Ontario is full of hidden gems and flavourful pit stops, especially if you love food like me. Taking part in local, sustainable and mindful travel is top of mind for many Canadians in 2025 and Middlesex County definitely checks all those boxes.
Located in Ontario’s Southwest, there’s a charm to the rustic region’s rural landscape. Whether you’re dining, staying, or visiting the historical sights, there’s plenty for you to learn and love.
Here are some things you can experience on your next local escape, along with dining spots that support Ontario growers and vendors as part of the Culinary Tourism Alliance’s Feast On program. Feast On is North America’s largest and longest-running local food certification.
The average menu at a Feast On-certified restaurant consists of 54 per cent Ontario-grown food with over 150 actively certified restaurants including Heeman’s, Arrowwood Farm and Events, and the Clock Tower Bistro and Pub.
Related: Local Escapes: Finding the Flavours of Niagara Region
Heeman’s Greenhouse, Strawberries and Cider
Photo: Will Heeman walks through one of the many greenhouses at Heeman’s.
Heeman’s is a family dream made into reality with top-quality plants, local produce, family events, delicious treats, mead and hard ciders. Founded in 1963, it is now in its third generation of family ownership with a truly remarkable commitment to sustainability, including charging stations for electric vehicles and a system to minimize water waste.
“As farmers, we are stewards of the land that we have here. So, we want to make sure that we can be green and growing,” says Will Heeman, Chief Daymaker at Heeman’s.
“When you walk in, you might notice that we have energy curtains above us to keep the heat in because growing in Canada in the winter time can get very cold.”
The operation is powered by solar panels and a water recirculation system has helped Heeman’s save a billion litres of water in the last 20 years.
Photo: Heeman’s sells a variety of products, including flowers, plants, jams, mead and cider.
In 2019, Heeman’s started making cider and mead out of their cellar and now have over 40 different products that vary through the seasons.
“Mead is one of the original alcoholic beverages. It is honey, water, and yeast. So, you ferment the sugars in the honey and depending on what you mix it with, you will have interesting flavours,” says Tom Heeman, Chief Flavour Officer and Co-Owner.
The Heeman family is best known for their Ontario strawberries grown across 70 acres. Although they are only available from June to October, they have a variety of beverages, jams, and honey products that are available year-round and produced on-site. Oh yeah, make sure to try their strawberry sundae and you’ll really taste and understand their Feast On certification.
Jireh Hills Family Homestead
Photo: John Mark and Cheryl Charlton with their children on Jireh Hills Family Homestead.
John Mark and Cheryl Charlton own Jireh Hills Family Homestead, a 50-acre family farm that started in 2011. Since then, the family has grown to include their eight children and a farm full of goats, chickens, pigs, ponies, ducks and bunnies.
“We’ve tried to make the ultimate staycation destination. People can come from the city and immerse themselves in the farm life. They can stay overnight and see what it’s like to wake up on the farm,” says Cheryl Charlton.
“We’ve created an educational way where people can learn about where their food comes from,” adds Cheryl.
There are a variety of experiences on-site, including animal encounters and even experiences that teach visitors how to milk goats to make soap and cheese. The Farm and Forest Revival experience is an immersive dive into the farm and how sustainability can help anyone grow their own food and live off the land.
If you’re looking to stay overnight, year-round accommodations include lodges as well as camping sites right on the farm.
Arrowwood Farm and Events
Photo: Arrowwood Farm offers fresh, delicious blueberry baked goods made by Kathy Moddle.
Arrowwood Farm is a 100-acre farm that prides itself on its sustainable pick-your-own blueberry experience. Whether you want to buy homemade jam, cut your own flowers to create a bouquet or enjoy an outdoor patio lunch, it’s a cute and wholesome countryside gem.
“Arrowwood Farm was created around 1980 when (the previous owners) planted about 20 acres of blueberry bushes here,” says Phil Moddle, owner of Arrowwood Farm.
In 2015, Phil and his wife Kathy purchased the property and dedicated their retirement to restoring the farm while also adding modern touches like a new event space that hosts events, weddings and concert experiences. They also host monthly dinners at the farm and craft workshops.
“With all our meals, we try to support local Ontario food through the Feast On program. We really love supporting local growers and food producers,” Phil adds
Clock Tower Inn, Bistro and Pub
Photo: The Clock Tower Inn was once a post office and customs building from 1889.
Located in the town of Strathroy, the Clock Tower Inn, Bistro and Pub is both a culinary and cultural destination steeped in history. The gorgeous building was built in 1889 and was home to a former post office and customs building.
Today, the renovated heritage building is home to eight luxurious suites that lean into its historic roots with modern amenities.
Whether you’re staying overnight or passing through, Executive Chef and Owner Mark Graham puts an immense level of love and care into the building and the Feast On-certified menu.
“Everything is made from scratch. Everything is made with love,” says Mark, who has 47 years of experience in the food industry. “We’re very passionate about what we do.”
Chef Mark sources his proteins, herbs, greens and baked bread from Ontario, making each bite a culinary delight.
The Clock Tower Inn’s Bistro and Pub is just one of over 150 feast On-certified establishments in Ontario and that extensive list can be found at www.ontarioculinary.com.
Photo: The “Thomas Fuller” burger is sourced from Ontario with 6oz beef patty, cheddar and peameal bacon.
The Thomas Fuller Burger is not just a tribute to the architect of the Clock Tower, it is a love letter to local providers who provide the beef, cheese, peameal bacon, veggies and bread. The 30 Mile salad is a perfect pairing and the name speaks for itself. It’s a combination of ingredients within that radius, including mixed greens, Hayter’s roast turkey, ham, white cheddar, eggs and julienne vegetables.
Photo: The 30 Mile Salad is a delicious tribute to the fresh ingredients provided by local vendors and farmers nearby.
Whether you’re dining or sightseeing, the sense of community that connects everyone can be felt — And the love of locals goes beyond the menu.
When you’re planning your next trip to Middlesex County, just know that you will feel and eat like a local.
“Everyone is so friendly and everyone wants to help each other…we all work together to make it a destination for people to visit,” Marks adds.