Are you looking for a small town getaway this summer? Oxford County, located between London and Hamilton in Southwestern Ontario, might be just the ticket! This area is home to beautiful parks, natural areas, and more than 100 kilometres of scenic trails. You may also have heard of the Oxford County Cheese Trail, a self-guided tour with over 30 stops featuring cheese makers, local restaurants and food producers, museums, artisans and boutiques.
The small towns of Ingersoll, Tillsonburg and Woodstock offer shopping and dining opportunities, while the smaller villages and hamlets are filled with possibility. That said, it can be hard to plan a weekend trip, because many businesses close on Sundays (hey, they want to enjoy Oxford County too!). Not to worry; we've put together the ultimate guide to enjoying a Sunday in Oxford County. Let's get started!
Drink Coffee
Start your day off right at Early Bird Coffee, Oxford County’s first and only micro-coffee roastery & café! Stop by one of their two Rainbow Registered locations and grab a nice hot (or cold) specialty drink, delicious baked goodies, and bags of freshly roasted coffee beans to take home.
Find their café/bakery in downtown Woodstock (375 Dundas St) or visit their café/micro-roastery at 815 Juliana Drive. This location has a “farm to café” information board where you can learn where and how the coffee was harvested and the steps it took to get to your cup.
Glamp on the Farm
Udderly Ridiculous Farm Glamping is a unique and fun way to experience Oxford County! Enjoy rustic country farm life in a cozy RV with all the amenities of home (including an ensuite bathroom). The outside canopy area overlooks the goat and alpaca pastures, and you can expect greetings from Aspen and Abby, the farm dog and cat.
After you've settled in, head to their farm shop for specialty goat cheeses, preserves, sauces, honey, snacks, farm-raised eggs, grass-fed beef and their own award-winning goat milk ice cream!
This experience brands itself as “In the middle of nowhere and the middle of everywhere!” Udderly Ridiculous is 90 minutes from Toronto, 60 minutes from Guelph, Hamilton & London, and 30 minutes from Kitchener, Stratford, and Woodstock. There are a few available dates remaining for August and September. Visitors in August can also add a 30 minute meet & greet with Anthony & Beatrice, the farm’s new mini Highland calves.
Eat Cheese
Perhaps one of the most classic activities in Oxford County is the Cheese Trail. Many of the cheese-making spots are closed on Sundays, but there are lots of other places on the list that are ready to welcome you with open arms. Grab a bite at one of these great cheesy spots:
Upper Thames Brewing Company & Brickhouse Brewpub
Upper Thames Brewing Company is the first craft brewery in Woodstock and Oxford County. Visit the taproom at 225 Bysham Park Drive to try their beers and snack on house-made pizza (the dough is made with Backpaddle Blonde Ale!).
UTBC’s restaurant, Brickhouse Brewpub, offers 25 Ontario beers on tap and features a full menu of pub favourites, many of which include local produce and cheeses. Stop by 190 Fairway Road (just north of downtown Woodstock) to enjoy a pint and tasty bites on the patio.
Elmhurst Inn & Spa
Elmhurst Inn & Spa is a beautiful southwestern Ontario landmark dating back to 1872. Every Sunday, their restaurant serves a delicious brunch buffet from 11am to 2:30pm. Sweets lovers can enjoy warm waffles with fresh berries, whipped cream, and maple syrup along with a selection of cakes, pies, and squares. If you’re more of a savoury breakfast fan, you’ll find an omelette station, classic breakfast sausage and bacon, and a prime rib carving station. After brunch, you can stroll the beautiful grounds of the estate and live your best Bridgerton life! $44 per person; click here to make a reservation.
Coyle's Country Store
Wander the aisles of Coyle's Country Store, a unique store with 120 years of history! Stop by this classic spot for delicious homemade fudge with real butter and cream, fresh roasted nuts, delicious baking supplies, sauces, and quality gifts. Keep an eye out for their Oxford County Cheese Trail special item, the "Cheese Trail" Trail Mix.
Dad’s Ice Cream
Dad’s Ice Cream is a Tillsonburg ice cream shop run by the McLaughlin sisters. This classic scoop shop serves Shaw’s Ice Cream, a beloved local brand made with 100% Canadian cream. The McLaughlin sisters are more than just fans of Shaw’s – in the early 2000s, the sisters became the owners of Shaw’s Ice Cream and have been revitalizing the 75-year-old brand ever since! Today, you can find Shaw’s in grocery stores across Canada! Stop by Dad’s for a cone, sundae, or shake 7 days a week from Mother's Day to mid-September.
Go Treasure Hunting
Go for a treasure hunt at the One-of-a-Kind Antique Mall, Canada's largest indoor antique mall! This market features over 500+ antique, vintage, and nostalgia vendors spread out over three floors inside a historic textile factory. The mall is open every day from 10am-5pm.
Later, celebrate your finds with dinner at sixthirtynine, a Downtown Woodstock staple since 2005. The menu at this Feast On® certified restaurant offers a true taste of Oxford County, with a focus on local ingredients and seasonally-driven cuisine. Their summer menu features locally-produced meats, vegetables, and even hyper-local cheese from Gunn’s Hill. Can’t choose? The multi-course tasting menu features 8-10 of the Chef's selections, so you can try a bit of everything (must be requested in advance).
Ready to plan your next trip to Oxford County? Check out the Canada Culinary Destination Guide for all the details you need!
