The quaint family-run Springridge Farm draws tourists as well as locals around the year. It provides a special fusion of history, local food, and family fun, all nestled in Milton, Ontario. More than just a farm, Springridge Farm is an unforgettable experience with its quaint 19th-century barn market and a ton of interesting activities.
History of Springridge Farm
The Hughes family’s fruit farming past, which extends more than 160 years and six generations, is the basis of Springridge Farm. The farm was picked up by Leslie and Isobel Jane Hughes in 1960 with their selling of their farm in Mississauga for development. The Hartley family, who had farmed fruit on Springridge since the early 1900s, sold it to them. Many residents have happy recollections of picking fruit on the “old Hartley farm.”
The Hughes family first farmed fifty acres of sour cherries, which they processed and sent to canneries. However, sour cherries were making money by late in the 1960s, so John Hughes and his brother began researching other approaches to farming. When the farm originally opened to the public in the early 1970s by John and his wife Laura, its primary draw was pick-your-own cherries. This attracted attention, and based on input from patrons, the farm gradually expanded its offerings.
With a variety of berries, including strawberries, pumpkins, and gourds, as well as diversions like a Fun Farm Yard and seasonal festivals, this farm has grown over the years into an established family attraction. The Hughes family still manages and owns the farm, and John, Laura, and the kids continue to be active in its daily operations. For their support to the agriculture of the Halton Region, they became a 2017 “Canada 150 Farm Family.”
The 19th-Century Barn Market
The 19th-century Barn Market, the centerpiece of Springridge Farm, is located within the magnificent Niagara Escarpment. This wonderfully renovated post-and-beam barn holds the farm’s renowned bakery as well as a fine selection of gourmet foods, preserves, and fresh fruit.
Seasonal Produce
The Barn Market offers an array of gourmet goods, including baked goods, preserves, and prepared meals generated with fresh ingredients from the farm and other growers. The award-winning business attracts people with unique gifts, the written word, and exclusive home products.
The Hughes family, who have been growing fruit for more than 160 years, runs the Barn Market.Laura Hughes learnt many of the bakery’s recipes from her mother-in-law, Jane Hughes, who likewise handed down the family’s baking and preservation practices.
The Barn Market is an institution for visitors and locals, offering a glimpse into the farm’s rich past as well as a taste of its seasonal bounty.
Outdoor Pavilion Patio
Visitors can enjoy a variety of meals in a picturesque setting at Springridge Farm’s Pavilion Patio, a delightful outdoor dining experience.
Features of the Pavilion Patio
- Covered Seating: The Pavilion offers cool spaces for visitors to unwind in while they eat, making it a cozy location in any weather.
- Menu Items: Homemade sandwiches, hearty soups, chili, and kid-friendly fare like popular Sandbox specials are all offered to guests. The menu frequently features things produced using ingredients that arrive locally and seasonally from farms.
- Bakery Treats: Fresh baked pies and other bakery goods are also a great buy at The Pavilion, which you can take home.
- Family-Friendly Atmosphere: There are plenty of places for kids to play and enjoy the rustic splendor of this family-friendly outdoor area.
After taking in all of the farm’s many attractions, like the Fun Farmyard and seasonal events, the Pavilion Patio is a terrific place to have lunch. Every day, from 11 AM to 4 PM, it is open.
Fun Farmyard Activities
Family entertainment is the focus of Farm’s popular attraction, The Fun Farmyard, especially for young children. It offers a variety of engaging activities and features, including:
- Spider Web Climber: An enjoyable climbing apparatus that promotes movement.
- Tube Slides: Kids will love these thrilling slides.
- Huge Sandbox: A roomy space for imaginative play and digging.
- Play area with bales of straw to climb and explore designated for straw play.
- Goat Mountain is a distinctive enclosure with a red barn and a spiral staircase where children can interact with goats.
- Stunning views of the encompasses may be viewed from the scenic Escarpment Lookout.
- Get to know and feed a range of farm animals, including chickens, goats, and rabbits.
- Antique tractors offer another chance to look at old farming equipment.
- Singing Chicken Show: A fun show that enhances the allure of the farm.
