One of my goals this summer is to take day trips or mini road trips to explore spots in Ontario that are new to me. There is so much to see in our beautiful province. Mennonite country with its spreading farmlands and unique culture in south-western Ontario was our destination today.
Summer Day Trip #2 – Mennonite Farms & Charm – SW Ontario
After packing a light snack and drinks, Harold and I headed out for Conestoga Lake Conservation Area in southwestern Ontario for a few hours of fishing and swimming. It was a beautiful drive through rural farmland and small villages with names such as Dorking, Hollen, and Salem. This is Mennonite and Old Order Amish country and it’s common to see the occasional horse and buggy driving along the side of the road with a family dressed in traditional clothing; the men and boys in long pants and suspenders, plain shirts, and broad-brimmed hats; the women and girls in long-sleeved, high-necked dresses, and head coverings such as bonnets or caps. Most often they were in dark clothes, but sometimes we were surprised to see bold purples and other bright colours or prints or even lacy head dresses.
We drove through farm after farm of fields of waving wheat, grazing horses, and corn reaching for the sun, dotted by the occasional small village with its local stores and churches. It must have been wash day as many of the spreading farm houses had long strings of clean laundry hanging out to dry on this windy day. Many of them had their own tidy flower and vegetable gardens, some with a small table or booth at the end of the driveway selling fresh blooms, strawberries, or even pop for the thirsty traveler.
Conestoga Lake Conservation Area has camping, fishing and swimming areas. It was easy on this weekday afternoon to find an empty picnic table under a shady tree on the shoreline where we could easily cast our fishing lines into the water. As usual, we didn’t catch any fish but our lures got a good soaking, and we enjoyed ourselves for several hours watching fisher folk, boaters, wind surfers and others enjoying the lake on this overcast day with its cooling wind.
By late afternoon, we packed up and headed out for supper. Our destination was Anna Mae’s Bakery & Restaurant, a very popular eatery in the village of Millbank, known for its wholesome, made-from-scratch Mennonite fare and delicious home-baked pies. We were surprised at the busy parking lot considering it was a Monday evening but we had no trouble in getting a table in their large restaurant with its side rooms.
The menu is simple and varies day-to-day, with a short list of meat options depending on the day of the week. This Monday, the Hot Meal offered was the choice of Broasted Chicken (my choice), Farmer’s Sausage, or Roast Chicken and Dressing (Harold’s choice), with a side option of fries, mashed potatoes, or potato salad, and an offer of carrots, corn, or coleslaw. I ordered the soup-of-the-day, a creamy Potato & Ham, and fresh strawberry pie with a good dollop of fresh whipped cream. The servings are generous. I brought home enough chicken and mashed potatoes with gravy for another meal. Harold’s regular meal cost him $16.99; my Full Meal Deal with soup and dessert cost me $24.95.
After dinner, we bought some goodies from the gift shop. I came home with a large stick of smoked salami, a fresh-baked Dutch Apple Pie and a pretty birthday gift for my granddaughter.
Returning home, we criss-crossed rural routes with mixed farms and small villages until, once again, we were back in our own region and its more urban setting.
What a wonderful day we had! I am enjoying these short day-trips and the surprises they offer. I look forward to the next one.
