Taste Real presents Recipes to Experience Elora, Fergus, Guelph and Wellington

PROUDLY PRESENTS

recipes to experience THE GUIDE TO SEE, TASTE AND TOUCH ELORA, FERGUS, GUELPH AND WELLINGTON COUNTY, ONTARIO!

recipestoexperience.com

EXPLORE, RELAX, INDULGE, ENJOY

creating the recipe for a good life

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xtraordinary experiences don’t get much better or more accessible than this. Located just an hour west of Toronto, the towns and attractions of Wellington County are hidden gems waiting to be discovered and explored in 2012.

This guide contains a sample of the recipestoexperience.com

many recipes there are to experience in our unique communities. Here you’ll find all the ingredients you need to put together your own personal recipe for a good time. There are special places to get away and stay, local produce and farm-fresh markets from the people who grow our food. There’s the 3

EXPLORE, RELAX, INDULGE, ENJOY

famous Elora Gorge with its scenic trails and tubing, the Grand River and its world-class trout fishery. From sensational festivals, shops, cultural events, music and artisans, Elora, Fergus, Guelph and Wellington County 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 annual mid-summer Elora Festival.

There are country, Celtic and straightahead rock performances throughout the summer as well. The Fergus Truck Show and the Fergus Scottish Festival & 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. Also in July, you can spend the weekend on the shores of Guelph Lake, listening to the musical artists performing at the annual Hillside Festival.

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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 and Archives, to historic guided or self-guided walking tours, culinary tours, and events that invite visitor participation and expression.

Much of the local art created here is offered for sale in our exceptional shops and unique boutiques. There are many one-of-akind items to help you uncover the perfect gift for yourself, or someone else.

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 retreats to in-town estates, a B &B stay is a great way to relax.

And because you’ll undoubtedly get hungry again after a B&B 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

your recipe to experience

DELIVERING MEMORABLE, AUTHENTIC LOCAL FOOD EXPERIENCES 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, people are connecting with food in new ways. 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 eating, cooking and buying food is changing too.

Throughout our community, you’ll see many examples of what we’re doing to share and promote the bounty of these lands.

Through initiatives like taste•real, we are actively connecting businesses with agriculture, chefs with growers, and ultimately, locally-produced food with recipestoexperience.com

residents and visitors alike. Small retail food stores and Bed & Breakfasts 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, it’s a necessity; that the local food movement is not a trend, but a fundamental transformation in the collective mindset of communities across Ontario, and perhaps around the world. 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 residents and visitors both relish.

So read on, enjoy, and join us to savour the many recipes we have for you to experience.

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THE HEART OF WELLINGTON

tastereal.ca

taste•real from the ground up taste•real is our promise of local food at its best. It’s the culinary and agricultural experiences of Wellington County brought together under one unique brand, so you always know what you’re getting. Local food first.

We support our thriving local food culture by partnering with microprocessors and growers, retailers and restaurants throughout Wellington County to offer visitors and residents something very special.

In culinary circles, the flavour of regional foods is often called terroir meaning ‘of the earth’, and is typically used in reference to wines.

But it has also become 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 INSIDE

Local Legends Meet the Farmers Meet the Chefs Festivals & Events Outdoor Attractions Accommodations Wayfinding & Maps Calendar Highlights Arts, Boutiques & Diversions

CONTACT US

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subtly, sometimes distinctly—due to soils, watersheds and local climate.

This is your guide to the agricultural diversity of our region. Our simple goal is to sustain local farming and share our passion for putting more local foods on local plates. We invite you to come savour that experience!

While you’re here, be sure to pick up a copy of our Guelph Wellington Local Food Map. This annually-produced guide to agricultural tourism connects you to more than 100 local farms, markets, retailers, restaurants and caterers that grow, sell or use farm-fresh food. It also features the Wellington Rural Romp which takes place each year in spring and fall. Maps are available at information centres and locations throughout Guelph and Wellington County.

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 (226) 383-3000, Toll free: 1-877-242-6353

Scan this code with your smartphone to access maps and information en route.

Recipes to Experience visitor guide is produced with the help of taste•real, Wellington County and its tourism partners under the leadership of Elora Fergus Tourism. Concept, design & layout: Crunch! Inc. Communications. Writer: Melanie Ward. Editor: Garrett Klassen. Principal photography: David Barr. Cover photo by George Bailey features Glynis King of Reroot Organic Farm. Printed in Canada by Commercial Print Craft. ©2012. All rights reserved. For participation opportunities, email: info@recipestoexperience.com

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explore, relax, indulge, enjoy

down to earth

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o matter which direction you come from, 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, rolling back roads and historic villages and towns, 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. 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.

Farmers’ markets in Elora, Minto, Aberfoyle, Guelph and other venues throughout Wellington County bring something new every week, 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 fresh herbs to blackberries to blue potatoes, organic fruits and vegetables to meats, cheeses, jams and breads, baked goods and specialty teas, there’s something for everyone, so get there early. You never recipestoexperience.com

know who you’ll meet or what you’ll see. This is where people gather and it is always a treat.

LOCAL LEGENDS, CELEBRITY CHEFS Among the variety of musical, artistic, natural and culinary legends that have emerged from Elora, French Chef Roger Dufau, celebrated author and culinary crusader Anita Stewart, and award-winning restaurateur Resa Lent stand tall. And all three call Elora home.

Celebrated in a new book by New York Times best selling author James Twyman— not just for his cooking but for his wisdom and wit—Love, God and the Art of French Cooking recounts Roger Dufau’s philosophy about food and food preparation, wherein, he says, the principal ingredient is love.

Roger claims he does not consider himself a great chef, though others will differ. “I just know how to shop,” he says.

“When I pick up a squash or an onion, I Iet it speak to my soul. If it’s ready and wants to be in my pot, it tells me.”

Roger has proven throughout his career that the approach works, having owned wildly popular restaurants and patisseries in 7

THE HEART OF WELLINGTON

down to earth

Throughout Wellington County, culinary talent abounds. Renowned Chef Roger Dufau and Order of Canada recipient Anita Stewart: two of Canada’s brightest culinary lights have long made Elora their home.

Below, international award winning chef, author and culinary entrepreneur Resa Lent was recognized in Paris, France, in 2010 for creating one of the world’s best Vegetarian cookbooks.

France, Toronto and Australia. Today he imparts love to food at Drew House, his popular Elora Bed & Breakfast.

Anita Stewart is one of the best-known names on the Canadian food scene. The multiple-cookbook author, Food Day Canada founder and local food luminary has been on a quest to pin down the essence of Canadian cuisine throughout her storied career.

“It’s about possibilities,” she says, “about celebrating our magnificent differences, our roots and ethnicity.” A passionate advocate for the local food movement, she says Canada is about creating the best from local ingredients, then selling it to the world. “It’s about branding ourselves Canadian,” she says, “and giving our producers an unmistakable edge that no other nation can emulate.”

The message is getting through.

Everyone has noticed. In 2011, Anita was awarded the Order of Canada for her 8

contribution to Canadian culinary culture.

For years, Resa Lent served up fresh local food on the main street in Elora, and made the Desert Rose Café a must-eat destination for anyone passing through town.

And over those 30 years, she created recipes and collected stories, which she finally decided to set down in a selfpublished book simply called The Desert Rose Café Cookbook.

Little did she realize that her project would quickly gain international recognition. The book won the Gourmand World Cookbook Award for Canada in 2010, and went on to finish in the top three for Best Vegetarian Cuisine Book in the World. “It was crazy,” she says looking back. “It blows my mind that my little cookbook went that far.”

Congratulations Roger, Anita and Resa—international leaders in a hotbed of local world-class cuisine, emanating from the heart of Elora, Ontario. explore, relax, indulge, enjoy

THE HEART OF WELLINGTON

meet the farmers

in celebration of local food And now... allow us to introduce you to a few more of the folks who have inspired us to look beyond food trends, to consider health, wellness, and a sustainable future for the next generations of farmers. The profiles that follow feature but a few of our local chefs, growers and culinary purveyors, 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 only in what we grow. It’s in the people who grow it.

taste•real field dinner, 2010

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MEET THE FARMERS | DANA & ADAM THATCHER

local growers

thatcher farms

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ana and Adam Thatcher are raising three children. They’re also raising lambs, pigs, cattle, chickens and bees.

Spread across 140 acres of gorgeous countryside in Eramosa Township in Wellington County, family-owned and operated Thatcher Farms is the result of their love for wholesome, healthy food. They raise Here you can tour the farm and learn how buying from farmers helps to support and preserve agriculture.

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 which houses the butcher shop and bakery, all conveniently located under one roof and as fresh as the farm itself. You can smell the baking pies as you walk in.

They’re 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, an elementary teacher on sabbatical who’s teaching nonetheless, just not in a classroom. Both are committed to spreading the word that knowing where your food comes from and how it’s grown are essential ingredients to eating well. It’s what’s behind their working approach to sustainable farming, and a reason they’re a member of the Ontario Farm Fresh Association. Perhaps the best part?

Delivery’s available to your door within Wellington County.

“The Farmer's Wife~Bakery and Butcher Shoppe” open year-round, Wed-Sat, 10 am–5 pm, Sundays 11 am–4 pm. #5727 5th Line Eramosa, Rockwood, ON N0B 2K0 (519) 856-4073 www.thatcher-farms.com. Or visit us Saturdays at the Guelph Farmers’ Market, 7am–noon. recipestoexperience.com

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MEET THE FARMERS | KRISTI & ROBERT MERCIER

local growers

harmony meadows alpaca

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hey are living their dream. In 2009, realtor Kristi, and IT consultant Robert, bought a 10-acre farm just south of Belwood to raise alpacas. They started with four. Now they have 10, each with a distinctive name, like Grande Latte, or Silver Lining. They hope to have another four babies to name this year. And they’re loving it.

