Written By Alan Good
TRAVEL - A short hop across the 401 or, if you would rather, highway 7, can take you to St. Jacobs in about 1 ½ hours. If you are looking for fresh food, not so fresh antiques, or something special (obscure) for that aunt, this is the place to go.
We stopped at the St. Jacobs Farmer’s Market first. At 10 AM on a Saturday the place bustled inside and out with eager shoppers. Outside, many vendors were selling everything from fresh produce to hats, scarfs and belts, even flags and pet needs. The colours were rich and vibrant making it a joy to just walk around.
Inside the market offered two floors of wares. Meat, cheeses, bakery items and a myriad of foods could be found on the ground floor. On the second, crafts and other items were found that are sure to please anyone looking for something new and diverse. People were also in abundance inside and outside, so if you don’t like crowds you could attend through the week.
During winter the market offers Story Time with Santa and a winter lights festival. Celebrating 50 years, the Farmers Market won’t disappoint.
Two large antique markets are nearby to offer booths and booths of old, unused, and interesting items. Need a doll in a jar? It’s there. Looking for oil lamps? You’ll find them. Someone you know have a birthday coming up and you know they like oddities? See what you can find for them at one of these places. I guarantee you will smile at some of the things seen there.
Eateries, Mennonite crafts, and more can be found as you walk though St. Jacobs, just ten minutes up the road. Why, there’s even an angel shop, full of objects with that theme.
Roadside stands are also in abundance, especially as you travel the smaller highways. You can shop local starting from your house all the way to St. Jacobs and while there too. The market is open year-round as are the shops. Take a drive that will make you smile.
