On our bus trip, October 1st, we’d already been to Mountain Oak Cheese, the Udderly Ridiculous Farm, and also to the chocolate shop in Woodstock, Habitual Chocolate. We had our treats stashed to take home and were on our way to the next place, where we’d eat—the Elmhurst Inn and Spa.

Other people I know had been there for a weekend retreat or overnight. It sounded like a grand place, and it was. The building was spacious, the food delicious, and the company was excellent. It was good to be off the bus for awhile to stretch our legs and find nourishment.

After eating, we strolled on the grounds of this grand old home, built in 1872. The open lawn was set up for a wedding that would take place in a short time.

Here’s a little piece of history from the website:

The Elm Hurst mansion was built in 1872 as the personal residence of James Harris and family. A fine example of the Gothic Revival style, it remained a stately family home for more than a century.

My photo of Elmhurst

a grand fountain on the grounds

Reina posing by the lamp post. I had to get a photo of her.

• I didn’t know until I read the website this morning that the Harris family were also cheese makers, of a very large cheese too. From the website:

• Birthplace of The Mammoth Cheese

  James Harris erected the James Harris Cheese Factory on the grounds of what is now Elm Hurst Inn & Spa in 1865.

  One year later, the factory was the birthplace of the 7,300 pound cheese, co-manufactured by local producers to put Ingersoll on the map. The famous ‘Mammoth Cheese’ travelled to exhibitions in Toronto, Sarasota, New York, Paris France and London, England.

We boarded the bus again and were off to another dairy in the countryside, tucked away. Our bus driver took a wrong turn and had to change directions but he found Gunn’s Hill Artisan Cheese.

We gathered in the sales area for a video and chat about specialty cheeses, where we also got to sample various cheeses. I had my cooler bag along and bought a small package of sheep cheese to try. (And it was very good!)

The shop was rather full when we all gathered in and so no photos. Learn more about the cheesemaker here.

Next on the route, on the now quieter bus, we headed for a place that produced items made with maple syrup— Jakeman’s Family Maple Products. We wandered in the old building with wooden plank floors, saw the high stack of pancakes (inedible) and viewed historical artifacts.

Customers could purchase items made with maple syrup. There I remembered how my husband loved the maple cookies, in the shape of a maple leaf, so I bought a box for him.

Back on the bus, we were on our way again to one more stop of the day. Light chatter filled the bus as we moved in the general direction of home.

For me, though, Oxford County is familiar since that’s where I grew up and went to school. The farm we were heading for was in our home neighbourhood, run by people I know. I was excited to see the shop and chat with a family member.

We arrived and the bus driver let us out. One at a time, we filed off the bus and made our way into the shop, filled with not only apples, but also vegetables, with a particular delicata squash suggested by our Bus Momma, Jo-Anne. I chatted with Kathy, one of the owners, and met her daughter Laura who also works in the shop. Being near the end of the line-up, I chatted only a couple of minutes.

Bag of apples in hand for a Thanksgiving dessert, I boarded the bus, pleased with my purchase and ready to head home.

The apple shop with so many other choices too

Our driver Norm got us safely through the day. We arrived back at the church, said our goodbyes while our bus Momma, Jo-Anne, reminded us all about church the next morning. We left with memories and conversations to follow.

Thanks to those involved in organizing the trip.