Yarn colours are generally the natural colour of the animal, complete with a photo. Uhh, Mr. DeMille? I’m ready for my closeup.

“It’s been our ongoing plan for eight years,” says Kristi. “We researched the market. We boarded our alpacas until we could fence and make repairs. We still work, but now we can unwind with our gentle animals.”

That’s because alpacas are low maintenance, requiring feed only twice a day. But one of the big reasons they went into raising them is because their fibre is the warmest around, superior to wool. It’s stronger and more resilient. It’s also hypoallergenic, containing no lanolin, and comes in 22 natural colours that range from pure white to pure black.

That makes it perfect for a variety of products, from socks to yarn, fine clothing to duvets and other felted goods. They’re adamant about supporting local farming, and have as much fibre processed here as possible.

They also wash and sort some of the fibre themselves for arts and crafts available on the farm.

And when it’s time for shearing, it’s time for an open house. Free range chickens have been added to the mix, as has a larger coop to meet the demand for eggs. They’re living it, loving it, and they’re sharing it too.

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Shearing Open House: Sunday, May 13. Year round on Saturdays at the Guelph and Elora Farmers’ Markets. Farm gate by appointment. 6185 Sixth Line, Belwood, ON (519) 841-5055. Visit our website for upcoming events and to sign up for our newsletter. www.harmonymeadowsalpaca.ca explore, relax, indulge, enjoy

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MEET THE FARMERS

local growers

elora farmers’ market

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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 is a vibrant outdoor market throughout the summer season, as well as a cozy indoor market experience all winter long.

Fresh country air and produce on the banks of the Grand River.

On Saturday summer mornings, Bissell Park is the place to be: an idyllic riverside setting lined with trees, a board walk, places to fish and plenty of room to play, right in the heart of the village. A visual and aromatic feast lures you to tables loaded with the region's freshest, in-season fruits and vegetables, honey, ciders, cheeses, pasture-raised meats and poultry, jams, preserves, cut flowers, and nursery stock. Local food artisans bring fresh bread, prepared foods and other goodies.

The warmth and energy of the market vendors and riverside setting add to the pleasure of finding the best in local fare.

This is an authentic farmers’ market experience, where you greet old friends and make new ones. Come and meet the people who grow your food.

Food demonstrations, guest artists and entertainment. Saturdays 9 am to 1 pm, May 12 to mid Oct rain or shine. Bissell Park, East Mill St., Elora. Winter market at the Paddocks at Grand River Raceway, late Oct through March. Plenty of free parking. (519) 341-1860 www.elorafarmersmarket.ca recipestoexperience.com

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MEET THE FARMERS

local growers

the farmers’ markets of minto

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armers’ markets are sprouting up in the rich agricultural lands of Minto. Not surprising.

It’s the place to go if you want to be certain where and how your food is grown. Here’s In Minto, today’s agriculture meets yesterday’s heritage railroads. where you get to meet the people who know what you’re putting on your table.

Two new markets have sprung up in Palmerston and in Harriston—both in the Town of Minto—where all growers are required to be within a 50 km radius of the market.

Palmerston is humming. It’s the sound of people talking as they gradually move from table to table, sipping on coffee and enjoying a fresh muffin. Nestled on the grounds of the Railway Heritage Museum, it’s a congregation of a dozen growers bringing everything from produce to meats, baked goods, honey and preserves—a cornucopia of fresh local food in a unique heritage venue. The park setting includes miniature train rides for adults and kids alike, as well as a splash pad, pool and a restored steam locomotive. It’s a relaxed, fun atmosphere where today’s agriculture meets yesterday’s railroad.

The Harriston Market is conveniently located on the main road through town, which makes it easy to find and stop in—for both locals and visitors. It features 15 growers showcasing fresh veggies, local me ats, smoked trout, cheese, maple syrup and crafts. On a summer’s day, there’s no better place to be shopping for freshness than here in the outside air.

Harriston Market, 235 Elora St. S, every Fri starting June 8 to August 31, 3 to 6 pm. Palmerston Market, 158 William St., every Sat starting June 9 to Sept 1, 9 am to Noon. (519) 338-2511, ext. 241 www.mintofarmersmarket.ca 14

explore, relax, indulge, enjoy

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MEET THE FARMERS

local growers

guelph farmers’ market

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eeply embedded in our local culture and history is the Guelph Farmers’ Market— a focal point of downtown Guelph since the settlement days of 1827—so much so, that the first market house was erected even

A landmark in downtown Guelph, the Farmers’ Market is a chance to meet farmers and producers one-on-one.

before Guelph was proclaimed a City. Over the years, our grassroots market has been host to agricultural events such as the Ontario Provincial Fat Stock Shows and the Ontario Winter Fair.

Today, the Guelph Farmers’ Market is a year-round food affair, housing between 80 and 100 vendors. The market is a community hub where families—visitors and residents alike—come to shop for quality meats, cheeses, produce, baked goods, preserves, and the delicious prepared foods served by our local vendors.

Our farmers work hard, and sell the fruits of their labour with great pride here, while customers enjoy the one-on-one relationship with the producer. During the winter months, the majority of market activity is conducted from within the market building, while our summer market expands to the outside parking lot.

Products range from agricultural, baked and prepared goods, to arts and crafts and non-profit Community information. This weekend, come experience the Guelph Farmers’ Market for yourself.

Located at the corner of Waterloo Ave. & Gordon St. Open year-round, Saturdays 7 am to 12 noon.

For information, call 519-822-1260 ext. 2244, or visit www.guelph.ca/farmersmarket. The Guelph Farmers’ Market is owned and operated by the City of Guelph. recipestoexperience.com

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MEET THE FARMERS | AMY & CHANNING STROM

local growers

strom’s farm

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t started with a love of fresh corn and a single acre.

Begun in 1978 by Channing’s Mom and Dad, this second-generation

Strom’s amazing corn maze takes on a new shape every year.

farm has grown to 75 acres including a six-acre corn maze where kids of all ages try to find their way, and corporate teams overcome obstacles to achieve their mission. The design changes every year, themed around a charity.

Channing and Amy call themselves “freshness fanatics”. Let’s start with corn. It’s never more than two hours off the stalk and only the top cob is picked for total farm freshness.

There’s a Shuckin’ Shack so you can leave with just the corn. You can go online and rent their pot and burner for a party. Strom’s also grows popcorn you can pick in the fall, dry, and then watch it pop off the cob in your microwave.

“We offer a quality product and a genuine experience,” says Amy. That goes for everything they do.

Come fall, their farmyard is filled with 7,000 pumpkins, as well as thousands of gourds and cornstalks for decorating. It’s when Harvest Fun kicks in, featuring a host of family activities such as Pumpkin Chuckin’, wagon rides, pedal carts and the challenge of unique mazes.

With the advent of the sweet corn season, the bakery opens to handmade pies with pumpkin grown on the farm and fruit from local growers. And pizza, with corn salsa of course, is available on weekends.

On-Farm Market daily, Aug 1 to Oct 31, 9:30 am to 6 pm.

Harvest Fun, weekends, Sept 22 to Oct 28, 9:30 am to 6 pm.

Nightly corn maze, Oct 17 to Oct 31, 6 to 9 pm, excluding Sundays.

5089 Wellington Rd. 32, Guelph, ON N1H 6J4 (519) 822-1070 info@strom.ca www.strom.ca 16

explore, relax, indulge, enjoy

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MEET THE FARMER | ROGER KNAPP

local growers

knapp’s country market

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oger Knapp is passionate about local and organic, and by extension, sustainability. The proof is in Knapp’s Country Market, where everything— inside and out, including all the

A true 100-mile market: from produce to building construction materials.

building materials—is from within 100 miles. In fact, the pesticide-free produce is grown on site, picked and made into delectable foods and served at the market buffet.

Roger points with pride to the simmering soups made from butternut squash grown on the property, as well as the cabbage that makes up one of today’s seasonal comfort foods of corned beef and cabbage. And once you’ve selected your meal, you can sit right by the small lake adjacent to the rich farm fields, and watch as the fountain spouts and the swans glide by.

Local is as local does. There are all manner of homestyle preserves made on the premises.

Jams. Jellies. Chutneys. Pickles. Rare sauces sweet and savory. There’s a bakery, with pastries made daily — even an oldfashioned ice cream parlour where a long, welcoming bench makes it a “must” to cozy up to the counter for your favourite flavour, also locally made.

The market is a place where area farmers can bring their wares to market too. Not all of it is food. There are homemade childrens’ clothing, crafts and specialty gift baskets. On the walls hangs a collection of paintings by different artists from the nearby Wellington Artists’ Gallery.

Roger has the local approach down pat, even for kids. While parents shop, the made-here, Western-style play village keeps young people entertained outside.

Open daily, 8 am to 8 pm.

8076 Wellington Road 124, Guelph, ON N1H 6H7 (519) 824-4222 www.knappscountrymarket.com info@knappscountrymarket.com recipestoexperience.com

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MEET THE FARMERS

community growers

ignatius farm

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t’s an up-close and personal approach to community, and to farming.

At the Ignatius Farm in Guelph, people can grow their own vegetables and

Deep roots: shared values in a sharing community. fruit, or have a certified organic harvest grown for them.

As part of the Ignatius Jesuit Centre of Guelph, the farm offers a Community Shared Agriculture Program, where people buy shares to eat fresh produce on a weekly basis from a seasonal selection of over 60 types of vegetables and fruit grown for them throughout the summer and fall. As farm manager Heather Lekx says, “Each time they pick up their harvest, everyone can connect with the farmers and enjoy the land at the farm.” Membership also includes u-pick opportunities.

You may prefer to barter. “That’s done. We take up to eight volunteers to work the fields at least one day a week for 20 weeks, in exchange for weekly produce,” Heather explains. Or you can choose to get your hands dirty in some of this fertile soil: over 130 garden plots are available, from 100 square feet all the way to 2,000.

