The phrase A Country Path is taking on a whole new meaning in Ontario’s Durham Region. On the rural backroads of Clarington, northeast of Oshawa, a community of passionate locals are sharing their homes and businesses with visitors.
There’s a long list of reasons why you’ll want to add A Country Path to your next road trip itinerary! Along the “path” you’ll find an array of local businesses. Many of which are some of the most unique places to visit in Durham Region. Each offering visitors unique items, fresh farm to table ingredients, or exceptional experiences. Oftentimes, all three at the same time!
I absolutely loved visiting each of the stops on A Country Path! And if you’re looking for a fun day trip from Toronto or a unique local getaway idea, this tour exactly what you’re after.
In my travel guide you’ll discover everything you need to know before you plan your trip. I share details about each of the stops as well as tips to ensure the perfect visit.
What is A Country Path?
A Country Path is a self-guided tour of Clarington. The tour has 12 stops that include everything from farms to small shops. And it makes for one of the best day trips in Durham Region!
These 12 stops include a network of local citizens that all share a few amazing attributes. Each are passionate about what they do, sharing their stories, and promoting each other. Proving that when we work together and lift each other up, we all grow.
The tour allows you to not only purchase farm fresh food and unique items but also have authentic experiences. You’ll learn about the people making your food. You’ll learn about the stories behind the how the items are crafted. And you’ll learn about the places in our amazing backyard of Ontario!
This is an easy to navigate path! Each of the stops are minutes from one another. With the furthest two stops being a short 12-minute drive between each other.
So, if you’re looking for fun things to do in Clarington, I highly recommend this tour!
Best Stops on A Country Path for the Unique Experience
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Knox’s Pumpkin Farm
One of the best places to visit in Durham region is Knox’s Pumpkin Farm. This stop on A Country Path is a fun historic farm to visit for all!
Since 1832, the Knox family have farmed in Durham. Going strong, this 4th generation farm covers 200 acres. It’s home to crops, cows, and a historic homestead farmhouse from the 1850s.
The farm is a great place for people of all ages to learn about farming. They offer a truly welcoming and authentic farm experience that will delight everyone from children to grandparents.
In the 1980s the pumpkin patch started. Every year the family plants pumpkin seeds by hand. And picking a pumpkin from their 20-acre pumpkin patch is one of the top fall activities in Ontario!
There’s a long list of fun fall activities at Knox’s Pumpkin Farm! Meet the adorable farm animals that include piglets, goats, and donkeys. There’s a straw jump, kids corn maze and pony rides too.
The main attraction is jumping on the wagon to ride out to the massive pumpkin patch. Wander the field in search of the perfect pumpkin for you!
But the farm is home to some hidden gems too! There’s a scenic Valley Trail with benches and Muskoka chairs. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxing stroll and to take in the brilliant fall colours.
Plus, the trail features a quirky old building known as the Witch’s Lair! Inside you’ll find a cornucopia of witchy décor like brooms, haunting photos, and spellbinding pieces.
Come hungry and visit their stunning barn café for some tasty food! They serve a variety of fall favourites. But Elizabeth Knox said two things that are a must-try are the pumpkin curry and the chili made with Knox Farm beef.
Travel Tip: Thanks to the short fall season, weekends at Knox Pumpkin Farm are busy. So, if you’re looking for the ideal time to visit to avoid the big crowds and have a truly authentic farm experience, I recommend going during the week.
Address: 6325 Enfield Rd, Hampton, ON L0B 1J0
Archibald Orchards & Estate Winery
Whether you’re looking for a fun family outing or a day trip with the ladies Archibald Orchards & Estate Winery is one of the best places to visit in Clarington!
Known as the Pick-Your-Own Capital of Canada, Clarington is home to plenty of places for pick your own adventures. And one of them is the 4th generation family farm, Archibald Orchards!
Planted in 1968, the orchard started welcoming pick your own apple visitors in 1983. Set on the rolling hillside of the Oak Ridges Moraine, the farm is home to over 10,000 dwarf apple trees. The orchard has 14 different varieties that include favourites like McIntosh and Honey Crisp. Plus, you’ll find unique ones like Silken, which I got to try and are so delicious!
