Grey County—where every trail leads to a new place to unwind, a spot to indulge in local flavours, and every gathering feels like a celebration.
By Lauren Hambleton
Since putting down roots in the heart of Grey County 4 years ago, I have been repeatedly impressed with the number of spots popping up around the region that are truly focused on the act of gathering.
Locales that act as the backdrop for getting together with friends and family, or even just on your own with a good book. A place to relax after a long hike on the Bruce Trail, or a ride on the area’s many cycling routes. Each is unique in its offerings, but similar in the way that they all provide the perfect mix of great atmosphere and delicious food and drinks.
Grey County is made up of 9 different municipalities, and in just about any one that you might find yourself situated, there is certainly something for you. Whenever I am up in Owen Sound, I make sure to visit Mudtown Station.
Mudtown is a brewery that really focuses on keeping things fresh, rotating their food and drink menus through the seasons. Located in a former CP Rail station, a number of their beers are cleverly named as a nod to the past life of the building, including the Maiden Voyage Brown Ale, Whistle Stop IPA, and Runaway R-IPA.
Down the road from Mudtown is Parkwood Restaurant, located below Heartwood Hall—an amazing concert venue on the second story of a beautiful red brick building in the centre of Owen Sound. A true hidden gem, Parkwood is accessible through a discreet back door, found by walking down the Artist’s Alley.
Otherwise, you can enter through the back of Heartwood Home, a charming vintage home décor store. Inside the restaurant, the open kitchen and bar break down the barrier between kitchen and dining room, keeping the energy high and communal. The exposed brick walls, warmly lit with Edison bulbs, create a comfortable, rustic environment to proudly showcase great pizza, inventive vegetarian dishes, and plenty of local beers and wines from within Grey County itself.
One of the things that I love about getting to call this area home is how you’re never far from great hiking trails. The Bruce Trail, Canada’s oldest and longest footpath (at over 900 kilometres long), winds through Grey County and beyond.
Hogg’s Falls—one of nine waterfalls in the county—is one of my favourite spots to meet up with friends for dog walks, with a network of side trails that let you explore the surrounding woods before heading over to Valley Espresso to recharge.
At their cozy coffee hut, you can choose from a number of craft beers and ciders that fill their fridges and shelves. Or if you’re feeling more health-conscious, they make smoothies fresh to order and have a small sandwich menu as well.
A real pro-move to make when planning for a hike would be to first stop at Grazing in Grey in Markdale for mid-hike picnic supplies. Grazing in Grey specializes in curating stunning cheese and charcuterie boards that make any special gathering really pop.
They have a storefront where you can stock up on provisions to put your own feast together if you’re feeling more independent. Think: exceptional cheeses that are hard to find elsewhere, and lemon-stuffed olives imported from Spain. I really love that Ashley, the owner, prints out a detailed label for your cheeses, so you’ve got tasting notes for when you get home and can’t remember the specifics.
On the theme of snacking while hiking, or hiking and then snacking, is the town of Kimberley. While Kimberley has plenty to offer, Justin’s Oven is a perfect stop after visiting Old Baldy, an iconic lookout with sweeping views of the Beaver Valley. Old Baldy is accessible via a steep climb or a gentler route from the top.
Justin’s Oven has been creating flavourful wood-fired pizzas and incredible sandwiches and wraps for over 10 years. They are truly a mainstay in the community. We love getting together on their patio to unwind, enjoying the live music while admiring the scenic Escarpment in the background.
It’s easy to forget that you’re smack dab in the center of Southern Ontario and instead feel, just for a moment, like you’re on the West Coast, surrounded by beautiful old-growth-covered mountains.
While the cute town of Thornbury is popular among visitors and locals alike (hello Good Grief Coffee!), wander a bit farther North and you’ll find yourself in Meaford. You’re never far from the water in Meaford, and equally as close to a variety of places where you can experience fine food and drinks.
The newly opened Love Bird Brewing stands out for its playful, innovative approach to craft beer—like the Al Dente Pasta Pilsner, brewed with actual noodles—and its equally as creative food menu from Belle Marche. They often collaborate with other chefs and brewers to bring in different styles and flavours for their guests.
Two doors down, you’ll find yourself at Franny’s Mercato. Entering this cozy space, you’re warmly welcomed by Fran herself, who’s bustling around, chatting with regulars, taking orders, and popping in and out of the kitchen. The menu, written on a chalkboard, changes depending on what Fran feels like cooking, or as she says, “what my heart feels like cooking.”
I love getting to explore every corner of this county, savouring the delights of our vast array of talented makers, brewers and chefs. No matter what the mood, occasion, or day of the week it is, someone in Grey County has something special to offer.
Images courtesy Grey County Tourism, Rocklands Market, and Howdy Pictures