St. Jacobs, Ontario is a village about an hour outside of Toronto, worth a trip any time of year but especially festive at Christmas. St. Jacobs was originally settled by Mennonites in the mid-nineteenth century and their influence is strong, from the horses and buggies that we passed, to the quilt shops throughout town. I wasn’t sure of the ethics of photographing a local driving a horse and buggy and posting it online, so instead I'm sharing a road sign that’s common in St. Jacobs:
In town, a set of silos has been restored to hold a pottery shop and other studios. Along the main street, businesses include antique shops, a stained glass purveyor and a corn broom maker. And regardless of whether you’re visiting in December or in June, you can drop in at the Christmas shop.
One of the loveliest attractions was a mural painted on the side of a gift shop, portraying the Mennonite way of life.
We ended our visit with a visit to the Stone Crock bakery. We did ask about photographing the bakers here, and were granted permission. In addition to running a wonderful café, these women were hard at work baking mince tarts and fruitcake, among other sweet Christmas treats. We knew the food had to be great judging by the number of locals sitting in the café, and we weren’t disappointed. The beef and vegetable soup was almost chunky enough to be a stew, and the meat and vegetables were absolutely delicious. And it was only through strict will power that we didn’t come home with a dozen cinnamon buns or lemon meringue tarts.
Andrew and I loved our peaceful, midweek visit to this village. Although it turns into a bustling little town on the weekends and in the summer, it has retained enough of its heritage to be an appealing place to visit.
28 comments:
I'm not familiar with St. Jacobs, but it looks and sounds charming! (I doubt that I'd have the will power to Not take several of those lemon meringue tarts home.) :D
Oh, I love St. Jacobs! It's always a fun way to spend an afternoon.
It sounds like a perfect place to explore on foot, stopping in the shops and eateries. Especially during this busy time of year, for a little break from the hustle and bustle.
What a quaint place to visit Beth,
I love to hear about locations I haven't visited and your post took me on a little tour...thank you for taking me along with you.
By the way I think that mural is incredible.
In fact I love all of the photo's ;D
That looks so fun, and I loved your photos of the town! I enjoy visiting towns with a historical flavor.
I bet those baked treats are some of the best!
I want to go there! It looks so peaceful and enjoyable!
That definitely looks like a place thatI'd love to visit, Beth!
Would love to visit....great photos.
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GREAT BLOG.
Elizabeth
http://silversolara.blogspot.com
Looks like a must stop - love those buildings...and that bakery!
Thanks for all your comments! Elizabeth, I'll be in touch. The follow button seems to be showing up now, so I'm sorry you had problems. Thanks for your enthusiasm!
Great willpower, I couldn't have left without a cinnamon bun :) Looks like a lovely place to visit!
Oh, how I wish that town were closer to me. I would love to stroll through but I don't think I would have the will power to leave the cinnamon rolls and lemon meringue tarts.
Can you get the cinnamon buns in a to-go box for me? That'd be great, thanks. ;)
oh my heavens, look at all those trays on sweet treats! I would have brought home at least a dozen extra goodies. Sounds like a fun place to visit.
Charming, Beth. I love the buggy art on the front of the building.
I would definitely had a cinnamon bun!! :)
I've lived by both Amish and Mennonite communities...I'd love to visit The Stone Creek Bakery and Christmas shop. Great photos you've shared with us~
I would love a visit here...looks like fun!
I've always wanted to return to Toronto and now - I want a side trip here. I love how you judge a cafe by the number of locals who are in it! Perfect!
I would love to visit the Christmas shop! Corn broom maker...didn't know a traditional shop like that still exists.
I bet it is like stepping back in time visiting their village. The bakery looks like it would be a great place to wile away an entire afternoon.
What a cute place! I want one of those brownies that that baker is cutting!
You sure brought back memories of this summer. We also went to St Jacob on our way back home from Stratford. I was disappointed; it was Fridy and the market was not open. We also had lunch at Stone Crock bakery; I did come back home with a few things. It was like going back in time. Really enjoyed this post.
Rita
I so appreciate that you were so respectful of these people with your camera usage. There are LOTS of people that wouldn't even think twice about it these days, because that's just the culture that we live in.
It does look so charming. I love how you visit places both near and far...and find the beauty in both. You made me smile this morning...thank you, as always, my friend.
My favorite places to visit are the small historic towns, they have so much character and are so interesting to see. Your pictures capture the town perfectly, thanks for sharing the trip;-)
Oooh, I loved this post! We try to make it to St. Jacob's every time I visit my parents in Orangeville, and I love it every time!
A lovely town to photograph! The Stone Crock Bakery's cinnamon buns and lemon meringue pies look delicious.
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