Situated on over 600 acres of land including wetland and woodlands, the farm is rooted in sharing and relationships. Consider: internships that teach organic production; or the way the community steps up to help in urgent situations, such as pre-frost harvests. And of course, as in any labour of love, there is fun. For this, look no further than the folks volunteering their time as part of the fondly-known, Farm Fitness Team, pictured above.

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Ignatius Jesuit Centre is located 1 km north of Guelph and consists of: Ignatius Farm & CSA, Loyola House Retreat & Training Centre, The Plant an Old Growth Forest Project, Orchard Park Office Centre, St. Brigid’s Villa & St. Francis of Assisi Chapel and The Ecology Project. 5420 Hwy 6 N, Guelph ON N1H 6J2 519-824-1250 www.ignatiusguelph.ca Photos: Mike Smith explore, relax, indulge, enjoy

DINING

fabulous food experiences

meet the chefs “Eating unloved food is like living an unloved life.”

Roger Dufau, Master Chef, Drew House “Grande Surf & Turf” created and presented by Chef Kal, East Mill Tapas and Grill

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MEET THE CHEF | JOHN FLEMMING

fabulous food experiences

breadalbane street bistro

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hef de cuisine John Flemming is bent on creating new synergies in local, fresh taste. He’s also mentoring his staff of 10, making this the stopping point for people who want to become chefs themselves. He’s managing and meeting the logistics challenge of providing fine dining in the Breadalbane Street Bistro, and gastro pub fare in the Fergusson Room. And he hasn’t lost it once.

This is no Hell’s Kitchen.

It’s a second career for John, and he loves it. “This is something I chose, not something Chef de cuisine John Flemming: making it good. that chose me. When I was a kid, there was always this connection to food. I used to spend summers with my grandparents on the farm. I really enjoyed talking to other farmers, and working in the soil.”

A graduate of the Stratford Chef School, his mentor was prone to saying, “Treat good quality ingredients simply and they will always serve you well.” The advice resonated with him, and Chef went looking for someone of like mind, who was focussed on purity of flavour. He found it with Breadalbane Innkeeper Peter Egger. They’ve been having fun creating dishes to reflect their taste ever since.

Whether he’s cooking professionally or for friends and family, Chef Flemming puts the same amount of passion into his creations. Case in point. As part of her turn at a school meal, daughter Rachel wanted him to sign up for macaroni and cheese. When he pointed out he was a chef, she replied, “Well, make it good.”

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Twelve luxurious overnight suites. Mid-week and weekend getaway packages available. Fine Dining: Breadalbane Street Bistro. Gastro Pub: Fergusson Room. 487 St. Andrew St. W, Fergus, ON (519) 843-4770, Toll Free: (888) 842-2825 www.breadalbaneinn.com explore, relax, indulge, enjoy

10 MEET THE CHEF | DEREK ROBERTS

fabulous food experiences

fraberts fresh food

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hopping for fresh produce, meats and cheeses is enjoyable by design here. Styled after the European way of buying frequently to eat fresh every day, Fraberts Fresh Food is all about getting the farm to the table as quickly as possible.

Owners Jackie Fraser and Derek Roberts, the “Fra” and “berts” in the name, opened their Visions of plenty: Chef Derek’s enjoy-at-home meals use the same local ingredients you can buy in Fraberts’ farm-fresh market.

doors a few years ago with a commitment to offer the freshest foods they could. And that meant finding local producers where produce didn’t have to be trucked for miles. They adjust both their products and their meals as the growing seasons change.

“Local food forager” Fraser and Chef Roberts are passionate about supporting local farmers and making their made-from-scratch meals as nutritious as they are tasty. Handmade gourmet pizzas have been added, with fresh twists like barbecue chicken with caramelized onion and corn, or jerk chicken with hot peppers. Thin crust. Gluten-free. A panini featuring Brie with pear and mango chutney, lobster rolls, deli sandwiches and take-home salads make for a well-balanced, food-to-go approach. Deli meats are marinated and cooked here, then hand sliced as needed to maintain flavour.

From stews and luscious pies to soups and pizza, Chef Roberts begins and ends with fresh. The result, he says, is just like Mom makes—or 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 7 pm; Sat 9 am to 6 pm; Sun 10 am to 5 pm. The Fergus Marketplace on the River, 105 Queen St. W, Unit 3, Fergus, ON N1M 1S6 (226) 383-7374 www.frabertsfreshfood.com recipestoexperience.com

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11 MEET THE BAKER | MIRIAM FOELL

fabulous food experiences

fergies fine foods

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e prepared for a mouthwatering moment when you step through the door at Fergies Fine Foods. Miriam’s in the back, baking handmade chicken pot pies. Cooling on From our kitchen to yours. the top of the counter are caramel shortbreads. Already on display—sinfully rich butter tarts and freshly baked apple pies.

Miriam is one of three Fergies’ owners, a cooperative where each has their own food specialty, making for a great mix of fresh food to take out. Ken handles seafood and meats; the display case is brimming with salmon, scallops and rainbow trout, while on the lower shelf are handcrafted sausages. Wade prepares many of the take-home meals. His lasagna is practically to die for, loaded with meat, three cheeses and his own made-from-scratch pasta sauce.

Everyone shares in making the two or three different soups offered daily along with the creative lunchtime specials. Today it’s a Sweet Thai Coconut Tilapia Wrap. With counter in back and chalkboards behind, the ambiance has the warmth of a small town general store.

“Fergies was created because we had a passion for great food and a desire to make life in Fergus a little easier for everyone,” explains Miriam. “We each brought a set of skills to the table that together gives us the ability to offer healthy lunches and meals for take-out, to people who don’t always have time to make it from scratch.”

With locations in both Fergus and Erin, Fergies is a fun little shop to drop in and say hello. You'll usually find the team cooking and baking up something delicious to take home with you.

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Full service catering. Custom cakes, including wedding cakes.

Open 7 days a week. 187 St Andrew St. W, Fergus, ON N1M 1N6 519-787-7700. • In Erin visit us at 1 Scotch St. (at Main), Erin, ON N0B 1T0, open Tues to Sun, 519-833-0789 explore, relax, indulge, enjoy

12 MEET THE CHOCOLATIER | GERRY BYERS 0

fabulous food experiences

i love chocolate

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he name says it all. For 18 successful years, chocolatiers Gerry and Krista Byers and their team have been hand-crafting decadent delights in Belgian chocolate. Their shop is stuffed with chocolate truffles–plus more than 12 flavours of fresh fudge, peanut brittle, almond buttercrunch, homemade marshmallow dipped in Belgian chocolate, mint smoothies, almond and cranberry bark, gourmet flavoured swirl barks, chocolate covered pretzels... whew! You get the picture. And they’re all lovingly created on site.

Chocolatier Gerry Byers: sometimes love leads to chocolate.

What started out as a small retail operation born from a desire to work together, has become a year-round destination that many travel from afar to visit. “We often hear our customers say it’s the best chocolate they’ve ever tasted,” Krista says with pride. Their success is due in part to the high-quality imported Belgian chocolate they start with, and to their pure creativity in finding new ways of looking at chocolate. But the biggest factor is the love that goes into the detail that makes every chocolate a first-time, 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 instore 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 Haitian family has made. No wonder that “love” figures so prominently in everything they do.

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. Shipping available, or delivery by messenger service. 128 St. Andrew St. W, Fergus, ON N1M 1N5 (519) 843-7906 (800) 830-7881 www.ilovechocolate.ca recipestoexperience.com

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13 MEET THE FLOUR CHILD | FRAN WEIMA

fabulous food experiences

mill street bakery and bistro

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wner Fran Weima is ecstatic. She’s playing in flour, and loves every minute of it. “If I could do only one thing for the rest of my life, it would be baking bread,” she cheerily says. She’s got her wish.

Fran buys grains locally, milling her own flour when she can to ensure it’s absolutely pure. Today, this self-trained baker is up to her arms, slinging 20 pounds of dough that will convert to whatever her imagination and desire dictates. Perhaps it’ll be her sun-dried tomato bread; maybe Italian herb—spelt on a It’s a slice, and then some... Fran Weima sure can bake.

whim. Whichever way it comes together, one thing is certain. It will be fresh out of the oven.

But that’s not all she’s baking. Delicious desserts are already in the oven — her “Cupcake Surprise of the Day” a caramel-filled treat called “Score” topped with the chocolate bar of the same name. Says Fran, “One of the kids’ favourites is our PB&J, a white cupcake filled with strawberry jam and finished with peanut butter icing.”

The Bistro uses the breads for flavourful deli-style sandwiches and the desserts to finish a comfort meal, offering a varied line of loose-leaf teas to complement. With a perfect view of the Grand River, the 28-seat Bistro serves homemade goodness, much of it built around bread. From appetizers such as Tuscan bread soup or bread salad, to a breakfast of French toast on brioche bread, Fran is having fun coming up with athousand-and-one ways to use the bread she loves to bake.

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Fully-licensed riverside patio overlooking the Grand River seats 40. Breakfast daily from 9 am. Bakery take-out available. Catering for family reunions arranged in beautiful park setting beside this historic building. 15 Mill St. E, Elora, ON N0B 1S0 (226) 384-2277 www.millstreetbakerybistro.com explore, relax, indulge, enjoy

14 MEET THE CHEFS | JANETTE & REINA 0

fabulous food experiences

van gali’s

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t started with a friendship begun more than 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 they Reina Todd and Janette Feniak: a friendship sealed with a love of food.

chose to reflect their international heritage, and international Mom-style meals. Housed in their renovated circa 1880s brick 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 an example 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 foccacia, 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 East, Fergus, ON N1M 1P8 (519) 787-2900 www.vangalis.ca recipestoexperience.com

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15 MEET THE CHEF | KAL AND SHAILY

fabulous food experiences

east mill tapas and grill

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etting ready to cater a wedding of 40 in the private banquet room, and perfectly serve food to a restaurant packed with guests is just another day in the kitchen for Chef Kal. Crazy—but controlled. You don’t get a full house happily tended unless you’re organized. And between Chef and General Manager, Shaily Vaishnav, they’re on a mission to make sure everyone is.

