Take the time to explore the countryside

Travelling from Cowansville to Dunham and Bedford could be a memorable adventure if time is set aside to enjoy this historic and picturesque route.

Simply leaving the Cowansville limits puts the traveller in market garden country where roadside stands abound, offering organic, morning fresh veggies from “dew-wet” sweet corn to ripe tomatoes, still warm from the morning sun. Dunham could be an adventure on its own with the restored Smart Brothers maple sugar equipment factory turned into any traveller’s passion for unique gift items and sweets that are decadent. There’s a miniature sugar camp in the center of the brick floor atrium and fresh baked varieties of bread and locally smoked ham are almost irresistible to a hungry traveller looking for a light lunch.

Then, a turn to the right and it’s off towards Bedford. But the possibility of a variety of adventures is along this highway. Vineyards where sampling is encouraged are almost side-by-side. Larger wineries offer tours into the realm of grape vines where guides point out the different varieties of grape used for their specialty wines. A couple of these larger vineyards offer four-star dinning possibilities, and along this route it would be easy to simply enjoy exploring this corner of the world and make plans to spend the night and plan the visit to the fair the next day.

It’s hilly here and many south-facing slopes are lined with apple orchards. Here, too, one can stop to taste an apple, buy a basket, or sample juice fresh from the press or perhaps a sip of hard cider, guaranteed to warm both heart and spirit.

On the last lap to the historic town of Bedford where Civil War documentation can still be found inscribed on gravestones and monuments, the land gently flattens onto the Montreal Plain. But the highway is like a beeline through fields of corn, canola, and soya, crossing the Pike River, (Riviere au Brochet). The roadway leads to one of the Townships’ most interesting museums located in the old mill where the water wheel still turns. Here, history is brought to life telling the tales of battles and Rogers’ Rangers, describing the battle of Eccles Hill, which, by the way, is not very far from the museum.

Just down the road is the general store. Stepping into the interior is somewhat like a time machine voyage to the past. Calling ahead here is recommended, or check out the website.

Finally, Bedford is a town filled with outstanding examples of very ornate homes, styles reminiscent of a genteel lifestyle. Streets are tree-lined with sidewalks and pride in maintaining these historic residences is obvious as manicured lawns, carefully tended flower beds and borders, and houses and buildings are well-kept.

The fairgrounds are on the south side of the main street and include the municipal arena and equestrian center where the fair program includes many classes for stylish equines, including the formal English style and Western style of riding.

Taking the time to enjoy the surrounding countryside is certainly a pleasant way to explore the countryside where prize-winning animals and produce come from.