Heat Up with Wellness & Consolation Meals in Oxford
Winter in Oxford County is the right time to decelerate, savour the second, and deal with your self to a comfortable wellness retreat. Whether or not you’re trying to unwind with spa remedies, sip on expertly crafted espresso, or indulge within the area’s scrumptious meals scene, this two-day itinerary has the whole lot you want for a rejuvenating winter escape.
From charming cafés to luxurious spa experiences, Oxford County presents a pleasant mix of rest and indulgence away from metropolis crowds. Allow us to information the best way and prepare to unwind with hands-on experiences, spa remedies, and culinary adventures for a memorable winter escape!
Day 1: Savour, Sip & Unwind
This present day is all about slowing down, savouring the second and savouring every chunk.
Cease 1: Quehl’s
The place: 33 Woodstock St S, Tavistock, ON (View Map)
Begin your wellness getaway with a hearty breakfast at Quehl’s, a heat and welcoming spot recognized for its homestyle cooking. Situated in Tavistock, this native gem serves up basic consolation dishes that can gas you for a day of rest and exploration. This spot has a novel historical past courting again over 100 years and also you’ll discover particulars celebrating this by means of out the restaurant together with tables constituted of previous bowling lanes that used to reside on-site.
From fluffy buttermilk pancakes with a aspect of completely crisp bacon, to the Quehl’s basic omelette made with cheddar cheese, onions and chopped nation fashion ham their breakfast menu is a comforting style of dwelling.
After your meal, in your approach out you should definitely cease by subsequent door to browse and store native items, and prepared made meals to inventory your pantry at Quehl’s Common Retailer.
Cease 2: Decide Your Leisure
It’s time to zen out! Select from these two choices, simply 4-10 minutes away from Quehl’s by automobile.
Choice 1: Transitions Equine Assisted Studying
The place: 965243 Maplewood Sideroad, East Zorra-Tavistock, ON (View Map)
After lunch, it’s time to step into nature and discover steadiness with an unforgettable equine expertise at Transitions Equine Assisted Studying. This distinctive wellness cease presents an impediment and grooming expertise with horses, serving to visitors join with these light animals whereas training mindfulness and rest. Whether or not you’re brushing a horse’s coat or navigating an impediment course, this hands-on expertise is each grounding and rewarding. They provide all types of experiences from date nights to household hangs and extra!
Choice 2: Terra Nova Nordic Spa & Cafe
The place: 596145 Oxford 59, Woodstock, ON (View Map)
Embrace a little bit private time at Terra Nova Nordic Spa & Cafe, an out of doors oasis designed for final rest. Nestled within the coronary heart of Oxford County, this intimate and welcoming retreat invitations you to take pleasure in a full thermal expertise, that includes a year-round out of doors sizzling pool, invigorating chilly plunge, wood-fired and electrical saunas, a soothing eucalyptus steam room, and a lot extra!
In between your cold and warm plunges, take a while to go to the Terra Nova Café, the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in a lightweight meal or a deal with on the espresso bar. For an additional particular expertise, collect your pals and indulge of their excessive tea service, full with superbly crafted bites and heat hospitality.
After refuelling, proceed your rest in certainly one of their peaceable retreat areas, whether or not inside an genuine teepee or a comfortable geodome, good for unwinding and absolutely disconnecting from the skin world. Whether or not you’re trying to reset your thoughts, refresh your physique, or just take in the peaceable ambiance, Terra Nova Nordic Spa & Café presents a one-of-a-kind wellness escape that blends indulgence with deep rest.
Cease 3: Lunch at Higher Thames Brewing Firm
The place: 225 Bysham Park Dr #9, Woodstock, ON (View Map)
Subsequent, settle in for lunch at Higher Thames Brewing Co., Oxford County’s first craft brewery. With a comfortable, rustic ambiance and a number of house-made beers, that is the right place to take pleasure in a laid-back meal. For a real style of Ontario, we advise including the Useless Reckoning Ontario Pale Ale (all substances from Ontario) to a flight and sipping your approach by means of the brewery’s distinctive craft beer menu.
However wait, isn’t this imagined to be a wellness getaway? Effectively, we imagine indulging may be an act of self-love and wellness however for those who’re preserving your getaway alcohol-free, Higher Thames Brewing additionally presents a scrumptious number of non-alcoholic choices like flavoured sodas, (our favorite is the vanilla cola), hop waters and non-alch variations of their beers together with the very talked-about Take a Hike IPA.
Pair your flight with a comforting meal having fun with a scrumptious platter of de gallo nachos with a dill pickle pizza or go for one thing lighter like their wraps!
Cease 4: Deal with Your self to a Arms-On Culinary Expertise
It’s time to satisfy a culinary artisan! Woodstock is dwelling to 2 epic hands-on culinary experiences good for savouring the second and gaining appreciation for the love that goes into your meals and beverage.