Theirs is a passion for local: the local art that is showcased on the walls, local beer from nearby breweries, wines from Niagara, and naturally, local foods and ingredients. Every Thursday, you’ll find them The personal touch and great food come together with Kal and Shaily in the house.

at the St. Jacobs Market seeking out local farmers and all things home grown. Meats are local too but this in no way limits the menu. It’s international fare made with Chef’s skill for incorporating fresh with French flair, even to the flambées at tableside, with hand-crafted ice creams to top. And if someone wants something different, this second-generation Chef does it.

Example? A guest who drove in from Toronto in the middle of winter to have the same dish she’d had there in the summer. She got her wish. Then she happily drove home.

That’s part of East Mill’s personal touch.

It’s Shaily who’ll show you to the table and Chef who’ll come by to recommend something on the menu, or ask how you enjoyed your meal. They’re a multi-tasking dynamic duo who seamlessly fill in for each other as needed. She calls herself a foodie. Chef calls her a tough food critic. Together, they’re making people happy at East Mill Tapas and Grill.

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Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner. Sunday brunch 11 am to 2 pm. Reservations recommended.

Catering available onsite or off. Under-arbor patio.

14 Mill St. E, Elora, ON N0B 1S0 (519) 846-2015 chefkal@eastmill.ca www.eastmill.ca explore, relax, indulge, enjoy

16 MEET THE PUBLICANS | KATHERINE & JIM

fabulous food experiences

brew house on the grand

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t was love at first sight. In the time it took Katherine Brasch and Jim Silburn to be seated on the Brew House patio—the Grand River almost within reach—they were smitten.

Jim and Katherine: nothing like jumping in with both feet!

Shortly after, they were the new owners.

And while they carry on a standing tradition of using locally-grown ingredients in their foods, it’s also about having a lot of fun and building relationships, which goes into almost everything they do. It’s in the renovations Jim did in the wee hours of the morning, and in the warm greeting you get from Katherine. It’s in the approach they take to bring events into their family-friendly restaurant with trivia nights, euchre tournaments, a song-writing contest and music on the patio. Katherine smiles. “We want people to feel there’s always something new and interesting at the Brew House... that it’s a great place to come.”

Erected in 1851, this limestone building was originally a private home. It has been used as a mill, a hydrogeneration plant, a chick hatchery and even the local police station. It’s now a pub with a “Grand” view and a cozy, friendly atmosphere. They’ve poured a lot of themselves into it, tweaking both the restaurant and the menu. It’s a collaborative effort with the chef resulting in a twist on old favourites like burgers and Guinness stew, even using their own homemade recipe for a spicy maple sauce on chicken wings.

In addition to being newly minted restauratuers, they’re also innkeepers, offering two wellappointed Bed and Breakfast-style rooms. Meanwhile, Jim’s back in the kitchen, working with the chef and learning new skills. Trout anyone?

Casual dining. LLBO. Restaurant and patio each seats 65. Open 7 days a week. 170 St. David St. S, Fergus, ON N1M 2L3 www.brewhouseonthegrand.ca (519) 843-8871 fun@BrewhouseOnTheGrand.ca Two luxurious Bed & Breakfast-style rooms available. recipestoexperience.com

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17 MEET THE CHEF | CAMERON BRYCE 0

fabulous food experiences

fifty west restaurant and bar

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e’s worked at some of the most prestigious hotels and restaurants in Canada. Executive Chef Cameron Bryce wields skills honed from 14 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 are serving up international foods with local flavours Executive Chef Cameron Bryce: personalizing the dining experience, large and small.

at Delta Guelph’s Fifty West Restaurant and Bar. 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.

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.

Consider the themed “table d’hôte” menus, three courses of local fare that reads like a “who’swho” of fresh tastes: Ontario Seafood, the 100 Mile Diet, the Wellington County Steak Fest. He is on a mission to provide his guests with a direct farm to fork experience, and by example is helping to support the farmer. Not surprising then that Fifty West Restaurant and Bar partners with the local food movement known as taste•real in a concerted effort to showcase the wholesome foods our farmers grow. Also not surprising is that word has gotten around. On Saturdays, Chef Cameron’s been known to select his day’s artisanal veggies from the farmer at the restaurant’s back door.

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Contemporary dining. Open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Sunday brunch 11:30 am to 2 pm. Reservations recommended. Delta Guelph Hotel, 50 Stone Rd. W, Guelph, ON N1G 0A9 (519) 780-3727 Toll free: (866) 520-4552 www.fiftywestrestaurant.com explore, relax, indulge, enjoy

18 MEET THE CATERER | INGRID VON CUBE

fabulous food experiences

appetizingly yours events & catering

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he’s a dynamo of ideas and designs. At any event Appetizingly Yours is asked to execute— fundraisers to corporate, weddings or birthdays, from 10 people to over 1,000—it is Ingrid von Cube, founder and Creative Director who sits at the helm of a team creating culinary magic unique to Wellington County, where delicate and delectable foods are as much an event, as the event itself.

Fresh, fanciful food creations that raise the bar.

Just ask Brian Schmeler, head Chef. He’s been at the heart of Ingrid’s creative execution for over 10 years now, undertaking varied occasions such as teaching Russian restaurateurs about catering at the Vancouver Olympics; dishing up food to over 500 people on the Great Wall of China; serving local tastes to the local folks in a farmer’s field. They’re quite the tag team. She works out the theme. Chef Brian works out the food.

In a 7,000 square foot location with kitchens for cooking and baking, space to house props, décor and tableware and overseeing a staff of 13 which can easily swell to 40 on a seasonal basis, Ingrid still manages to grow her own garden.

There’s an organic herb garden out back and another three and a half acres her husband plants with unique veggies such as candy cane beets, edible flowers and rainbow chard, to name a few.

And she and her team like to play. Staff lunches happen weekly in a challenge to create dishes featuring a specific ingredient. “I think we’ll go with brussel sprouts this week,” laughs Ingrid. Some might call that a challenge.

Above, taste•real field dinner created by Appetizingly Yours.

23 Garibaldi St., Guelph, ON N1E 5P3 (519) 821-6246 Toll free (800) 561-4819 Fax: (519) 821-2479 events@appyours.com www.appyours.com recipestoexperience.com

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DDRAYTON R AY T O N

CCHOP H O P HOUSE HOUSE

US RGUS FERG ST. W., FE EWS ST DREW ANDR ST. AN 487 ST

FESTIVALS , EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS

experiences to celebrate

the celebration’s the thing

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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 down-home 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 horses, around here we believe that culture is food for the soul and we’re serving it up hot. Dig in!

recipestoexperience.com

If theatre’s your flavour, the newly restored Fergus Grand Theatre is just the zing, featuring live performances throughout the year in all its resplendent, historic glory.

The Drayton Festival is an outstanding professional theatre company just a short drive from Fergus and Elora, and features award-winning musicals, dramas and comedy plays. Each year, more than 200,000 visitors enjoy the high calibre of talent that these local theatres bring.

ELORA FESTIVAL Sweet sounds of voices combine in 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, highlighted this year by internationally renowned tenor Ben Heppner performing with the Elora Festival Singers. Now in its 33rd year, the tradition of bringing the world of music right to our doorstep continues. Once heard, you’ll understand why musicians travel from far and wide to be a part of this amazing musical experience, and why audiences return for multiple performances year after year.

There are special events throughout the spring, fall and winter too. Be sure to check the calendar.

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FESTIVALS , EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS 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 67th Annual Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games. Kicking off with a Thursdaynight downtown parade, it’s one of the best parties of the summer as 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, as well as genealogy, guest speakers, camping and more.

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 family entertainment weekend like no

experiences to celebrate

other. The show is punctuated by the roar of the truck pulls and three days and nights of some of country and rock music’s major headline and tribute acts.

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. 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 take us into the future, celebrating who we are and where we came from. Add to this Mount Forest’s Fireworks Festival complete with Classic Car Show, the Fergus Fall Fair, Hillside Festival in Guelph, and many more, and you have unforgettable getaway opportunities you can take all summer long, just a short drive from wherever you are!

Join the 2012 Food Cycle Ride and support the Centre Wellington Food Bank

Explore Wellington & Waterloo back roads!

Cycle a scenic 70 or 35 km route, or a Family Biking Trail!

Sunday, May 27. Starting line: Elora Public School, 288 East Mill Street in Elora. Register from 8:00 am. Ride starts at 9:30 am.

PRE-REGISTER ON-LINE OR BY MAIL. Early Bird Discount before May 18. www.FoodCycleRide.ca or call: 226-820-4475 32

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19 FESTIVALS , EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS

experiences to investigate

wellington county museum & archives

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his majestic limestone building has been home to many. Built in 1877 to house the poor, it began as a selfsufficient industrial farm, worked and tended by the very people it sheltered. For 70 years, the Wellington County House of Industry and Refuge provided a home to people who had none. Later, it became a long-term care facility.

Today it is a Museum, and includes an award-winning exhibit telling the stories of the people who lived, worked and died here. Aptly called, “If These Walls Could Speak” it recounts the stories of the people whose home it became. Other permanent exhibits include a look at a soldier’s life at the Front during WWI, and a 500-year-old village from the County.

The Wellington County Museum and Archives offers an ever-popular, year-round program of events too. Festivities such as Family Day, Harvest Home and the Antique & Classic Car Show vie for attendance with Art Workshops for adults, and lectures on heritage gardens or County history.

