Written By Alan Good
TRAVEL - As thoughts of Thanksgiving treats dance in our heads, some might wander our great county, or nearby counties, looking for fresh produce, a turkey, decorations, or a pumpkin. Travel this great province anywhere observing the change in the landscape this time of year, and you are sure to land on places selling those items.
Within one hundred kilometers northwest of London, you can purchase an entire meal, wall hangings, plants, and garden accessories. Our first stop was Westland Greenhouses south of Grand Bend.
We—and our granddaughter of 3—delighted in the live rabbits and birds, as well as plants, décor items and pumpkins for sale. For inside or outside your home, there is surely something for everyone. Stay and have a refreshment, feed the rabbits, or peruse the large greenhouse, but I dare you to walk away empty handed.
From there, we drove through Grand Bend, after first taking a quick look at Lake Huron, then on up highway 21 to Lakewood Garden Centre. There, too, are many ideas to decorate your home. A wonderful display of waterfalls, fountains and stone works can be viewed. Plants and various other items can be bought here. But the ideas this place will give you will be worth the stop, even if you don’t purchase anything.
Heading east afterwards, along Dashwood Road, and just past highway 21, don’t pass Masse Fruit and Vegetable display. They have lots of fresh produce, like apples, squash, beans and more. Our next stop was Hayters Farm on Dashwood Road. We sought a turkey for our family get-together Thanksgiving weekend. Hayters has fresh and frozen turkeys, and the staff are very helpful. You can also call ahead to order a fresh turkey in the size you desire. As well, they have many frozen products such as pies and veggies. LCBO is also on the premises, so your meal could be bought in its entirety.
Along the way we encountered many roadside venues offering fresh, local food. No matter where you drive, it’s assured you will find what you need to make this thanksgiving a great one, and all from local farmers.
