Posted : September 11, 2024
Our blog is chock full of great ideas for fun things to see and do in York Durham and Headwaters. We are always adding new content and updating old posts, but sometimes you might stumble upon something from our vault. If this article has inspired you to hit the road, be sure to double-check that the featured stops in this post are still welcoming visitors.
Summer is in full swing. We have had endless days of fun in the sun, trips to the lake, hikes in the woods, and all kinds of warm weather activity. With more than a month left of the season to go, there is still plenty to do to fill these warm summer days with lasting memories. And what better memories are there to make than ones that include food? We recommend you get out there and try some of the unique dining experiences that are located right here in York Durham Headwaters.
It has been the summer of saving here in YDH, and you’ve done a fantastic job so far of making your dollar stretch. Why not reward yourself with a little splurge on some delectable dining experiences that you can’t find anywhere else? Here are our top recommendations for unique and unforgettable dining opportunities in our unique and unforgettable region.
Villa Vida Loca
13350 Hwy 12, Sunderland
Eat, gather and stay at this little slice of paradise which feeds not just the belly, but the mind, body and soul as well. Originally a small operation founded on a love of honeybees and all things farm-fresh, Villa Vida Loca has turned into a destination farm market. Here, you will find fresh, homegrown, handmade and personally curated products like pure, creamed and infused honey, specialty apiary products, farm fresh eggs, maple syrup, wellness products and so much more.
Come for the market, stay for the food. If you’re looking for a splurge-worthy dining option that is not so splurge-worthy on the wallet, check out The Smokeshack. Treat yourself to time-tested crowd pleasers like smoked brisket, carnitas tacos, sausages and hot dogs, fresh baked beans, and Mexican street corn salad. To satisfy your sweet tooth, indulge in buttertarts, cookies, muffins, and fresh-baked pies. The atmosphere is relaxed and inclusive, and the food tells a story of seasonal abundance and farm-to-table freshness.
For a more upscale experience, indulge in a gastronomic, multi-course evening at The Villa, an open-air terrace dining experience featuring local farm-to-fork ingredients expertly prepared by Chef Alex Page. These events run from July all the way through to November, so book your tickets in advance to experience this unique culinary journey. For a more down-home evening of live music, camp chairs, picnic blankets and local flavours, reserve your ticket to an event at The Cauldron. Upcoming evenings are being held in August and October, and seating is on a first-come basis.
Lennox Farm
518024 Dufferin County Rd 124, Melancthon
Located in an idyllic setting, this family owned and operated farm is dedicated to growing a variety of delicious, nutrient dense produce for you and your loved ones. Lennox Farm is passionate about agriculture, education, and about protecting and reducing our collective impact on the environment. Ethical farming practices and eating in season are of top priority here, and a visit to the fields and the on-farm market will make you feel good about supporting this small but mighty enterprise.
This August, experience a true field-to-fork dining experience. Lennox Farm is offering an evening of local food, entertainment and company that can’t be beat. Your evening will include a guided farm tour and hands-on harvesting experience, where you will not only get to indulge in a four-course meal, created by Avling Restaurant and Brewery’s head chef Laura Maxwell, but you will also get to learn how food gets from Lennox’s fields to your fork. Sohayla Smith will provide live music throughout the evening as you enjoy the fresh country air. And, as a bonus, you can feel good knowing that your little splurge on self-care will go to helping the Headwaters Food and Farming Association, as all proceeds from these events will be donated by Lennox Farm.
Splurge-Worthy Summer Bonus: Unique Beverage Experiences
The bounty of the land in York Durham Headwaters doesn’t end at food. Spirited beverages abound, and are produced with the kind of attention to craftsmanship and quality that you have come to expect of our region’s artisans and makers. Spend your summer getting to know the flavours of the land with these unique beverage experiences.
Get your grape on with:
Wine on Main
186 Main St. S., Newmarket
Welcome to Ontario’s first self-serve wine bar, located right here in YDH. With these one-of-a-kind self-service wine dispensers, you can explore the frequently changing selections of wine in a relaxed setting before committing to a full glass or bottle. Each wine is carefully selected by Wine on Main’s expert sommelier, and is not readily available at the LCBO, so you know you’re getting a truly unique experience. Wine on Main prides itself on a focus on sustainable, organic, biodynamic and natural wines, including those of the alternate fruit variety. You are encouraged to sample flavours with your own preference in mind, rather than being influenced by pre-existing reviews and “tasting notes.” Discover your love of wine your way at Wine on Main.
For a mead tasting experience, consider:
Circling Hawk Farm
13433 Leslie St., Richmond Hill
Ontario Honey Creations
938343 Airport Rd., Mulmur
If you haven’t tried the magic that is mead, then you are in for a real treat. This ancient beverage was much loved as far back as neolithic times. Instead of grapes, apples, berries or pitted fruits, the harvest that is fermented into this lovely, spirited drink is honey! Both Circling Hawk Farm and Ontario Honey Creations offer their own, lovingly crafted mead beverages as well as tasting experiences on-farm. Prepare to fall in love with mead as you sample its complex flavours in two of the most beautiful farms that York Durham Headwaters has to offer.
Make this summer the season of the cocktail at:
Durham Distillery
25 Mill St., Ajax
Splurge on a memorable evening of cocktail creation with a highly interactive class designed just for you. You will have the opportunity to explore the art of mixology, whether you’re a pro or an absolutely beginner. This is a night that is about more than just cocktails, it’s about making memories while learning a new skill. Come away with a foundation in the essential techniques that you can use to create exceptional cocktails on your own. Your 90-minute class will feature Durham Distillery’s award-winning spirits, and will be expertly paired with a variety of delicious snacks.
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