Along with pick your own apples, children will love playing in the ‘Grandfather’s Park,’ which is made out of recycled wine tanks.
Beyond the apple orchards, Archibald Orchards & Estate Winery is best known for their incredible wines and ciders. The winery opened in 1997 and makes a variety that include dry to dessert wines.
In addition to award-winning fruit wines, they serve sparkling non-alcoholic ciders and fresh pressed cider, all made with their own apples. And the best part is that they offer complimentary tastings!
Travel Tip: I highly recommend buying their delicious apple dumplings that pair well with their ciders and wines!
Address: 6275 Liberty St N, Bowmanville, ON L1C 6L1
Tyrone Mills
In the rural countryside of Clarington is one of the most unique places to visit in Durham Region, Tyrone Mills. It’s one of the last water-powered mills in Ontario and sells some of the best donuts in the province!
The mill, built in 1846, is over 175 years old! Still powered by water, the mill has evolved over the years beyond just grinding wheat to flour. A sawmill and woodworking shop was added.
I was blown away to witness the second-floor workshop come to life during my visit. Bob, the owner turned on the turbine in the basement and the original belt-driven machinery above my head sprung to life.
I encourage you to take your time and explore the Tyrone Mills. Inside you’ll find various antique tools on display. They also sell a wide range of flours, grains and mixes.
How cool is it to buy flour from Tyrone Mills and say your cookies were made with flour from a 175-year-old mill!! I’m also excited to try out their soup and scone mixes!
Along with flour, the shelves are lined with local products like honey, maple syrup, and artisan cheeses. But the big draw is their famous apple cider doughnuts!
One of their newest food offerings is wood-fired pizza! Every weekend they bake fresh pizzas in their outdoor oven. You can enjoy pizza on one of their two beautiful patios. These patios are adorned with stunning flowers and the tables topped with fresh herbs.
Travel Tip: Grab some apple cider donuts and wander around the back of the mill. Here, you’ll find benches to sit on and enjoy your sweet treats while overlooking the scenic Mill Pond.
Address: 2656 Concession Rd 7, Bowmanville, ON L1C 5W2
Geissbergers Farm House Cider
Pull on up to the bright red shop of Geissbergers Farm House Cider. This is another one of the coolest unique places to visit in Clarington!
Coming from another long-standing farming family, in 1970 they starting producing apple cider on a portion of their grandfather’s dairy farm.
One of the things that makes Geissbergers Farm House Cider unique is their cider mill is mobile! You might have even seen it on the TV show Dragon’s Den!
Geissbergers Farm House Cider is home to two of five Mobile Apple Cider Mills in Canada! When they did an equipment upgrade in 2012, they moved from a stationary cider mill to Ontario’s first mobile apple cider mill.
They produce cider from their own apples as well as those from other local Durham Region orchards.
And visitors can see the magic of mobile mill in action when visiting their brand-new facility. The mobile mill is located behind the tasting room and shop.
Another interesting fact about their cider is how they package it. While some are in traditional bottles, they also produce bag-in-the-box packaging. Using their grandfather’s recipe, they are able to still maintain no preservatives. Plus, unrefrigerated it has a shelf life of a year and produces a low carbon footprint.
In Geissbergers Farm House Cider’s shop, visitors can enjoy a tasting of some of their products. They make a variety of hard apple ciders, non-alcoholic sparkling ciders and apple cider vinegars.
I highly recommend the Hard Apple Strawberry Cider. It has a hint of maple syrup that they source locally from Purple Woods Conservation Area, which is known for one of the best maple syrup festivals in Ontario!
Travel Tip: If you’re looking for a tasty and refreshing summer treat, try their Apple Cherry Cider Freezie, which is non-alcoholic!
Address: 5301 Langmaid Rd, Hampton, ON L0B 1J0
Open Skies Farm Market
One of the best places to visit in Durham Region for fresh produce is Open Skies Farm Market. This charming roadside farm stand is run by the lovely Heather Geisberger Reilly.
Farming is in her blood! Both her father and grandfather were farmers. Heather’s grandfather even had a contract for tomatoes from Campbell’s Soup!
