The following story was submitted by the Township of Oro-Medonte.
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Sweater weather is almost here, and autumn is the perfect time to explore beautiful Oro-Medonte. Magnificent red, orange and yellow tones invigorate the scenery with incredible colour, and our welcoming community offers some special fall-themed events and activities.
Explore Oro-Medonte by bicycle, motorcycle, or car and plan a fall road trip with fun stops along the way. Browse local art, taste local cuisine, cycle your heart out and fill your lungs with fresh air. Make a day or weekend out of a self-guided tour and take in Oro-Medonte’s spectacular fall colours. Adventure is calling!
Self-Guided Cycling Tour
Did you know that Oro-Medonte’s smooth rolling hills and scenic paved roads are a known favourite for avid cyclists? Fall is an ideal time to explore the area by bike as the summer heat has dissipated and local businesses are welcoming visitors.
Stop at one of Oro-Medonte’s many farm stands and pick up fresh local produce, and refuel with a meal at a local restaurant. Dig into a tasty meal at one of these restaurants; Horseshoe Resort’s Crazy Horse Sports Bar & Grill, treat yourself at the upscale Ktchn located at Braestone Club, dig into renowned gourmet pizza at Da Vinci’s Gate, visit Loobies in Craighurst for some delicious take out, or sample gourmet flatbread pizzas and much more at HQ Restaurant & Tap House. Browse a list of Oro-Medonte restaurants to find a full list of eateries. There is something to suit any taste!
Visit Cycle Simcoe for some great suggestions on road cycling including the Bass Lake Beauty or Hills of Oro-Medonte routes or the Lake Country Rail Trail Route.
Mountain Biking Adventures
Fulfil your need for speed as you bike through the canopy and explore cross country trails in Oro-Medonte’s two fantastic mountain bike parks. Whether you're a biking beginner or an elite athlete, we have trails for every level and ability.
The Horseshoe Bike Park is great for all levels of riders. All trails are accessed off their high speed 6 person chairlift. Twelve bike trails are available, offering a diverse mix of trails and terrain, including berms and bridges. Horseshoe Bike Park offers bike rentals and beginner to expert free-ride and technical trails.
Hardwood Ski and Bike offers mountain biking experiences to anyone from 4 to 70 years of age. With over 80 kilometres of beautiful, rolling trails winding through hardwood and pine forests, Hardwood’s trails intertwine with the ski trail network creating endless possibilities of courses and obstacles. Hardwood also offers bike rentals, mountain biking lessons and programs for kids and adults. Visit Hardwood’s website for program dates and registration information.
If you wish to explore the beautiful canopy in the Simcoe County Forest, be sure to check out and support the Simcoe County Mountain Bike Club.
Explore Oro-Medonte by Motorcycle
Visit our beautiful township and travel at your own pace, right from the comfort of your motorcycle. Explore Oro-Medonte’s fabulous open roads while enjoying tranquil forest and farmland scenery, then stop for lunch and some shopping along the way.
Consider steering toward the motorcycle-friendly Quayle’s Brewery for a weekend lunch, and sample their seasonal menu. Here there is plenty of parking and an expansive outdoor dining area. Browse locally made gifts and other items at Dwellings in Craighurst, and stop by Heritage Estates Winery and Cidery to sample locally made wine and cider. Always drink responsibly!
Tree-Top Trekking & Mini Golf
Swing from the treetops at Treetop Trekking, an exciting aerial game and zip line park located at Horseshoe Resort. Plan a fun-filled day of adventure in the spectacular Copeland Forest. This park has climbing and zipping activities for ages 5 and up.
Challenge the family to a round of mini Golf at Horseshoe Resort. An 18-hole outdoor mini golf course offers fun for golfers (and amateurs) of all ages. Mini golf and treetop trekking could be done on the same day! Check out Slope Side Activities.
Fall Farm Festival, Images Thanksgiving Studio Tour & Fall In Love with Maple Weekend
Mark your calendars and don’t miss some exciting events coming to Oro-Medonte this fall.
The Fall in Love with Maple event runs until Oct. 3 2021, inviting members of the public to take a fall road trip and sample maple syrup and maple treats. Visit participating sugarbushes such as Hutchinson Maple Syrup, Steamy Kettle Sugar Bush and Poppa’s Sugar Shack to learn more about maple syrup production and stroll through some beautiful fall scenery.
On Thanksgiving weekend, meet talented local artists during the Images Thanksgiving Studio Tour. Over 30 outstanding artists and crafts people will exhibit their works over the four days at 18 different studios including some right here in Oro-Medonte.
Meet painters, potters, sculptors, photographers, wood turners, jewelers and assorted mixed media artists during your self-guided studio tour. Browse the current artist lineup and view an interactive tour map to start planning your route. Include a stop to the Oro-Medonte Farmers' Market on the Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend, to visit local vendors and purchase local products.
Last but not least, we all have an inner child in us. Get the family into the fall spirit with a visit to the Chappell Farm Fall Festival. Pick your own pumpkin, visit adorable farm animals, explore a corn maze and more. The Chappell Farm Fall Festival is on now until Oct. 31. Book reservations online in advance of your visit.
#OroMedonteStrong. Support local Oro-Medonte businesses, right here in your own backyard, shop, dine, experience local. Share your experiences on social and tag #OroMedonteStrong For a list a full list of Oro-Medonte tourism businesses visit Tourism Oro-Medonte
Oro-Medonte is home to many great shops, restaurants and recreational activities; please be responsible and respect the guidelines of our health officials. To learn more about these guidelines and to educate yourselves please visit the health unit's webpage.
Plan ahead! Before heading out, check out the latest updates and guidelines from businesses and call ahead to book your next adventure.
