The business case for gourmet tourism has proven solid, as the 14-year Apple Pie Trail has created an engaging community of entrepreneurs celebrating Beaver Valley apples.
Known locally as ‘Apple Country’, the Beaver Valley and Blue Mountains region has earned a reputation in the gourmet tourism industry for road trip-style experiences that explore the farm-to-table culture of the local apple crop.
The route known as the Apple Pie Trail is inspired by the history of apple growing in southern Georgian Bay. This area produces approximately 25% of Ontario’s apple crop each year due to the warming effects of Lake Huron and the Niagara Escarpment.
Beginning 14 years ago, the self-guided, year-round Apple Pie Trail has branched out to include 28 different stops in the Blue Mountains townships, Beaver Valley and Meaford. Stops include orchards, bakeries, restaurants, wineries, ciders, hiking and biking trails, adventure experiences, art galleries, and museums, each celebrating the community’s apple culture. The stops represent generations of apple-growing history and entrepreneurs who have been captivated by their love of apples.
Patti Kendall, Director of Marketing and Events, Blue Mountain Village Association, said: BMVA).
Kendall said the Apple Pie Trail originally started as a culinary experience meant to support agriculture and promote tourism in the area. Since then, it has evolved into an interactive app that includes a range of local experiences and his outdoor adventures, showcasing all that the local apple culture has to offer. Winner of the Ontario Culinary Tourism Leadership Award and recognized as the Culinary Tourism Event of the Year, among other accolades.
“People want authentic experiences, and nothing comes close to authenticity like an apple grower,” says Kendall.
Among these apple growers are the Oakley family who own and operate the Goldsmiths Farm Market on Highway 26 at the western end of Thornbury.
Debby Oakley says it’s the perfect opportunity to showcase the best of the region.
“There’s no better way to explore beautiful countryside and enjoy locally-sourced, home-cooked food at its finest,” says Oakley.
The Oakley family has grown apples and other vegetables for generations and joined the Apple Pie Trail as a small roadside fruit stand before purchasing Goldsmith in 2013.
The Goldsmiths Market itself has a long history in the Georgian Bay Area, beginning as a seasonal produce stand in the 1960s. Medium-open farm specialty grocery store and bakery.
“The Apple Pie Trail has become a community that wants to promote a variety of apple-related culinary experiences around here,” says Oakley. “People want entertainment and love food.”
Oakley said it would also be beneficial to other businesses as it promotes tourism to the area, even if it’s not part of the Apple Pie Trail.
For David Baker, owner and cider maker of Gray & Gold in Clarksburg, the trail provided a network and community to support farming and culinary entrepreneurs.
“It was important for us to connect many ciders, wineries and other businesses through apple culture,” says Baker. “Everyone on the trail has their own little niche, so it’s very easy to work with other businesses to help.”
A newcomer to both the Ontario cider scene and the Apple Pie Trail, Gray & Gold Cider is a sustainable, farm-based cider. The orchard-side bottle shop will officially open in spring 2020, and from the start Baker knew he wanted to be part of the Apple Pie Trail.
“The culture in this area is changing,” says Baker. “I think apple culture will continue to be an important part of the field, and it’s exciting to be a part of it.”
Other experiences along the trail include apple picking at Farmer’s Pantry, educational farm tours at Good Family Farms, electric bike rentals on the Georgian Trail, paddle and wine experiences along the Beaver River, nearby George including a visit to Ann Hills Vineyards.
During winter, add snowshoes and experience the snow-covered Apple Pie Trail.
“We love showcasing our region, supporting farmers, and supporting small businesses,” says Kendall. “And from the visitor’s perspective, it gives them an authentic experience and a sense of the place…and a taste of the place.”
For the latest information and details on the Apple Pie Trail, or to download the app, visit their website.
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