We were in town and decided to stop by the Farmers Market. It was a little different than expected…read more It had permanent inside stalls along with outside vendors. We arrived mid morning and there were a study stream of patrons. Comparatively speaking it was not a large market. What struck me was the quality of the produce. The produce was gorgeous and priced well. We spoke with a few vendors and they were friendly and informative. You could shop for anything from meat (there was a long line) to produce and baked goods. The market is off the beaten path, so I imagine it is popular with Stratford locals. There is also ample parking. My happy place is at a market and this was worth the trip.

Excellent market to visit on Saturday mornings, 7:00 a.m. to 12 noon…read more I prefer to visit during the months of June, July, August, September, and early October, when there is the greatest selection of local fruits and vegetables. Also, the earlier one goes, the better, as the market tends to get busy starting around 9:00 a.m.

Good but closing at 2pm is too early especially when its one day a week. Should be from 8am to 5pm.read more

Hours of Op are outdated on Yelp as Google says that this Farmer's Market is open Tues-Sat, only…read moreclosed on Sundays/Mondays. Definitely verify before you head out! I had a great experience at this local Farmer's Market. Overflow parking had good signage - it was free and plentiful - market was lively, and there were tons of deals on the produce the last hour prior to closing! If you wanna stock up on fresh fruit & veg, I'd definitely recommend you visit closer to closing time. Plants, fresh cut flowers were also at clear out prices. The main entrance of produce vendors are outside, but it's covered. Indoors is 2 levels with more produce, meat, bakery, etc. Upstairs it's a food court with a lot of international eateries. I believe there's also another outdoor area with artisan vendors off of the 2nd floor, but I didn't venture outside. If you're into Farmer's Markets, love deals, and wanna stock up on veg/fruits, then this market is definitely worth checking out!

**Review for their pick your own strawberry**…read more The price for 2018 is $6/kg, which I remembered it was $5/kg when I last went here for the 2016 strawberry season. They have a pretty large strawberry field for customers to pick from. You can either bring your own container to buy a basket from them, and they will weight your strawberries at the end to determine the cost. There is no time limit of how long you stay in the field to pick, and they have free parking on site. It appears that this year the yield was lower than usual, as the strawberries were mostly smaller than the ones I picked back in 2016. However, they still taste really good despite the smaller size. The strawberries go back fairly quickly, so you should eat them within a day or two after picking, or store them in the freezer to make smoothies. They also have other produce available for picking, which I think corn is coming up later in July. You can go on their website to see what's available and the prices. They also have a market on the other side of the street for customers to buy fresh produce from, much like a farmers market

A recent bus day trip included a stop at this market and it was a delightful little place. Lots of…read morepreserves, fresh baked goods, produce and even some frozen options. There is also gelato and ice cream offerings. I got myself a strawberry sundae that hit the spot. I also picked up some ambrosia apples, an unique maple chipotle pepper seasoning, red pepper jelly, strawberry cream honey (!!) and a corn dip. The last thing I hesitated on until a customer said it was amazing. Sold! I bought a frozen one to survive a bit longer and I haven't tried it yet, but considering the enjoyment of everything else, I trust it will be good. My sister got some fresh corn on the cob and her whole family wished she brought home more. So if you're in the area, do yourself a favour and see what Herrie's has to offer.

Just went to Victoria street Market after I heard a AD on the radio and was blown away by their…read moreselection, staff and COVID 19 protocols. The selection in this store is awesome. They have everything from fresh pastry , different cuts of meat and a huge deli all serviced by great staff that know a lot about the products they are selling. Fresh Meat side had great value added already prepared things like stuffed meat loafs , rolled ribs and Stuffed flank steak. If anyone is looking for something different and wanted to be treated to great staff you must Check this place out. Im a meat guy but even their produce looked good! As far as COVID 19 goes, I felt safe in their store. They sanitize everything all the time and the lay out is good to social distance. Also found out they offer curve side pick up and delivery. This place is 10/10 and highly recommend going. I can honestly say it's one of the nicest independent grocery store I have ever been too !!

