A day out in Chatham-Kent isn't complete without bringing home some of the best produce and homemade products available in Southwestern Ontario.
Checking out what's in season is always a great way to start. The Buy Local Buy Fresh Guide will let you know what you can find in stores and at farmer's markets. CK may be best known for its amazing sweet corn, and if you want to pair it with a day of blueberry picking, we suggest making a stop at Joyce Farm Markets for your corn, followed by Park's Blueberries. At Joyce's you'll not only find ears of corn waiting to be husked, but also the makings for a fresh summer fruit salad or tossed salad. Brightly coloured peppers, tomatoes, peaches, melons and more will make it tough to choose just a few varieties.
At Park's you can pick your own mouth-watering blueberries to take home to bake into a pie or muffin, for a summer berry salad or just to eat on their own by the handful! Inside the store, the aisles are filled with ready-made products like jams, scones and other treats you'll find it hard to say no to. Their boutique shopping area is a amazing, as you'll find kitchen gadgets and products that you never existed but now just have to have. Both Park's and Joyce's are located on Highway 2 (Longwoods Road) east of Thamesville.
For those who need a bit of protein to round out all of those fruits and veggies, a stop at Buis Beef, right off the 401 in Chatham, is a quick stop for fresh or frozen farm-fresh beef. Whether it's a steak, roast or half a cow, Buis' offers 100% natural farm raised beef without antibiotics, hormones or additives.
All that said, a meal isn't complete without something to wash it down. Chatham-Kent features a variety of craft beers and local wines to choose from. Not far from the 401 you'll find Sons of Kent Brewing Company, in the heart of downtown Chatham, to bring home something new or perhaps tried and true.
Why not extend your stay and take advantage of one of our many hotels or bed and breakfast locations?
Fortunately, this is just one sample of a Buy Local Buy Fresh Day in CK. Stay tuned for others, as we continue to feature a variety of producers from across the municipality. Have a favourite Buy Local Buy Fresh Day of your own you'd like to share? Let us know at cktourism@chatham-kent.ca.
We've outlined just some of the things to do when you #VisitCK, but be sure to come and discover on your own. Follow #SeeYouinCK on Facebook and Instagram for more great places to visit and ways to spend your days in Chatham-Kent.
We can't wait to #SeeYouinCK!
