Perfect Weekends 2016: Creemore

By FeastON North of Orangeville, but an hour from Toronto, lies a little town that’s home to a big brewery and a lot of local flavour.  Creemore is the hometown of the brewery with the same name — and it’s annual Copper Kettle Festival — but also home to a slew of wicked restaurants, boutique accommodations and passionate farmers. Creemore is a village located in Simcoe County. When people think of Creemore, they think of hills. The most charming of which is Lavender Hill — whose view across the valley, carved out long ago by the Noisy River, is breathtaking and in summer reminiscent of the film worthy rolling vistas. For those looking to get away for the ‘perfect weekend’ why not consider Creemore? We sure are!

1. First things first, you’ll want to book your nights stay at Mad Maple Country Inn. Overnights include breakfast - and this ain’t the continental you’re used too.  Miriam uses her own farm fresh eggs to create exquisite, yet humble, spreads of fresh scones, quiches, benny’s this way and that way — all paired with a perfect cup of locally roasted coffee.  Take the time to wander the grounds while you digest, maybe even spend a quiet moment in her tree swing.
2. On Saturdays, you’ll want to stop in at the Creemore Farmers Market. It runs all summer, with a special Christmas market as well, and is home to everything from heirloom veg to fermented finds. Bonus? The Creemore Coffee Company pours their delicious house roasted coffee all through the season!
3. A food lovers visit to Creemore wouldn’t be complete without a stroll around the 100 Mile Store. From jams and jellies, to seasonal heirloom veg — you’ll find them all and then some at the 100 Mile Store. Stock up on snacks for before heading out for a walk in one of the areas many conservation areas.
4. Beer lovers regularly make the pilgrimage to Creemore Springs Brewery to try their one-off brews from their ‘Mad & Noisey’ brewing project — named after the two rivers that merge and flow through the village. If you get the chance, try the Hops & Bolts India Pale Lager; it has notes of nuts and chocolate!
5. For dinner, make sure to call ahead and reserve a table at Creemore Kitchen. A meal in this perfectly designed (it’s like a modern urban barn with vintage gas station flare) dining room is well worth the drive alone.  Feast on locally raised pork belly steam buns or Chef Caesar’s addictive fried chicken (with biscuits and gravy!).  Make sure to save room ice cream — it’s made in house in the the traditional french style with local duck eggs!

Looking to find out more about what to see and eat in Simcoe County? Check out Simcoe County Farm Fresh for more. These are but a drop in the bucket after all! What are your favorite places in Simcoe County?