STAFF “PICKS”
There’s no knowledge like local knowledge. The people who live, work and play in an area are bound to know the best places and have favourite things to do. We thought we’d introduce you to the people who bring you our publications by asking them what a perfect day in Huron County would look like for them.
Joan Caldwell is our production coordinator and has worked with North Huron Publishing since it began. “What would I call a favourite day away in Huron County? Well, it would be a stop at Timmies in Blyth followed by a trip to Goderich with my grandson to the Huron County Museum. We took this little adventure last year. He absolutely loved seeing all the exhibits and enjoying the crafts and games they had set up. He especially liked the tanks outdoors too. Later, we had our lunch at McDonald’s (one of his favourite places) followed by ice cream and a drive around the cove in Goderich. Goderich is convenient for us for shopping and entertainment with their movie theatre, beaches, downtown shops and so much more. We especially enjoy swimming and taking home supper from the fish and chips down at the pier in Goderich.”
Brenda Nyveld is one of our sales representatives. Her perfect day: “I've always found the simple things in life are what really matters. Here in Huron County, we are truly blessed with the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets. My ideal day begins with our dog, Tilly, and our early morning walk along our gravel road to watch the sun come up. When I have some free time on the weekend, I enjoy exploring the scenic back roads of Huron County. Old barns hold a special place in my heart. I like to examine them and feel the echoes of the past within their walls. If I have time, I stop at Gorrie Line Produce for fresh vegetables and over to Red Cat Bakery for fresh bread. The day feels complete when I can relax on our backyard deck in the evening, watching the sunset and listening to the sounds of the night.”
One of the company’s most important staff members is history columnist Karen Webster, who is also our proofreader extraordinaire! She enjoys a quiet day close to home, picking up some local honey at J.R. Fear Apiary and grabbing brunch at Sunshine Grill in Wingham. She will often come to Blyth early to enjoy a stroll on the G2G Trail before seeing a play at the Blyth Festival.
Another of our sales team, Shelley Kroes, also enjoys a good scenic drive. Her recommendation is Little Lakes Road. A farm girl born and raised, she enjoys watching the crops create a patchwork of colour by mid-summer. (In fact, she is your guide on the crop tour in this issue.) She loves a special meal out at White Carnation’s buffet. The Canada Fireworks at the Goderich Harbour tops her favourite festival. She says that one of Huron County’s best assets is the abundance of maple syrup, and recommends stopping by any of our local producers to pick up a bottle. Don’t miss out on a chance to pick up some apple cider from Maitside Orchards in Brussels!
Mel Luymes, the editor for our sister magazine The Rural Voice, recalled an exact day that stuck in her memory. “I’m not from Huron County, so I really can’t get enough of the lake views. My perfect afternoon in Goderich happened in late November when a friend and I took advantage of a warm spell before the winter. I met him at the Goderich harbour for a walk to see Tiger Dunlop’s tomb. We crossed the Menesetung Bridge and marvelled at the mighty Maitland River below; from there it was a wide, well-maintained trail to the site. Tiger Dunlop’s tomb had some history to read and then we made our way back.
We were getting quite hungry by the time we returned and lo and behold, the Goderich Harbour Restaurant aka The Old Saltie, was open! It was the best fish and chips I’ve ever had, and so many types of salts and vinegars to choose from. We chatted with the delightfully cantankerous owner and took in all the snarky signs. We sat at the picnic tables to eat while watching the most glorious sunset over the harbour. It was a perfect date, but he ghosted me a few months after that. At least I still have my faithful favourite corner of Goderich!”
Our most recent Huron County import is reporter Scott Stephenson, and he took our request for the top spots to heart and gave us a list!
Best Coffee Spot: Coastal Coffee (R.I.P. BRØD Bread & Pastry in Blyth)
Favourite Lunch stop: Mary's Family Restaurant in Lucknow
Shopping: Vinylly Vintage in Goderich
Local food: 100 Mile Produce in Belgrave
Local beverage: Sweet apple cider from Meeting Place Organic Farm near Lucknow
Outdoor Activity: Visiting farms across the county
Dinner out: Paddy O'Neil's in Goderich
Arts & Culture: Shows at the Wingham Town Hall Theatre in Wingham
Entertainment: Movies at the Park Theatre in Goderich
Festival: Music in the Fields in Lucknow
Heritage or History moment: The Donald Dinnie statue in Lucknow
Scenic Drive: Take me home, country roads across the county
Best part of Huron County: Some of the nicest, most-creative people in the world live in this region.
Shawn Loughlin, editor of The Citizen and the very patient layout and design chief of Stops, loves the village of Bayfield for a day away from the office.
As the father of two children under five, a perfect day in Huron County can be had entirely in Bayfield, and all while parking just once and walking the rest of the way.
The journey begins, as it must, at Clan Gregor Square, which is home to a beautiful park and splash pad for the kids and plenty of seating for the young at heart, yet tired in reality.
From there, and once everyone is dried off, a walk down Main Street is next. My children like to explore, so, if a door is open, they want to see what’s behind it.
A good choice to kick off this walk is an ice cream cone or frozen yogurt from Copenhagen’s to sweeten up the walk. From there, it’s easy to explore the village’s many art galleries, like The Gallery House, the Main Street Gallery, Patina Studios and Gallery and Marten Arts Gallery, or the Village Bookshop if you prefer words over visuals - all kid-friendly as long as everyone keeps their hands to themselves.
For something cold to drink, Bayfield Brewing Company is always a great choice with its breezy summer bar and patio, while Shopbike Coffee Roasters may be your choice for something with a little more get-up-and-go.
When the lunch bell rings, my daughter and I have favoured the Black Dog Village Pub and Bistro, though, if you want something a little less casual, Out of the Blue is a top-notch fish and chips shop with an excellent seafood market if you’re looking to cook your own dinner later on. Speaking of dinner, Olio Bayfield will impress, though it too is open for lunch on weekends.
As you make your way west to the beach, if you’re looking for dessert, there’s the Pink Flamingo Bakery and Boutique, which is always a safe bet and a sure hit with the kids. From there, it’s all beach, all the time, as Bayfield is home to one of the area’s best beaches and an excellent view as sunset approaches.
And last but not least, the publisher Deb Sholdice, a lifelong Huron County resident, shares a few of her favourite activities.
“Heading out on a Saturday morning to hit one of the town-wide yard sales depending on the day, and ending the morning in Goderich at all the thrift store opportunities is a grand treasure hunt. Parson’s Used Furniture is a great place to find art pieces and frames! We like to grab a coffee and a gourmet grilled cheese at Cait’s Cafe on the Square and then stop by the Farmers Market. The afternoon has to include a hike with the dogs, and we love to take them out to Wawanosh Nature Centre and let them have a quick dip in the Maitland River. I have so many favourite places to eat but you can’t go wrong at The Boot in Seaforth. Finally, a walk on the beach at sunset at The Pinery or Point Farms Provincial Parks is my absolute perfect end to any day.”
