An Ontario's Southwest Signature Itinerary

 

Contrary to the plots of popular books and movies like Eat, Pray, Love, and Wild, not all transformational journeys require a long sabbatical from work or a pilgrimage to distant lands. Those seeking a travel experience that encourages self-discovery and personal growth have closer-to-home options that can be enjoyed in just a few days.

 

So rather than searching for flights, find your willingness to be more than just a tourist. Get curious about trying new things and meeting people with different perspectives. Be open to creating a deeper connection with nature. This two-day journey has been carefully curated to help you step into the fascinating story of Chatham-Kent’s past, present and future in a way that will enhance your perspective of Canada and the world.

Day 1

 

If you’re travelling in May, stretch beyond your comfort zone in a field of fresh spring blooms. Hat Trick Farms’ two-hour Beyond The Vase Tulip Experience includes a fun scavenger hunt-style activity, a delicious Mint “Tulip” to sip, the chance to cut fresh blooms, a lesson on how to cut, prepare and press flowers, and the opportunity to create a hands-on pressed flower craft to take home.

If your journey doesn’t coincide with tulip season, TJ Stables’ Spirit Horse Encounter is another unique way to try something new. The three-hour Awaken Your Spirit Experience invites guests to connect with rare Indigenous Spirit Horses, but that’s just the beginning. After delving into rich First Nations storytelling and traditions and listening to fiddle music and Indigenous drumming around a campfire at Métis fur trade Tipi encampment, guests leave with a deeper understanding of Indigenous culture and our shared heritage. Should you wish to stay a little longer, consider booking an overnight stay in the property’s authentic Métis Tipi or cowboy-style bunkie in the woods.

Fuel up after your immersive experience with a mid-day meal or a late-afternoon snack at Taste in Chatham. The culinary team here is on a mission to ensure their community has access to nourishing food options, and it’s a commitment you’ll taste in every bite and sip of the restaurant’s delicious and healthy options. 

 

Next, make your way to the shores of Lake Erie to find a quiet outdoor space to spend some time in nature. Luis Lookout, a serene stretch of shoreline at Erie Beach, is an excellent option.

 

willow barrel retreat

 

Check-in for the first evening of your trip on the shores of Lake Erie’s Rondeau Bay in one of the suites or cottages at Willow Barrel Retreat. The use of paddle boards, kayaks, a canoe and bikes are included with your stay, offering a carbon-free way to explore the area.

 

Two women walk hand in hand through a hop field, each holding a glass of beer, smiling and enjoying the moment.

 

After getting settled in your cottage or suite, do a little more exploring of the area on your way to a delicious dinner. If you’d like to keep things casual, Red Barn Brewing Co. features a rotating roster of local food trucks offering fare to pair with the craft brewery’s wide array of beer styles. They also offer many unique events so be sure to visit their website to see what is happening. 

 

If you’re craving international flavours, let The Global Foodie Trail serve as your guide for finding the best local world cuisine options, including Indian, Korean, Thai, Lebanese, Aboriginal, Italian, and Latin. 

 

After dinner, if you’re visiting on a Thursday between June and September, be sure to check Blenheim’s Talbot Trail Place Summer Concert Series schedule. You’ll immediately feel the strong sense of connection that this friendly community space encourages as residents and visitors come together to enjoy free live music. 

 

Day 2

 

For breakfast, explore some of the sweet stories of Chatham-Kent’s talented baking community by visiting a stop or two along the Chatham-Kent Bakery Trail. In Erieau, try The Cottage Café. In Blenheim, Pardo Villa Acres Farm Market and Bakery has been a fixture in the community since 1939. In Chatham, Big Ricky’s Little Bake Shop, Crow City Coffee, and Nova Vida Bakery, a family-owned Portuguese bakery, are all excellent choices. Those adhering to a gluten-free diet will appreciate the extensive options available at Chatham’s Maple City Bakery.

 

Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society & Black Mecca Museum

 

After breakfast, step into the fascinating stories of those who made the journey to Chatham-Kent long before you in order to find freedom from slavery. The Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society and Black Mecca Museum is a perfect place to start. Take advantage of the guided walking tour to learn about the inspiring lives of the Black men and women who made Chatham a safe haven for so many.

 

Next, drive about 25 minutes north to Dresden, where you’ll find the Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History. The interpretive videos, interactive exhibits, numerous artifacts and tours here will leave you filled with reverence and respect for the determined Underground Railroad conductor who rescued 118 enslaved people. 

 

If you’re ready for lunch, stop for a slice in Chatham. Fans of Hawaiian pizza will want to make the pilgrimage to Satellite Restaurant, the very first place to add pineapple to their pies all the way back in 1962. 

 

After lunch, enjoy some time outside on a stroll at CM Wilson Conservation Area, which features a small lake, natural wetlands and a small Carolinian forest. 

 

Buxton Museum

 

Buxton National Historic Site and Museum makes for a moving final stop of the day. Touring the museum, schoolhouse, cabin, barn, and graveyard offers insight into the many determined souls who chose to make this historic Black settlement their home. If your family has roots connected to the Underground Railroad, the helpful staff here may be able to provide you with a piece of the puzzle. We recommend calling a head or checking their social media for the latest update on hours and availability. 

 

For your final evening’s stay, book one of the cozy and inviting suites at downtown Chatham’s Retro Suites Hotel. Each suite is luxuriously appointed and decorated with a unique theme. 

 

If your previous night’s craft beer experience has you curious to taste more of what this area has to offer, enjoy dinner at Sons of Kent Brewing Co. In addition to an intriguing collection of beers, the brewery’s restaurant boasts an excellent menu that includes vegetarian and vegan choices.

 

A bearded man wearing a black t-shirt, glasses, and a baseball cap smiles while reaching for a board game on a well-stocked shelf in a board game café.

 

After dinner, make your way to Turns and Tales Board Game Café. This friendly, all-you-can-play board game library is a Rainbow-Registered community hub that also offers an independent bookstore, local beer and wine, seasonal cocktails, and the best selection of coffee and tea in town!

 

Lighten Your Load

 

Depending on the type of vehicle you’re driving, the Signature Experiences you choose to enjoy, and which stops visited along Chatham-Kent’s Bakery and Global Foodie Trails, the carbon footprint of this 150-km itinerary is approximately .051t (based on a mid-sized car for distances driven in this itinerary). Those driving electric vehicles can take advantage of Chatham-Kent’s seven EV charging stations located at convenient municipal facilities.