The Village of Colborne’s extra-wide main street once bustled with activity from the mills, and shipping trade from the nearby communities of Wicklow and Lakeport. Recently, its King Street shops are alive again thanks to a developing artisanal community that is attracting visitors to the area.
WICKLOW BEACH
Wicklow Beach Road
A sharp turn along Wicklow Beach Road between Grafton and Colborne will take you to a stretch of pebbled beach along Lake Ontario. The beach is also popular with dog walkers and birdwatchers. Across the road is the Haldimand Conservation Area. Boaters also flock to Wicklow Beach to access its well-maintained public boat launch.
COACH HOUSE CLAY ART
150 Cty. Road 31
Just past Wicklow Beach is the community of Lakeport, where you’ll find the coach house of one of the founding families of Colborne. This heritage site is now the home studio of local artist, Lorelyn Morgan, who has spent close to 30 years honing her traditional wheel-throwing and hand-building techniques to produce original works in clay. Visit her showroom, or take part in workshops. coachhouseclayart.com
KING STREET SHOPS
8-57 King Street
A new group of artisanal shops is making downtown Colborne a destination shopping district. Browse the vintage toys, comic books and classic vinyl records at Retro Rewind; sample the small-batch artisanal cultured butter and baked goods at The Lofty Butter Co.; or take home some natural skincare products from Cree Organics. For a listing of shops visit: cramahe.ca
POMONA
43 King Street East
Owner Lisa Colucci-Voutt has lovingly restored this historic space into an intimate and elegant eatery
that has fast become one of the most popular restaurants around. The menu is inspired by traditional Italian family recipes and the seasonal local harvest. Reservations are recommended. Open Tues.-Sat. 5-10pm. pomonanoco.com
THE COLBORNE ART GALLERY
51 King Street East
The 19th century registry office has been repurposed into gallery space with the help of a cooperative of local artists. In addition to showcasing contemporary visual art created by its members and featured guest artists, the gallery offers a number of art and photography workshops. On exhibit this summer: Under the Sun featuring guest artist Josie Radoman, July 6 to Sept. 3. Gallery hours: Thurs.-Sun. 12-4 pm. thecolborneartgallery.ca
RUTHERFORD’S FARM AND ROADSIDE MARKET
205 King Street East
Dave and Sherry grow most of the fresh fruit and vegetables in the fields right behind the market. Rutherford’s has added a greenhouse teeming with hanging baskets and seasonal flowers and plants. Open 7 days a week 9am-5pm. rutherfordsfarm.com
THE BIG APPLE
262 Orchard Road
What started out as a small apple pie bakery in 1987, now boasts more than 7 million pies sold! In addition to apple-inspired products, the store has grown to include a restaurant, candy and ice-cream bar, café, maple sugar shack, and a cider brewery. Outside, the family can also enjoy the petting zoo, mini golf, and mini train ride. Open daily 8-6pm. thebigapple.ca
Story by:
Micol Marotti
Illustration by:
Luke Despatie
