Farmers Markets in Stratford and Perth County
One of the oldest markets in Ontario, the Stratford Farmers’ Market has been in operation continuously since 1855. Travel just around the corner and up the road from the Mornington Rose to the Stratford Agri-plex in the Stratford Rotary Complex to shop for local eats and treats. The Farmers Market runs every Saturday from 7:00 am until noon all year, both inside and spilling out into the parking lot during the warmer months.
We love the fresh produce, beautiful flowers, delicious baked goods, farm fresh eggs, cheeses, and locally produced pork, beef, lamb and chicken to serve to our guests for breakfast, or to include with our Charcuterie Dinners. Make sure to bring a cooler to keep your produce and sausages cool on your trip back to Mornington Rose!
Don’t miss the variety of preserves, maple syrup and honey products that are also available to take home to enjoy, and the unique and unusual craft and hand made goods that will make great gifts for special occasions. Stop at the Black Food Truck in the parking lot – both Murray and I think their hot Apple Fritters are So Good!!! And the Popcorn Truck with so many flavours – yummy!!!
Couldn’t make the Saturday Farmers Market ? Me neither, as I was serving breakfast, but no worries, there is a smaller open-air Slow Food Farmers Market as an option, every Sunday from 11am to 2 pm, right behind City Hall in Market Square. Murray and I love the chocolate sourdough bread with cherries sold at the Downie Street Bake Shop kiosk!
Alternately, just at the edge of Stratford on the way to Shakespeare you will find the Wild Hog Country Market. It’s a stunning farm market featuring fresh food and locally made wares. As well as a butchery, there’s a produce department, an on-site cafe and bakery, plus a vast selection of housewares, gifts, and locally made beauty products. Murray and I recently bought some smoked pork chops, fiddleheads, shiny, red and green heirloom tomatoes, and a loaf of freshly baked bread to bring home for a delicious dinner that evening.
Just a 40 minute drive from Stratford, through picturesque winding roads, discover the village of St. Jacob’s with its famous indoor/outdoor St. Jacob’s Farmers Market. There are three buildings with artisan arts and crafts, local butchers and bakeries, and lots of food vendors to keep you satisfied. Bring lots of bags for fresh produce, and remember to buy some delicious Mennonite sausage for dinner ! The market is open Thursday and Saturday, from 8am to 3pm and in the summer on Tuesdays as well.
If you find that you have more time on your hands, I recommend exploring some of the towns and villages around Stratford and Perth County where you will happen upon Farmgate Markets. True to their name, these markets are at the gates to the farms where the produce us grown. In the summer and fall, you’ll find lots of fresh and organic produce at the local farm gates, and small market stalls along the way. You can pick up some amazing food and ingredients on your way out of town to enjoy when you get home.
Go here to book your room while you enjoy the bounty of Southwestern Ontario any time of the year!
