestoexperience.com

celebrity growers 17

MEET THE FARMER | LYNDA SAUVÉ

shepherd’s watch dairy sheep farm

ynda Sauvé and Carol Sampson are counting their sheep, while counting their blessings. This hard-working team operates Shepherd’s Watch Dairy Sheep Farm, home to their independent line of artisan cheeses and sheep’s milk products. In town, they own the Shepherd’s Watch 100 Mile Market and Café, a treasure of local delights. These farmers have a lot on their plate, and they wouldn’t want it any other way. Lynda Sauvé: cheeses, wool products, and a market that supports businesses 100 miles in every direction.

The Shepherd’s Watch 100 Mile Market and Café is part of their vision to encourage the value of supporting local businesses, from farmers to artisans. You’ll find their own brand of sheep’s milk, fresh yogurt, seven types of artisan cheeses and lean meats, plus wool and woollen products, and soft sheepskins too. Believing in the power of community, their store offers an opportunity for other local farmers, producers, craftsmen and artisans to get their products to market. In this win-win situation, the store has become a landmark for home-baked treats and fresh foods. Over at the farm, visitors are welcome to meet the animals and see the care given to the flock’s welfare. Under the watch of their shepherds, sheep graze on acres of pesticide-free, natural pastures. As it should be. The sheep are the heart of this business. For Sauvé and Sampson, everything they do is about creating a healthy future for their animals, families and their community. Both the farm and store are open to the public. Quality sheep’s milk and sheep products, local foods and friendly service. Open 7 days a week; hours vary. 8837 Wellington Rd 14, Arthur, ON N0G 1A0 Tel: (519) 848-6731 28

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celebrity growers 18

MEET THE FRESH ADVOCATE | KATE VSETULA

buy local! buy fresh!

ince 2005, Kate Vsetula has been an evangelist for the local food movement, but to farmers throughout this region, she is the face of change. What began as a roundtable discussion about the future of farming Helping to grow the future of agriculture with a shared passion to put more local foods on local plates.

blossomed into Kateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s concept to create the Guelph Wellington Local Food Initiative. Inspired by the Buy Local! Buy Fresh! movement of Foodlink Waterloo, Vsetula decided to bring their mapping concept to Wellington County to promote food sustainability, health and rural economic development. She built her success one farm at a time. This year, the Wellington County Buy Local! Buy Fresh! map will connect people to over 100 local farms, markets, retailers, restaurants and caterers that feature local food. The map represents a great crosssection of farmers, from the small family farms to the larger agricultural producers and the associations that represent them. At the end of the day, what it comes down to is a shared passion to put more local foods on local plates. Kate often jokes that she doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t grow anything, but she is helping to grow the future of agriculture for our community. Her goal? Build strong stakeholder networks and bring consumer awareness to venues around her community. With events like the Wellington Rural Romp and Local Food Networking, she is well on her way to seeing our community harvest the fruits of leadership and collective labour. Buy Local! Buy Fresh! maps are available at locations throughout Wellington County. GWLFI is supported by the Guelph Community Health Centre, and municipal, provincial and federal governments. 176 Wyndham St. N, Guelph, ON N1H 8N9 (519) 821-8833 ext. 335 www.guelphchc.ca elora & fergus: recipestoexperience.com

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 30

inner tube and see centuries of nature’s work undisturbed and up-close. With advance notice, you can try your 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-andrelease. Bring a camera. explore, relax, indulge, enjoy

GRAND ADVENTURES

the grand river

elora & fergus: recipestoexperience.com

outdoor experiences

GRAND ADVENTURES

outdoor experiences

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FESTIVALS & EVENTS

experiences to celebrate

the celebration’s the zing

here aren’t many better at throwing a party than the truckers and the Scots. The proof? Two of the area’s biggest events—the Highland Games and the Fergus Truck Show, both of which feature outstanding musical guests along with plenty of down-home competition and just plain fun. Music is a big part of everything that happens here. And we have it in all tempos and genres. From great live music to awardwinning 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. 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. There are stars above, and stars on stage. This year, raise a glass and toast the 30th Anniversary of the Elora Festival and Elora elora & fergus: recipestoexperience.com

Festival Singers, as they celebrate 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 tradeshow like no other. The 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

FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Demolition Derby, the show is punctuated by four days and nights of some of country and rock music’s major headlining acts. Jaws drop at the spectacle of the “Show & Shine” truck competition, and the Trucker’s Breakfast feast on Sunday morning this year is all about local foods. After all, if you want to party, you have to eat. 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 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 world-class competition in the Heavy Events. There’s genealogy, guest speakers, and camping. Oh yes, did we mention music? HERITAGE & SUMMER-LONG EVENTS The spirit of place here is strong, and the telling of it can be found in the Wellington County Museum and Archives. Originally constructed in 1896 as a self-sufficient industrial farm to house the poor, and called the “house of industry and refuge,” it was the first shelter of its kind in Canada, later becoming a home for seniors. Since 1975 when it reopened as a museum, it has stood like a hilltop sentinel between Elora and 34

experiences to celebrate

Fergus—the jewel of our heritage crown. Today it provides the public with year-round events and exhibitions that take us into the future, celebrating who we are and where we came from. It is a trip worth making again and again. 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 gorgeous gala kick-off and a full slate of events, and it’s well... sensational!

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FESTIVALS & EVENTS

food for the soul

elora & fergus: recipestoexperience.com

JULY 10 TO AUGUST 2, 2009

THE ELORA FESTIVAL AND SINGERS

Tickets and Information 33 Henderson Street, Elora 519.846.0331 1.888.747.7550 info@elorafestival.com www.elorafestival.com

Artistic Director Noel Edison BERLIOZ REQUIEM • OLIVER JONES TRIO • DAWN UPSHAW CONCERTS IN THE QUARRY • ANDRÉ LAPLANTE • CARMINA BURANA A NIGHT AT THE OPERA • HANDEL CORONATION ANTHEMS

experiences to celebrate

ELORA

sensational elora A festival of the senses

Fabulous Food reminds me of… Amazing Art inspires me to… Glorious Music fills my soul with… Elora is Sensational because… Let us help you fill in the blanks

OCTOBER 3 TO 12, 2009 www.sensationalelora.com

elora & fergus: recipestoexperience.com

explore, relax, indulge, enjoy

experiences to celebrate FESTIVALS & EVENTS

elora & fergus: recipestoexperience.com

FESTIVALS & EVENTS

experiences to celebrate

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DRAYTON ENTERTAINMENT Alex Mustakas • Artistic Director

A Caravan of Stars 2009 SEASON St. Jacobs Country Playhouse HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL April 29 – May 30

ME AND MY GIRL June 16 – July 18

MOON OVER BUFFALO August 5 – August 22

THE HEIRESS October 7 – October 25

ROBIN HOOD November 18 – December 20

Drayton Festival Theatre COUNTRY LEGENDS May 5 – May 30

THE ODD COUPLE June 3 – June 20

BLUE CHAMPAGNE July 8 – August 1

SEE HOW THEY RUN August 11 – August 29

BRIGADOON September 15 – October 10

St. Jacobs Schoolhouse Theatre 2 PIANOS 4 HANDS September 2 – December 20

Box Office: 1-888-449-4463 draytonentertainment.com

ELORA

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

maps & wayfinding Chefs / Dining 1 H20 Restaurant 2 Breadalbane Bistro 3 Whispers 4 13 Mill Street 5 Fergus Tandoori Grill 6 Van Gali’s Café 7 Baileys... C’est Bon! 9 I Love Chocolate 10 Fraberts Fresh Food 46 Goofie Newfie 47 Goose & Gridiron Growers 14 Best Baa 19 Elora Farmers’ Market

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maps & wayfinding

FERGUS

Attractions & Events 48 Elora Centre for the Arts 49 Elora Festival 50 Grand River Raceway 50 OLG Slots 51 Elora Gorge 52 Fergus Scottish Festival 52 Fergus Truck Show 53 Wellington County Museum & Archives

Boutiques & Spas 55 Ben Heather Celtic 56 Elora General Store 57 Estate of Mind 58 Karger Gallery 59 Pod Design 60 Santé... Naturally 61 Stÿll 62 Sweet Trash 63 Brodericks 64 Cherry Hill Entertainment 65 Grand River Troutfitters 67 BCR8iv Country Spa 68 Rakesh Esthetics 69 Sanctuary Spa

elora & fergus: recipestoexperience.com

Accommodations 20 3 Bears B&B 21 Drew House 22 Log Cabin Heaven 23 Four Seasons 24 Sem Wissler House 25 Stoneacre 26 Tynavon 27 Stonehurst 28 After the Ceilidh 29 Beatty House 30 Dream Corners 31 Fergus Fly~In 32 St George’s 33 Thistlebrae 45 Breadalbane Inn 70 Elora Mill Inn

