It gets better every year here!…read more This year we enjoyed another great afternoon here while the weather continued this heat wave. Admission changed to $10 a person and the 10 or 20 lb bags with no premium prices. They added a new corn maze in a new spot, parking lots are centralised and a tractor will take you to the furthest hills for Gala & HoneyCrisp. The tractor runs often and there's lots of space to bring wagons and strollers. The farm obstacle run in next to a corn kernel play area, shielded by a converted silo. The kids had a blast in here! Digging with sand toys and lots of space to swim in the corn kernels. I'm sure all parents loved it wasn't dirty like sand but just corn dust. The cafe kiosk is next to the kids play area so one can enjoy hot cider($3), cider donuts or other pastries while the kids play. There lots of big old trees to give shade to take a break from this hot afternoon. Lots of portapotty around and wash sinks at the play area, parking lot and top of the picking hill. The corn maze is themed for Minecraft, so hay bales or wooden crates and painted and stacked for photo ops. Lots of pumpkins decorations and photo ops. There's a bouncy farm animal toy penned off for kids to bounce and ride on. Really creative idea and such fun watching them all looking like they're bucking broncos. More animals added onto the farm, llamas, sheep and these cute shaggy cattle. Tip: save your apple core or fallen apples from the picking orchard to feed the animals at the end, they really do appreciate it! It might be further for some but it's an easy, scenic afternoon drive. I love how it's busy but not crowded like the ones closer to Toronto.

My best friend lives in Port Hope Canada two years ago for her birthday I bought her a gift…read morecertificate which she apparently never used. Lame. Fast Forward to my visit a couple of weeks ago. This was probably the funnest thing I did on my trip to Canada (well Duran Duran was pretty awesome too). It was hot as hell so the yoga was great because it was in the shade if you're going to do goat yoga plan on getting dirty. The goats poop on your mats and eat your hair but it's all worth it. Oh there's some super cuddly kids in there! The yoga was definitely the easiest yoga I've done because it was at your own pace we couldn't really hear the instructor so we kind of tried to follow along with people that work close to us that we watched. They asked that you bring a matt, which we didn't even think of. Luckilyish they had some spare mats and I'm glad I didn't bring my matt because they were filthy afterwards... Like with poop, dirt, and grass. There is a store and a goat Cafe. I heard so many good things about the goat Cafe but apparently they were out of everything even though we were at the beginning of the day. There were only 3 menu items available. I picked the pulled pork. It was so sweet it was inedible I took a bite and I couldn't eat anymore I actually returned it to the guy uneaten. He didn't even ask if I wanted a box, which I would have told him no it's horrible. So I don't recommend eating at the cafe at all. I did pick up a couple of cookies and goodies and they were dry and flavorless. The goat cheese was amazing!! I highly recommend picking up some goat cheese especially the gouda the gouda is good. They also have some really good grapefruit mint soda that I loved. He asked the lady what a favorite is and she says the goat fudge which I ate the other night and it was mediocre at best. On the website you can pick between yoga and a schmergel. Well if you're like me I was like what the hell is a shmurgle. It's where you walk around the farm with either goats or an alpaca pack. They also have overnight stays available we did consider it but then we thought oh no what if the goats scream... never mind. My friend never used her gift certificate because she wants to go do an alpaca shmurgle so she'll be back.

Great walking paths. Icelandic horses. Goats of course. Friendly staff…read more Alpacas, exotic chicken and baby piggy's

