Woodstock: 7 ways to travel like a local
Discover hidden gems, great eats and more in Woodstock.
How to Travel Like a Local in Woodstock, Ontario
Getting to know the local secrets when you travel is always the best part: the best spots to grab a beer, find a great deal or even just chill out.
Well, keep this to yourself but we're going to tell you seven amazing ways to live like a local when you visit Woodstock. Read on for the insider scoop or download the PDF and read it later.
Know what you're looking for? Skip ahead. Here is our round-up of Insider Scoops in Woodstock.
Insider Scoop #1: Taste the local cheese
Of course in the heart of Canada's Dairy Capital, cheese is the name of the game and it wouldn't be a proper visit if you didn't sample some of the local flavours.
If you're up for a country drive, Gunn's Hill Artisan Cheese is the perfect spot. This artisan cheese plant specializes in Swiss-style cheeses using milk from the cheese maker's family's dairy herd.
Taste everything from firm farmhouse cheeses to beer and wine bathed ones. They're delicious.
Insider Scoop #2: Shop the farms
For a truly local taste, check out Woodstock's Farmers' Market. Every Saturday year-round, The Woodstock Fairgrounds hosts over thirty vendors that sell a great variety of local produce, flowers, fresh baked goods, meat, artisan soaps and so much more. Enjoy the hustle and bustle as you grab fresh and local groceries.
Also in town, Your Farm Market serves up local groceries all year long including produce from area farms, locally-roasted coffee, baked goods, bread, cheeses, pre-made meals and more.
Insider Scoop #3: Pick Your Perk
There are loads of ways to kick start your day with caffeine in Woodstock!
Down the road, Habitual Chocolate creates bean-to-bar chocolate in-house for to-die-for flavours. Our sweet suggestion? Try their out-of-this-world ice cream. However, if it's that java kick you seek, enjoy a delicious coffee brewed with just a touch of chocolate in it.
Coffee-lovers flock to Beantown Coffee for their locally-roasted beans. Choose from a great selection of coffees done up in a variety of ways (standard latte, cappuccinos, red-eye, maple latte...you get the idea) and enjoy in-house. Be sure to try Kintore Coffee (made in Oxford) or Early Bird (made right in Woodstock). It's absolutely delicious!
Early Bird Coffee is Oxford County's first roastery and it's so tasty! Pop in, grab some freshly roasted beans and a hot bevvie to go. On Wednesdays and Fridays, you can even enjoy freshly baked donuts from Sweet B's Cakes in Norwich.
Insider Scoop #4: Eat like a local
A great meal is the key to a great trip. We're positive you'll love our suggestions.
Sushi Cove specializes in authentic Korean and Japanese dishes made in-house and fresh. With absolutely delicious bursts of flavour and something even for picky eaters, this spot is a taste bud gold mine.
Over at SixThirtyNine, Chef Eric Boyar creates amazing dishes using the freshest local ingredients. Creating a menu that changes with the seasons, it's not uncommon to see the kitchen staff out in the garden cutting fresh herbs for your dish.
Grab a seat at the Chef's Table and watch the action as your meal comes together or park yourself outside on their uber-relaxing patio and take it all in as the food comes to life in your mouth.
Tandoori Knight is well known in the area for serving up mouthwatering and authentic Indian dishes. From spicy beef vindaloo to savoury butter chicken, it's sure to hit the spot. Feel relaxed in their spa-like atmosphere and take your time as you experience what it means to eat here.
Finally, Charles Dickens Pub is the local go-to for pub food. Known for their fish and chips, Charles Dickens is so much more than that! They have delicious burgers, out-of-this-world mac n' cheese poppers, salads, wraps and so much more.
Insider Scoop #5: Shop 'til you drop
There are a few must-stop shopping spots to go to when you visit Woodstock.
For lovers of music, video games and entertainment in general, The Record Works is a candy shop. Wander aisles of CDs, DVDs, video games, consoles and one of the best vinyl collections in the area. Spend your time sifting through records both new and used and scoring a sweet deal to boot.
Experience true shopping bliss at Sodapop and Marigolds. Fairly new on the scene, this boutique has made quite a name for itself. With an extra-cool interior home to stunning artisan jewelry, dresses, wraps, sweaters, tea towels and home goods and so much more, it's easy to find something for yourself or a gift. Find the perfect look you've been waiting for.
Antique lovers will appreciate One-of-a-Kind Antique Mall. This indoor antique mall is Canada's largest with four floors of goodness. The first three offer booths owned by multiple antique dealers while the fourth is full of curated decor and shabby-chic interior design. Pop in, poke around and we're sure you'll find something great to bring home.
Jarful Refillery is all about reusing everyday items and creating a more eco-friendly lifestyle. Here you'll find refillable shampoo, conditioner, washing detergent, dish soap and more plus eco-friendly makeup, waste-free items, plants and so much more. Pop into this general-store type spot and enjoy!
Down the road, Fair/Square is your one-stop-shop for all things vegan. Think vegan groceries, skincare and beautiful gift baskets of curated goods.
Insider Scoop #6: Grab a pint
Grab a fresh pint of craft brew right off the tap at Oxford's first brewery, Upper Thames Brewing Company. You'll love the outdoorsy atmosphere of this brewery and the amazing events they have going on. Try their creative small-batch brews as well as their flagship Belgian Blonde, IPA and Brown Ale.
Hungry? Get it served up with a local cheese charcuterie board or bring in your food and enjoy! Feeling super hungry? Check out their sister location, The Brickhouse Brewpub for a great menu of tasty food.
We recommend their cranberry brie sandwich with a side of tots (because seriously- who doesn't love a good tater tot?). Brickhouse has 24 taps of beer including 12 of Upper Thames Brewing's beers and 12 that rotate featuring craft breweries from across the province.
Insider Scoop #7: Take in some culture
An insider scoop should always include a little culture. Hit up the Woodstock Museum NHS or the Woodstock Art Gallery for a lovely dose of just that. At Woodstock Museum NHS, visitors are treated to a mix of stories from Woodstock's past as they explore a great selection of exhibits.
Across the road, The Woodstock Art Gallery hosts two floors of extensive exhibits featuring the works of local, national and international artists. Check out their workshops and exhibit changes to plan your visit!
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