Late winter and early spring can leave many travellers craving a change of scenery. In Elgin County, the shoulder season offers a quieter moment to explore, when small towns feel unhurried, café tables are easy to claim and many of the region’s best food and drink stops can be enjoyed at a relaxed pace.
From the welcoming streets of Aylmer to the laid-back lakeside charm of Port Stanley, Elgin County is full of places where food and drink tell the story of the region. Cozy cafés, honey producers, wineries, markets, and breweries make it easy to trade the lingering winter blues for something far more satisfying.
This two-day getaway invites visitors to do just that, exploring local flavours, discovering small-town gems and enjoying a delicious escape in Elgin County.
Day 1: Discovering Aylmer’s Sweet and Savoury Stops
Clovermead Honey Shop
Where: 11302 Imperial Rd, Aylmer, ON (View Map)
Start the journey just outside Aylmer at Clovermead Honey Shop, a family-run farm rooted in Elgin County’s beekeeping tradition. Inside the farm shop, visitors can browse shelves stocked with creamed honey, beeswax candles and honey-infused treats that make easy edible souvenirs.
At the tasting bar, guests can sample several varieties while learning how the location of each bee apiary across Elgin County shapes the honey’s flavour, colour and texture. During the visit we sampled a bold Thistle Honey with a deep golden hue and buttery floral notes, along with a light Summer Blossom Honey made from nectar gathered from local wildflowers.
Beginning May 16, Clovermead’s Adventure Farm reopens with more than 70 family-friendly activities and an excellent excuse to plan a return visit and restock on favourite honey finds.
Mennomex
Where: 49919 Talbot St E, Aylmer, ON (View Map)
Head into Aylmer for breakfast at Mennomex, a lively spot that doubles as a specialty grocery store and hot counter. Inside, shelves are stocked with Mexican spices, snacks, textiles and ready-made foods that invite a little browsing before ordering. At the counter, the kitchen serves classic Mexican plates, though the house favourite is the fully customizable breakfast burrito.
During the visit we built a hearty steak and egg burrito layered with bean spread, cheese, queso, tomato pico and salsa. We washed it down with a crisp Mexican apple soda, a bold and satisfying start to the day.
Walker Dairy Bar
Where: 49681 Talbot St E, Aylmer, ON (View Map)
No visit to Aylmer feels complete without a stop at Walker Dairy Bar, a retro-style dairy stop located right on Walker Farms. The family has raised dairy cattle here for four generations, producing A2 protein milk that is processed and bottled less than 150 metres from the barn. Inside the farm shop, visitors can browse local goods including fresh milk, Mistyglen Creamery cheese curds and Shaw’s Ice Cream before ordering a treat.
For a mid-morning pick-me-up, we opted for iced coffee made with fresh farm cream and a shareable order of ice cream nachos. The dish features a healthy serving of chocolate and vanilla swirl soft serve topped with sprinkles and strawberry sauce, served with crisp waffle cookie coins for dipping. If time is tight, visitors can swing through the drive-through for a quick stop on the way out of town.
Huckleberry Cakes and Coffee
Where: 49 Talbot St E, Aylmer, ON (View Map)
Next, settle in for a light lunch at Huckleberry Cakes and Coffee, a warm community café where neighbours gather over fresh coffee and house-made treats. Inside, the welcoming space invites visitors to slow down while browsing a pastry case filled with cakes and baked goods. For lunch, we tucked into the café’s signature egg salad—creamy and bright with fresh dill—then finished with a sprinkle of microgreens.
The pastry case proved too tempting to ignore, so we lingered a little longer over handcrafted coffee and shared slices of Chocolate Blueberry Dulce de Leche cake and classic tiramisu. Rich chocolate, sweet dulce de leche and bursts of blueberry made the cake a standout and a memorable midday treat.
Skye Chase Winery
Where: 45811 Fruit Ridge Line, St Thomas, ON (View Map)
To kick-off the afternoon, make your way toward St. Thomas to visit Skye Chase Winery, one of Southwestern Ontario’s newest wineries and a rising destination for cool-climate wines.
Set among vineyard rows and heritage forest, the estate blends modern design with thoughtful details that reflect the founders’ vision of building something truly exceptional that reflects the regions unique taste of place.