GUELPH AND WELLINGTON COUNTY

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

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maps & wayfinding Growers 11 Mapleton’s Organic 12 Cox Creek 13 River’s Edge 15 ConeyBeare Honey 16 Wellington Market 17 Shepherd’s Watch Dairy/Market 18 Buy Local Buy Fresh Chefs / Dining 8 Fifty-West Attractions & Galleries 54 Drayton Theatre 66 Wellington Artists Gallery

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Accommodations 22 Log Cabin Heaven 23 Four Seasons 31 Fergus Fly~In 34 Maplecrest 35 Oxy Acres 36 De Herberg 37 Morning Glory 38 Riverwood 39 Maryhill Inn 40 At Wakefield House 41 London House 42 Willow Manor 43 Delta Guelph Hotel 44 Norfolk Guest House

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 each host is 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 all-new 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. 46

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 20

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

3 bears

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 bath, and can sleep a maximum of nine. Guest quarters are completely 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, wood stove, TV with DVD, a guest computer with high speed wireless internet, darts, games and a small library. There's also a double-door walkout to the guest patio overlooking the river and grounds, a pair of hammocks and a firepit for late-night stargazing by the Grand River. Small touches will make you feel welcome, including fresh-cut flowers, bottled water, stemware and a welcome folder with maps and area brochures in each room. There are blow dryers in each bathroom and nightly turn-down service with a chocolate on the pillow. Creative, full breakfasts, and the personalized menus that describe them, are created daily. World-class fly fishing, on a prime catch-and-release section of the river, is accessible directly from our property, and the Elora Cataract Trailway is only 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 48

fergus elora bed & breakfast association

roger dufau & kathleen stanley 21

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. Built on a historic twoacre estate, this nineteenth-century home and renovated stone coach house provide the perfect setting for weddings, seminars or simply 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. Amenities include a large room suitable for large gatherings, seminars and cooking demonstrations. With ample off-street parking, Drew House is within walking distance of Elora’s shops, restaurants, cinema, and scenic attractions. Our accommodations offer six private rooms in the coach house, each with its own bath (two equipped with Jacuzzi-style tubs), and four semi-private rooms in the main house. The rear portion of Drew House–originally the servants’ quarters—contains a suite of rooms, consisting of two bedrooms, a full kitchen, sitting area, fireplace, and one and one-half baths. A full, gourmet breakfast is served each morning. 120 Mill Street E, Elora, ON N0B 1S0 (519) 846-2226 innkeeper@drewhouse.com www.drewhouse.com

setting the standard

ro cober 22

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 Healing Lifestyles, Spalife, Solo, Step Up 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 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 available for 1 to 2 adults. Day spa packages available for private groups from 1 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 50

fergus elora bed & breakfast association

margaret & john markvart 23

ELORA 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, RR2, Elora, ON N0B 1S0 (519) 846-8678 email@fourseasons-quatresaisons.ca www.fourseasons-quatresaisons.ca Member: FOBBA

marilyn bustard 24

ELORA 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 Street, Elora, ON N0B 1S0 (519) 846-2130 marilyn.bustard@sympatico.ca www.bbcanada.com/1248.html setting the standard

kay & dave bradley 25

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

stoneacre

elcome to Stoneacre—a relaxed and friendly home-away-from-home. Built in 1870, this 1-1/2 storey stone home has been restored by Dave. Hooked rugs and great food by Kay. Two bedrooms, queen beds, 2 baths–one up, one down–and private parking.

363 Geddes St., Elora, ON N0B 1S0 (519) 846-5497 stoneacre@golden.net www.bbcanada.com/4645.html

chris craig & david bluhm 26

ELORA 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 Street E, P.O. Box 1024, Elora, ON N0B 1S0 (519) 846-6695 (866) 334-3305 relax@tynavon.ca www.tynavon.ca 52

fergus elora bed & breakfast association

deb & rich schlieker 27

FERGUS 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 Street S, Fergus, ON N1M 2L6 (519) 843-8800 info@stonehurstbb.com www.stonehurstbb.com Member: FOBBA setting the standard

mike & linda baker 28

FERGUS 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 Street W, Fergus, ON N1M 1P4 (519) 843-4411 lambko@sentex.net www.febba.ca/ceilidh

edward & stephanie smith 29

FERGUS 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 54

fergus elora bed & breakfast association

arlie & verna hunt 30

FERGUS 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 3 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 Street N, Fergus, ON N1M 2K2 (519) 787-7737, fax: (519) 787-2152 dreamcorners@wightman.ca www.dreamcorners.com

