The countdown to Christmas is on and if you’ve yet to tackle your list, the staff at Grey County Tourism & Economic Development have put together a few of their local favourites to help you out. From local food to local arts and local beer to local baking, you’ll find that unique gift right here in your Grey County backyard.
Amanda’s Picks:
Morag Budgeon Jewellery - Available at the Owen Sound Artist’s Co-op, Morag Budgeon produces unique sterling silver jewellery accented with 14K yellow gold, gold fill, brass and copper. From start to finish, she designs and creates each piece in her home-based studio in Owen Sound. See more at http://artistscoop.ca/project/morag-budgeon/ or stop by the Owen Sound Artist’s Co-op today.
Beaver Valley Cider - The popularity of craft cider has soared in recent years. Why not give the gift of award-winning local cider produced right in the Beaver Valley? Available by the bottle (in both 750 and 500 ml sizes) at the Cidery’s Grey Road 13 location, they also offer gift certificates for your favourite foodie so they can visit for a tasting, pairing or tour at a later date. For more information, visit http://www.bvcider.ca/
Meredith’s Picks:
Georgian Hills Frozen to the Core - Available in two local apple flavours, Georgian Hills Baked Apple Frozen to the Core and Ida Red Frozen to the Core are exquisite apple dessert ice wines that make great holiday gifts. At $20 a bottle and available at Georgian Hills Vineyard and select LCBO stores, this sweet wine is great paired with local cheese and great friends. Not an apple fan? The vineyard also offers a pear-flavoured Bartlett Frozen to the Core. For more information, visit http://www.georgianhillsvineyards.ca/sweet-wines/
Handmade wooden cheese platters from The Cheese Gallery - Let’s face it; everyone loves cheese. While it may seem odd to give someone a wedge of applewood smoked cheddar or some triple cream brie, if you add a beautiful handmade wooden cheese platter to the mix, you’ve got the perfect gift. Check out The Cheese Galley in Thornbury for a huge selection of artisanal cheeses and local gifts from honey to cheese platters to pottery. Learn more at http://thecheesegallery.ca/
Mary Jane’s Picks:
Cinnamon Buns from MarJenny’s Cakes - Give the gift of home baking without the big kitchen mess! A tray of sticky, gooey cinnamon buns from MarJenny’s Cakes in downtown Owen Sound will have their kitchen smelling like heaven on Christmas morning. MarJenny’s makes a wide variety of cakes and treats with gluten-free baking available too. Find out more at www.marjennyscakes.com
Line wire art earrings from by Ann Wiley-Toal - Ann Wiley-Toal has been creating line wire art earrings and jewellery for over 25 years. Completely self-taught, Wiley-Toal has gained an international reputation and has shipped her unique designs far and wide. Order online at www.annwylietoal.ca or stop by the Owen Sound Artist’s Co-op.
Philly’s Picks:
Eternal Bee body lotion - Raised in the creative community of Walter’s Falls and now running Eternal Bee in Holland Centre, Aiyana Harris is best known for her unique beeswax candles. In recent years, Eternal Bee has expanded to offer a line of natural and organic beauty products, including Philly’s favourite—Eternal Bee’s organic hand and body lotion. Made with a base of sweet almond oil, coconut oil, beeswax and aloe vera gel, this locally made lotion helps keep your skin healthy and rejuvenated. Find out more at www.eternalbee.ca
Orange Bourbon BBQ Sauce from Big Mama’s Kitchen Creations - Made with real bourbon and freshly squeezed oranges, this Orange Bourbon BBQ sauce is perfect for ribs and chicken. It’s just one product in a delicious lineup of sauces, spice rubs, savoury jams and more from Big Mama’s Kitchen Creations. Her recipes have been developed and tested in many of Toronto’s best family restaurants and are now available at local retail stores, farmer’s markets and seasonal craft shows. Find out more at http://bmkccanada.wix.com/bmkc and spice up your Christmas today!
Heather’s Picks:
Trenza Cable Knit Toque from Kickin Back Alpaca Ranch - If you’ve ever pet an alapaca you can easily magine why an Alpaca knit toque would wind up on this year’s list! Super, super soft and hypoallergenic, the Trenza Cable Knit Toque from Kickin Back Alpaca Ranch comes in black, charcoal, periwinkle, camel and purple. You can visit the farm near Markdale for your purchase or order online at http://www.kickinbackalpacaranch.com/. They also offer matching trenza scarves, gloves and gauntlets.
Meredith’s Ginger Syrup - Believe it or not, winter is coming! And when it arrives, your friends and family will be grateful for their new supply of Meredith’s Ginger Syrup. It’s the perfect hot drink on a blustery day. Meredith offers several unique ginger-based blends but her Ginger Syrup remains a true classic. Mixed with hot water, it’s a great elixir for a sore throat and makes a bone-warming blend when you’re already feeling fine. You can buy Meredith’s at select local retailers. Find the closest location online at www.meredithsgingersyrup.com
Bryan’s Picks:
MacLean’s Pale Ale - Treat the craft beer lover on your list to this signature ale from MacLean’s Ales. Brewed with a distinctive strain of English ale yeast, this well-hopped malty ale has a fine balance and flavour … and best of all—it’s made just down the road in Hanover, Ontario. Pick some up at your local LCBO or better yet, stop by the brewery’s on-site shop for a full selection of ales, t-shirts, beer soap and more. Choose six of your favourites and add them to a unique MacLean’s Ales wooden crate for the perfect gift. Stop by on a Thursday afternoon and take the tour the brewmaster himself—Charles MacLean. Find out more at http://macleansales.ca/.
Welbeck Sawmill Gift Certificate - If you’ve ever tried to buy the handyman on your list the right tool, you know it’s a losing battle. With a Welbeck Sawmill gift certificate, you’ll be handing them the key to their lumber dreams. The sawmill is a Grey County tradition and finding something perfect their workshop or their latest project will be as easy as pie. Learn more at http://www.welbecksawmill.com/.