Heather still holds her family’s passion for tomatoes, growing 10 different varieties! Also paying homage to her farming family roots, the wagon that displays many of the Farm Market’s produce is her grandfather’s old hay wagon.
Open Skies Farm Market is the perfect spot to stop to buy items for a delicious farm to table meal! The market sells a large variety of vegetables that include peppers, zucchini, beans, and so much more. Plus, you’ll find eight different varieties of garlic.
In addition to the fresh produce, there’s large brown eggs from her free-range chickens. And inside the little shop are shelves lined with more goodies. Heather bakes fresh desserts every morning to sell at the farm market. There’s everything from cookies to muffins.
Another thing Open Skies Farm Market is known for is delicious jams and salsas. Whatever fresh veggies doesn’t sell turns into these delicious preserves. A few favourites include the raspberry jam, grape jelly, and tangy salsa. And the big hit this year is her blueberry rhubarb jam!
Travel Tip: Please note that Open Skies Farm Market is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10am – 6pm.
Address: 8240 Enfield Road, Clarington ON
Gallery on the Farm
Bowmanview Farms is into their fifth generation of family farming. Pulling onto this 1929 farmstead you’ll find two barn quilts on their bright red barn. Each barn quilt celebrates their rural roots.
Beside the big red barn is their Gallery of the Farm shop. The name steams from Eric’s passion for painting. One of his pieces can be seen on display inside.
This historic farm raises certified organic beef. Participate in regenerative farming practices, their cows are on a 12-hour rotating field grazing system. This sustainable farming practice helps protect the animals and the land they graze on.
The shop at Gallery on the Farm sells a wide variety of local items. There’s everything from gift ideas created by local artisans to maple syrup and jewelry.
For their farm fresh goods head into their large walk-in freezer. Inside you’ll find everything from tip to tail, with various cuts of meat at great prices. If you’re unsure what to make with certain cuts or want advice, the family is incredibly helpful and love to offer suggestions.
Travel Tip: With so much great meat, you’ll want to make sure you bring a cooler! I highly recommend purchasing some hamburger to make meatballs!
Address: 1721 Durham Regional Rd 3, Hampton, ON L0B 1J0
Great Stops on A Country Path to Visit for Shopping
There are so many great places to shop along the Path! You’ll find everything from farm fresh food to unique items that are perfect for gifts.
Buy a Bird House
As soon as we exited the vehicle, we swooned at the stunning property that’s home to the Buy a Bird House shop!
A beautiful farm house with a wraparound porch stood in front of sprawling garden. And at the end of the drive is an adorable little shop that looks like it was plucked from the pages of Wonderland.
Inside the shop are a variety of fun, quirky and sweet bird houses. All of them are hand crafted and custom built by Jim and his wife Noeleen.
For years Jim ran a nail salon and would put his bird houses on display. He began selling them and having clients ask for custom made ones. After his salon was shut due to the pandemic, he switched gears.
Now the couple run a showroom on their property, in a whimsical shop.
What makes his bird houses unique is that he wraps them in a vinyl. The bird house come with a variety of different wraps. Some of the bird houses on the shelves represented artists like Tom Petty, sport teams, travelling, and more!
They also can create customized bird houses!! Give someone the gift of a local personalized gift to celebrate a birthday, wedding, or anything else.
The coolest part about the bird houses is that they are works of art! You can put them outside for the birds to enjoy. All of them are weatherproof and built for the elements. Or you can display it inside to enjoy yourself!
Address: 2162 Durham Regional Rd 3, Hampton, ON L0B 1J0
Sargent Family Dairy
In a bright blue barn shop you’ll find another great stop on A Country Path, Sargent Family Dairy!
Farming is deeply rooted in their DNA! In the 1800’s, the Sargent family came to Canada and settled in Ontario. This family of farmers from Ireland built an idyllic life in Ontario.
During the early 1900’s, the family began farming Jersey cows. To this day, Sargent Family Dairy is built on Jersey cows and run by Tim and Sharyn Sargent, and their children.
