A six-pack of weekend destinations
Special occasions call for special experiences and Mother's Day is no exception. It's also the perfect day to visit in-house taprooms and eateries at local craft breweries.
Where to buy mom a beer in a cool atmosphere this Mother's Day? Here's a six-pack of interesting taprooms within a Sunday drive of London.
Black Gold Brewery, Petrolia: This is a must-visit brewery that ticks all the feel-good boxes. It revived a historic building. It's close to live theatre and a farmer's market. It shows community love with things like a special series of beer labels boosting the 150th anniversary of Petrolia this year. On Mother's Day, there's sax player Frank Garcia. Pair his playing with a Granny's Cure-all Berliner Weisse, a sour beer with lemon and green apple or play it safe with Black Gold's signature Liquid Gold Cream Ale.
Stonepicker Brewing, Forest: Rural rules at Stonepicker, a relaxing farm brewery a short drive from Forest marked by a retired tractor at the end of the long laneway. The trick is to go on a nice day when the patio under the trees is lively with music and friends old and new. Stonepicker serves patio patrons in chilled 12-ounce glasses and its core beers focus on refreshment. Among them, there's the light lager Crop Tour and blonde Farmer's Tan. IPAS include Rain Makes Grain.
Broken Rail, St. Marys: Located in a Grand Trunk Railway station where Thomas Edison once worked, Broken Rail is a sweet spot in one of Ontario's prettiest towns. It's not downtown, but tucked in a residential neighbourhood next to a off-leash dog park. My favourite way to get there is to park at Milt Dunnell Park and follow the Grand Trunk Trail. New at Broken Rail is a collaboration with Upper Thames of Woodstock. Hike Devil's Peak is a Nordic pale ale brewed with three varieties of hops and fresh juniper foraged at Devil's Monument in Tobermory.
Red Barn Brewing, Blenheim: Feel like playing in the barn? Located on a third-generation farm, Red Barn Brewing looks like a barn outside and an open, spacious feel inside. It's big on supporting Chatham's new Intercounty baseball team, the Barnstormers, and The Barn Art Corner has different artists each month — sailing-inspired artists Gale and Nigel Steadman are there in May. Beers include a cerveza christened La Paja and Bill, a light lager tribute to the Intercounty Baseball League.
Black Swan, Stratford: Other craft breweries in Stratford have come and gone, but Black Swan is a lesson in survival. The taproom is a wee one, but sunny days bring a sidewalk patio. Black Swan rolls out fun and gourmet hot dogs each week to go with a nice selection of beer styles, including Smooth Jazz, a Jasmine rice lager.
Twin Pines, Thedford: If you haven't been in awhile, go see what they've done with the place. Pretty views of the orchards, short trails, a fantastic event space and a charming shop. Oh, and cider. This month, Traditional Apple-pear cider is back. It's made from two varieties of apples and two varieties of pears to greet summer in a subtly sweet way.