SHOP! DINE! STAY! EXPLORE!

While our Southwestern Ontario weather can force us to stay off the highways at times, there is no reason to forgo the excitement of a local road trip until spring. Snow tires on, full winter gear stowed even on a sunny day, the forecast double-checked, it’s time to get going. Have a plan, whether you’re off on a shopping expedition, a culinary discovery tour, or just want to explore some of the charming towns and villages along our countryside byways and lakeshore roads without the high season crowds. Buckle up — and button up — for excitement! No matter the outside temperature or which direction you head, a warm welcome awaits.

Oxford Handcrafted Trail

“More than a day trip, it’s a chance to learn, create, and connect.”

Just 30 minutes east of London, you will find the Oxford Handcrafted Trail. Explore museums, galleries, studios, and maker supply stores where visitors can learn, purchase, appreciate and try their hand in a variety of functional and visual art forms. This includes over 300 exhibits, markets, classes and retreats held annually. Oxford has a strong heritage of the handcrafted arts which are still thriving today. Designed to be explored at a leisurely pace, the Oxford Handcrafted Trail showcases the authentic character of Oxford County. It is an invitation to slow down, meet remarkable people, and enjoy meaningful experiences that turn an ordinary day trip into something truly memorable.

One of the trail’s greatest appeals is its ease of trip planning. On the website, you can download itineraries to explore by medium, whether your passion is quilting, fibre, woodwork, architecture, pottery, print and more. You can also explore by neighbourhood, exploring a mix of mediums and stories in one community, giving you a full day of discovery with less time behind the wheel. You can chart your own course, selecting events, experiences and stops that speak to you and your travel companions. Booking a unique class or experience also makes a wonderful, engaging gift for those you love and for special celebrations.

Read the stories of local makers, see the stops, discover upcoming classes and events, and download travel routes by visiting the informative Tourism Oxford website dedicated to this trail. •

The Little Inn of Bayfield

Steeped in Tradition

Picturesque Bayfield is much quieter and less crowded than it is when it draws so many visitors in the busy summer months. A five-minute walk from downtown will take you to the frozen and impressive Lake Huron shoreline, while Main Street’s boutique shops, local galleries and heritage architecture offer the friendly ambiance the village is known for. The Little Inn of Bayfield is the perfect venue to anchor your visit, offering a wonderful winter escape for couples, friends and family.

Opened in 1847 as a stagecoach inn with a carriage house, you’ll see the original hitching posts are still out front. The Little Inn’s handcrafted and antique touches are found around every corner, including original woodwork, Victorian era floorboards and exposed brick. Visitors can stay in one of 16 unique and cozy rooms and suites, and enjoy two restaurants with outstanding dining options, and a plush lounge to relax in.

The Willow Room is a Bayfield dining landmark, showing off classic Little Inn character. Enjoy the chef’s innovative Feast On-certified locally sourced seasonal menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as weekend brunch. The Four-In-Hand Taproom offers a more casual menu in a relaxed pub-like setting, with an extensive selection of craft beers, local and imported wines and specialty cocktails. Soxy’s Lounge harkens back to The Little Inn’s heritage, welcoming horse-drawn travellers, with a warm speakeasy vibe. A superior beverage selection and comfortable furnishings encourage intimate conversations and lively celebrations. Reservations are recommended.

Ipperwash Beach Club

“On the trail to great food and beverages”

Ipperwash Beach is one of Ontario’s longest, stretching along the shore of Lake Huron. In summer, it is celebrated for its soft sand, warm shallow waters and a quieter pace than nearby Grand Bend. Valued for its coastal sand dunes and wetlands, critical for migrating birds, the terrain and biodiversity attract hikers year-round. Ipperwash Beach Club owner Grace Dekker has led groups through the Dunes and Swales Trail near her Lambton County establishment and is extremely knowledgeable about them. “Anyone who is into nature walks, this is ideal,” she says. She runs the Beach Club with her husband Jim, and while they love the more numerous visitors coming to their summer hotspot, they also savour the windswept lakeside on colder days.

As things slow down, the club reduces rates for their second-floor suite accommodations, which are only 150 metres from the beach. Each suite has a beachside balcony and comes complete with a kitchen, stainless steel appliances, flat-screen TVs and comfy furniture. It’s the perfect spot for a quiet getaway or a relaxing place to visit while touring the area. Or taking in Lake Huron’s world-famous sunsets. “The view from the suites is stunning,” says Dekker.

Ipperwash Beach Club also rents its facilities for staff parties and other events. “With the holidays coming, we can do a turkey dinner for a Christmas celebration,” Dekker says. “We decorate the restaurant up nicely during this period, and everyone is welcome.”

2027 Subaru Trailseeker

Adventure-ready. All Electric.

The 2027 Subaru Trailseeker is ready to tackle whatever you might put it through. Versatility and performance are standard in every Subaru SUV, and the Trailseeker is no different. It is spacious enough to fit the entire family and cargo in a quiet and comfortable cabin with a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Passenger safety, enhanced with modern technology including Subaru’s EyeSight driver assist technologies, is also a top priority. Every Trailseeker also comes with dual-motor all-electric Symmetrical Full-time All-Wheel Drive (AWD) to deliver confident traction in rain, snow and loose terrain.

Wondering if the timing is right to own an electric vehicle (EV)? You are not alone. “Common questions and concerns arise about charging locations and frequency, and vehicle maintenance,” says Joe Prossler, General Sales Manager for Subaru of London. “These worries are not nearly as daunting as most people think,” Prossler notes that EV maintenance and service checks are similar to Subaru’s gas vehicle needs, except the EVs should be seen every 8,000 km vs. 10,000 for gas vehicles. The Trailseeker has an all-electric range of up to 446 km. DC fast charging can take the battery from 10% to 80% of a full charge in about half an hour.

“You get the same reliability and safety accolades you expect from a Subaru,” says Prossler, “without the added trips and costs of going to the gas station. With the added benefit of clean fuel.” Available in three trim levels, the 2027 Trailseeker is an elegantly simple all-electric driving solution for weekend adventures and everyday comfort.