Since 1975, the Museum has tripled its archival storage capacity. What this means, explains Museum and Archive Administrator Janice Hindley, is that “You can delve into your family tree, or explore the heritage of your home in a facility that offers free Wi-Fi connection, computer workstations and complimentary access to Ancestry.ca.”

With its peaceful gardens, this impressive hilltop site is the perfect setting for a picnic, a stroll, or a relaxing sit by the pond.

Weekdays, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Weekends and holidays, 12 to 4 pm. Two venues available for meetings and celebrations.

0536 Wellington Rd. 18 (between Fergus and Elora) Fergus, ON N1M 2W3 (519) 846-0916 x 5221 Toll free: 1-800-663-0750 x 5221 www.wcm.on.ca recipestoexperience.com

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20 FESTIVALS , EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS 0

experiences to celebrate

doors open fergus and elora

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t’s a celebration of heritage communities that includes architecture, culture, trails and some secrets; a time when Doors Open in a one-day event giving visitors an all-access pass to select heritage landmarks and buildings of special interest.

A province-wide initiative, visiting participating Doors Open venues is free.

In its fifth year, Doors Open Fergus and Elora has more than 20 participants providing visitors with a behind the scenes look at both old and new.

Elora’s landmark Knox Presbyterian Church—175 years old this year—began its life as a log church, and was later transformed into the majestic stone structure we see today at the exorbitant cost of $22,000. There is the McQueen House in Fergus, built in 1854, and a 130-acre farm known as Cherry Hill, whose new owners have just finished renovations. The Wellington County Museum and Archives is always a hit with tours of its heritage gardens, and starting at 11 a.m., hikes get underway as part of Trails Open and the Elora Cataract Trailway Association. Victoria Park, after an extensive make-over, offers spectacular views of the Gorge, with steps down to the junction of the Irvine and Grand Rivers.

Also participating in 2012 are select Bed & Breakfasts, historic pubs, grocers—even local broadcasters. “Older Voices” offers up walking tours and historical narrative, while a selfguided Photo Walk of up to 50 photographers will compete to capture everything on “film”!

June 23, 10 am to 4 pm. Historical tours: Fergus Library, 11 am; Elora Information Centre, 2 pm. Passports stamped at five sites have a chance to win an overnight stay courtesy of the Brew House on the Grand. A partnership with Heritage Centre Wellington, Elora Fergus Tourism and Ontario Heritage Trust, Doors Open is a province-wide initiative begun in 2002. Millions have attended. (519) 846-9841 or www.doorsopenontario.on.ca.

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July 13 - August 5

2012

Opening Night: Elijah July 13, 8pm

World-class performers.

Intimate settings.

Unsinkable

July 14, 2pm & 4pm

Luis Mario Ochoa August 3, 8pm

Nagata Shachu July 21, 8pm

The Music of Eric Whitacre August 2, 8pm

And many more... concert For our full f co oncert listings, g or to tti k t visit t order d tickets, i it

An Afternoon with

Ben Heppner August 5, 3pm

To order tickets call

519.846.0331 www.elorafestival.com www.elorafe festival.com o orr 888.747.7550 0

THE GRAND RIVER

outdoor experiences

THE GRAND RIVER

outdoor experiences

a river runs through it

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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 in one of Canada’s premier fly fishing destinations. Or the immense power of the river in the spring and fall, when levels rise and the crescendo at Templin Gardens, the Tooth of Time or Lake Belwood dam is almost deafening.

The wonder of nature as exemplified by the upper Grand River runs through the recipestoexperience.com

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. Or experience the thrill of ziplining 200 feet from cliff to cliff, 80 feet above the riverbank. 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. Don’t forget your camera.

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THE GRAND RIVER

FRIENDS OF THE GRAND The Grand River and its major tributaries— the Nith, Conestogo, Speed and Eramosa— were declared Canadian Heritage Rivers in 1994. It’s a rare designation that recognizes the outstanding features and excellent recreational opportunities found throughout the watershed. And folks in these parts are pretty passionate about preservation and protection.

That starts with Friends of the Grand— a non-profit organization of members and volunteers committed to education, recreation and improving appreciation of the watershed’s natural environment. The group includes many local fly fishing guides who, along with all volunteers, help maintain garbage kiosks and Adopt a Road programs to keep litter under control. The River Watch www.friendsofthegrandriver.com

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outdoor experiences

program discourages poaching and educates anglers about special catch and release regulations. And the group’s fish stocking program has released over 300,000 brown trout below Shand Dam in the past few years, making the Grand River one of Canada’s top fly fishing destinations.

Wellington County also boasts a wide assortment of recreational parks and properties managed by the Grand River Conservation Authority. In addition to the famous Elora Gorge and Elora Quarry, Wellington is home to the Conservation Areas of Guelph Lake—site of the Hillside Music Festival—Connestoga, Rockwood, Belwood Lake, and the naturalist’s paradise of Luther Marsh. All parks have a wide range of onand-off water explorations and activities, and many also offer overnight campgrounds. www.grandriver.ca

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21 WELLINGTON NORTH 0

outdoor experiences

follow the butter tart trail

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imply explore.

Those two words describe the wonders of Wellington North, an area that encompasses walking, cycling and birding trails, all winding through tranquil vistas you can discover on

The trails of Wellington North can lead to butter tarts: how sweet is that?!

your own self-guided tour.

But of all the trails, the Butter Tart Trail ™ is one of the most popular. Which is hardly surprising. Who doesn’t like a rich, decadently-sinful butter tart, and on this self-guided,100 km road tour, there are at least a dozen varieties you’ll come across. There are also other inventions you may encounter: doggy butter tart treats, pottery trays in homage to the butter tart and scents inspired by them. You may even chance upon a butter tart sundae. It’s an exploration of all things “butter tart” in one variation or another.

It’s also about the experiences, just for you. Unique gift stores, original artwork and première fashion destinations dot the landscape of Wellington North. It’s farm-fresh, farm gate produce. It’s refined rustic fare, the country market you find just around the corner, and the greenhouses and garden centres that prevail. It’s a celebration of nature where unique shops and home cooking are as much a part of the experience as the birdsong and flowers that surround you.

Also awaiting you in Wellington North is one of the top 100 festivals in Ontario—the three-day Mount Forest Fireworks Festival, and other signature events such as Arthur’s Art in the Street, and traditional fall fairs. How sweet is that?

For best trail experiences, groups or individuals wanting to book farm tours or demonstrations should call ahead to Township of Wellington North (519) 848-3620, or check the website at www.simplyexplore.ca where maps can be downloaded, and event dates and times are listed.

Photos courtesy Mount Forest Camera Club and Trish Beesley Photography recipestoexperience.com

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22 FAMILY GETAWAYS 0

outdoor experiences

highland pines campground

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t’s a multi-generational family business, with emphasis on family. Since 1967, Highland Pines has catered to family camping vacations, where parents and their children can “Safe, relaxed, family fun is what we want as a family. Fortunately, we can offer it to others.”

spend quality time together in the great outdoors.

Situated on 144 acres and encompassing over 600 sites, the campground is a scenic, tranquil spot with the Irvine River running along its back and Lake Belwood cradling it to the south. For Don and Janet Vallery along with their two sons Jesse and Nolan—now 20-plus and involved since they were 13— it’s a labour of love, just as it was for Don’s parents. And Nolan is carrying on the family tradition. After completing hospitality management at Fanshawe College and working at the Fairmont Banff Springs, he says. “I want to expand amenities to make the guest experience even more complete.”

A water trampoline and another couple of playgrounds are planned this year, to complement what is already offered: Nature trails. Splash parks. A baseball diamond and basketball court. Families can lounge at the lake or swim in the heated, guarded pool. There’s something for everyone.

Some sites are seasonal with returning families forming a recreational community, while others are geared to weekend families who want simply to explore. There are sites set aside for groups, such as church, baseball, or family reunions. Then there’s what Janet refers to as “glamping”: glamour camping with eight themed cabins and five cottages for families looking for the “outdoors”, without the “roughing it” part.

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Only an hour from the city, you’ll find it easy to leave the hustle and bustle behind in our natural setting. We also offer RV sales.

RR1, Belwood, ON N0B 1J0 (519) 843-2537 Toll free: (877) 211-7044 Fax: (519) 843-4151 info@highlandpines.com www.highlandpines.com explore, relax, indulge, enjoy

23 ADVENTURE GETAWAYS 0

outdoor experiences

one axe pursuits

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magine launching yourself from the limestone cliffs and soaring 200-feet across a zipline with the river 80-feet below. Previously run only for corporate groups or special It’s a leap of faith — and heartthumping fun. events, now everyone can experience the rush of zipping over the Elora Gorge. Just minutes from downtown, the launch site is located behind the Elora Community Centre and finishes at Victoria Park with Lover’s Leap Lookout just a few steps away.

Frederick Schuett’s desire to live life on the edge—literally, as it turns out—has created adventures that challenge participants to push through their fears. Begun in 2001, the One Axe name speaks to Fred’s character: on his first mountaineering adventure, he complained to his instructor that the icy slope wasn’t much of a challenge. The instructor took away one of his axes. Unknowingly, he created one-axe Fred.

Partner Christa Niravong handles the business end of the fun, while Fred instructs and leads the professionals who teach the thrill-seekers. And there are lots of opportunities. The Amazing Elora Race is a popular team-building program where corporate teams work together to find clues around town, with the zipline as an addon. You can learn to rappel off the cliffs like a human spider, or participate in a full-day ziplining adventure by registering in advance. And now, Pay per Zip gives everyone a chance to zipline across the Gorge without pre-booking. Thrills at will.

Pay per Zip is suitable for ages 3 to 103. Individuals and groups are welcome. Open summer weekends through October, and daily in July and August, 12 noon to 5 pm. 24 Henderson St., Elora, ON N0B 1S0 (519) 836-8628 Toll free: 1.877.7.ONE.AXE (877-766-3293) info@oneaxepursuits.com www.oneaxepursuits.com recipestoexperience.com

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ACCOMMODATIONS

overnight experiences

welcome home

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ake a deep breath—and exhale.

