Thanksgiving Weekend in Grey County: Apple Harvest, Fall Colours & A Great Time To Explore
Thanksgiving weekend is one of our favourite times of year in Grey County. The temperatures are getting cooler, the fall colours are usually putting on a pretty impressive show and (as always) there are plenty of reasons to get out and explore the area.
One of the bigger events happening on Thanksgiving weekend is the Apple Harvest Festival at Blue Mountain Village. Set in the heart of Ontario’s largest apple-growing region, the festival celebrates the season with live music, family entertainment, Blue Mountain attractions, seasonal food and plenty of autumn atmosphere.
Explore Ontario’s Apple Country
Apples have long been an important part of this area, particularly around Meaford, Thornbury and Clarksburg, where the moderating influence of Georgian Bay and the Niagara Escarpment creates excellent conditions for growing fruit.
This time of year, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to enjoy the harvest firsthand, whether you’re looking for freshly picked apples, cider, baking or other seasonal treats. Stop by Vail’s Orchards in Meaford, Grandma Lambe’s in Meaford or Chatsworth, or Goldsmith’s Farm Market & Bakery in Thornbury. If you’d rather pick your own, Farmer’s Pantry on Grey Road 13 near Thornbury offers pick-your-own apples in season, along with a farm market and family activities. And even if you’re not planning a full afternoon of apple picking, grabbing a bag of locally grown Honeycrisp, Ambrosia, Gala or another favourite variety from an orchard, farm market or roadside stand is an easy addition to a fall drive through the area.
Make a Day of It
If you’re heading to Blue Mountain for the festival, the drive itself can be part of the experience. This is a great time of year to get off the main roads and explore some of the smaller communities and countryside that make Grey County special.
A drive through the Beaver Valley is always worthwhile in the fall. Grey Road 13 takes you through the valley and the village of Kimberley. That means plenty of opportunities to enjoy the changing colours along the Niagara Escarpment. From there, a detour through Eugenia and around Lake Eugenia offers another beautiful look at this part of Grey Highlands.
Local farm stores, markets, trails and small-town shops make easy additions to a Thanksgiving weekend drive. Slow things down a little, see what’s nearby and discover a few places you may not have visited before.
A Great Time to Experience Grey County
For those of us who live here, weekends like this are a good reminder of just how much there is to enjoy close to home. And if you’ve been thinking about making a move to Grey County, fall is a particularly good time to explore. Drive the back roads. Stop in the smaller communities. Visit some local businesses and get a feel for what everyday life here has to offer.
Whether you’re visiting the Apple Harvest Festival, picking up some locally grown apples, taking in the fall colours or simply heading out for a drive, enjoy the Thanksgiving weekend and take some time to explore Grey County along the way.
Thinking about making Grey County home? We’d be happy to help you explore the communities, properties and possibilities throughout the area. Get in touch with Mark & Laura to start your Grey County home search.