When you step inside the winery you are greeted by a warm, welcoming space that feels both elegant and relaxed. We decided to start our visit with a tasting where we sampled several wines including a bright Rosé with notes of strawberry and cherry blossom, a bright Riesling layered with clementine, apricot and lemon zest and a silky Pinot Noir with subtle notes of cranberry and cherry flavours.
A standout from the tasting was the Peach Wine, a lightly sweet, fruit-forward pour that felt vibrant and refreshing, quickly rivaling some of Niagara’s most iconic peach wines.
After tasting, we settled in with a few small plates including a crisp herb salad with honey-dijon vinaigrette, tenderloin tips in brandy cream sauce and perfectly seared scallops with parsnip purée and grapes. A generous charcuterie board layered with artisan cheeses, cured meats, honeycomb and fig jam made it easy to linger while taking in the gorgeous vineyard views.
During the colder months, visitors can also reserve cozy Winter Wine Domes for an intimate tasting with blankets, wine and charcuterie overlooking the vineyard. The experience feels polished yet comfortable and offers a relaxing way to spend the afternoon before heading to Port Stanley for the evening.
Solo on Main
Where: 187 Main St. Port Stanley, ON (View Map)
To wind down day one of exploring Elgin County, settle in for a cozy evening at Solo on Main in nearby Port Stanley. The modern yet intimate dining room overlooks the harbour with sweeping views of Lake Erie, and from the moment you step inside, the atmosphere immediately puts you at ease.
Led by Port Stanley–raised chef Lauren “Lo” Vandixhoorn, the restaurant focuses on house-made dishes crafted with fresh local ingredients in a space that reflects the town’s relaxed beachside spirit. We started with crispy mushrooms paired with tajín molasses sriracha aioli, a bold bite that balanced heat, sweetness and crunch.
For mains, we leaned into the region’s proximity to Lake Erie, ordering the Lake Erie yellow perch fish and chips with zippy house-made tartar sauce alongside perch served over coconut rice with seasonal vegetables. The showstopper of the evening was dessert: an orange cheesecake popsicle dipped in chocolate, a playful and satisfying finish to the meal.
Kettle Creek Inn
Where: 216 Joseph St, Port Stanley, ON (View Map)
For the evening, check in at the charming Kettle Creek Inn in the heart of Port Stanley. This historic inn offers quaint village hospitality with cozy guest rooms, heritage charm and modern comforts that make it feel like a home away from home. After a full day of exploring Elgin County, the inn’s relaxed atmosphere and quiet outdoor spaces provide a welcoming place to unwind. Guests can take a short stroll through town toward the Lake Erie shoreline or simply settle in and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. It’s a comfortable base for the night and a perfect starting point for exploring more of Port Stanley the next day.
Day 2: Lakeside Bites in Port Stanley
In the shoulder season, Port Stanley settles into a slower rhythm. Day two is all about discovering Port Stanley’s vibrant food scene, with each stop just a short walk from the next. The compact lakeside town makes for a fully walkable day filled with delicious foodie finds. It also leaves plenty of time to wander a little longer and get to know the character of the town along the way.
The Art and Soul Cafe
Where: 291 Bridge St, Port Stanley, ON (View Map)
A short walk from Kettle Creek Inn leads to The Art and Soul Café, a cozy Port Stanley café where locally inspired art meets fresh, from-scratch cooking. Owned by a mother–daughter duo, the warm space is lined with colourful artwork while the aroma of fresh coffee fills the room.
Each menu item is made fresh daily and the café quickly fills with neighbours and friends catching up over morning coffee, a clear sign you’ve found a beloved local gathering place. Starting day two with full bellies, we opted for a mixed berry smoothie and fresh coffee alongside a cheese and mushroom stuffed omelette. We also added the daily feature, a chicken and bacon pot pie, an unexpected breakfast choice that proved incredibly delicious.
The artistic touches throughout the café and delicious plates add to the inviting atmosphere, making it a fitting start to a day spent exploring Port Stanley.
