Meet Me at the Market

Welcome to the next edition of "Elginsider: The Inside Scoop," where each week a staff member from Elgin County Economic Development & Tourism will share the inside scoop on life in Elgin County!

Although August means that the fall weather is upon us, the bounty that its balmy summer days and crisp summer nights ensues, in front of our eyes, is nothing short of spectacular. 

With heaps of succulent yellow sweet corn and sprawling acres of prismatic-like fields of fruits and vegetables that make up each colour of the rainbow, some days I wonder if the County of Elgin should be renamed as the Bounty of Elgin. This appellation would perfectly reflect the flavours that can only come from the rich sandy loam soil that Elgin is known for.

If you enjoy BBQing with friends and family or dining on your own ‘a la fresco’ patio, as much as I do, one visit to our farmers’ markets will leave you relishing in the fact that this time of year is a culinary lovers’ dream. 

Many marvellous markets dot Elgin’s Countryside; Each with their own rustic flair and each known for their own specialty. I’m going to share with you some of the markets that I have had the pleasure of visiting. 

Howe’s Farm Market and Country Bakery, famous for their succulent strawberries and a Strawberry Cheesecake that follows their Oma’s secret recipe is your one of stop shop for all things local. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how beautiful their fragrant flower gardens and fields of sunflowers are. Patrons to the market are encouraged to take the perfect Instagram selfie in their fields of sunflowers, just like I did at my latest outing. 

The DeBackere Farm Market, known for its mouthwatering yellow sweet corn, is the perfect place to visit this time of year. With endless amounts of local produce, much of it grown by the DeBackere Family themselves, pick up all the ingredients you need to make a fresh culinary delight. One of my favourite snacks to whip up for guests is cowboy caviar, a fresh “salsa like snack.” Incorporating the DeBackere’s onions, sweet corn, and tomatoes make this snack a 1000 times better. Try Cowboy Caviar for yourself with the recipe found here

Sunset is home to another terrific market, the Talbotville Berry Farm, which has been making a name for itself with its farmhouse meals. New this year, Shirley, alongside her staff have opened their patio which serves fresh strawberry daiquiris like no other. Although I haven’t been to their patio myself, it is on my summer bucket list to stop in for an ice-cold beverage to cap off a great summer. 

Great Lakes Farms, home of pick-your-own strawberries, peaches, and soon to be, apples, is a great place to make lasting memories. My husband and I have spent many falls in the orchard, picking apples and pumpkins. This year we are eager to get some of their local peaches not only to eat fresh but bake into a plump peach pie. 

There are many more markets that I hope to visit during the fall season like The Horton Farmers’ Market and Conquer Farms. 

As Elgin County's Marketing and Communications Coordinator, I would be remiss if I didn't mention sharing your photos with us. When posting your pictures on Instagram, use the hashtag #ElginCounty for your chance to have them featured. We also have a photo contest running until September, where your photo could be chosen to be on the cover of our 2020 Elgin County Tourism Guide. More information about this contest, "We've Got You Covered" can be found here.

As always, thanks for reading,
Jessica Silcox
Marketing & Communications Coordinator