Shopping local is more than just a tagline.
The past two years have been tough on small businesses, restaurants, and organizations, and communities across Canada have been helping to promote the products and services that are offered in their own backyards.
Promoting Local
The same goes for Haldimand County, where the County’s tourism department is spearheading an initiative to celebrate the people and stories behind the makers and producers in the region.
From cider to flowers, and beer to popcorn, Haldimand residents and visitors alike will be able to find unique locally made gifts and treats.
From cider to flowers, and beer to popcorn, Haldimand residents and visitors alike will be able to find unique locally made gifts and treats.
Haldimand’s Sweet Treats
Hewitt’s Dairy Bar has two locations in Hagersville. Their story began in 1887 when founder James Hewitt started delivering milk to the people of Hagersville in a horse-drawn wagon. Fast forward to today and the Dairy Bar now offers more than just milk: visitors can find yogurt, ice cream, goat milk products, cheese, eggnog, and more. Check out their website by clicking here.
A few towns over is the Richardson’s Farm & Market in Dunnville. The farm has been in operation for five generations and these days, visitors can check out the Sugar Bush Tours and Pancakes, visit the Farm Shop, and take part in the Maple Dining and Experience. More details can be found on their website.Not too far away is Sweet Retro-Spect, which has a variety of flavours of popcorn including Bacon and Cheese, Dill Pickle, Grilled Cheese & Ketchup, and more. Their store-made popcorn is also available at some local convenience stores. Click here to find them on Facebook!
Enjoy A Cold Drink
Oranje Son Brewing might just be Ontario’s smallest brewery. Located in Caledonia, brewmaster Stephen Rodermond has created over 100 different kinds of beer but keeps his operation small. His batches are done 50L at a time, and all the beer is brewed in his home garage.
“Oranje Son’s name comes from my heritage. Oranje is orange in Dutch, orange is the colour of the Dutch Royal Family, and I am the son of Dutch immigrants,” Stephen explains on his website.
If you’re looking to visit multiple breweries, you won’t want to miss Concession Road Brewing Co. in Jarvis. Open Wednesday to Sunday, the brewery has a variety of beers on tap with unique names like Lumber Jacket, Cash Crop, and Sidecar Seltzer. See more of their beers by clicking here. And if beer isn’t your thing, Haldimand also has a cidery. Bains Road Cider produces a locally sourced line of ciders and fine fruit wines. Using fruits from neighbouring farms, they have a Wild Pear Cider, Pumpkin Pie Liquor, Sparkling Blueberry Wine, and a Lionheart Cider using fruits from neighbouring farms. They also accept bottle returns on behalf of the Hobbitstee Wildlife Refuge.
Shopping in Haldimand
Tourism Haldimand has featured many more local businesses and attractions on its website. So not only can you enjoy locally produced food and drink, you can also shop for gifts and accessories.
Stores like Michaud Toys, Husky Alpaca Ranch, Bluewater Flower Farm, and Haldimand Wax Works provide a variety of handmade gifts for people of all ages, and many can be purchased online, which means you can shop locally even if you don’t live in the area!
