There are two camps of grocery shoppers: those who hate the task and those who actually don’t mind or may even enjoy doing it. Unfortunately, even those of us who don’t dread going out for groceries have been challenged to find pleasure in trips to the supermarket over the course of the pandemic. If months of retail roadblocks like longer lineups, shortages, and “creative” substitutions in online orders have squeezed every ounce of pleasure from your weekly shop, it’s time to shake up your grocery game.

Instead of battling the aisles at your go-to grocery store, set aside an afternoon to turn your next shop into a leisurely Home Chef Stock Up. Trading one trip to the supermarket for a scenic drive with a variety of stops where you can purchase the pick of the crop and meet local producers while you’re at isn’t just a fun way to spend a few hours. You’ll also end up with a trunk full of local treasures and farm-to-table flavours that will take your meals to the next level.

To plan your trip, choose a farm stand, farmer’s market, or other food or beverage producer within Ontario’s Southwest that you know you want to visit and do a little research to see what’s within an hour’s radius of that stop. Then, create your itinerary of stock-up stops you want to visit on your travels. To get you started, we’ve gathered inspiration by category below.

 

Regional Farmer’s Markets

 

Our website’s searchable database provides details for the fantastic collection of regional farmer’s markets taking place throughout Ontario’s Southwest, including:

Covent Garden Market and The Market Western Fair District,  London

 

 

 

Wallaceburg Farmers' Market Park's Blueberries 610 by 400

 

Independent Farm Stores, Stands and Pick-Your-Own Produce

 

To get a better sense of what’s in store when you visit our region’s independent farm stores and stands, check out these video profiles from Apple Land Station and Slegers Organic Greens. Other area best bets include:

 

The Cider Keg 610 by 400

 

 

Cheese Producers

 

There are so many cheese producers in our region that we’re home to our very own 24-stop Cheese Trail! Whether you choose to cruise the entire Oxford County Cheese Trail or just make a few delicious stock-up stocks, you’ll get a sense of the passion our producers have for their craft. Get a sneak peek with this video profile of Gunn’s Hill Cheese.

 

Oxford LCGunns Hill CheeseWoodstock 1400 by 1000

 

Other stops to consider adding to your trip include:

 

Honey, Syrup, Jams and Baking Supplies

 

Whether you’re looking for something to spread on your toast or stir into home baking, you’ll love the taste of the fabulous ingredients you’ll find in Ontario’s Southwest. Here’s a video preview of the sweetness that awaits at Munro Honey and Meadery and Richardson’s Farm & Market.

Other sweet stops include:

 

Clovermead 610 by 400

 

 

Butchers

 

Be forewarned: picking up freshly cured and cut meats from local butcher shops and farms may forever ruin the grocery store meat department for you! Here are some local butcher best bets:

 

 

 

Coffee and Tea

 

Prepare to skip the drive-through forever once you’ve brewed up a hot beverage at home from these local producers. This video showcasing The New New Age (online shopping only at this time) offers just a taste of the kind of passion that sets our area businesses apart.

Other great stops for the very best of beans and tasty teas include:

 

 

Touring along the Windsor Essex Coffee Trail’s nine tasty stops

For additional caffeine cues, check out this blog post with more of our favourite stops.

If you’re looking for a beverage beyond coffee or tea, give a bottle of kombucha from one of our regional brewers a try:

Booch Organic Kombucha, London

 

Kombucha 610 by 400

 

 

The Good Bread Company shopping 610 by 400

 

Add In Some Extra Fun With A Few Perfect Pairings

 

As you complete your Home Chef Stock Up, be sure to chat with local vendors to get additional suggestions for their can’t-miss stops in the neighbourhood. For example:

We’d love to hear your favourite Ontario’s Southwest Home Chef Stock Up stops and perfect pairings! Share pictures of your foodie finds on social using #OSWPerfectPairings.