The Cheese Trail's South End is Getting Festive!
Everybody is ready for the holiday season on the south end of the Oxford County Cheese Trail. From finding the perfect gift to preparing for that upcoming holiday party and just enjoying some comfort food, Oxford's south end is the perfect spot to get cheesy this winter. Let us count the wheys:
1. Find the Perfect Gift
Where: Ottercreek Woodworks Inc. (Buy Online), Station Arts Centre (View Map), Betty's Marketplace (View Map).
Seriously cool gift-giving is no problem while exploring this end of the Cheese Trail. At Ottercreek Woodworks Inc. not only can you get the perfect board but you can make your own. That's right, join woodworker Dave Schonberger as you explore a beautiful Carolinian forest, drink freshly foraged tea in the woods and craft your own board from tree to table right in his workshop. This is one seriously amazing experience and you can get your mitts on a gift card for the workshop for a loved one (maybe grab one for yourself too). Read more about this unique experience or grab the gift card asap.
Located in Downtown Tillsonburg, Betty's Marketplace is an adorable shop with a large variety of items to choose for that special gift, or something special created by a local artisan. Shop over 80 incredible artisans creating gourmet food, body care, fashion, decor, and more.
Looking for more artisan-crafted items from locals or to bring out your inner artist? Stop by the Tillsonburg Station Arts Centre to shop the Baggage Room Artisan Gift shop, their selection of art supplies, or sign up for a workshop and learn from a local artist.
2. Snack it Up
Where: Coyle's Country Store (View Map)
You'll be the family favourite this year if you show up with some decadent treats from Coyle's Country Store. Not only does Coyle's pack all the punch when it comes to confectionery goods for your holiday baking but they also have freshly roasted nut mixes, preserves and just recently, their own fresh fudge made right in-house. How's that for your sweet tooth?
3. Cheese, Please!
Where: Gunn's Hill Artisan Cheese (View Map), Red Dragon Dairy (View Map), Two Girls and a Cheese Shop (View Map).
Just minutes from Coyle's is Gunn's Hill Artisan Cheese. This artisan cheese plant is nestled into Oxford's scenic countryside and is home to some amazing Swiss-style cheeses. Shop a variety of unique cheeses from their signature Handeck to their partnership cheese- Dark Side of the Moo- made with beer from Upper Thames Brewing Company in Woodstock.
Red Dragon Dairy is a local Sheep Dairy that produces varieties of Sheep milk cheeses, fresh cheese curds, cream cheese and aged cheese. The also import European cheese and Britiwhs products, bake fresh bread daily, and offer their our own frozen lamb, roasts, shanks, chops and patties.
When in Tillsonburg, stop by Two Girls and a Cheese Shop for a variety of local and imported cheeses plus all the extra bits to make the charcuterie board of your dreams. Ask about pairings and keep an eye out for dill pickle flavoured products for the dill-lover in your life.
4. A Little Holiday Solace
Where: Wild Comfort Body Care (View Map)
Just two minutes down the road from Gunn's Hill Artisan Cheese is Wild Comfort Body Care. Specializing in high-quality skincare made with natural ingredients, this country shop is a great place to grab a little something for yourself this holiday season.
Check out their two holiday-inspired products, Noel Soap and Wisemen's Gift hand cream and facial serum. The first is coloured naturally with spirulina and madder root and smells of fir, cinnamon and spearmint. The second is inspired by the Christmas story and contains frankincense, myrrh and sea buckthorn oil to represent the gold.