Horseshoe Valley Kaleidoscope

—by Valerie Thornton

At last, we are able to get fresh produce that is grown here in Ontario. The fresh peas that I picked up at Egos down Horseshoe Valley Road (along with some raspberries and green beans) have always been a favourite of mine. I remember always shelling them as a child and eating them raw…yum! Cooked with some fresh mint and dressed with butter…delicious. 

Another favourite of mine has always been cherry tomatoes. I remember that I used to get them from a local smallholding where I used to live in Rawreth (England) as a child (and that family is still there, I discovered from Facebook). Somehow, that is always reassuring to know that some things haven’t changed. As you drive around, keep your eyes open for locals selling their produce at the roadsides. Make the most of this relatively short season!

There are many farmers’ markets around Simcoe County, including our local Oro-Medonte Farmers’ Market which this year is at the Chappell Farm (617 Penetanguishene Road; Highway 93) every Thursday from noon to 6 p.m. A great location with an assortment of goods besides fresh fruit and vegetables: Heritage Estate Wine and Cider, honey, maple syrup, etc. Chappell’s is a busy, thriving farm which has numerous events throughout the year, including fresh corn, soon.  

Here I should add hearty Congratulations to Bruce Chappell (Co-Founder of the Oro-Medonte Chamber) for being named Senior of the Year for 2024, and Community hero in this month’s North Simcoe life. Well-deserved awards for one of Oro-Medonte’s very active citizens over the years.

Summer has also seen many different vendor markets dotted around our Township, including one at Braestone Farm. Keep your eyes open for several more that will undoubtedly be popping up as we meander through summer into fall.

Watch out also for any events being held at our local community halls. I must mention here the marvelous Canada Day event held in Hawkestone, organized by their large, energetic group of volunteers.  I continue to be amazed by this group and all that they do. I think that ALL of our community halls are very important. I can relate as this is what  I grew up with in England; our community hall was the heart of our community.   

The Horseshoe Golf Zone and Driving Range at 85 Highland Drive appears to be very popular and the restaurant, KaJo Food Works (with a dog friendly patio) is a welcome bonus with its varied menu and excellent food. You can even order take out. 

Horseshoe Resort has several events, and its concert series is popular. Check out their Happy Hour with drink and appetizer specials. I cannot forget The Heights Ski and Country Club which  offers food and often entertainment on ‘Thirsty Thursdays”.    Quayle’s Brewery is also a popular venue, and not too far away.   Settler’s Golf Course has a restaurant for a quick bite, plus HQ and Loobies (only breakfast except for Thursday and Fridays when they open for supper) are favourites in Craighurst. 

Of course, if you really don’t feel like cooking there is the Coulson Store, which offers superb curries and pizzas, and Oro Home Kitchen in Sugarbush, which offers a great selection of meals at www.Orohomekitchen.ca.

There are several home businesses that offer either meals or baking.  Another one is Victoria’s Home Bakes which offers delicious fresh cakes and loaves, order at victoriahomebakes@gmail.com.

The LON ladies golfing group has picked The Sharing Place Food Centre in Orillia for its fundraising event this year. This will be on Wednesday September 11 at the Horseshoe Valley Golf Course.  There are two groups of golfers playing every week at Settler’s and Horseshoe (you can alternate where you play) and they join together for this very important fundraising event on September 11. If you have a service or item you would like to donate to the silent auction, please contact me at vmt4141@gmail.com.

The revitalized 18-hole Horseshoe Valley Course officially opens this month. This is exciting for many locals as, while a fairly challenging course, it is surrounded by forests and delightful scenery. I think that everyone is looking forward to it being back to 18 holes again.  Here’s to its success! A bit frustrating as I cannot play at the moment because of a wrist and arm issue. Darn!

The Township’s Traffic Safety Advisory Committee in partnership with the OPP has launched a “Slow Down for Us” awareness campaign focused on speed reduction. “We all have a part to play in reducing speeds on our roads.” There is a review of speed limits and signage throughout the Township. This is very important on all our roads, but especially the community roads of our subdivisions which have no sidewalks so our children in effect share the roads with the cars. 

Local author Lynn Holden has just published her second book entitled Voyage of the Vikings. It is a soft-covered photo book filled with information on where the Vikings were from, where they sailed to, pillaged, traded and settled. It not only covers the three-hundred-year Viking Age but goes on to finish their story in Russia, Sicily and Ireland. I should add that Lynn not only has done extensive research but has visited many of the sites. It is 270 pages and sells for $60. A must-have for a history buff like me.

Yes, a very different summer so far, but the frequency of rain showers does keep our landscape lush. Focus on the Positive.  Please contact me at vmt4141@gmail.com if you are starting up any group and need new members, etc. or would like me to mention something regarding our Horseshoe Valley community.

“Passion is energy.  Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you.” —Oprah Winfrey.