Whatever kind of 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 well-versed 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, which includes Guelph, strive to provide a quality of service and overnight experience that is unsurpassed.

Our communities also feature outstanding inns and larger hotels, such as the Delta Guelph, 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 especially helpful when you want to overnight on a popular weekend. And if you find yourself in-town without a “smart phone” and need help finding a room, 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 44

help you find a last-minute room, quickly and easily.

But a bed isn’t all that makes for a Bed & Breakfast experience. There’s the breakfast too. And many of our members like to go out of their way to provide a breakfast you’ll remember and rave about—often made with locally available produce and ingredients.

In a lot of little and large ways, we’re here to do what it takes to make you feel at home. Welcome to ours.

explore, relax, indulge, enjoy

ACCOMMODATIONS

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

overnight experiences

24 FERGUS

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

riverwood b&b and retreat centre

E

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.

We provide “Hobby Getaway Packages� for scrapbookers, knitters, card makers and quilters. Bridge Getaways are also popular. We are pleased to announce the addition of our new hobby room and fully equipped exercise room. Bert and Marilyn are dedicated to making your stay a memorable one.

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6885 5th Line, R.R. 1, Belwood, ON N0B 1J0 (519) 843-9982 www.riverwoodretreatbb.com Member: FOBBA fergus elora bed & breakfast association

25 FERGUS

stonehurst

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

E

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.

Stay at Stonehurst and experience a part of Fergus history; we are an ideal place to stay when you visit and explore Centre Wellington.

Recommended by Janette Higgins as one of “The Best Places to Bed & Breakfast in Ontario”, our guests enjoy beautifully appointed rooms each with whisper-quiet ductless A/C and 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

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26 FERGUS

after the ceilidh

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

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fter the Ceilidh offers two spacious guest suites. The Skye Garden Suite is an intimate third-floor hideaway featuring queen-sized 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. Located an easy walk to downtown Fergus eateries and pubs.

505 St. Andrew St. W, Fergus, ON N1M 1P4 (519) 843-4411 lambko@sentex.net www.febba.ca/ceilidh (pronounced kay-lee, from the Gaelic for party or dance)

27 FERGUS

de herberg

ria pulles

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

S

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.

061125 Dufferin County Rd. 3, R.R. 4, Belwood, ON N0B 1J0 (519) 843-7552 utah38@sympatico.ca www.febba.ca/deherberg 48

fergus elora bed & breakfast association

28 FERGUS

dream corners

arlie & verna hunt

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

F

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

29 FERGUS

fergus fly~in

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

N

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.

6868 Beatty Line, R.R. 1, Fergus, ON N1M 2W3 (519) 843-1487 christel.juergensen@sympatico.ca www.fergusflyinbandb.com Member: OFCA setting the standard: www.febba.ca

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30 FERGUS

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

maplecrest farm

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elcome to our renovated country stone house, just 10 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 gd.collin@sympatico.ca www.febba.ca/maplecrest

31 FERGUS

oxy acres

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

C

ome and enjoy our log home in the forest. A bright, quiet environment with guest rooms on the ground floor, dogs in the yard, horses next door and deer along our spruce and pine-sentried trails. A full country breakfast of seasonal local produce, fresh home baking and preserves awaits every morning.

Canine guest are welcomed with special low rates for their care while you explore nearby Fergus, Elora and beyond.

7032 3rd Line, R.R. 3, Arthur, ON N0G 1A0 (519) 848-6521 oxyacres@yahoo.ca www.febba.ca/oxyacres Pet-friendly: Dogs are welcomed 50

fergus elora bed & breakfast association

32 FERGUS

st. george’s

barbara dyer

FB,AC,SF,YR,NP,SB

B

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

33 FERGUS

thistlebrae

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

S

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 setting the standard: www.febba.ca

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ELORA

drew house

roger dufau & kathleen stanley FB,PB,AC,R,CC,SF,YR,C,NP

N

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.

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120 East Mill Street, Elora, ON N0B 1S0 (519) 846-2226 innkeeper@drewhouse.com www.drewhouse.com fergus elora bed & breakfast association

35 ELORA

3 bears

garrett klassen & melanie ward FB,PB,AC,R,CC,SF,YR,NP

R

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 ensuite or private 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, comfy couch, piano, TV with DVD collection, a laptop computer with wireless internet, darts and a small personal library. There's also a walkout to the covered guest patio overlooking the river and gardens. Below by water’s edge is a firepit for late-night stargazing.

Small touches will make you feel welcome, including fresh-cut flowers, sparkling water, stemwa re and an information folder with maps and area brochures. There are luxury bathrobes, blow dryers in each bathroom and nightly turn-down service with a chocolate on the pillow. Creative gourmet breakfasts are created daily, and dinner packages are available.

World-class fly fishing on a prime catch-and-release section of the river is right outside our door, and downtowns of Elora and Fergus are just three kilometres away.

568 South River Road, Elora, ON N0B 1S0 (519) 843-5556 (866) 457-7770 getaway@the3bears.com www.the3bears.com Member: FOBBA setting the standard: www.febba.ca

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36 ELORA

paul & donna coombe FB,PB,R,AC,SF,YR,P,NP

chez du soleil

W

elcome to our charming modern home situated close to the heart of downtown Elora, nestled on a quiet street with peace and privacy. It’s the perfect place to escape and relax after exploring the village’s shops, pubs, restaurants, local parks and the Elora Gorge. Or perhaps you’ve come to enjoy one of our many festivals.

Wake to the aroma of freshly-brewed coffee, home baking and the fragrances of a delicious full breakfast. Have the house to yourself; our one guest room has a queen size bed, central air, wireless internet, satellite TV, mini fridge and a private bath. (We can also accommodate two couples travelling together, in which case the bathroom would be shared.)

226 John St., Elora, ON N0B 1S0 (519) 846-0177 chezdusoleil@gmail.com www.chezdusoleil.com

37 ELORA

Member: FOBBA

margaret & john markvart

four seasons ~ quatre saisons

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

W

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.

Our room themes are multicultural and we are also able to speak to you in French and Dutch.

7379 Wellington Rd. 21, R.R. 2, Elora, ON N0B 1S0 (519) 846-8678 email@fourseasons-quatresaisons.ca www.fourseasons-quatresaisons.ca Member: FOBBA 54

fergus elora bed & breakfast association

38 ELORA

anne simpson

CB,PB,R,AC,SF,YR,C,NP

gardener’s cottage

T

his charming one bedroom apartment is attached to a 160 year old farmhouse, and has a full kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and living room. Enjoy the gardens from the comfort of your own patio or wander freely in the beauty of the surrounding landscape. An in-ground seasonal swimming pool is available.

A generous continental breakfast of local and homemade produce will be provided in the apartment for guests to enjoy at their leisure. We support the “buy local” movement, and as much of our food as possible will be provided by local farmers and vendors.

Gluten free foods are also available on request.

7193 Middlebrook Rd., Elora, ON N0B 1S0 (519) 766-5904 gardenerscottagebb@yahoo.ca www.gardenerscottage.ca

39 ELORA

sem wissler house

marilyn bustard

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

T

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

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40 ELORA

kay & dave bradley FB,SB,AC,R,SF,C,NP

stoneacre

W

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

41 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”.

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84 East Mill Street, Elora, ON N0B 1S0 (519) 846-6695 (866) 334-3305 relax@tynavon.ca www.tynavon.ca 56

fergus elora bed & breakfast association

42 MARYHILL

webb & sandra kamminga FB,PB,AC,R,CC,SF,YR,NP

maryhill country inn

M

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

43 FERGUS

kevin & laurie blair FB,SB,AC,R,CC,SF,YR,P,NP

blair manor

W

elcome to Blair Manor—our historic and restored Century home where you will receive a warm welcome and enjoy a relaxed stay. We are only a short distance to the downtown with many shops, pubs and restaurants to enjoy. You can take a walk or bike ride on the nearby Elora Cataract Trailway. Wake up to the aroma of coffee brewing, home baking and breakfast being prepared.

650 St. David St. N., Fergus, ON N1M 2K7 (519) 994-3324 blairmanor@bell.net www.febba.ca/blairmanor setting the standard: www.febba.ca

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44 GUELPH

london house

melanie & andy mclennan FB,PB,SB,AC,R,CC,SF,YR,C,NP

S

ince 1987, we have welcomed thousands of guests from around the world—and from the neighbourhood—through the doors of London House Bed & Breakfast. Many guests return time after time, and year after year. Some have become good friends.

Our heritage home is quiet and comfortable. It’s located in one of Guelph’s most beautiful neighbourhoods—just a short walk to shops, restaurants and entertainment.

The smell of Melanie’s fresh baking and speciallyblended 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.

Whether you’re in Guelph on business, for the arts, or visiting family or your student at the University, you’ll find London House Bed a nd Breakfast the next-best place to home.

80 London Rd. W, Guelph ON N1H 2B7 (519) 824-6874 Toll free: (877) 836-6874 info@londonhouse.ca www.londonhouse.ca Member: FOBBA 58

fergus elora bed & breakfast association

45 GUELPH

janet perry

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

norfolk guest house

L

uxury, elegance and romance: this lovely guest house is where quality meets value, built in 1865 by James T. Brill. Distinguished by its fine architectural detail and lush gardens, Norfolk Guest House fuses old-world charm with modern influences, creating a unique atmosphere for a peaceful and relaxing stay. Nestled in one of Guelph’s finest and oldest neighborhoods, it’s perfect for weddings, romantic getaways, business travel or just a refreshing break from the mundane.

Create moments to remember. Indulge in the spa-like atmosphere of the room, soak in your Jacuzzi, and order-in breakfast. Ahhh...