A lovely drive to this spacious and well organised orchard…read more Pros: - many apple varieties, big juicy sweet apples. - more honey crisp (my favourite) rows than most gta apple farms. - picking types posted online, paper slip given on arrival to know where to pick - rows of apples well marked for type or not ready yet - 4 complimentary sample flight range from alcoholic to non - cute baked goods & jarred shop of treats - 2 flushing washroom , 2 outdoor potty with washing sink - small kids play area - small area to enjoy your treats. - plenty parking in field(drive directly in & park right side of picking row or open field) - most except one staff all very friendly and easy going Cons: One grumpy female senior that works there mans the orchard exit. She left the worst note to our trip. We declared and opened the trunk to show one bag of apples were picked $45 pre paid at entrance. She demanded she organise the bag as it spilled in trunk in our laundry basket and claimed we had 2-3 more apples over the limit. I asked calmly if she wanted to take them out, and she snarked she'll let us have them. To be clear, our bag wasn't even close to brimming like most others. She also pulled this to the cars in front of us. Our friends being there a week previously said another staff was much nicer but they've encountered this old timer and got the same treatment Despite the crusty senior, this place is worth the drive to. No fighting crowds for tractor rides to the picking fields, or searching for a variety that's over picked. Prices are per car/bag $45 for 20 lbs of apples, another bag is $45 that is prepaid at entrance. Entrance off the single lane dirt road is a bit sudden, no warning signs the orchard is coming.

Unfortunately I didn't like the wine I tried. But I do like the idea of a winery in this area…read more Maybe i picked the wrong type of wine and I'm super willing to come and try again !

It is almost end of July…read more If you still want to catch lavender in their full bloom, you do have to plan a little trip by this weekend. Laveanne Lavender a hour drive from Toronto located in Port Hope might be the best place if you don't want to travel too far. Though their lavender fields might be smaller but it still looks awesome for photos! And the best thing is they don't charge any admission! Aside from taking photos or just sit and enjoy the scenery, there are also other lavender related activities on site. MORNING YOGA SESSION Nothing feel as close to nature practicing yoga outdoor under the warm summer breezes. The sound, the sight and of course the soothing scent of lavender which helps in the final walking meditation in the Lavender labyrinth. NURSERY: PASSION OF LAVENDER SEMINAR If you want to know how to grow, maintain and harvest lavender, this seminar is for you. They have lavender plants available in the nurseries so if you want to have your own little purple field at home, this seminars might be what you need to get started! GIFT SHOP I highly recommend visiting the gift shop and even make a purchase to support Laveanne. Here you will find everything lavender including beauty products, baked goods and of course ice cream! And they have their own hard working bees on site making all the yummy honey! They have different flavours of Lavender ice cream which is made with Fresh Kawartha Dairy by Sweet Spirits based in Peterborough. Sadly they only available in tub size not in a cone. LUNCH AT THE PATIO FACING LAVENDER FIELD How about enjoying a leisure lunch facing the lavender field? This Pop up Restaurant serves lunch item inspired by lavender. Reservation is necessary as space is limited! Reserve your July lunch booking please call Trattoria Gusto at 905-885-1198, referencing the pop-up restaurant at Laveanne. I did not get to eat here since they were too full to take walk ins. Maybe next time! SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS I really love the Community Spirit that Laveanne Lavender Fields tries to cultivate! Just like business networking, Lavender is bringing local area business and local communities together! Check out their website for monthly lavender theme events during their opening seasons: yoga classes, photography workshops, culinary seminars and more!

Pros: Great for lavender lovers…read more Cons: Not so great if lavender isn't your thing My GF wanted to check out this place so obviously we went to check it out, lol. It's a little bit of a drive be prepared before you come out. The idea was to come out to check out the lavender fields and have a picnic as well. This place is basically one really big lavender field with a cafe and gift shop. There's a lot of open area to walk about. One thing to note is that beyond 2 or 3 trees, there is absolutely no shade whatsoever. On a very hot day, this can be a little problematic. I was very glad it wasn't terribly hot the day we went or the picnic would of been a little unbearable. The gift shop if full of lavender items including baked goods as well. The prices seemed a little high to me but I have never in my life bought an lavender anything so I'm not exactly a pro in this field. Like I said, if lavender is your thing, you will enjoy your time here and feel it's worth the trek. If you're not, it won't be as fun. As far as lavender fields go, it's a pretty nice one to enjoy with the family.

