A Country Path – Our Story

In the rural farming community, many stories are shared and ideas are born around the kitchen table.

After sharing these stories, we realized that we had a common goal – to offer a unique and authentic country experience.  Our close proximity to one another gives visitors more than on reason to travel the “A Country Path” route.  From farm to artisan to rural industry, our members provide an experience that could only exist in rural Ontario.  We invite you to take a trip down “A Country Path” to meet us, hear our stories and see what we have to offer!

Here are some of the stories behind “A Country Path”

Garry, Gord and their two families operate Geissberger Farmhouse Cider.  Garry and Gord often talk about how their Grandfather and Father started their cider mill many years ago.  The original mill is still located on a section of their farm in north west Clarington.  However, the family now has Ontario’s only mobile cider mill, that can travel to an apple orchard near you!  And their packaging – “a bag-in-a-box” is so convenient.

Up & over one road, you will find Jenny and Ian.  They are the fourth-generation farmers who operate the Knox Pumpkin Farm.  Originally a dairy farm, their big focus now is pumpkins & family farm fun!  From wagon rides & corn maze to face painting & animals, you will be sure to get into the fall spirit here.

In 2020, Heather and husband Scott Reilly opened their farm-gate market in response to an increased desire to buy local food outdoors because of the COVID-19 pandemic. A small market building and large hay wagon was soon added to display the ever increasing offerings. It is always a pleasure to answer questions about the produce and preserves. Just ask Heather; she plants/picks/digs/bakes/preserves and displays it! Each year, different varieties of produce, new jam flavours and even more unique “just baked” desserts are added! For example, Open Skies Farm Market now offers eight different garlic varieties. Try roasting a bulb of each variety for your next charcuterie board! Getting to know customers is one of Heather’s favourite parts of the market day. So come and see where your next meal is grown and taste what “Farm to Table” is really like. Open seasonally, June to October on Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10am-6pm.

Meet Al and Suzanne Lanteigne, Makers on Enfield. Al is a woodworker who specializes in wood turnings and flat work. Some of his wood is purchased locally but 80% is urban salvaged. When the trees are delivered he mills, dries, and dresses it before using it to
make his designs. Suzanne is constantly working behind the scenes. As they take on different parts of the business they are working and thriving as a team to deliver quality work.

Further north you will find Eric, Jenny, Aaron, Tasha, Aiden and Emma at Gallery on the Farm. As stewards of the land for 5 generations, their focus is certified organic “food.”  The Highland cattle are a point of interest and the Angus cattle are the focus for the freezer meat.  Aaron’s youth and “techie” knowledge has brought this farm into the new GPS and reduced tillage era.  Enjoy an impromptu cooking class here.  Expand your agricultural knowledge & view locally handcrafted gifts.

Just around the corner from them, you’ll find Petra and Martin at 3Beez.Buzz.  When you meet them, you will see their passion for their bee world.  In addition to offering their liquid gold raw unpasteurized honey, infused honeys and creamed honeys, they also make beautiful beeswax candles.  While here, you will have an amazing view of the Enniskillen Valley.  You just might want to stay over in one of the rooms at Our Valley View B & B!

Jim Di Leva is the owner of Buy a Birdhouse.  Jim created his first birdhouse and had it on display in his nail salon.  One person asked for a personalized house, word spread and more requests started to come in.  Covid caused the closure of the nail salon, but Jim (and his wife Noeleen, who handles all communications and inquiries) have been kept busy since with the birdhouse business.  You can take a chance and drop into their location on Durham RR3 or call in advance to be sure they are in.

Heading up the Enniskillen Hill, you will turn left at Old Scugog Road & watch for #8734 on the left. You have arrived at the Sargent Family Dairy. This 4th generation Jersey dairy farm offers bottled milk, butter & cheese products. Tim & Sharyn Sargent along with their children saw a growing interest in locally made dairy products and decided to build their own Creamery. Their farm store allows them to connect directly with customers to learn more about the farm family & provide customers a chance to meet the cows in pastures along the roadside.

Backtracking to Regional Road 3 & turning left, you find the next stop along A Country Path, Timeless Essentials.   Crystal, a certified Herbologist, creates all natural, affordable,  handmade soap, bath and body products plus many other consumable items.   She believes that people should experience scents and flavours the way nature intended.   Crystal takes the time to listen & just  might have the perfect natural solution that you have been searching for!

A Country Path takes a little jog.  At the corner of Bowmanville Avenue & Regional Road 3, you will turn right & head south.  At the first side road – Concession #7 – you will turn left, watching for #2575.  This is the home of Almet Farms. They’ve been providing farm fresh eggs to local customers since 1967. Imagine collecting enough eggs each day to make 12,000 two egg omelettes!

Just down the road is the Tyrone Mills, built in 1846.  Owner Bob proudly says that it’s one of Canada’s oldest water powered grist mills.  A woodworking shop, blacksmith shop and an outdoor wood-fired Quebec oven have been added to enhance this historical property.  Bob doesn’t have to tell us about his “cider donuts to die for” made fresh on site.  We already know all too well!

And just a few minutes down Liberty Street, you will find Fred and Sandy at Archibald Orchards & Winery. They love to share their passions – growing apples & making fruit wines and ciders. Their orchard has some 10,000 apple trees and 14 different varieties to choose from.  It’s the perfect place to pick your own apples – a great fall tradition. They also press fresh cider & make their own apple pies in season.  The winery is open March to December for Complimentary tasting & browsing in their boutique.  They make wines & ciders ranging from very dry & off-dry to sweet dessert wines.  There are also Sparkling Non-alcoholic ciders.  Something for every palate & occasion!