102 Eramosa Rd., Guelph, ON N1E 2L8 (519) 767-1095 janet@norfolkguesthouse.ca www.norfolkguesthouse.ca

46 GUELPH

donna cooper, BHEc FB,PB,AC,R,CC,SF,YR,C

willow manor

B

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.

“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, due in part to the genuine warmth of the host.” FOOD & DRINK MAGAZINE 408 Willow Rd., Guelph ON (519) 763-3574 Fax: (519) 763-4531 willowmanor1@on.aibn.com www.willowmanorbb.com Member: FOBBA setting the standard: www.febba.ca

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ACCOMMODATIONS

overnight experiences

Paws In Elora

This pet-friendly suite is located in the historic Mill Street West shopping district in the picturesque Village of Elora, Ontario. Your fully appointed, self-catering two-bedroom pet-friendly vacation suite is only a bone’s throw from Elora’s finest cafés, restaurants, shops, the Gorge Cinema, Victoria Park and the Elora Gorge Conservation Area walking trails.

A welcome basket is provided for your dog with healthy treats. We supply a large doggy crate, doggy beds, air conditioning in summer and cozy fireplace in winter.

For more information and reservations, please call 226-384-7000, or visit our website at www.pawsinelora.com

mirageLimousine Weddings, proms, casino trips, special functions & events.

Airport flat rates, corporate accounts.

Sometimes you travel for fun. Sometimes it’s work. But it’s always because you need to get somewhere. We help you manage the 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.

519.846.1900 60

www.miragelimousine.ca explore, relax, indulge, enjoy

ACCOMMODATIONS

recipestoexperience.com

overnight experiences

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ELORA

maps & wayfinding Accommodations 14 Van Gali’s 25 Stonehurst 26 After the Ceilidh 28 Dream Corners 32 St George’s 33 Thistlebrae 34 Drew House 35 3 Bears 36 Chez du Soleil 37 Four Seasons 38 Gardener’s Cottage 39 Sem Wissler House 40 Stoneacre 41 Tynavon 43 Blair Manor 55 Paws in Elora

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All rights reserved.

Maps © 2008-2012 The Township of Centre Wellington.

Map designed by Greg Wolowich.

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FERGUS

maps & wayfinding

Boutiques 58 Elora Mews 59 Karger Gallery 61 The Crooked Door 62 Brodericks Clothiers

Chefs & Growers 3 Elora Farmers’ Market 9 Breadalbane Bistro 10 Fraberts Fresh Food 11 Fergies Fine Foods 12 I Love Chocolate 13 Mill St. Bakery & Bistro 14 Van Gali’s 15 East Mill Tapas & Grill 16 Brew House on the Grand

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Attractions & Events 19 Wellington County Museum & Archives 20 Doors Open Fergus Elora (multiple locations) 23 One Axe Pursuits 48 Food Cycle Ride Start 49 Fergus Scottish Festival & Highland Games 50 Fergus Truck Show 51 Elora Festival Office 52 Elora Festival Venues 53 Elora Gorge Conservation Area 54 Elora Quarry 56 Elora Fergus Studio Tour (various locations) 57 Elora Centre for the Arts 57 Twilight Zoo 63 Grand River Raceway 63 OLG Slots

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recipestoexperience.com

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GUELPH AND WELLINGTON COUNTY

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Growers / Producers Attraction / Event Chefs / Culinary Bed & Breakfasts Dining+Accommodation Tourism Info Centre

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www.tastereal.ca www.facebook.com/tastereal All rights reserved.

Maps Š 2008-2012 City of Guelph & Wellington County Map designed by Andy McLennan, Cartographics.ca.

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explore, relax, indulge, enjoy

maps & wayfinding Accommodations 17 Delta Guelph Hotel 22 Highland Pines Campground 24 Riverwood 27 De Herberg 29 Fergus Fly~In 30 Maplecrest 31 Oxy Acres 37 Four Seasons 38 Gardener’s Cottage 42 Maryhill Inn 44 London House 45 Norfolk Guest House 46 Willow Manor

Chefs & Growers 1 Thatcher Farms 2 Harmony Meadows Alpaca 4 Minto Farmers’ Markets 5 Guelph Farmers’ Market 6 Strom’s Farm 7 Knapp’s Country Market 8 Ignatius Farm 17 Fifty-West Restaurant & Bar 18 Appetizingly Yours Events & Catering 47 Drayton Chop House 68 Mapleton’s Organic Dairy

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Attractions & Events 21 Butter Tart Trail (various locations and routes) 60 Wellington Artists’ Gallery 64 Guelph Contemporary Dance Festival 64 Guelph Jazz Festival 64 Festival of Moving Media 65 Hillside Festival 66 Eden Mills Writers’ Festival 67 Mount Forest Fireworks Festival Scan this code with your smartphone to access maps and information while en route.

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CALENDAR

2012 highlights APR–DECEMBER

Historical Walking Tours, www.elorafergus.travel Throughout the year, explore our rich past led by lively costumed characters.

MAY–DECEMBER Hike the Trail Series, www.trailway.org Each month enjoy a themed hike along the historic Elora-Cataract Trailway.

APRIL 14-15 Tartan Day, www.fergusscottishfestival.com Weekend celebration of our Celtic Heritage in the heart of downtown Fergus.

APRIL 22 Grand Taste, www.centrewellingtonrotary.ca Culinary extravaganza featuring the best of Wellington County.

MAY 10-12 Artcetera, www.eloracentreforthearts.ca – Three-day art auction combining silent and live auctions and final day reception.

MAY 12–OCT 27 Elora Farmers’ Market, www.elorafarmersmarket.ca – Bissell Park, Saturdays 9 am to 1 pm. Winter market at Grand River Raceway, Nov-March.

MAY 26 Spring Wellington Rural Romp, www.tastereal.ca Experience a day in the countryside, meet local farmers and enjoy real taste!

MAY 26 Skyburst Elora, www.eloralions.org Elora Lions’ dazzling annual fireworks display at Grand River Raceway.

MAY 27 Food Cycle Ride, www.foodcycleride.ca – Bicycle Road Tour (70k or 35k) or family trail ride, all in beautiful scenery. In support of the CW Food Bank.

MAY 27 Elora Writers’ Festival, www.artscouncil.elora.on.ca – Celebrating fine Canadian writing since 1994 in a unique and intimate setting.

JUNE 8-9 Quilts on the Grand, www.grandquiltguild.ca – A celebration quilt show with tea and lunch in the riverside butterfly garden.

JUNE 23 Doors Open Fergus and Elora, www.elorafergus.travel – A one-day opportunity to explore our hidden heritage treasures.

JULY 1 Canada Day Celebrations, www.elorafergus.travel – Day-long festivities in Elora, twilight celebrations and fireworks in Fergus. Elora Canada Day: Scenic 5k/10k race and kids’ dashes. www.knectcares.org JULY 7-8 Art in the Yard, www.eloracentreforthearts.ca Popular annual outdoor juried art exhibition and sale.

JULY 13–AUGUST 5 The Elora Festival, www.elorafestival.com – Treat yourself to the world’s finest music; various locations throughout Elora.

JULY 20–22 Mount Forest Fireworks Festival, www.mountforestfireworks.ca Day and nighttime excitement all weekend-long including Classic Car Show.

JULY 27–29 Fergus Truck Show, www.fergustruckshow.com North America’s leading family entertainment and trucking event.

AUG 2, 16, 23, 30 Music on the Stairs, www.wcm.on.ca Evening concerts on the picturesque grounds of Wellington County Museum.

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experiences to bookmark AUGUST 6 AUGUST 9 AUGUST 10–12

Industry Day at Grand River Raceway, www.industrydaycelebration.com Catch the spirit of live harness racing featuring the Battle of Waterloo.

Pipes, Plaid and Pageantry Parade, www.fergusscottishfestival.com Kick off to Festival weekend! Enjoy pipes, marching bands through Fergus.

Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games The best of Scotland, without the airfare. www.fergusscottishfestival.com AUGUST 25 Grand River Truck & Tractor Pull, www.grandriveragsociety.com Action-packed event with over 100 hooks coming down the track!

AUGUST 26 Antique and Classic Car Show, www.wcm.on.ca Entertainment, refreshments, family activities and the best cars around.

SEPTEMBER 7 Fergus BIA Classic Car Show, www.fergusbia.ca About 140 oldies drive into downtown for this annual classic show n’ shine.

SEPTEMBER 14–16 Fergus Fall Fair, www.fergusfallfair.ca Country joins with the townsfolk for a fun weekend, including a midway.

SEPTEMBER 22-23 Elora Fergus Studio Tour, www.elorafergusstudiotour.ca AND 29-30 A unique opportunity to visit working artist studios and meet the creators.

SEPTEMBER 23 Harvest Home Festival, Wellington County Museum, www.wcm.on.ca A family celebration of the county's rich agricultural past.

SEPTEMBER 29 Fall Wellington Rural Romp, www.tastereal.ca Celebrate Fall Harvest by touring bountiful Wellington County farms & markets.

OCTOBER 1-31 Monster Month, www.monstermonth.ca – Monster March Parade (Oct 20), movies, walking tours and many more ghoulish gatherings all month.

OCTOBER 19-31 Twilight Zoo & Scare Fair, www.twilightzoo.ca – Tim Murtons’s Twilight Zoo on the grounds of Elora Centre for the Arts. Scare Fair: Oct 19-21.

OCTOBER 20, 25 Spirit Walks at the Poor House, www.wcm.on.ca – Meet characters who lived and worked at the Poor House. Day and Evening Tours.

NOVEMBER 24 Elora Santa Claus Parade of Lights, www.eloralions.org DECEMBER 1 Fergus Santa Claus Parade, www.elorafergus.travel DECEMBER 9 Christmas Festival, Wellington County Museum, www.wcm.on.ca Festive music, family activities and refreshments, plus a visit from Santa Claus!