Edible Journey
Where: 211 Main St, Port Stanley, ON (View Map)
Next, wander into Edible Journey, an eclectic Port Stanley shop that blends wellness, local food and culinary creativity. The colourful space celebrates regional producers while offering fresh juices, organic microgreens, nourishing soups and a curated selection of pantry goods that support a vibrant, healthy lifestyle. We stopped for a mid-morning refresh with freshly pressed beetroot and green juices, bright and earthy with a natural boost of energy.
The bakery case quickly caught our attention, so we shared a carrot pineapple walnut cupcake made with almond, oat and coconut flours and finished with coconut passionfruit icing alongside a fragrant lemon lavender loaf topped with delicate edible flowers. It’s a lively stop that fuels both curiosity and appetite before continuing the day’s walk through Port Stanley.
Port Stanley Firehall Market
Where: 218 Joseph St, Port Stanley, ON (View Maps)
Just next door, continue the morning at the Port Stanley Firehall Market, a lively community hub inside the village’s historic firehall. The former fire engine bays were transformed into a vibrant artisan market in 2022 and today the year-round space hosts a collection of local businesses and makers. Visitors can browse stalls from several vendors, each adding their own flavour to the market’s welcoming atmosphere.
We grabbed a breakfast cookie from Kettle Creek Cookies, chatted with Chris at The Village Butcher and spent time browsing plants and artisanal goods from Uncommon Blooms and K’s Plant Collective. Before heading out, we stopped at Sandra’s Souper Sandwiches for a warm Montreal smoked meat Reuben layered with Swiss cheese and Russian dressing, a cheesy and satisfying bite to keep the day’s food tour going.
The market also hosts workshops, pop-ups and community events throughout the year, so checking the calendar ahead of a visit can uncover even more reasons to visit.
Two Forks
Where: 295 Bridge St, Port Stanley, ON (View Map)
For lunch, make your way to Two Forks, a Feast On® certified restaurant known for its seasonal menu that highlights local ingredients with creativity and care. The cozy dining room holds just ten tables, giving the space an intimate feel where guests often find themselves chatting with neighbours at the bar while enjoying craft cocktails, local beer and Ontario wines.
We opted for the daily feature, a savoury steak sandwich topped with caramelized onions on pesto bread, a rich and deeply satisfying choice. Alongside it we shared the farmed mushroom risotto with fennel and pickled mushrooms, a comforting dish layered with earthy flavour. To sip, we tried a smooth cold brew martini, while the menu also offers thoughtful non-alcoholic options for those keeping things light.
Port Stanley Brewing Co.
Where: 191 Carlow Rd, Port Stanley, ON (View Map)
Before heading home, make one final stop at Port Stanley Brewing Co., located inside the village’s historic D.O.C. building, a century-old customs station that now blends Port Stanley’s maritime and musical past with its modern craft beer scene. Just steps from Lake Erie, the brewery offers a laid-back beach-town atmosphere where locals and visitors gather over fresh pints and seasonal brews.
Our server, Alex, recommended a tasting flight that included the Light Lager, crisp and refreshing with a subtle malt sweetness; the Helles Lager, smooth and bready with a soft, dry finish; the Dunkel Lager, deep amber with notes of toasted malt, chocolate, and caramel; and the Italian Pilsner, bright and clean with floral hops and hints of lemongrass and tangerine zest.
While beer is not usually this writer’s first choice, the lighter styles made for an easy introduction and a relaxed sip by the water. If you find yourself in the mood for a snack, the brewery connects directly to Riva Restaurant next door offering a lighter menu for an easy bite alongside your pint.
If you’re planning a return visit in the warmer months, the brewery’s patio opens up for lakeside breezes, live music and community events that capture Port Stanley’s beach-town energy. It’s a fitting place to raise a glass and toast two delicious days exploring Elgin County.
Ready to Taste Elgin County for Yourself?
From honey tastings and farm-fresh dairy to lakeside cafés, markets and craft beer, Elgin County offers a food-filled getaway that rewards travellers who slow down and explore. With welcoming small towns like Aylmer and Port Stanley at its heart, this two-day itinerary proves that even the quieter shoulder season is packed with flavour.
Whether you’re lingering over a morning coffee, chatting with local makers or discovering a new favourite dish, each stop adds another layer to the region’s vibrant culinary story. It’s the kind of trip that leaves you planning your return before you’ve even left town.