'Tis the season to pick up pumpkin! Knox pumpkin farm has so many activities that are perfect for…read morethe whole family. There's a small animal farm where you can see bunnies llamas ponies, turkeys, and donkeys. They were even some piglets! There are pony rides, wagon rides, and of course, pumpkin picking! Every spot at this farm is photo worthy! In the Boo barn, there was a small haunted house. In the food barn, there was your regular hotdogs, but there's also pumpkin curry and some delicious chili. Don't forget to pick up some hot apple cider! There's lots of outdoor seating as well as free parking. I'll definitely be back next year.

Our family of four paid $110.08 for admission (!!!) which included a wagon ride and free pumpkin,…read more(the general admission tickets are $10 less expensive). No one was checking your wristband (aka tickets) to board the wagon though-- wristbands were only checked when you exited the farm. So we essentially paid $40 extra for 4 pumpkins, as anyone could have gotten the wagon ride for free if they wanted. My kids enjoyed the witches lair and seeing the animals. My 3 year old had a quick pony ride for an extra $5, which she loved. The corn "maze" wasn't really a maze at all, and very small. They were all sold out of candy apples and pies by the time we were ready to purchase them. From what I saw, they had sausages/hot dogs, baked goods like rice crispie squares and brownies, cold drinks (pop/water), coffee and hot chocolate. Lots of opportunities for photo ops. All in all, not really impressed for the price we paid. Would be a 4-star review if it were half the price.

Lots to choose from with wine or cider.Friendly staff served me the Blueberry cider is was very…read moretasty and refreshing .The day we were there they had music going on , it was a nice relaxing atmosphere. They offer strawberry, mulberry , pumpkin and corn picking.Its a nice way to spend the afternoon.

I had an amazing experience at the Applewood Farm Winery…read more The owners are so sweet and the patio is beautiful. They have a strawberry farm and corn field. Also very cute ducks! They only have small snack such as chips, Brie cheese board and crackers. Flights start at $10 Draft Blueberry and strawberry cider. Highly recommend stopping by

Parkwood National Historic site is a great place to visit for their well informed tours of the…read moremansion, their beautiful gardens to admire, and/or at their tea House cafe near the fountains for afternoon tea or lunch. Who knew deep in our history, GM company started with the McLaughlin family. This museum is a gem in the middle of Oshawa, Ontario, that is a must visit at least once.

This review is based off a garden lunch visit. TLDR: Grounds are gorgeous but food isn't worth it…read more Yes - The grounds are gorgeous - tons of green space and beautifully managed landscape and gardens. It's a fantastic ecosystem for bees and small animals. Didn't love how far the bathroom was from the tea house/ garden restaurant (literally was offered a go cart ride), so go before you think you really need to. Service at the tea house was alright. Despite having many staff, it felt a bit hard to flag them down at times. We noticed too that they weren't too kind to people who didn't have reservations despite having a few empty tables that stayed empty for our entire dining time. I felt they could have offered to make a reservation with them on the spot or just apologized. Not everyone knows about this spot until they are on the grounds for a walk. The food itself wasn't really worth it. We ordered a few mocktails which were wildly sweet, but refreshing for this hot hot day. We ordered the poke bowl and it was pretty good. A lot of fresh veggies mixed in the bowl and flavour was light. Good and refreshing for a hot summer day by the beautiful garden fountain. The salmon soba noodles was not quite the same. My salmon was a bit dry which is either because it was over cooked or just refrigerated for too long. It's served cold. The soba noodles did not hold well. You can see in my photos that the noodles were basically just stuck in these hard chunks. Not twirlable at all and quite stiff. It was not great.. I was very disappointed. At that price point, you'd think they could atleast whip up fresh noodles for you. It was even more disappointing that they didn't even apologize or make any offers to salvage the experience. They just didn't seem to care much. It's a beautiful place but they're certainly not a great dining experience. It is incredible as an idea though so maybe just make a reservation to have a drink by the fountain.

This incredible farm is located just moments off of Highway 115 near the 401 in Newcastle. It is…read morecommunity treasure, offering fresh grown herbs & vegetables at pay what you can prices, or pay fair, set prices if you are able to afford them. Free range eggs and frozen free range organic roasting chickens are available on a first come first served basis.