It has been a rather interesting weather pattern here this year and October arrived with one of the best weeks we have had in the past couple of months! Warm, sunny and colourful! I love taking advantage of the fall season – the time of year when the magic of Mother Nature explodes in full colour teasing us with a taste of the cool weather that is coming over night but warming up through the day. It’s a time of dressing in layers and being prepared for the shifts of temperature that happen throughout the day.

The other characteristic of fall that I love are the fall fairs, the Cranberry Festival, the bountiful farmers markets overflowing with the final harvest of the season including fresh Ontario apples!! I shared a couple of years ago of our couples group who gather every fall for a day of apple pie making. We are scheduled for November 1st this year and I can’t wait to add another batch of fresh made pies to the freezer stock. My husband and I decided to take advantage of the fall for our event this year and create a day of exploring both our countryside, fresh produce and a unique experience.

We have planned a day that includes a lunch at the charming Mono Cliffs Inn, followed by a hike at the Mono Cliffs Provincial Park. Not only will we experience the natural beauty of the view from these hills with the incredible cliffs and caves; it will be enhanced by the burst of colours sprinkled into the canvas. We will complete our day with a visit to Landman Gardens in Grand Valley where we’ll go on a tour of the farm, visit the on-site farm store to purchase some organic produce, preserves and baked goods and then dine at their unique Blackhouse. I saw a picture of this in the summer at another event and just knew it was something I wanted to experience. They will produce a 5 course meal for us to enjoy together as a group in this unique setting.

I am so looking forward to this day. As my dear friend and author Moira Sanders wrote in her latest cookbook, “Food + People = Happiness”.  It’s true; memories are made when we share time and meals with people we love. What’s on your “explore or must do list” for this fall. I’m always on the lookout for new ideas to add to my list.

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Until next time,

Karen