While I was in Kitchener I spotted a sign that read "Victoria Street Market" and something about…read moresausages... the building looked inviting. So I made a left and headed into the parking lot. Upon entering this little gem I observed a very clean and very well organized little shop. To begin the tour heading to the right hand side of the shop (which is about 5,000 sq feet I believe.) there was an area just dedicated to seafood with all kinds of fresh fish, shrimp, lobster, squid, salmon... you get the picture. The area had all kinds of seafood sauces and spices ... But HUH? I read something about sausages... so where are they? Ah as I got a little further into the store I saw an entire area with, beef, pork and chicken. As I looked over to the chilled glass display case, there were the sausages October fest, Hot Italian, Honey garlic, mild Italian, etc... On the left side of the shop I found a full deli counter filled with all kinds of cheeses and cold cuts. You may also order a sandwich of your choice and take it to go or eat it there. Each area has staff to assist you and all the staff were extremely pleasant and friendly. The store is loaded with all sorts of exotic sauces, spices, European cookies and breads. As for me I ordered a mixture of cold cuts, October fest sausages, some steaks and some chicken. The prices were great and I loved that the store was VERY clean. Will I be back again? OH YEAH!!!!..

The market was okay but it was expensive and super crowded. We made the mistake of going on a…read morereally hot day when the 2 closest parking lots were under construction. The few items we did buy were melted by the time we got back to the car. I also expected more artists. Definitely a foodie market.

It has taken me quite a while to face up to the task of writing this review -- which is much how I…read morefeel about actually going to the Guelph Farmers' Market. Saturday mornings involve the girding of the loins, preparatory to doing battle in order to put food on the table... easy to sympathize with the viking raiders. I'm a locavore. The farm-to-table movement is enormous where I come from -- fresh, local, seasonal foodstuffs full of nutrients and flavor, without the huge carbon footprint of long-distance shipping, while keeping my money in the community and supporting my local growers, blah blah blah... lots of reasons I went this direction. Having become horribly spoiled by the Farmers' Markets in Oregon (Willamette Valley, end of the Oregon Trail and all that), and having learned that Guelph is in the middle of the big growing area in Ontario, I had high hopes when I moved here. Enter, disillusionment. First thing: parking is a beast. Even with a handicapped placard (people often disregard the handicapped only sign). And even though most people don't file into Harvey's for a hamburger before noon (which is when the Farmers' Market closes), the Harvey's people are out there patrolling their empty parking lot, to make sure none of those damn hippies going to the Farmers' Market don't park there. OK... did you catch that the Farmers' Market is open one day a week, for half a day (7-12)? Seriously? The Market has its own building, so what gives on the miserly hours? Oh and P.S. -- most good stuff sells out by 10 AM. Next thing I noticed: everything is cash only, and there are no ATMs (sorry... ABMs in Canada) anywhere nearby. The aisles are entirely too narrow for the ravening hordes packing the building. I mean, there must be some major breakage of the fire marshall's codes. Trying to move from one seller to the next involves appalling invasion of personal space, squeezing up against total strangers, tripping over their double-wide strollers (strollers? Here?), stepping on their feet and breathing in their faces. I feel like I ought to get an introduction first. Or at least a drink. But here's the kicker: the majority of sellers are reselling foodstuffs imported from far, far away (mostly the U.S. and Mexico). So, in summary: no parking, no convenient ways to pay, no convenient hours, miserably crowded... for very nearly what you'll find at your local supermarket. There are a few noteworthy exceptions, which is the only reason I still attempt the Market, from time to time: Thatcher Farms (http://www.thatcher-farms.com) -- local, naturally-raised beef, pork, lamb and chicken, delicious meat pies, and THE ONLY nitrite/nitrate-free bacon to be had ANYWHERE in Guelph. (Sorry; as a veterinarian, I just know entirely too much about what those chemicals do on a cellular level. Not interested. I'll do without bacon, first.) Did I mention that the meat pies are truly delicious? Mmm, Irish stew. Funky Maven crocheted (and felted) hats (http://www.funkymaven.com/2010/11/monster-hats-or-why-i-havent-been.html). (Yes, you all know I have a weakness for hats, by now.) Wonderful, creative, warm -- and Charlene gives terrific advice on making hats, if you're a DIY sort (which I occasionally am). She gives lessons, too! I'm hoping to catch up with her in the new year, to learn felting. Brantview Apples & Cider (http://www.brantviewapples.on.ca). No, they're not organic. They will, however, bend your ear about minimal spray (if you ask). They feature a pretty large selection of apple varieties, and grow my all-time absolute favorite -- the Honeycrisp (ripe in early fall). Their fresh-pressed unfiltered cider is the bomb, and their apple mustard is dynamite on roast beef or sausages. (And hey, if you let the cider go bad, it makes for some spectacular cider vinegar.) River's Edge Goat Dairy (http://www.goatmilkproducts.ca). Fan-freakin-tastic chevre -- plain, dill, or garlic blossom (OMG). And very mild, creamy goat milk. Backyard Bounty (http://www.backyardbounty.ca) -- wonderful fresh veggies and fruit grown on converted back yards around Guelph. What a wonderful use of land! Down with useless, water-guzzling grass! (And the veggies are mighty tasty, too!) Cedarvale Farm -- beautiful fresh brown eggs, inexpensive boneless/skinless chicken thighs (superior to breasts, in my book), and delicious whole roasting hens (I brined and roasted one of their birds for christmas, and it turned out juicy and tender). And the lovely people at Shepherd's Watch Sheep Dairy Farm (http://www.recipestoexperience.com/index.cfm?page=member&name=shepherdswatch) who always offer not only delicious, no-antibiotic lamb, but gorgeous soft skeins of spun wool. (Look out, once I learn to felt hats and slippers!)

