Southern Grey Bruce Fall Tour: In-Land Surprises

Like the leaves, the rural villages of Grey and Bruce keep changing. Historic buildings house exciting new enterprises. Railway tracks have been replaced by scenic trails. Bakeries offer traditional breads alongside specialty foods, and many restaurants are serving local produce again.

Begin your tour in Eugenia, with a visit to the first of three waterfalls on this tour. At Eugenia Falls Conservation Area, the Beaver River plunges 23 meters off the Niagara Escarpment into Cuckoo Valley. You can pick up fresh baking at the Brilliant Bread and Cheese Co. On weekends, The Flying Chestnut Restaurant is open for brunch.

Next stop: Hoggs Falls. Only a few kilometers off the paved road, you will find yourself in a timeless landscape, where you can stand right beside the waters of the Boyne River as they tumble and roar.

A few kilometers further west, explore the unique shops of Flesherton, a designated “Walking Village”. Here you will find The Bakery, Leslieville Cheese Market, fresh produce, flower and gift shops, fine restaurants and gourmet take-out shops. Local crafts and art are featured at Local Colour and Spirit Space galleries.

Then on to the town of Durham where a walkway takes you above McGowan Falls to the Durham Conservation River Trail. The pitted limestone paths and boulders give this walk an ancient feel. Down the road from the falls, across from the first of the historic mills on the tour, you will find the Durham Art Gallery. If you are hungry, Rowan Moon Bistro features many locally-produced and organically-grown foods.

North of Durham on Hwy 6, turn left on Welbeck Rd., follow the U-shaped curve and turn right at the stop sign to see the historic water-powered Welbeck Sawmill.

Carry on to the town of Chesley. As you walk west from Riverside Park along the Heritage Trail, you will see the remnants of the Krug Furniture Factory, which burned in 1924.

The next stop is Nature’s Millworks in Paisley. This 1885 mill is now an art gallery and gift shop featuring Canadian and locally made items. The current exhibit “Autumn Harvest Festival” is as exquisite as the season it depicts! Many original features of the mill have been preserved including hoppers, silos, exposed beams, and giant drive shafts.

You’ll be able to see “for miles and miles” from atop the trestle bridge walkway on The Paisley Heritage Walk. North of Back Eddie’s Café and Sticks & Stone Gallery on the main street, cross the bridge over the Saugeen River where a sign reads “STOP. See Salmon Spawning!” Continue north to visit gift stores, the Big Dipper Bakery and The Elora Soap Company where, in addition to soaps and oils you will find whimsical old-time metal wind-up toys!

Next, head south to Walkerton, home of the “Little Royal Fall Fair” (October 14-16) on your way to Carrick Wines & Ciders (winner of two Bronze Medals at a recent international competition). The owner, Gary Fischer, is enthusiastic and knowledgeable, not only about wines, but also the German heritage of this unique part of Bruce County. Stroll through 80 acres of vineyards and sample some signature hard cider.

The final stop is Neustadt, named “One of the ten prettiest villages in Canada” by Harrowsmith Magazine.  The birthplace of John Diefenbaker, Neustadt is home to artists’ studios, galleries, antique shops, the award-winning Neustadt Springs Brewery, and Noah’s Inn, a charming casual fine dining restaurant.

Grey County: www.visitgrey.ca/travel-experiences/day-trips/Grey County Tourism
Bruce County: www.explorethebruce.com/things-to-do.php

Grey County Tourism
Toll Free: 1-877-SEE-GREY (733-4739)
Phone: (519) 376-3265
[email protected]

Explore the Bruce
Toll Free: 1-800-268-3838 Canada/United States
Phone: 519-534-5344 Fax: 519-534-2442
[email protected]

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