DEC 14, 20, 21 Christmas in the Village, www.elorafestival.com Elora Festival Singers’ Christmas concert series is an annual rite of winter.

YEAR-ROUND Fergus Bridal Tour, www.fergusbridaltour.com – Look forward to fabulous!

Discover everything Fergus has to offer to make your wedding spectacular.

YEAR-ROUND Fergus Elora Bed & Breakfast Association (FEBBA), Experience the outstanding breakfasts & beds served up by our welcoming hosts. www.febba.ca 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 recipestoexperience.com

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THE ARTS

experiences that inspire

the arts in elora and fergus

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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 an appreciative 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 and painted our scenic views. This is the birthplace of the panoramic camera, through John R. Connon’s lens. More artisans followed, wooed by the rustic beauty and historic structures. There was something special here and everyone could feel it.

ARTISTIC EXPRESSION IN EVERY FORM Today we are home to an eclectic and celebrated creative community: dancers and choreographers, writers and poets, actors, musicians, painters, 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 68

Theatre and Grinder Productions grace the 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 become a southern Ontario “must-see” event over two weekends in fall.

A CENTRE FOR THE ARTS Art has a permanent home in a 150 year-old restored heritage school building which has become the Elora Centre for the Arts. It offers studio and performance space, fine art instruction in different mediums and children’s programming. The Minarovich Gallery welcomes the public to exhibitions featuring an impressive combination of nationally renowned artists and locally emerging talents. 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 here in abundance. It’s eye candy all year long. Enjoy the view. explore, relax, indulge, enjoy

THE ARTS

WALKING TOURS AND SEASONAL TREATS A variety of guided walking tours are on offer during the year; in addition to dates shown, other Walks are regularly scheduled.

Raconteurs Al Koop and Gary Bryant of Older Voices share their stories, humour and unique perspectives on the histories and mysteries of Elora and Fergus, dating back to their founding in the mid1850s. (Fun and spooky!)

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historical walking tours

MAKE IT A DATE! April 15 May 27 June 23 July 1 August 10 August 11 Sept 23 Oct 20 Oct 26 Oct 30

Fergus Tartan Day Elora: Planet Youth Event, Elora Information Centre Doors Open Fergus and Doors Open Elora Elora: Bissell Park Fergus Downtown Fergus Downtown Studio Tour Event: Elora Information Centre MonsterMonth: Lantern Tour MonsterMonth: Lantern Tour Fergus Lantern Walk

2pm 1pm 11am 2pm 12 noon 11am & 2pm 11am 2pm 8pm 7pm 7pm

Find self-guided tours online: www.elorafergus.travel

explore, relax, indulge, enjoy

THE ARTS

recipestoexperience.com

unique attractions & seasonal treats

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HISTORIC TOWNS

experiences to bookmark

HISTORIC TOWNS

experiences to bookmark

On any given weekend, the town of Fergus is a sight to behold. One of Ontario’s most picturesque historic towns, today’s main street vibrates with life. Here, 19th-century architecture has become home to local ONTARIO shops, pubs, restaurants and merchants who still pride themselves on offering customers the personal, small store service of yester-year.

You’ll find everything from fine jewellery to high-quality men’s and women’s fashions along these streets; from books 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 every-day, or a special gift for a special friend, you can find it in Fergus.

Discover the newly restored Fergus Grand Theatre, Templin Gardens—now alight every evening of the year— best viewed from the walking bridge that crosses the Grand River as it cuts through the centre of town. On June 23, there’s Doors Open, giving visitors access to select 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 DISCOVER DOWNTOWN

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 Mention promotional code RTE2012 at the time of booking and receive 10% off the price of your stay at participating members. Some restrictions may apply. recipestoexperience.com

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HISTORIC TOWNS

boutiques & attractions

the village of elora

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he Village of Elora has been love at first sight for some–certainly for Canadian artist A. J. Casson who described it as, “Ontario’s most beautiful village.” Year after year, thousands travel from around the world to see it. Others have stayed and made it home.

It’s a vibrant, thriving community and year round destination

where visitors from near and abroad come to shop in surroundings second to none. Crafted limestone buildings built in the 1800s by the Scots who settled here are now home to artisans and works of art, galleries and antique shops, fashion and upscale kitchen ware—waiting to be discovered in some of the most scenic country you’re ever likely to see.

Rich in history, walking tours abound. Self- guided or guided, with a historical or culinary theme, they’ll help you explore every nook and cranny of this timeless village. And when you get hungry, you can choose from an abundance of restaurants, cafés and pubs that offer enticing, local fare and flavours. Fun-filled annual festivals promote everything distinctive—from music to art, writers to monsters, antiques to classic cars.

Sit on a patio overlooking the Grand River as swans swim by, or go for a float yourself on a tube through the Elora Gorge, its limestone cliffs towering high above you. Hike the upper trails for a bird’s eye view, or take a zipline adventure across the gorge. Whatever your pursuit, a unique experience awaits you in Ontario’s most beautiful village.

Elora BIA, 9 East Mill Street, Elora, ON N0B 1S0 519-846-2563 www.elora.info elorabia@wightman.ca 74

explore, relax, indulge, enjoy

HISTORIC TOWNS

boutiques & attractions

UNIQUE SHOPS and GALLERY in the COURTYARD

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HISTORIC TOWNS

boutiques & attractions

Wellington Artists’ Gallery and Art Centre Exciting new creations by local artists working in many media April 28th to November 10th, 2012 For directions and information, visit www.wellingtonartistsgallery.ca

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

Boutique style at affordable prices A blend of fine quality consignments, new women’s fashions and accessories for your everyday style.

Daily new arrivals

136 Metcalfe St, Elora, Ontario | 519-846-5566 | www.thecrookeddoor.ca

Apparel for Men Fashion for Women Located on St. Andrew Street,

Historic Downtown Fergus 519.843.3870 | 519.843.6996 brodericksclothiers.com

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OPEN MON thru SAT, 9–6 THURS & FRI, 9–9

explore, relax, indulge, enjoy

DIVERSIONS

boutiques & attractions

the finishing touch

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f art is in the eye of the beholder, then markets, and a health food store with the beholder has much to please the eye specialty café, amongst many others. in Elora and Fergus.

On the waterfront, soak in the soothing The wealth of artists and artisans who power and majesty that is the Grand River. It live here, and the shops that showcase their flows through the heart of town in an area works, hold extraordinary discoveries for known as Templin Gardens—a scenic, not-toevery kind of shopper. From painting and be-missed visit at the walking bridge to the photography to sculpture and metal work, old Fergus Marketplace building. Be sure to from exquisite glass to hand-crafted visit in the evening too, when the rapids and jewellery, from fine chocolate to carved grotto are lit in a spectacular display. wood, clothing to Celtic, you’ll find it all And when you’ve experienced it all— within an easy stroll along our main streets. relax. Let yourself be pampered in any of our Some items are clearly one-of-a-kind, peaceful, serene day-spas, whose sole while others are merely uncommon and mission is to make you feel rejuvenated— unusual. In shops housed in centuries-old just in time to have some fun at the slots stone buildings, you’ll find unique items you and take in live harness racing at the Grand simply have to stop to admire, and River Raceway. sometimes, make your own.

Elora and Fergus are truly unique.

In Fergus, just five kilometres Wellington County and the City of and mere minutes from Elora, Guelph, with its University and you’ll discover a different, but renowned agricultural research equally rewarding experience. station, are leaders on the world Walk the streets of this stage on many important fronts. We have places, landscapes and experiences historic Scottish enclave here that you will not see or find anywhere and pop into a fine else. We’re all about giving you that exclusively clothier, gift shop or personal experience which is yours alone; one that browse some books.

There are excellent is fed and fueled by whatever moves you. All the jewellers, pubs, a ingredients are here. And as every good chef knows, chocolatier, it’s all about how you put them together.

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Look forward to fabulous!

You’ll find it all right here.

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hen you’re planning your special day, take time to consider the fabulous venues, bridal services, scenery and romance of Fergus and Elora. Your Fergus Bridal Tour partners are committed to helping you make your wedding special, and your memory of a lifetime, unforgettable.

Take a self-guided tour of the locations, services, products, cuisine and accommodations offered by our partners. There’s everything from jewellery to photography, flowers and cakes to catering, wedding dresses and tuxedos to invitations, planning services to overnight accommodations. And because we all work together, we help make it easy for you, giving you just what you need.

You can take the tour anytime, using our map and website as a guide. And if you do choose to call one or several of our partners ahead of time, they can answer your questions and help you make the most of your visit with us. Whether you live nearby, or are considering a celebration away, Fergus has the answers and the memorable experience you’re looking for. Plan to take the tour, and look forward to fabulous!

www.fergusbridaltour.com

519.843.7700

Mention code RTE2012 when you call, for a chance to win great prizes.

Look forward to fabulous!

You’ll find it all right here.

W

hen you’re planning your special day, take time to consider the fabulous venues, bridal services, scenery and romance of Fergus and Elora. Your Fergus Bridal Tour partners are committed to helping you make your wedding special, and your memory of a lifetime, unforgettable.

Take a self-guided tour of the locations, services, products, cuisine and accommodations offered by our partners. There’s everything from jewellery to photography, flowers and cakes to catering, wedding dresses and tuxedos to invitations, planning services to overnight accommodations. And because we all work together, we help make it easy for you, giving you just what you need.

You can take the tour anytime, using our map and website as a guide. And if you do choose to call one or several of our partners ahead of time, they can answer your questions and help you make the most of your visit with us. Whether you live nearby, or are considering a celebration away, Fergus has the answers and the memorable experience you’re looking for. Plan to take the tour, and look forward to fabulous!

www.fergusbridaltour.com

519.843.7700

Mention code RTE2012 when you call, for a chance to win great prizes.