chris & helen juergensen 31

FERGUS 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 setting the standard

barbara dyer 32

FERGUS FB,AC,SF,YR,NP,SB

st. georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

uilt in the 1920s, this charming red brick house offers 2 bedrooms each with double beds and central air conditioning. Close to downtown Fergus and situated directly across from the Curling Club. Only 5 minutes to Elora with its picturesque scenery and quaint boutiques. Short drive to Saint 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 Street W, Fergus, ON N1M 1H8 (519) 787-1825 saintgeorge@sentex.net www.bbcanada.com/2655.html

jennifer johnson 33

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 56

fergus elora bed & breakfast association

george & dorothy collin 34

FERGUS FB,PB,SB,SF,YR,NP

maplecrest farm

elcome to our renovated country stone house. Ten kilometres to 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 gd.collin@sympatico.ca www.bbcanada.com/5304.html Member: OFCA, FOBBA

peter & melanie morel 35

FERGUS 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 Member: OFCA setting the standard

ria pulles 36

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

de herberg

urrounded by 75 acres of gardens, fields, trees and a lovely, secluded pond, De Herberg is a peaceful haven situated beside one of the best biking trails in Ontario: the Elora Cataract Trailway, which runs 47 kilometres from Elora to the Forks of the Credit. De Herberg is also just minutes from spectacular scenery and excellent spots for fly fishing at Belwood Lake and the Grand River. This tranquil B&B has three spacious rooms, all with private bathrooms, and one that includes a Jacuzzi. Enjoy a country-style breakfast; then visit the exercise room or try the sauna. Or take in the heritage and culture of Fergus and Elora. From sightseeing, shopping and hiking, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s much to see and do in this very pretty area. But when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re done, De Herberg awaits with a comfortable chair, a walk to the pond for frog serenades, or a relaxing sit in the delightful garden. Lunches and dinners are also available. R.R. #4, Belwood, ON N0B 1J0 (519) 843-7552 utah38@sympatico.ca www.febba.ca/deherberg 58

Member: FOBBA

fergus elora bed & breakfast association

cathy chanasyk 37

FERGUS FB,PB,R,SF,YR,P

morning glory

elcome to Morning Glory in beautiful Belwood, located just seven minutes from Fergus. Enjoy all the tourist events of Fergus, Elora, the Grand River and Lake Belwood—a short, scenic drive away. Walking, biking, canoeing, sea-dooing and fishing are just down the hill, a short walk away from our property. We offer beautiful rooms: one King with 4-piece ensuite, and one Queen with private bath. There’s a lovely Great Room with high vaulted ceilings and large bright windows for guest socializing or quiet time. An outdoor deck with bistro tables, pond and sitting area are available for your pleasure. A wonderful breakfast is served in the dining room. Our food is fantastic and our hospitality, warm and inviting—casual elegance with a homey atmosphere. Our guests consistently tell us how staying with us is a special treat. Come and experience it for your self! Come to Morning Glory.

1 Amalia Crescent, Belwood, Ontario N0B1J0 (519) 787-2225 chanasyk@morningglorybnb.com www.morningglorybnb.com setting the standard

bert & marilyn peel 38

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

riverwood b&b and retreat centre

iverwood offers a beautiful peaceful setting in which to relax, tucked away in 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 front 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. 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 info@riverwoodretreatbb.com www.riverwoodretreatbb.com Member: FOBBA

webb & sandra kamminga 39

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 farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 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: 1-877-748-3098 manager@maryhillinn.com virtual tour: www.maryhillinn.com 60

fergus elora bed & breakfast association

suzanne & earlby wakefield 40

GUELPH FB,CB,PB,SB,AC,SF,YR,C,P,R

at wakefield house bed & breakfast

akefield House is a charming, post-war B&B, situated on a quiet tree-lined street, only a fiveminute walk to the University of Guelph campus, and minutes from picturesque downtown Guelph and the Stone Road shopping district. Our comfortably appointed bedrooms are decorated with a tasteful blend of original art, antiques and contemporary furnishings. We serve simply scrumptious breakfasts each morning, using produce and products from many local sources. In the summer, spoil yourself in our beautiful gardens where you can relax and restore your spirit. In the winter, curl up by the fire with a good book in our guest living room.