Extremely delicious cider and lovely farm! We love the Community Harvest, Currant Affair, Forest…read moreGarden which is sweetened with maple syrup - so many tasty options! The flavors are very unique and many are on the dry side if you are into that. Today we got to try the new non-alcoholic organic sparkling cider which was super refreshing and the perfect amount of sweet but not too sweet. They are open for limited hours to taste and purchase in person. There are lovely big tables for socially distant gathering outdoors, and a few food items for sale like maple syrup, maple cider grilling sauce, honey, grass fed meats and fresh veggies. You can stay and hike around the forest and property and see many experiments in action. We got a little tour today and saw shiitake mushrooms growing on logs! Ice cold cider and the great outdoors what more could you want!? I heard there's going to be glamping soon! Exciting things happening here.

Nice little spot in Elora. Fresh meat and produce, Local canned items. They have a little bit of…read moreeverything. The staff has been really friendly and helpful every time I've been in there

BEST BBQ RIBS IN THE COUNTY! ...BEST JERK CHICKEN SINCE I LEFT TORONTO…read more...AND they're made on-site with local meat (no hormones or other crap) & with a delicious smokey BBQ sauce also from Elora, also with no nasty chemicals. Meat falls off the bones, so tender. They don't make them every day so best to call ahead and pre-order so you're not disappointed. They sell the sauce there, in different flavours, so I was happy to buy a jar to add extra when I reheat the ribs. Oh so yummy! JERK CHICKEN: Those who know The Real Jerk in Toronto will appreciate how expertly prepared Dar's son Sean makes his Jerk Chicken, marinated & ready for your oven! I asked how it was that it was so authentic. Sean's wife is Jamaican & helped develop the famous tastey Jerk marinade recipe they use. I've impressed some dinner guests with that dish! Jerk has a really unusual blend of spices, making it unique & well worth trying! SEAFOOD: I've ordered the best & biggest scallops there to make a Coquille St.Jacque.that my French friends flipped over. I love that Dar is health conscious & carries a lot of foods with nothing toxic in them. That's so important to me these days when the Monsantos of the world seem to be trying to poison us all to death with their pesticides, killing off the bees... Oh don't get me going... lol.

Beautiful little private LONG STANDING organic goods store with beautiful flowers that greet you at…read morethe door when winter recedes. FREEDOM in this store. Well informed personnel. Source of local organically grown fruits, vegetables, nuts, dairy, breads; simple cleaning products; holistic remedies, vitamins, minerals, herbs; healthy personal care products; spices... OLD SCHOOL. Pfennings farms has also had world class Demeter certification what is the best of organic production. You must be at least 7 years in organic production to potentially receive Demeter papers.

Looking for the best in local organic produce? You've come to the right place. Pfennings is…read moresynonymous with the best organic produce in the region, but there is so much more in the store. There is also a bulk food section, as well as many herbs and spices. I am not very knowledgeable about many topics of this area, but the owners and staff are always friendly and helpful to answer your questions. In addition to the store there is also a delivery service as well... You can get all of the goodness of Pfennings Organic sent right to your door! It's a short drive down Erb Street to St. Agatha from Waterloo, and it is worth it!