If you love cycling and wineries, we have just the adventure for you!
Bring your own bike or rent one from The Grove Bike Co. and pick up your ride at Colchester Beach.
They have e-bikes.
Yes, they are electric. It might be cheating, but, as you pass them, do you really care?
They also have cruisers. You know what they say... just "like riding a bike", and these are just that - the good, one-speed, vintage-style variety.
Now that you have your bike, the day is full of possibilities. Lots to do on County Road 50!
You could be really ambitious and ride all the way down County Road 50 to check out The John R. Park Homestead (around a 20-minute ride). Stop at Garfield's on your way back for lunch!
Continue down the Arner Townline to County Road 50 and your final stop at John R. Park Homestead. Built in 1842 on the banks of Lake Erie, the magnificent Classical Revival home of John and Amelia Park has been fully restored. Costumed guides welcome visitors all year round. Taste baking from the kitchen fireplace or play with a wooden toy in the children's bedrooms. Witness the workings of an 1885 steam engine powered sawmill and stop by the blacksmith shop to see what's happening today at the coal-fired forge. End your tour with a scenic walk on the lakeshore boardwalk.
Meet the restaurant that acts as a cozy diner by morning and an exciting pub by night! At Garfield’s, you can always expect that personable County Road 50 charm in a casual dining environment. From classic pub-fare to completely reimagined dishes, Garfield’s has all the menu items you’ve been craving. Take a peek at their extensive menu and pick from fan favorites such as the gooey mozzarella-stick grilled cheese and crispy Lake Erie Perch. With fresh local ingredients decorating each dish, your taste buds can indulge in a variety of foods such as meats from Uptown Meats and yellow perch straight from the Colchester docks.
If it's the wineries you are in to, there are many to choose from on County Road 50. Many also offer a dining experience. Use the cooler on your bike to bring home bottles of Essex's fine wine! Here are some of the options.
Go with the nautical theme and bring your “CREW” along for a tasting tour at Colchester Ridge Estate Winery. Learn about the 12-acre vineyard and award-winning wines from their friendly, knowledgeable staff. Sip a glass of award-winning POSH Cuvée or Flagship Chardonnay outdoors, while a Lake Erie breeze blows gently through the picnic area. Did you know they offer FREE DELIVERY in Windsor Essex? Send an email to orders@colchesterridge.com and they will be able to help you out!
You’re in for a “scentsational” experience at North 42 Degrees Estate Winery. As the only winery in the province to offer a sparkling Sauvignon Blanc, North 42 is also singular as the southernmost winery in the province to pair grapes and lavender. And that’s not all. Their farming expertise extends to fresh fruits and vegetables that are harvested daily from the two-acre on-site garden. Enjoy a farm-to-table feast and a glass of wine at the newly opened Bistro 42, then stroll through the lavender and visit the gift shop at Serenity Lavender Farm.
Pass beneath the arched entrance to Oxley Estate Winery and enter a world of wine-infused warmth. Located on a high bluff overlooking Lake Erie, the property offers stunning views of land and lake from the Wine Garden patio. Inside the renovated 1920 barn that serves as a retail store and event centre, winemaker Peter Pfeifer and a team of talented chefs create memorable flavours. Enjoy a Lake Erie perch entrée with a glass of Wowza White or opt for a light appetizer to pair with your Cabernet Merlot. The seasonal menu focuses on fresh, local ingredients and thoughtful preparation. Outside, position a Muskoka chair alongside the wood-burning fireplace and enjoy a glass of your favourite with a homemade dessert.
Don't forget to stop at some of the farms and orchards you might run into along the way! For more information on cycling in Essex click here.