Reset & Roam: Nina’s Guide to Road Tripping through Middlesex County

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Woman doing agritourism activities

Reset & Roam: Nina’s Guide to Road Tripping through Middlesex County

Hey besties! It’s your local guide and adventure buddy, Nina. If you’ve been craving a peaceful escape with a mix of adventure, good food, and small-town charm, this weekend getaway through Middlesex County might be your next favourite trip. Located in the heart of southwestern Ontario, Middlesex is packed with hidden gems, warm hospitality, and one-of-a-kind experiences. Whether you’re in the mood to unwind or roam free, this itinerary has a bit of everything. Let’s hit the road!

MUST VISIT PLACES

Texas Longhorn Ranch | @texaslonghornranch_

4 nights a week, Wednesday - Saturday, from May – September

Spend your nights under the stars at this tranquil oasis. Gail and Fred, the most incredible hosts, will welcome you with warm hospitality and thoughtful details throughout the property. There’s nowhere else in southwestern Ontario where you can sleep in a private covered wagon – another bucket list, checked! In addition, the hospitality is one of the best I’ve ever experienced (even better than hotels and Airbnb’s!).

Here are some of my highlights:

-    Cozy wagons stay with a campfire and smores.  

-    Lounging areas such as the pool, coffeehouse, and more.

-    Activities onsite such as mini golf, horseshoes, and trails.

-    Hearty, healthy meals made with fresh produce.

-    Sunrise and fresh morning coffee.

-    Beautiful rustic décor and a borrow-a-book nook.

-    Guided ranch tour with insights into plants, history and wildlife.

-    Animals (i.e., Texas longhorn cattle, horses, donkey).

I guarantee you that you’ll fall in love with the ranch – for my first-time visit, I certainly did! This place redefines relaxation – it’s cozy, peaceful, and the perfect setting to unplug and unwind.

The Still Bar and Tasting Room | @thestillbar @ne1spirits

Feeling adventurous for dinner? Let the staff pick your meal (we did, and we loved it). This family-owned, cozy spot has a patio and a killer cocktail menu made with NE1 Spirits. It is the go-to-spot for a fun Friday evening out in the town. We tried the Loaded Twice-Baked Potato Skins, Pulled Pork Sliders, and the Butcher’s Board – chef’s kiss! Not only was the food top-notch, but the portion sizes were huge - we had enough for late-night cravings.

We also tried the following drinks recommended by the staff and again, they did not disappoint: Pomegranate Fizz, Whiskey Sour, Blood Orange Margarita, and Sunrise Mojito. If you’re also not a big drinker, they will easily accommodate you and make you a mocktail – which is just as refreshing and delicious! Of course, on our way out, we had to make a pit stop at their retail section to take NE1 Spirits to go! Our top picks are the Lavender Lemonade and the Tiger’s Blood canned cocktails. If you’re lucky, you might meet the owner, Brendan Jones – a great storyteller who loves celebrating with the community and supporting local at any chance he can get!

R&B Lavender Farm | @randblavender

This stunning lavender farm is an ultimate dream. When I first arrived, I could instantly smell the lavender, and knew I was in the right place. From fresh blooms to lavender products, the atmosphere is utterly peaceful and picture-perfect. Wandering through the fields left me feeling rejuvenated and refreshed. If you prefer to sit back and relax in the fragrant fields, they have shaded benches throughout the farm. This is also a great opportunity to snap aesthetic photos if you love capturing moments!

R&B Lavender Farm also has a cute shop you must visit before you leave. I made sure to pick up fresh lavender, yoga mat cleaner, and a face mist (perfect for sensitive skin!). It left my car smelling incredible during the entirety of my road trip. A trip here is something you will not regret, especially if you love to immerse yourself in nature!

Crump Family Farm | @thecrumpfamilyfarm

If you’re looking for an interesting experience to check off your bucket-list, look no further. The Crump Family Farm offers an alpaca walking experience. You’ll have the opportunity to meet the alpaca family: Lionel, Honeycomb, and Cheyenne. For only $15, you’ll be guided on a 30-minute walk along a simple trail. As you’re walking on the trail, you’ll see other amenities that the farm has to offer that are not limited to a kid’s family barn and a sunflower walking experience. You’ll also find animals onsite such as sheep. During my tour, Vivian was an incredible host who provided me with an insight of many unique species of birds and plants on the farm.  

