Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Burlington, Ontario to Owen Sound, Ontario

Are you looking for a road trip with some unique and unexpected stops? Look no further than the drive from Burlington, Ontario, to Owen Sound, Ontario. This route is approximately 237 km long and takes about three hours to drive one way, without any stops. Along the way, you'll notice beautiful views and charming towns. However, what might surprise you are the enchanting local spots that aren't commonly known. Here are five unexpected places to stop while driving this route.

Halfway Point: Orangeville, ON

Before getting to the list, highlight Orangeville, ON, as the halfway point of the trip. This beautiful town, located in Dufferin County, is a vibrant and welcoming community with a lot of charm. Take a break from driving to check out the farmers' market that's open from May to October, where you can pick up some fresh and locally grown produce. Orangeville has some fantastic craft breweries for you to explore, like Badlands Brewery and the Spirit Tree Estate Cidery. Plus, the local shops and restaurants offer a diverse range of options to grab a bite to eat or do some shopping.

1. Honeywood, ON - Honeywood Pottery

Stop in at the Honeywood Pottery, located at the intersection of Highways 10 and 89. This unique spot is like a hidden gem, where you'll find a beautiful assortment of handcrafted pottery. All the items in the store are made on-site, making it an excellent option to find a special gift for a loved one or something unique to add to your collection. The pottery store is an excellent way to make memories and to support the hard-working artisans behind each piece.

Favorite food to eat: Grab a latte and a baked good at Honeywood Cafe.

2. Flesherton, ON - Highland Grounds

Drive ten minutes off of Highway 10 to the beautiful town of Flesherton, where you'll find Highland Grounds, a specialty coffee house. As soon as you walk through the door, you're hit with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. The coffee is brewed to perfection, and the baristas are extremely knowledgeable. If you're a tea lover, Highland Grounds have a large selection of loose leaf teas as well. Take a few minutes to relax and enjoy the cozy atmosphere and comfortable seating areas as you take in the beautiful views outside.

Favorite food to eat: Try the breakfast sandwiches, which are made with locally sourced ingredients.

3. Meaford, ON - Grandma Lambe's

Located a short drive off the beaten path, Grandma Lambe's is a specialty bakery in Meaford, where you can indulge in all kinds of delicious treats. The bakery is known for its butter tarts and pies, which are made from scratch, and with the freshest ingredients possible - this is a perfect spot for a sweet tooth. Their produce, sourced from local farms and orchards, tastes flavorful and fresh. Apart from baked treats, you can wander through their gift shop, which features a wide variety of artisanal crafts and gifts.

Favorite food to eat: Don't miss out on Grandma Lambe's signature butter tarts.

4. Thornbury, ON - The Cheese Gallery

Located on Bruce Street across the great blue waters Lake of Huron, the Cheese Gallery is a must-stop spot for anyone who appreciates fine cheese and locally sourced ingredients. Guests can wander through the art gallery upstairs while enjoying a cheese-tasting in the cellar. The cheese gallery offers up a vast selection of cheese types, from French to Italian to Canadian, and more. And, if you're looking to experience something completely different, their Artisanal ice cream, which is made in-house, is a unique treat that you shouldn't miss.

Favorite food to eat: Enjoy a cheese-tasting accompanied by a glass of wine or beer from the local wineries and breweries.

5. Chatsworth, ON - The Garafraxa Cafe

Located in the heart of Chatsworth, Garafraxa Cafe deserves a stop, where you can sit down and relax while enjoying the friendly atmosphere. The cafe serves everything from light breakfast to filling lunches. Visitors will appreciate the artistic vibe and the quirky décor that makes this spot unique. Plus, you can take advantage of the free Wi-Fi to catch up on some work while indulging in a cup of coffee.

Favorite food to eat: Garafraxa Cafe's breakfast sandwich with bacon and avocado.

Road Trip Conclusion

In conclusion, if you're looking for an unforgettable road trip and some unusual stops, take the drive from Burlington, Ontario, to Owen Sound, Ontario. You don't have to go out on a limb to find fantastic local spots. From pottery to baked goods to cheese, this route will offer visitors a unique view of Ontario's hidden gems. The time you spend stopping along the way will be worth it, guaranteed. So, pack your bags, grab some friends, and make some memories on your next road trip.