11 Graham Street, Guelph ON N1G 2B6 (519) 822-1479 suzanne@wakefieldhouse.ca www.wakefieldhouse.ca

melanie & andy mclennan 41

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: 1-877-836-6874 info@londonhouse.ca www.londonhouse.ca Member: FOBBA guelph & area bed & breakfast association

d o n n a c o o p e r, B H E c 42

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

willow manor

reakfasts at Willow Manor are always served with charm and enthusiasm! We incorporate the freshest, natural ingredients we can find from the joyous bounty grown in the countryside that surrounds us— including those from our very own herb garden! Our delicious cooking, using traditional country recipes, is honest and satisfying with a genuine concern for diet. REVIEWED IN FOOD & DRINK MAGAZINE: “At the end of a long day, we came to Willow Manor—the kind of B&B...you dream of finding and seldom do.... The amenities are excellent and include large Jacuzzi tubs and heated floors in the bathrooms. The house has a welcoming, old country inn ambience, which is due in part to the genuine warmth of the host.” 408 Willow Road, Guelph ON (519) 763-3574 Fax: (519) 763-4531 willowmanor1@on.aibn.com www.willowmanorbb.com Member: FOBBA

guelph & area bed & breakfast association

overnight experiences 43

GUELPH

recipestoexperience.com

not every ontario bed & breakfast is cracked up to meet fobba standards Our sign is your assurance of quality. For a list of properties throughout Ontario, visit: www.fobba.com

Inspected & Approved

THE FEDERATION OF ONTARIO BED & BREAKFAST ACCOMMODATION Hospitality Lives Here!

1.877.242.6353 66

elorafergus.travel

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1.877.242.6353 elora & fergus: recipes to experience

elorafergus.travel 67

CALENDAR

experiences to bookmark

2009 highlights JUNE 6 – 7: The Grand Painting Experience – Accomplished artists welcome the public of all ages to experience Plein Air painting. Learn the finer points of creating artwork outdoors. Free. JUNE 20: Doors Open Fergus and Elora – Come explore our wonderful heritage buildings. In Downtown Fergus and Templin Gardens, enjoy the Annual Summer Art Walk. JULY 1: Elora Dominion Day Fun – Pancake breakfast, soapbox derby, hot dog BBQ, Duck Race, music by the river, Dominion Day parade. Fergus Canada Day Celebrations – Live music, children’s rides and entertainment, fireworks at dusk. JULY 10 – AUG 2: The Elora Festival proudly celebrates 30 years of bringing music from worldrenowned artists to the Village of Elora. JULY 11 – 12: 6th Annual Art in the Yard – Outdoor originals Show and Sale. Over 50 exceptional artists, entertainment and a children’s creative area. Small donation. JULY 23 – 25: Fergus Truck Show – International truck pulls, demolition derby, music by Terri Clark, George Canyon, Trooper, Loverboy and many more! AUGUST 3: Industry Day at Grand River Raceway Post Time 2:00 pm, featuring the $300,000 Battle of Waterloo. AUGUST 7 – 9: 64th Annual Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games. Bagpipes, highland dancing, Celtic music, Gathering of the Clans. AUGUST 29: Riverfest – Art sale, and an evening of cool music and hot food. Elora Centre for the Arts. SEPTEMBER 11: Fergus BIA’s Annual Classic Car Show SEPTEMBER 18 – 20: Fergus Fall Fair SEPTEMBER 26: Buy Local! Buy Fresh! Wellington County Rural Romp SEPTEMBER 26 – 27, OCTOBER 3 – 4: Elora Fergus Studio Tour

WEBSITES

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

OCTOBER 3 – 12: Sensational Elora: A Festival of the Senses! OCTOBER 4: Harvest Home Festival 1-877-242-6353 68

explore, relax, indulge, enjoy

THE ARTS

experiences to inspire

creativity

elora & fergus: recipestoexperience.com

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,

Above: Richard Taylor painting in Elora. Centre: boys enjoy raku firing during Elora Fergus Studio Tour. Right: Elsa Mann throws a bowl for Empty Bowls, part of Sensational Elora.

wooed to the area by the rustic beauty and historic structures. There was something special here and visitors could feel it. 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 stage of the 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 Left: A painting by AJ Casson on a 1984 poster for the Elora Three Centuries Festival, now the Elora Festival and Singers—a threeweek world class music festival.