Choice 1: Roasting Lab at Early Chook Espresso Roasters (Roasting Lab)
The place: 815 Juliana Dr, Woodstock, ON (View Map)
After breakfast, make your approach to Early Chook Espresso Roasters, the place espresso isn’t only a drink—it’s an expertise. This small-batch roastery in Woodstock is thought for its high-quality beans, expertly roasted to carry out their greatest flavours. Heat up with a freshly brewed cup or a espresso flight to attempt completely different roasts and soak within the wealthy aroma as you delight on this peaceable getaway.
For a good deeper dive into the world of espresso, participate in Early Chook’s Roasting Lab expertise (join upfront) with Elio Caporicci, the mastermind behind the roast. Begin by tasting a number of their mild to darkish roasts, paired with an area baked good, and uncover what makes every batch distinctive. You’ll be taught in regards to the origins of Early Chook’s beans and the way completely different rising climates form their flavour profiles.
Then, watch as Elio works his magic, remodeling inexperienced espresso beans right into a decadent, wealthy brown along with his refined roasting expertise. One of the best half? You’ll get to decide on a roast to create as a bunch, following alongside as Elio walks you thru the method. Earlier than you permit, you’ll package deal up a ½ lb bag of your customized roast to take dwelling—so you’ll be able to relive the expertise at dwelling.
Simply out and in for a fast cup of joe? Early Chook Espresso additionally has a downtown location on Dundas Avenue!
Choice 2: Recurring Chocolate (Handcrafted Harvest Expertise)
The place: 389 Dundas St, Woodstock, ON (View Map)
Proceed the indulgence with a go to to Recurring Chocolate in downtown Woodstock, the place you’ll be able to participate of their brand-new Handcrafted Harvest expertise. Led by chocolatier Angela Neddo, this immersive workshop presents a deep dive into the bean-to-bar course of, giving perception into what makes actually distinctive chocolate— which, as you’ll be taught, isn’t all the time what you’d count on!
The expertise begins on a candy be aware with a guided tasting of Recurring’s handcrafted goodies, making this an absolute should for any chocolate lover. Through the bark-making workshop, you’ll craft your personal chocolate bark utilizing Oxford-grown and domestically produced substances, discovering how high quality, sourcing, and method affect flavour.
All through the expertise you’ll have a ton of enjoyable taking part in chocolatier for the afternoon, experimenting with flavours like blueberries from Berrylicious Farm and lavender from Deep Purple Lavender Farm amongst others to create your personal distinctive chocolate bark. With an array of native substances to combine and match, this hands-on expertise helps you to get artistic whereas discovering how completely different flavours complement wealthy, handcrafted chocolate (critically, we needed to pull our photographer away)!
Whether or not you’re a lifelong chocoholic or simply on the lookout for a enjoyable approach to reconnect together with your meals, this workshop is the right approach to deal with your self and spend time with these you’re keen on.
Cease 5: Dinner at SixThirtyNine
The place: 639 Peel St, Woodstock, ON (View Map)
Finish your day with an unforgettable dinner at SixThirtyNine, certainly one of Ontario’s longest-standing Feast On® Licensed eating places. Identified for its dedication to domestically sourced substances, this fine-dining gem crafts a menu that modifications with the seasons, making certain each dish highlights the freshest flavours of Oxford County.
For a really particular expertise, we opted to attempt the Chef’s Desk Expertise, an intimate, behind-the-scenes have a look at the artwork of superb eating. Seated proper within the coronary heart of the kitchen, watch as every dish involves life, absolutely immersing your self within the power of a bustling dinner service.
The prix fixe menu showcased a thoughtfully curated number of dishes and since it modifications with the season, it could look a little bit completely different while you go to go to! We began with a every day amuse-bouche adopted by their signature housemade rosemary focaccia served with whipped butter and salt. Subsequent got here the 5 Brothers (from Gunn’s Hill Cheese simply down the highway) arancini, completely crisp and served with beet aioli and topped with parsley gremolata, and a refreshing spiced rum and apple cider sorbet as a palate cleanser.
For the principle, we savoured a wealthy and comforting potato gnocchi with hen, mushrooms, leeks, and truffle cream, earlier than ending with a decadent darkish chocolate ganache tart topped with maple chantilly and salted caramel cream.
All through the meal, we had the chance to interact with the cooks, ask questions, and actually respect the craftsmanship behind every dish. Whether or not you’re celebrating a special day or just on the lookout for a unprecedented eating expertise, SixThirtyNine’s Chef’s Desk is an absolute should— simply you should definitely ebook upfront!
Keep the Night time: Elm Hurst Inn & Spa
The place: 415 Harris St, Ingersoll, ON (View Map)
For a restful night time’s sleep, verify into the Elm Hurst Inn & Spa in Ingersoll. With cozy lodging, a full-service spa, and an on-site restaurant, it’s the right place to unwind and recharge. Whether or not you’re indulging in a soothing remedy, savouring a scrumptious meal, or just soaking within the peaceable environment, Elm Hurst is the final word retreat for a stress-free wellness getaway in Oxford County.
