When was the last time you packed the car with your favourite people and headed out for a culinary adventure? If your answer is never: you need to get on it asap. Food memories are the best memories. Add a road trip to the mix and you’re golden. Ah yes, a trip where weight restrictions aren’t a concern, the pace of the journey is determined by YOU and digestion/food coma naps take place between stops (well, one person will need to stay awake and sober in the driver’s seat). I’m a huge fan of exploring regions via food/drink so a recent culinary road trip in Essex County was right up my alley. Home to some of Canada’s most fertile farmland and a rapidly growing wine, craft beer and farm-to-table scene, it’s a great weekend escape in Ontario’s Southwest. Here’s how I recommend you spend your time there…
Where To Eat
Billy’s Taphouse – Fresh, locally-sourced fare made from scratch. That’s what you can expect at Billy’s. Add to this: 14 craft beers on tap, Essex County wines, a beaut patio with beach volleyball in the summer and you have the perfect place to hang with the gang. Oh, and these guys may just have the most epic nachos in the region: ginormous and delicious.
Jack’s Gastropub – I felt a special energy as soon as I stepped foot in this family-owned and operated gastropub. Nestled inside a stately home (built in 1880’s), it’s cozy and incredibly welcoming. The owners source local produce, fish and meats and serve pub-inspired house specialties that have been putting smiles on diners’ faces since 1989. To top things off, they even make their own craft brew at Banded Goose Brewing!
Merli’s Coffeehouse – I love establishments that support local artists. And Merli’s does just that. Lined with hundreds of paintings and photographs, there is a strong sense of community at this quaint coffeehouse/restaurant in Kingsville. Frank (the owner) grows many vegetables and herbs onsite, sources local ingredients whenever possible and never serves anything deep fried. He has a very distinct, locovore philosophy and is passionate about supporting the farms, greenhouses and wineries of Essex County.
What To Do
Thiessen Orchards – Nothing says fall quite like a trip to the orchard to pick your own apples! A visit to this third generation family farm is a great way to get a bit of fresh air and activity during your culinary road trip. I sprinted down many rows in the orchard so I could snag a few of each variety (I counted nine: from Mutsu and Honeycrisp to Ambrosia and Empire)…
It was a dreamy day in the orchard. My friends and I shared a wagon ride, warm apple cider and freshly baked apple fritters from the Kountry Kitchen. Some of the gang got distracted by the flower shop and pumpkin patch, but I was in my happy place just prancing around the magical orchard.
Oxley Estate Winery – Nestled on 38 acres of land, this winery is home to some exceptional food, wine and people…
We all fell in love with the renovated barn as soon as we walked in: such a beautiful and modern space. And since they don’t sell their wines in the LCBO yet, a visit to the winery is a must if you want to taste their vino. They produce many of the varieties we’re all familiar with (from Riesling and Chardonnay to Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir) and one that I’ve personally never seen here in Ontario: Regent (a german red grape varietal). Bonus: they make verjus (for those who don’t/can’t drink alcohol).
Wolfhead Distillery – If you’re following the craft distillery scene in Ontario, put these guys on your list. Led by the youngest distiller I’ve ever met (Ryan is 24!), they’re not in the LCBO yet but worth the drive to Essex County just for a taste. They proudly produce small batch, ultra-premium spirits (six whisky and vodka products with more to come). The Banana Caramel Flavoured Vodka stole the show with our gang. Make sure to feast at their onsite restaurant when you visit. The Garlic Fried Linguini is amaze. And, of course, the cocktails…
Where To Stay
The Grove Hotel – We were basically like kids in a candy store as we bolted from room to room checking out the unique themes at this newly transformed boutique hotel. A historic Kingsville landmark, it’s now under new ownership and will soon be the talk of the town (their big, public reveal was on October 13th). Why? Exceptional service, modern amenities and impeccable decor. My suite was huge (sitting area, large bathroom and walk out balcony), lined with damask wallpaper and dotted with Parisian accents. Ooh la la! The bed was unbelievably comfortable (the kind you never want to leave) and layered with countless pillows and luxe throws. The room was so dreamy that we just had to do a mini photo shoot with the girls…
Hope you guys get a chance to go on a road trip in Essex County soon! There are countless wineries, distilleries, local restaurants and farms just waiting to be explored in the region (more info here). So put on your stretchy pants, grab a car full of friends and drive on over. Epic food memories await!
A huge thanks to Ontario’s Southwest and Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island for hosting our group on this press trip. As always, all reviews and opinions are entirely my own.
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