What’s so unique about Jersey cows? Firstly, their milk has more protein and calcium than regular milk. Plus, it has a richer taste too!
Another interesting attribute of Jersey cows is that they produce A2 milk. It’s a great alternative for those with digestive issues, like lactose intolerance. Reports show that those with lactose intolerance don’t have the same problems when drinking A2 milk.
The bright blue shop sells a variety of dairy products. You’ll find various flavoured milk, which their known for. In addition, they make butter and artisanal cheese, including cheese curds.
Also in the shop are a number of other items for sale from other businesses on A Country Path.
Address: 8734 Old Scugog Rd, Enniskillen, ON L0B 1J0
Almet Farms
What began near Lake Ontario over 150 years ago has become a thriving farm. Through seven generations and one giant move, Almet Farms is now a beloved spot for locals and day trippers alike.
This 1200-acre farm takes up both sides of the road, with over 100 cows to one side and 26,000 chickens on the other.
Every morning the Metcalf’s wake at 6:30am to tend their chickens. Thanks to their incredible and automated system, they’re done within 2 hours and moving on to breakfast before the rest of the farm work.
As someone who did schooling for animal care, I was impressed with the chicken set up. The chickens are housed in enriched housing, and not to the max. Each ‘chicken condo’ has a perch, scratch post, roost, and more. All efforts are made for happy and healthy chickens.
While they sell most of their eggs to wholesale, they always leave some behind for sell in their barn. Driving up the drive that’s flanked by towering corn fields the chicken barn emerges at the end as a glistening gem.
The first door on your right leads into a small shop where you can purchase a selection of fresh eggs on the honour system. It’s so nice to see places like this, brings you back to a simpler time.
The farm is also home to one of the many hidden gems in Durham Region. Originally, the farm that is now home to Almet Farms was owned by the McLaughin family. And specific, Robert McLaughin, the man who created what would become General Motors of Canada.
In a small roadside museum of sorts, you’ll find his cutters and carriages. Plus, there’s a historic plaque that celebrates Robert McLaughlin.
Travel Tip: Buying eggs at Almet Farms is cheaper than in the grocery stores and fresh! It’s $3.50 a dozen!!
Address: 2575 Concession Rd 7, Haydon, ON L1C 5W1
Makers on Enfield
Experience the art of woodworking at Makers on Enfield! As you enter the large shop at the end of the driveway you’ll meet Al, the masterful woodworker, and his lovely wife Suzanne.
Along with the sweet smell of wood, you’ll see all of the interesting machines that help Al craft his art. And when I say art, I mean it!
I loved being able to walk through the woodworking shop on the way to the showroom! It adds a unique element to browsing the incredible pieces because you get to see where, and sometimes how, it’s made.
Like many of the small local shops on A Country Path, they opened their doors to the public during the pandemic.
Al specializes in wood turnings and flat work. In other words, creating art that’s beautiful and useful. Plus, unique! Because of his process, every piece is unique.
In the showroom you’ll find an array of items. There’s salt and pepper mills, end grain cutting boards, and striking clocks. If you’re looking for stunning and one of a kind charcuterie boards, this is the place!
Many of his charcuterie boards have accented colours using epoxy resin. There’s pink, blue, green, and red.
Along with the larger items, they sell a variety of fun kitchen gadgets made from wood. There are cheese slicers, rolling pins, pasta portioner, and more.
Do you love old wooden board games? Makers on Enfield also sells different wooden game boards like cribbage, chess, and more.
Travel Tip: The showroom is open most weekends but if you’re visiting during the week, its by appointment.
Address: 8495 Enfield Rd, Hampton, ON L0B 1J0
3Beez.Buzz & Chosen Raw Pet Foods
One of my favourite things to buy at farmers markets or local shops is Ontario made honey! And if you’re keen on local honey too then bee sure to stop at 3Beez Buzz!
The shop is located in a historic 150 year old barn. Owners, a brother and sister duo grew up on the farm and now run a Farm Gate Market in the barn that sells an array of items. This is a fabulous two for one stop on A Country Path!
Along with unpasteurized honey and beeswax candles, the market also sells Chosen Raw Pet Foods and some other fun local gift ideas.