explore, relax, indulge, enjoy

THE ARTS

experiences to inspire

Studio Tour, a successful behind-the-scenes tour of the intimate studios of participating artists that has grown in popularity to extend to two weekends in the heart of the autumn season; a “must see” event. 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; like the Art Walk through the core of historic downtown Fergus, a street-art extravaganza with vendors and local artisans. 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. 2009 EVENTS AT THE ECFTA June 6 and 7: The Grand Painting Experience June 20: Doors Open Centre Wellington July 11 and 12: Art in the Yard December 11-13: Makers Market Top: Joel Masewich photographed in his studio by Sophie Hogan. Centre: a Joel Masewich painting. Bottom: The Elora Centre for the Arts formerly the Elora Public School, photographed in 1910 by John Connon. 75 Melville Street, Elora, ON (519) 846-9698 www.eloracentreforthearts.ca elora & fergus: recipestoexperience.com

experiences to inspire

THE ARTS

create • imagine • explore • inspire • engage • participate Visit our gallery Gallery hours: 9-5 weekdays 1-3:30 weekends

519.846.9698 75 Melville St. Elora, Ontario

courses • workshops • events

www.eloracentreforthearts.ca

SHIRLEY AL DESIGN

• branding • brochures • magazines • catalogues • ads • cards

518.846.8527 shirleyal@cogeco.ca shirleyal.com DESIGN AND ILLUSTRATION

• websites • packaging

explore, relax, indulge, enjoy

RETAIL RECIPES

unique boutiques

the finishing touch

he final spices and finishes for your recipe to experience 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 elora & fergus: recipestoexperience.com

area known as Templin Gardens—a scenic, 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. Some are housed in the limestone buildings that line our streets, and others are made from electrons on the web. But something else is coming, and it’s a lot more old-fashioned and fundamental. It has to do with how 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 73

RETAIL RECIPES

of the next great challenges of our high-tech age. It’s a puzzle that communities throughout North America are trying to solve, with initiatives like the Ontario Culinary Tourism Alliance, the Slow Food Movement, and the 100-Mile Diet. Entire rows of new books are devoted to the subject, so the future of local food is not going away anytime soon. It’s right here, and we are embracing it. The local food chain is evolving, getting stronger, and diversifying throughout Ontario. And it starts with small communities just like ours. With 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 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.

unique boutiques

1-877-242-6353

All the ingredients are here. And as every great chef knows, it’s all about how you put them together.

explore, relax, indulge, enjoy

RETAIL RECIPES

unique boutiques

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.

elora & fergus: recipestoexperience.com

unique boutiques

RETAIL RECIPES

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unique boutiques

Natural Grocers & Emporium Organic, local and fair trade food and gifts Specializing in gluten free food, ready meals and eco friendly products Come and discover our vast selection of 100 mile products Mon to Sat 9—6 Sun 12-4 102 Metcalfe St, Elora 519 846 9977 santé@bellnet.ca Warm peaceful wishes from all at Santé

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RETAIL RECIPES

elora & fergus: recipestoexperience.com

unique boutiques

RETAIL RECIPES

Here’s where the first curling rock in Fergus was thrown. Down the middle of the street. Our downtown has changed a bit since then. Come feel the difference 175 years make!

Fergus BIA 519.787.1384 | www.fergusbia.ca

Historic Downtown Fergus OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Historic Downtown Fergus

brodericksclothiers.com

APPAREL FOR MEN

519-843-3870

B R OD E R I C K

‘

BRODERICKS

Fashion for Women

519-843-6996

Wellington Artists’ Gallery and Art Centre Exciting new creations by local artists working in many media May 1st to November 14th, 2009 For directions and information, visit www.wellingtonartistsgallery.ca 80

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

diversions

SPAS

519.846.8103

Aesthetics, Massage, Hairstyling, Tanning 334 Wellington County Rd. 18 conveniently located between Fergus & Elora

www.bcr8iv.com

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ATTRACTIONS

diversions

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Elora’s Country Spa Retreat

LOG CABIN HEAVEN

Private Secluded Luxurious Five-Star B and B Gourmet Dining Day Spa

Indoor Heated Pool • Purifying Cedar Sauna • Tranquil Waterfall • Aromatherapy Massage • Couples Massage • Hot Stones Massage • Naturopathica Facial • Salt Scrub Body Polishing • Blue Ribbon California Chef • Gourmet Dining • Cooking Classes One Luxurious B&B Guestsuite • Exotic Macaws All bookings are private. Log Cabin Heaven, 7384 Middlebrook Road, Elora • 519•846•9439 www.logcabinheaven.com Visit recipestoexperience.com and enter code 5037 for a chance to win a prize package in Elora & Fergus!