trinity, Author at Look Local - Celebrating Community

Country day trips nourish the soul. Natural landscapes lift anyone’s spirits, and the therapeutic benefits of petting a bunny or frolicking in a meadow are hardly surprising. For city slickers craving a rustic getaway or a taste of nature’s bounty, the following two rural destinations are unique, local, and not to be missed.

TRIPLE C FARM, ANCASTER

Triple C started as a small hobby farm and horse boarding facility. Tricia Simons set up the farm to make her eldest son Geoffrey’s farming dreams come true. They started by rescuing four goats, a sheep, and two horses. The farm eventually opened its doors to the public for goat yoga.

If you’ve never heard of this, instead of the usual ultra-serious kind of zen experience, this yoga involves adorable goats checking you out, jumping on you, or chewing on your hair – making it impossible to have a bad day.

As word spread about these animal rescuers, their hobby farm evolved into a fully functional animal sanctuary. “Admittedly it is a bit addictive outbidding a meat buyer, walking out with an animal that was bound to be killed, and bringing it home and seeing it blossom and love and just be happy,” says owner Tricia Simons.

By appointment only, visitors can enjoy the property at their leisure. The interactive petting farm has more than 160 animals (goats, sheep, alpacas, mini horses, pigs). Visitors can take an alpaca, donkey, mini horse or goat for a walk; snuggle with goats, bunnies or mini pigs; groom a horse or donkey; partake in goat yoga; or even bring their favourite DVD and watch a movie with their new furry friends. Beyond the petting area there are horse and donkey paddocks, and freeroaming chickens and ducks.

The farm is a source of income for Simons and her family but, more importantly, it gives brothers Geoffrey, Michael and Richard, all of whom have autism, a wonderful life. “The farm’s most unique feature is that over 80% of the work is done by individuals with special needs,”

Simons says. “It gives them a sense of purpose and a ‘job’, and a place where they can be themselves — not to mention reducing the amount of screen time in their lives.”

WEST AVENUE CIDER HOUSE, FREELTON

The 75-acre property owned by Amy Robson and Chris Haworth is a popular destination for its breathtaking scenery and award-winning artisanal cider. The idea for West Avenue Cider House started to form when the couple lived in England. “There were so many amazing unique ciders and cider houses, but when we came back to Canada in 2005 there was nothing like that here,” Robson says. It took Amy and Chris – then a TV producer and a chef, respectively – a few years to get a business plan together and develop recipes.

What started as just a taproom has evolved into a thriving family-friendly agro-tourism experience. On a sunny day it’s abuzz with first dates, friends and families. “In England it was perfectly acceptable for you to bring your children to the pub,” Robson says. “We wanted a place where kids can roam and dogs can hang out.”

The property includes two kilometres of hiking trails where visitors can see the honey bees and apple trees, a lookout, a pond with a beaver dam, and even the resident chickens and roosters. The Cider House itself is cozy and rustic but, in nice weather, patrons prefer to sit outside in the beautiful Meadow Lounge to socialize and enjoy cider, wood-oven pizza and other delights in the soft summer breeze.

The scenery is so tranquil and pretty that West Avenue has become a popular spot for weddings, landscape painting, spa retreats, and more.

West Avenue Cider House’s summer hours are Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 6:00 p.m.

By Michelle Morra

The season for outdoor leisure has finally arrived, so dust off your cushions. It’s prime patio time! Since the start of the pandemic, homeowners have invested more in their outdoor living spaces to design inviting retreats that cater to their needs.

A patio can become the ideal oasis for relaxing with a good book, socializing with friends and family, or simply connecting with nature while breathing in the fresh summer air. “People are creating tranquility in their own yard,” says Jay Real, Owner of Oakville Home Leisure. “They’re trying to recreate a vacation they’ve been on and experiences they’ve seen and felt elsewhere as an extension of their home.”

“Cabanas, kitchens, dining al fresco, technology with stereo systems and TVs are all things people are investing in,” explains Rose Luxton, Owner of Lakeside Livin’. “Outdoor spaces have evolved a lot.” Regardless of the size of your space, you can easily integrate elements of breezy resort living into a condo balcony or a complete backyard makeover with the following trends.

Colour

Design experts agree this season is all about cool blue hues. Common interpretations of this colour provide all the feelings you want to integrate into a dreamy staycation including calmness, serenity, and refreshment.

“You can incorporate a colour theme throughout your entire space,” says Luxton. “You can infuse it into striped fabrics, outdoor rugs, and pillows. Not only are we seeing a lot of blue this summer but orange, lime green, and other pops of colour too.”

Furniture

Opt for pieces that evoke the comfort and luxury experienced on a beach vacation while creating a personalized look. There’s no need for the various elements to match.

“We’re seeing a movement away from sectionals back to sofas, loveseats, club chairs, and club swivels,” explains Real. “The trend in the industry still includes resin wicker, but it’s swaying more to aluminum and other materials as additional creative design elements are available. Mixing elements by pairing rustic teak tables with wicker dining is very popular.”

Decor

Accessories make memories! Take the opportunity to select pieces representative of your lifestyle from kid-friendly corners to sophisticated spaces for empty nesters.

“Pillows with sayings are always embraced,” says Luxton. “Outdoor metal artwork is a great way to decorate brick walls and fences. People are also veering toward natural tones and woods because you can always mix and match any trend with sustainable outdoor wood foundations.”

Shade

Sun protection is as important on your deck as it is on a tropical vacation. Retractable shades and umbrellas featuring breathable fabrics and UVstable finishes will help keep you cool and safe from harmful rays.

“Shade is at the top end of everyone’s scale of what they’re looking for,” says Real. “In this climate, people are also opting for cantilevers with rolling bases so they can move the umbrella around their backyard and adjust to the changing seasons.”

Must Haves

Ambiance is the hottest trend you can add to your patio space this summer. Luxton’s pick is, “Hanging solar lanterns that have the look of real flames to create that lustre and [cozy] feeling when you are sitting outside.”

Real chooses fire features. “Everybody loves to gather around a fire as it can be used for heat or ambiance,” he says. “Dekko ultra-modern fire pits are absolutely spectacular.”