Petra, the passionate Queen Bee behind 3Beez Buzz has a beautiful property that’s fit for bees. It’s home to native wildflowers, trees and grasses that help feed her bees. This all native and natural environment creates incredible pure, raw unpasteurized honey.
Chosen Raw Pet Foods has a wealth of experience in animal husbandry as well as producing raw pet food. Over 40 years, in fact!
If you have a dog and are looking to try raw, this is the place to go! Ingredients for the natural dog food and treats are locally sourced. All of the high-quality food is made in-house and crafted to improve your dog’s overall health and well-being.
Travel Tip: In the spring 3Beez Buzz runs tours of the apiary. You can get up close with the bees and learn all about how they make the tasty liquid gold! To take the tour you can buy a ticket or its free with the purchase of $30 of honey or beeswax products.
Address: 121 Barton Rd, Hampton, ON L0B 1J0
Timeless Essentials
Many of us are moving away from products filled with chemicals. And if you love trying new natural products, then you’ll love Timeless Essentials.
This wellness shop in the heart of Enniskillen is owned and operated by Crystal. As a certified Herbologist, she makes an array of products. Thanks to her wealth of knowledge on essential oils, herbs and the benefits of using all natural products, she can help guide you on choose the best item for you.
Timeless Essentials sells over 200 items including all natural soaps, as well as bath and body products. Along with other great items that line the shelves are all-natural bug and tick spray and bags filled with dried herbs to heat up and soothe.
One of the cool features of Timeless Essentials is that she uses oils from around the world as well as her own berries, herbs and vegetables to create her products.
This was the only stop on the Path that I did not get to visit, as they were closed for renovations. But I did hear all about her and the shop from Petra, owner of Our Valley View Bed and Breakfast.
Plus, I was able to browse many of the items from Timeless Essentials at Sargent’s Dairy, as there was a display there.
Address: 2258 Regional Road #3, 2258 Concession Road, Enniskillen, ON L0B 1J0
Where to Stay in Clarington?
A Country Path is perfect for a day trip, thanks to all the stops being so close to each other. However, it also makes for a fun weekend getaway for those looking to take their time at various stops.
If you’re looking for where to stay in Clarington that pairs perfectly with the Path, then book your stay at Our Valley View Bed and Breakfast!
This cozy home offers an ideal retreat. Perched on a hillside, it offers sweeping views of the Enniskillen Valley. And the warm and welcoming hosts are the perfect people to help you plan A Country Path road trip.
Petra, one of the owners of the bed and breakfast, also runs 3Beez.Buzz and Chosen Raw Pet Foods with her brother, which is just down the road.
Our Valley View Bed and Breakfast is home to two queen-sized suites, both of which have private ensuites. One of the rooms is called Grand Valley, because it has a stunning view. The other room is called Canadiana and features a jacuzzi bath.
Every morning you’ll wake to the sweet aroma of fresh coffee. One of the highlights of staying at Our Valley View is that they roast their own coffee beans! Their also well known for their incredible full breakfast spread that is the perfect start to fuel your day.
Reasons Why You Should Take A Country Path Road Trip
If you need more convincing on why you should plan A Country Path road trip, I’ve compiled a few top reasons. Depending on what you’re looking for, there’s a reason to visit below to entice you.
A Fantastic Fall Destination – A Country Path is the perfect road trip to take this fall! Many of the stops include fun fall activities like apple and pumpkin picking. Plus, the rural roads offer scenic drives full of fall colours.
Local Gift Ideas – Stops along the Path offer plenty of unique gift ideas like charcuterie boards, bird houses, and bath products. There’s even opportunity for customized gifts! So, whether you’re looking for an unusual birthday or holiday gift, you’ll find numerous options at the various stops. Plus, shopping local gives more than just the item, it puts money back into the community.
Farm to Table – Thanks to the many farms along the Path, you’ll find a rich assortment of farm fresh ingredients. There’s everything from meat to eggs and fresh vegetables to honey. Shopping at these farms allows you to create your own farm to table meals.
This post is created in partnership with York Durham Headwaters but all opinions expressed are my own.
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