What’s great at Grey County is it’s ability to host an epic family getaway any time of year. It’s proximity to Toronto, KW and Hamilton makes it an ideal weekend getaway for couples, families, especially those with kids. My Mum, my three year old and my ten month old headed up North to explore this beautiful county. Fall is a particularly perfect time to visit as the apples are ready for picking, the scarecrows are ready for their parade and the colours are stunning. So what does your fall family getaway in Grey County look like? Let me tell you.
WHAT TO DO
Go apple picking at Farmer’s Pantry in Thornbury
This beautiful property is home to a ‘Pick Your Own’ orchard with six varieties of apples. Before you head out on an apple picking adventure, check out the pantry tractor, play some mini golf or wander through the tree lined maze. (My three year old guided us through so rest assured, you will make it out alive.)
You can also hold some bunnies, feed some goats and chat with two donkeys. (The donkeys really made an impression on my son who now lives with an imaginary donkey named Freddie whos poop I recently stepped in. Typical.)
There are hay bails for climbing, games to play and more, before you can head into the Farmer’s Pantry store for some local products like honey, maple syrup, chocolate and more.
Walk the suspension bridge at Scenic Caves
The Scenic Caves are a beautiful part of Grey County situated within one of Canada’s 18 UNESCO sites. Not only can you take a train ride (three year old currently in a train phase), a tractor ride, you can also explore the natural caves and caverns carved millions of years ago from glacial ice.
We walked across the suspension bridge, connecting two ridges, and looked out across the beautiful gold, reds and oranges while the sun warmed our faces. It was surreal, almost as if we had fallen into a painting. We ran and jumped and climbed on the playground, fed giant fish and panned for gems.
Watch the scarecrow parade
Meaford has an annual Scarecrow Invasion, a family festival where the town creates and dresses hundreds of pumpkin head scarecrows.
Based on a yearly theme (this year was books), scarecrows are all over the city dressed and placed for everyone to see.
At the Meaford Museum, make your own scarecrows before heading downtown to watch the Scarecrow Parade.
Crowds will line the main street as scarecrows, Shriners, bands, dancers and floats entertain and hand out treats like apples and kazoos. Yes- kazoos.
Go kayaking – seriously
I went kayaking. Yes- me. My son and I got in a kayak and paddled down the Beaver River with Free Spirit Tours. You can rent canoes or paddle boats, have a guided tour or paddle alone. You can paddle North or South, and the team at Free Spirit Tours will pick you up, drop you off, do what they can to ensure that you have a memorable experience.
Again, trees lined the river, the fall colours were captivating and we saw geese taking off in flocks. We sang, told jokes and genuinely enjoyed our time on the water. Together.
Taste Some Cider
Grey County is home to come great cideries. Autumn is apple season in Ontario making it the perfect time to sample some local ciders. We went to Spy Cider House and Distillery, a boutique creator of unique and flavourful ciders and spirits that ‘pay homage to the region and its denizens while treating the process of cider and spirit making with the same refinement and passion that goes into winemaking.’ We sampled a number of different cider varietals made of many different apples. As we were there, the cider maker was actually pressing pears. My son sipped on fresh pear juice while I enjoyed their delicious ‘Never Say Never.’
WHERE TO STAY
Blue Mountain Village: The Westin
There are many hotels available in the Blue Mountain Village. The Westin, where we stayed, is among my favourites. Should you stay here, your room will overlook the village and out onto the beautiful Blue Mountains. The fantastic O&B Cafe & Grill is in the bottom of this hotel and their location is ideal for accessing the village and its many bars, restaurants and shops.
WHERE TO EAT
This diner style restaurant in Flesherton, was featured on the show, ‘You Gotta Eat Here.’ I like to think of myself as a french fry connoisseur and this place did not disappoint. Some of the best fries in the province – hands down. The homemade burgers were juicy, flavourful and just the right size. For gluten free me, a lettuce wrap subbed in for the bun but I hear that was very good too.
I’ve eaten as this Thornbury gem twice. Overlooking the Beaver River and Thornbury dam, we watched the salmon jumping before we headed in for out meal. Locally inspired and sourced, you can taste the care and precision in every bite. The Mill Cafe is solid in its delivery of a delicious, nourishing dish. Your Fall Family Getaway in Grey County
I have driven past this Flesherton restaurant so many times so many times on the way to the cottage and never been in. I am so glad I’ve finally enjoyed a meal in this amazing cafe. First of all, when we sat down, they set up my three year old with a puzzle (which he loves) and a toy digger. We were given flavoured popcorn to snack on while we sipped on the a local cider, Coffin Ridge. My son’s lunch arrived quickly and he ate every bite. My Mum ordered their African stew and gushed over every bite. My Mum does not gush. Every single bite of our meals were outstanding and I can’t wait to make a stop their on our next cottage drive.
Our trip was the perfect combination of good food, family and so much fun. We explored a gorgeous part of our province, serenaded by stunning colours and discovered some delicious new eats. My sons were both stimulated and excited by everything there was to do, and every day, they were eager for a new adventure.
There are still a few weeks left in autumn and I highly recommend heading to Grey County for your fall family getaway.