- Pedal tractors and farm hoppers are enjoyable rides for kids.
- Tractor-drawn Wagon Ride: Admission includes a guided tour of the farm.
The Fun Farmyard offers fun events for all ages, resulting in a fun time. The price of admission vary, typically weekdays being less expensive than holidays and the weekends.
The Location and Accessibility
Proximity to Guelph, Hamilton, and Toronto
The property is ideally situated in Milton, around 40 km from Guelph and Hamilton’s cultural attractions and 65 km from Toronto. It is an ideal day trip destination because of its sub-rural setting.
Parking and Accessibility
There is lots of guest parking available, however there is no public transportation offered by the farm. The farm is intended to be accessible to everyone in order to assure that everyone can have a fantastic time.
Fresh Produce and Farming Practices
Strawberries, Pumpkins, and Gourds
The farm grows strawberries, pumpkins, and gourds as well as other produce. These crops are taken care of to bring you the freshest and tastiest produce around.
Honey Harvesting
A million bees live in hives next to the pond, and the farm also collects their honey. A delightful example of the farm’s commitment to sustainable methods is this honey.
Local Collaborations
Farm participates in a number of neighborhood partnerships to improve its services and community outreach. These collaborations include:
- Partnerships with Local Farmers: They ensure that guests have access to seasonal and locally sourced fruits and vegetables by collaborating with nearby farms to supply fresh Ontario produce in their Barn Market.
- Community Events and Festivals: The farm organizes recurring seasonal events that frequently include local vendors and artisans. In addition to giving entrepreneurs a platform to reach a wider customer base, this acts to promote the area’s goods and crafts.
- Collaborations in Education: The farm also offers educational programs and tours that give kids a hands-on opportunity to learn about agriculture, sustainability, and healthy eating together with local schools and organizations.
These partnerships improve the visitor experience while also boosting the local economy and community ties.
Dining in Milton
Contemporary Restaurants
Spend the evening at one of Milton’s many contemporary restaurants after spending the day at the farm. There are numerous forms of food available in the town that can please any taste.
Diverse Cuisine Options
Milton offers an array of dietary options, from delicious chicken wings to classy Italian pasta. After a delicious supper, take time to muse back on your day at the farm.
Seasonal Events and Activities
Fall Harvest Festival
Springridge Farm hosts a Fall Harvest Festival with autumnal events and festivity. It is a great time of year to visit and enjoy the fall landscape.
Spring and Summer Events
In the spring and summer, the farm offers a range of attractions and events, such as strawberry picking and outdoor concerts. There is constantly something exciting happen on this farm.
Educational Programs and Workshops
Farm Tours
Take a guided tour to learn more about the history and operation of the farm. For visitors of all ages, it is the ultimate educational experience.
Baking and Preserving Classes
Take a baking or preserving lesson to learn how to prepare some of the farm’s trademark desserts. These hands-on workshops are an excellent way of bringing a little bit of Springridge Farm home.
Visitor Tips and Recommendations
Best Times to Visit
The sunny days and ongoing seasonal events make spring and fall the best times the year to visit Springridge Farm. The farm is open year-round, though.
What to Bring
Bring comfortable shoes for visiting the farm, a camera to capture the events, and a picnic blanket for a leisurely dinner on the grounds.
For more, read: Food Tourism
FAQs
What times does Springridge Farm open for business?
Seasons affect the hours it is open. For the most recent information, it is best to visit their website.
Does the Fun Farmyard have an entrance fee?
Indeed, there is a cost to enter the Fun Farmyard. Please visit the farm’s website for more information.
Does the farm allow me to bring my pet?
It is not pet-friendly, unless they are assistance animals.
Are there any kid-focused events planned?
Yes, it offers a variety of year-round special events for children, such as seasonal festivals and activities.
How can I make an online purchase from the barn market?
The Farm website offers some items for online purchase from the barn market.
Conclusion
Fresh produce, history, and kid-friendly activities are all uniquely combined at Springridge Farm. This quaint farm has something to offer everyone, whether you are exploring the 19th-century barn market, getting to know the farm animals, or having a home-cooked meal. Make your visit a priority and find out why both locals and visitors adore Springridge Farm.