Afterwards, you can check out their retail shop where you’ll find sunflower products (such as handmade soaps, oils, and so forth), mill fresh flour, and farm-raised beef. One thing I wanted to highlight is how environmentally friendly this farm is – from the many trees that were planted to the grass waterways.  They also have some exciting projects up their sleeve!

Art’es Bakery

This authentic Portuguese bakery is a must-visit if you’re driving through Strathroy. You will not be disappointed at the quality of the pastries and the prices. When you arrive, there’s free street parking in-front of the bakery. The staff is very patient and kind – we were very indecisive on what to try and took their recommendations. We tried their famous tarts and Danishes (one of each flavour they had) – speechless. It was delicious to the point where you needed a minute to fully savour the taste. The cost totalled $11 CAD; I could not believe it! I highly recommend bringing cash or debit as they don’t accept credit. They also have fresh bread baked daily and Portuguese groceries. I only had one regret – not buying more for the road trip!

Kustermans Adventure Farm | @kustermansadventurefarm

They weren’t joking when they said they had 50+ attractions because there is always something for everyone. As I was exploring with my best friend throughout the farm, there were a few fan favourites that I think you’ll love: Kustermans Speedway, Zipline Station, Sheep Shack, Giant Jump Pad, and Farmcade Games. They were fun, interactive, and engaging activities. I truly believe you will not get bored here! And if you get hungry, you can check out their farm market as they have sweet treats, fresh fruit, and lunch (note: everything’s local!).

We also had the opportunity to pick raspberries. Kustermans Adventure Farm was very well-organized and thoughtful– you had the option to choose between using a bucket or a fruit container; then they provided a wagon rides to bring you to different fields depending on what you’re in the mood to pick (i.e., blueberries, raspberries, and more) and to bring you back to the main area. One thing I loved: they really care about guest comfort. Each fruit field had a hydration station set up, which was perfect on a hot summer day! This is definitely a place you’d want to explore again and again because there’s always fun, new events happening!  

Arrowwood Farm | @arrowwoodfarm.events

Set on 100 acres of farmland, this venue is straight out of a postcard. From cozy barns to romantic gardens and fields, this place is a dreamy venue for weddings, events, or just a perfect summer afternoon. I had the opportunity to meet Phil, the owner of Arrowwood Farm, who was able to guide me throughout the farm. The summers are perfect for blueberry picking or flower picking or both! Their blueberries are fresh, sweet, with a hint of tartness. Their flowers are vibrant and lush – making your day even brighter. If you’ve done neither before, do not worry – they’ll provide you with all the right tools to help get you started. Don’t miss their Sunset Sensations events – where you can pick flowres, sip drinks, and soak up golden hour. What more could you ask for?

One of the things I like about this farm is there’s a few hidden spots of peacefulness such as a secluded area with a swing, surrounded with luscious, green plants or a bench overlooking a blue pond (and if you’re lucky you might spot a turtle!). They also have cute, easy trails to explore on the farm without getting lost. Arrowwood is peaceful and photogenic at every turn. Aside from the beautiful scenery, you’ll also find a few animals onsite such as rams. This spot will make you want to return every summer!

TIPS TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR EXPERIENCE

-    Bring a bag for all your cute finds, trust me you’ll want to take a souvenir home!

-    Sunscreen and water are the essentials to enjoy the outdoors.

-    Phone or camera to capture the best moments with your family, friends, or significant other.

-    Wear a good pair of sneakers for comfort and for exploring.

-    Be open to trying new experiences – especially with food and drinks!

-    Go at your own pace – adventures are meant to be enjoyed, not rushed!

FINAL THOUGHTS FROM YOUR ADVENTURE BUDDY

If you’ve been itching to go on a road trip that blends peace and play, Middlesex County is the place. Exploring new areas can feel overwhelming, but once you dive in, the magic of small towns and hidden gems starts to unfold. This itinerary is perfect for solo explorers, romantic escapes, or memory-making with friends and family. Save this for our next Ontario road trip idea! See you on our next adventure.