May is here. Grate times await. |
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Use this planning tool to choose your stops and start saving with the Great Taste of Ontario passport. Spring travel doesn't get any Cheddar! |
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What the heck are BIG CHEESE DAYS? |
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To put it simply, Big Cheese Days are when the Cheese Trail gets extra cheesy.
During Saturdays in May, our Cheese Trail stops create extra special offers in addition to their year-round offers. You'll see everything from cookies with milk dispensed by a milk vending machine and lactose cocktails to hands-on experiences, farm and cheese factory tours and so much more.
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Tillsonburg
The Cheese Trail has extended this year to include some incredible Tillsonburg shops, the art centre, and a restaurant in a converted 1878 mill. For Big Cheese Days, get involved with a Community Mural Project, taste surprise Ontario cheese samples, and kick it up with Red Dragon Spinach Dip at the Mill and a pint. Read on to see the spots that are joining Red Dragon Dairy, Ottercreek Woodworks Inc., and Coyle's Country Store on the trail in Tillsonburg.
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Dad's Ice Cream
As teenagers running this ice cream stand, named for their dad, the McLaughlin sisters fell in love with Shaw’s ice cream. In 2001 they purchased the struggling brand they loved ensuring future generations would fall in love with Shaw’s. Walk up to the window and order a cone, sundae or shake in their unique and traditional
flavours. See why locals love Shaw’s made with 100% Canadian cream.
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Tillsonburg Station Arts Centre
Explore Tillsonburg’s non-profit hub for artists featuring a gallery, studio space, and artisan shop, all located in two attached, re-imagined train stations. Discover train history, art exhibits and shop for little pots to hold snacks, dips and trinkets. Come Saturday for the Farmers Market.
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Two Girls and a Cheese Shop
Tracey and Kelly, foodies at heart, dreamt of opening an artisanal cheese and gourmet food shop in Downtown Tillsonburg. They have a reputation for perfect and unusual pairings, wowing customers. Stop in to sample, learn and shop for cheeses and pairings with expert advice.
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Betty's Marketplace
An adorable shop featuring over 80 incredible artisans creating gourmet food, body care, fashion, décor, and more. Bettys also runs an online clothing resale shop. Have a GOUDA time exploring the cheesy punny” gifts artisans have created to show your love of cheese...it is unBRIElievable.
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The Mill Eatery
The Mill Inn + Eatery resides in a restored 1878 grist mill, built by Tillsonburg’s founding family. Enjoy a locally inspired menu in their spacious dining room or patio overlooking Otter Creek. For pub vibes, head downstairs to their Underground Pub.
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Woodstock
In Woodstock, a local bakery in the Downtown Core has joined the Cheese Trail. Whisk and Roll Bakery joins other Woodstock favourites including a Habitual Chocolate, Charles Dickens Pub, Your Farm Market, Upper Thames Brewing, Brickhouse Brew Pub and sixthirtynine. See all Woodstock hub stops on the Cheese Trail. |
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Golspie Dairy
Golspie Dairy is located on a 5th generation dairy farm operated by Laurence (the farmer) and Marja (the Cheesemaker), just north east of Woodstock. The dairy, opened in 2022, offers whole milk (white or chocolate) and British style cheeses including Crowdie, a fresh cow’s cheese. Visit the retail shop or use the milk and cheese vending machines (empty bottles available). On Saturdays in May, they will be offering Milk & Cookies for Big Cheese Days.
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Whisk and Roll Bakery
Step back in time with Cheryl and taste recipes like Grandma’s, with a modern twist. Enjoy a taste of vintage baked goods made from scratch, fresh baked bread and delicious take out deli sandwiches and homemade soups. Try a cheddar dill pickle biscuit - a Woodstock favourite. Try their Trio of Sweets on Saturdays in May.
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From factory tours, unique experiences, artisan goods and delicious food, the Cheese Trail is perfect for simple or splurge-worthy fun. We suggest five stops in a day and travelling by hub: Blandford-Blenheim, Woodstock, Gunn’s Hill, Tillsonburg, and Ingersoll. |
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Hubs have stops within 5-15 minutes of each other. To help with trip planning listings are in order driving from East to West, or use our Google Maps. Pick your stops and explore!
Need help? Let us help plan your itinerary! Just email [email protected] and we’d be happy to lend you a hand.
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Get $25 Vouchers for Checking-in along the Trail |
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Use the Great Taste of Ontario Passport to check-in at Cheese Trail stops. For every 3 check-ins you will receive a $25 Feast On Voucher to use at a Feast On purveyor. If you check-in at 6 cheese trail stops that is $50 in vouchers!
How it Works:
- Receive a text and save it to your home screen.
- On Saturdays in May, or throughout the year, check-in at, at least THREE Cheese Trail stops to receive a $25 gift voucher for a participating Feast On Purveyor.
- Finish off Big Cheese Days, or plan a future visit, by redeeming your vouchers at SixThirtyNine for dinner or at the Udderly Ridiculous Farm Life Farm Market Store.
Bonus!
Betty's Marketplace and Louie's Pizza & Pasta are offering special promotions to visitors who check-in. Show them your passport to claim your offer or gift.
Tips:
- When you download the passport, you may need to rotate your screen. Make sure your settings allow you to rotate in order to complete passport registration.
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Questions? Reach out to the Culinary Tourism Alliance for support accessing the Great Taste of Ontario Passport.
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Get a glimpse of some the stops along the Oxford County Cheese Trail and Subscribe on YouTube to keep up with our adventures.
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Tourism Oxford | www.TourismOxford.ca |
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