Day 2: Store, Indulge & Unwind
Day 2 of this cozy getaway is bound to have you ever feeling rejuvenated and glad. We advocate beginning your day with breakfast (included together with your room) at The Elm Hurst Inn & Spa and maybe reserving your self in for a therapeutic massage or mani-pedi earlier than seizing the day!
Cease 1: Decide Your Leisure
Retail remedy or hydrotherapy? Decide your perk!
Choice 1: Discover Downtown Ingersoll
Get pleasure from a gradual morning earlier than heading out to discover extra of Oxford’s hidden gems. Simply give minutes from The Elm Hurst Inn & Spa, downtown Ingersoll boasts an enthralling downtown.
We advocate stopping by The Evergreen Espresso Lounge, a specialty espresso store in downtown Ingersoll recognized for its expertly crafted espresso drinks, premium teas, and fresh-baked treats. Whether or not you’re within the temper for a superbly brewed latte or matcha tea, a house-made sandwich of the day, or a vegan and gluten-free pastry, this cozy café is the right spot to gas up for the day forward.
When you’re there, take a second to admire the native art work displayed all through the café, created by gifted artists from the Ingersoll Artistic Arts Centre. This considerate contact provides an additional layer of Oxford’s native appeal, inviting visitors to attach with the area’s artistic spirit whereas having fun with their espresso.
After that java, take a soothing stroll down the principle drag, the place you’ll discover charming outlets like Patina’s Presents of Artwork & Craft, providing a curated number of distinctive dwelling décor and Canadian Pottery and The Wine Cellar & Cheese Store, a must-visit for native wines and artisanal cheeses.
Additionally, don’t sleep on Sunday Morning Interiors, a store bordering the road between cool and stylish with houseware, clear dwelling provides and extra. With nice espresso in hand and a day of stress-free buying forward, that is the right approach to savour the perfect of Oxford County.
Choice 2: Wave Nordic Spa + Kalo’s Restaurant at The Oxford Hills
The place: 324183 Mt Elgin Rd, Mount Elgin, ON (View Map)
For lunch, double down in your relaxation and rest objectives with a scrumptious meal at KALOS at The Oxford Hills, adopted by a rejuvenating go to to Wave Nordic Spa. Nestled throughout the similar property of The Oxford Hills Golf Membership, KALOS presents refined eating with a menu that’s each warming and filling!
A few of the memorable bites we loved included the Steak Sandwich topped with a horseradish mayo, Gunn’s Hill Handeck cheese, fried onion, on toasted ciabatta and served with fries. When you’re within the temper for a particular deal with, don’t miss the cocktail menu crafted by Tyra Wiebe. Our high choose? The Pomegranate Mojito—a refreshing mix of white rum, easy syrup, pomegranate juice, and lime that completely balances candy and tart flavours.
Afterward, hold the comfort going at Wave Nordic Spa, the place you’ll be able to unwind with hot-cold remedy and soothing remedies, making certain you permit feeling refreshed and recharged. As a result of a little bit indulgence by no means damage anybody, proper?
Cease 2: Uncover An Oxford County Cheese Producer at Crimson Dragon Dairy
The place: 383723 Salford Rd RR#1, Salford, ON (View Map)
When in Oxford County, a go to to an area dairy is a should, and Crimson Dragon Dairy is the right cease! This family-run cheesemaker, led by proprietor Ellis, focuses on wealthy, creamy sheep milk cheeses, good for pairing with native preserves and fresh-baked bread.
Along with their award-winning cheeses and yogurts, the store presents a style of the U.Ok., stocking pantry and specialty objects that pay homage to Ellis’ Welsh heritage. When you’re there, you should definitely fill up—and don’t miss their latest providing: rosemary lamb sausages, made with sheep raised proper on their farm for a real farm-to-table expertise.
Need to uncover extra native cheeses? Plan an escape alongside The Oxford County Cheese Path!
Cease 3: Dinner at Elm Hurst Inn & Spa
The place: 415 Harris St, Ingersoll, ON (View Map)
Earlier than heading dwelling, take pleasure in a remaining, elegant dinner at Elm Hurst Inn & Spa, the place the eating expertise is simply as memorable because the setting. Visitors can select from à la carte choices or take pleasure in a prix fixe menu, every dish crafted with precision and care.
On the helm is Chef Philippe Coeurdassier, lately acknowledged as a Maître Cuisiniers de France—one of many highest honours in French gastronomy. With a dedication to excellence and a imaginative and prescient of incomes a Michelin Information distinction, he and his workforce create dishes that commemorate Oxford County’s wealthy culinary panorama.
Whether or not you go for pan-seared Hokkaido scallops with cauliflower and chorizo risotto or the slow-roasted prime rib with Yorkshire pudding, each chunk is a testomony to skilled craftsmanship. End on a candy be aware with a basic crème brûlée, the right approach to toast the top of an unforgettable getaway.
Plan Your Excellent Winter Retreat
Get able to heat up with wellness and luxury meals in Oxford County this winter! Whether or not you’re sipping on domestically roasted espresso, stress-free in a Nordic spa, or having fun with a farm-to-table feast, each second of this itinerary is designed that will help you indulge, unwind, and recharge.
