Huron County is a sprawling terrain home to stunning landscapes and, of course, some of Ontario’s most beautiful beaches hugging the shores of Lake Huron. But this county is more than sand-filled escapes. There’s a rich terroir in Ontario’s West Coast, a region brimming with agriculture nourished by not only the soil, but the people themselves.
Road Trip: Fall in love with Ontario’s West Coast
Goderich, Bayfield, and Grand Bend conjure up visions of blue skies and charming lakeside villages. But just a stone’s throw away, in the neighbouring counties of Brussels, Blyth, and Wingham, the scenery shifts dramatically. Trade sandy shores for rolling hills, sparkling water for endless skies, and bustling crowds for curious farm animals — and you’re off to a delightful start.
Our team was recently invited to wander through the fields, meet some friendly new faces, and gather inspiration for the upcoming Canadian Thanksgiving. Now more than ever, local food matters — and supporting small businesses, especially our farmers and food producers, is essential.
First Stop: Meeting Place Organic Farm
Lucknow is home to the McQuail Family Farm. Open since 1973, this farm began with a pure focus: growing pesticide-free food before organic was a trend. Sustainability was a cornerstone that still stands today. That mindset was revolutionary 50 years ago. Today, the farm serves the local market, as well as deliveries around Ontario!
Taking over the family farm is Katrina’s true calling. The mother of three young children tends to her flock and that of her family farm. Cows, goats, horses, chickens and Pickle the Piggie await, as do orchards of apples and fields of flowers. The farm hosts weddings and events, and floral workshops.
Aside from crafting a stunning centrepiece for your tables, you can also snap up one of Meeting Place Organic Farm’s Fall harvest boxes. Designed to include more than just dinner, the boxes feature all organic meats and treats from the family’s farm.
Second-generation female-run family farm? That’s organic and sustainable? Sign us up. Visit the farm – follow @meetingplaceorganicfarm for more.
Second Stop: Green’s Meat Market
Next up, another family-run business with 5 decades under its belt in Ontario’s West Coast. Sunny Wingham is home to Green’s Meat Market and Abattoir, open since 1971 by John & Arlene Green, who have now handed the keys to their daughters Shaelin & Shelby Green. The sisters are running the show in a stereotypically male-dominated industry.
Part butcher shop, part abattoir, part bustling retail, I wish they had a Toronto location. The meats are top-notch, fridges stocked with Ontario’s best proteins. Green’s Meat Market also prepares many ready-to-go meals. Service is on a first-name basis, and orders are waiting for the steady stream of regulars. Clean as a whistle, friendly like family, the sisters have outdone themselves.
We stocked up on peameal bacon, Italian sausages (perfect for stuffing!) and NY Striploin steaks. All were priced at a fraction of city grocers. Worth a road trip! Follow them @greensmeatmarket.
Next up, Red Door Milling
It’s not all animals and barns in Ontario’s West Coast, either. Proof that agriculture is a collaborative effort, where farmers share more than just tools or land, we land at Red Door Milling in Bluevale. This brand new ‘barn’ is the cutest little cafe, and, of course, mills its own heritage whole wheat grains, and multi-purpose flours.
This integrated business is a retail outlet for its flavourful flours, as well as imported Dutch treats. Red fife flour, said to be Canada’s oldest grain, would be fitting for any Thanksgiving pie. The Cafe & Pannenkoek Eatery is open early for deluxe lattes, coffees and Dutch pancakes, both savoury and sweet. Visit @reddoormilling to learn more.
Say Cheese, No Kidding, at Capella Meadows
Goat cheese is funky and flavourful, it’s my favourite. Visiting a goat farm is an instant way to reset your day. Goats are adorable, they’re super friendly, and cheese is wonderful. A trifecta of goatness! Meeting Edda Boettcher, owner and bio-dynamic farmer was unforgettable. A busy barefoot mom crafting like a mad scientist at Capella Meadows in Brussels was a moment. Her craft? Making organic goat cheddar and organic feta, and organic cream cheese.
With her partner Erik, and three young children, they run a beautiful cheese production facility and goat farm. The couple makes handcrafted cheeses as well as selling fresh goats milk to a local partner. Production at Capella Meadows is a twice daily effort, milking the herd is at the heart of everything they make.
If she weren’t a cheesemaker, she’d be a doctor — either way, bacteria runs in her veins. Upgrade your holiday cheesecake, incorporate Capella’s organic goat cheese and organic goat cream cheese with creme fraiche for a rich mouthfeel.
Check out the operation @capellameadows.
Orchards Await, Acres of Apples at Blake’s Apple Orchard
Is it even Thanksgiving if an apple is not on the menu? From cider to pies to salads and soups, apples are the unsung hero of fall harvest. Apples can last for months in proper cold storage, making bulk shopping for this crop a cinch. Apple pie from Blake’s Apple Orchard in Brussels grows a dizzying array of varieties, including the rare Russet Ginger Golds.
Visiting this family run farm is a treat, and pick-your-own runs until the apples drop. Prices are a fraction of city markets. Visit @blakesappleorchard for hours.
Last Stop, Lavender Works Co.
The lead photo is the most gorgeous greenhouse in all the land, and it belongs to Lavender Works Co. in Brussels. The senses are in overdrive at this bountiful farm. Lavender is such a welcoming fragrant scent that’s equally as inviting in food and drink. Incorporate the telltale purple-hued bloom into baked goods like cookies or even a welcome cocktail. Lavender Works Co. has a retail boutique with everything lavender.
The dream came true for owner Julianne, with partner Gary, who helped build out the field and farm. Engagements, picnics and yoga are part of the program during the summer months. Shop now for the perfect scent for your guestroom, and for a few salts, oils and creams for you, too. Find Julianne in her happy place @lavenderworkscompany.
Ontario’s West Coast Sets the Table for an Unforgettable Thanksgiving Feast
A full day of farm fresh air, we left inspired and ready to bring a bit of Ontario’s West Coast home with us. The connection was immediate. We were all flipping through real estate listings on our two-hour drive home.
It’s the feeling of community that really created a ripple effect. Everyone knows everyone, sure, but everyone cares about everyone, too. There’s a mutual respect that goes beyond farm boundaries. I want that desperately in my neighbourhood. Grocery shopping is a burden and a chore in Toronto.
And in perspective, it’s not really far. So often we’re headed north anyway, why not tag on a few fun and friendly farm stops? Particularly with insane prices in grocery stores, this day trip could prove to be a breath of fresh air for your lungs and household budget. And with Thanksgiving on our doorstep, we’re grateful for these Canadian food heroes.
Some Thanksgiving Cues from the Coast
🧀 Add Organic Goat Cheddar from Capella Meadows to your charcuterie board
🍎 Offer Apple Cider for guests, alcoholic and non…from Blake’s Apple Orchard
💜 Include Lavender in a fall harvest cocktail from Lavender Works Co
🐷 Prepare a tasty Pork Tenderloin from Green’s Meat Market instead of traditional turkey
🥧 Bake a Pie with locally milled flour from Red Door Milling
🌻 Create a centrepiece and decor from Meeting Place Organic Farm
Family Values, Family First on Ontario’s West Coast
The value, the prices, the people. The big skies. There’s a feeling of togetherness that really embodies what we’re trying to emulate on our Thanksgiving plates. Explore the fall harvest and embrace Ontario’s bounty, and the growers that make it happen, year after year.
Thank you, Ontario’s West Coast, for the invitation and for The Foodies Group for organizing!
All images by Libby Roach.