Guide to FALLing in Love with Ontario
September 12, 2013
Nothing is more spectacular than Fall in Ontario. It’s that special time of year when sweltering summer heat gives way to a crisper, more enjoyable climate and the region explodes into a brilliant display of red, orange and yellow foliage. A view so enchanting it inspires long romantic walks and encourages leaf-peepers to venture out into the countryside with their camera in tow. Many would argue that fall is when Ontario is at its glorious best, showcasing the finest of everything. If you’ve ever experienced this magical time, you would agree.
Fall
is harvest season and an opportunity to indulge your culinary palate with a
bounty of delicious food and wine celebrated at festivals, vineyards, and
farmer’s markets throughout the region. And with so many fruits and vegetables
in season there is no shortage of warm pie to satisfy your sweet tooth. Enjoy
classic favorites like apple pie and pumpkin pie, but if baking is your thing
why not try new recipes like Apple-Cranberry Pie, Pumpkin-Mascarpone Pie with
Candied Pecans, Butternut Squash Pie with Gingersnap Crust, or Maple-Nut Pie.
Mother
Nature’s brilliant light and bold autumnal hues inspire the photographer in all
of us. Pack a picnic lunch and set off on a scenic drive through the country or
go on an apple-picking adventure to capture the province’s remarkable display
of color. Panoramic views make for great pictures and unforgettable memories.
While
fall’s foliage inspires many, there are those who seek out another kind of
adventure - one that involves haunted hayrides, pumpkin patches and corn mazes,
and tales of ghosts and haunted houses. With October 31st just around the
corner, Ontario is filled with Halloween attractions for the entire family.
Whatever
your preference, fall is a time for reconnecting with the earth and giving
thanks for all its bounty. With so much to see and do this season you are never
short of options, so we’ve listed our top picks for outdoor activities, harvest
menus and weekend adventures that will help you FALL in love with Ontario.
01
A great start to the fall season is a visit to the Savour Stratford Perth County Culinary Festival, awarded Ontario’s event of the
year in 2012. From September 20-22, you can sip, sample and savour local
dishes, as well as meet Award-winning chefs, celebrated culinary authors,
producers and innovators. And while there, why not attend the renowned Stratford
Shakespeare festival.
02
Celebrate the harvest at the Apple Harvest Festival in
Ontario’s largest apple growing region. It’s a wonderful time to explore the
countryside and harbour towns of Blue Mountain, Thornbury and Clarksburg. There’s
hiking, biking, trails, gallery tours, street performers, live music and much,
much more.
03
Nothing beats picking fresh apples and pumpkins while the scent of
freshly baked pie fills the air. Dixie Orchard is a family-owned and
operated farm located in beautiful southern Caledon full of orchard activities
including: Thanksgiving and Halloween decorations, fresh baked pies, apple
cider, weekend wagon rides, corn maze, straw jump and farm animals. The best
part is that there’s no entrance fee!
04
With over 30 fabulous wineries and an incredible display of
nature’s bounty, a drive to Prince Edward County is a wonderful way to
celebrate the season. Savour regional food and wine, attend local fairs and
festivals, enjoy theatre and art, and watch a parade with some of the region’s
best pumpkins at their annual Pumpkinfest.
05
Ontario’s acclaimed wine country is home to one of Canada’s
loveliest little towns - Niagara-On-The- Lake. This picturesque region
is the perfect place to take in beautiful foliage and the best that fall has to
offer. From enchanting landscapes, to wine and culinary adventures at wineries
across the Niagara Peninsula, to the scenic route between the small towns of Queenston
and Niagara-on-the-Lake, this pocket of paradise is a fall must see.
06
No thanksgiving season would be complete without a stroll
through the historical 19th century at Black Creek Pioneer Village. It is a great way to teach your children about our
past and a reminder of all the things we can be thankful for this season.
07
Come October, Ontario’s favourite amusement park, Canada’s Wonderland provides Halloween fun for the whole family; from the
kid-friendly Camp Spooky to the more intense Haunted House which promises to
scare the daylights out of you!
08
Enjoy an afternoon hike through Toronto’s High Park. With
an exceptional concentration of rare plant species, spectacular lakefront and
many hiking trails, the park highlights the best of what nature has to offer in
a display of autumn’s fiery red, orange and yellow hues. So pack your camera,
put on comfortable walking shoes and snap away!
Look for this article in the new issue of Whatever Vaughan Magazine.
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