Fall looks a little different in Middlesex County. It’s apple orchards and pumpkin patches, but it’s also quiet forest trails, local antique shops, farm-fresh flavours, scenic drives and small-town events. With so many ways to experience the season, you can find your fall your way.
From Find Your Fall Fairs to hidden trails and local treasures, here are a few ways to explore Middlesex County this autumn.
Find Your Harvest 🍎
Fall begins at the farm. Pick your own apples at Apple Land Station, explore the corn maze and enjoy a slice of their famous Mile High Apple Pie. At Kustermans Adventure Farm, make a full day of it with pumpkins, wagon rides, a corn maze, farm treats and family-friendly activities.
For another delicious stop, visit Proof Line Farm in Ilderton for coffee, farm-fresh products and seasonal gelato. You can also stock up on local goods at Crunican Orchards, home of Generations Cider Co. or pick up your mums along with some crafted cider and products at Heeman's.
Find Your Fall Colours
You don't need to go far to find beautiful fall scenery.
At the Parkhill Scenic Lookout, the changing forest meets the Parkhill Reservoir for one of the County's best views of the season. Bring your camera, pack a picnic or launch a canoe or kayak from the nearby boat launch for a different perspective. Or make your way to Mystery Falls in North Middlesex. The trail through the Ausable Gorge is a little more rugged, but the forest, gorge and seasonal waterfall make it a memorable fall hike.
For a peaceful walk, explore Dorchester Mill Pond, where trails, bridges and wooden walkways wind around the water. Sharon Creek Conservation Area offers another quieter option, with forest, wetlands and water to explore.
Want to get away from the crowds? Head into the McLaren Tract or Banks Tract within the Middlesex County Forests. With more than 1,000 hectares of County Forest across 27 tracts, there are plenty of places to slow down and enjoy the colours.
Find Your Fall Fairs
There's a reason fall fairs are a tradition. From midway rides and demolition derbies to livestock shows, homecraft exhibits, local vendors and plenty of fair food, fall fair season brings Middlesex County's communities together.
This year, find your way to:
- Glencoe Fair — September 25–26
- Thorndale Fair — September 25–27
- Ilderton Fall Fair — October 2–4
- Dorchester Fair — October 9–12
Each one has its own traditions, but all offer a chance to experience the community spirit that makes fall in Middlesex special. Hop on the road and Find Your Fall Fairs.
Find Your Adventure
Experience fall a different way. At Willow and Water, you can saddle up for a guided horseback ride through the countryside and experience the changing landscape at a slower pace.
At Longwoods Conservation Area and Ska-Nah-Doht Village, fall colours come with a little history. Walk through Carolinian forest before exploring the reconstructed Indigenous village and learning about Haudenosaunee life approximately 1,000 years ago.
If one day isn't enough, stay awhile. From the historic Clock Tower Inn in Strathroy to the countryside setting of The Chef's Estate and the unique eco lodges at Jireh Hills Family Homestead, Middlesex County has places to make your fall escape a little longer.
Find Your Fairway
Who says golf season ends when summer does? With cooler temperatures, changing colours and quieter courses, fall can be one of the best times to find your fairway in Middlesex County.
Check out courses like Willow Tree Golf or Dorchester Golf Club and enjoy a round surrounded by autumn scenery and make the most of those last few swings before winter arrives. Discover all of our golf courses at Find Your Fairway.
Find Your Antiques
Fall is a great time to slow down, browse local shops and see what you can uncover.
Discover vintage and curated finds at Blue Hens Market “The Church” in Bryanston, explore the eclectic collection at MELD Curiosities in Strathroy, or step into Lucan Architectural for unique pieces with plenty of character.
Ready to go treasure hunting? Find Your Antiques by following our Road to Retro and uncover vintage treasures and collectibles and those one-of-a-kind finds you weren’t even looking for.
Find Your Sweet Route
A fall day isn't complete without something sweet. Follow the Middlesex County Sweet Route and make stops at local bakeries, cafés and dessert shops along the way. Pick up a Portuguese pastry at Art'es Bakery in Strathroy, try a signature treat from The Cookie Nook in Dorchester or grab a treat at Red River Cafe located next to Arva Flour Mills.
With stops throughout the County, you can build your own sweet adventure and there's always room for one more treat.
Find It Here This Fall
There's no single way to experience fall in Middlesex County. Build a day around the things you love, take the scenic route and make a few unexpected stops along the way.