Unique Coffee Shops to get your Fix in Grey

Words by: Stef Richardson (Lokal Digs) Photos by: Alyssa Fleming

Whether it’s during your morning commute or you’ve landed a free day on the weekend – there always seems to be a reason for a good cup of coffee, right? Luckily for us, we have coffee shops located all throughout the county, each offering up something delicious that’s guaranteed to feed the craving.

Coffee shops embody community and bring together only the best of things: coffee, pastries and people. Let’s celebrate our Grey County coffee shops as we cozy up in preparation for winter. It’s time to break out the scarves, knitted sweaters and toques and embrace all that is fall.

 Read on for our round-up of local favourites. 

Surf Cafe - Craigleith 

Surfs up! Decked out in hues of blue + decorative surfboards, this Georgian Bay waterfront café is a must-visit while cruising along Highway 26. They offer a selection of coffee, fair trade teas and a many pre-made lunch items including their delicious breakfast sandwiches. Once you’ve scored some treats, you’re only a stone’s throw away from Northwinds Beach which happens to be the most picturesque spot to enjoy your morning coffee, waves rolling in and all.

The Ravenna Country Market - Ravenna 

Located on the corner of Grey Road 2 and 119, this cozy café is a family friendly spot that reels in the community with their well-known butter tarts and panini sandwiches (the locals go crazy for these!). Grab a spot at one of their communal tables, enjoy a cup of coffee and a variety of treats that’ll hit the spot.  A must-visit in Grey County and worth all the hype!

Good Grief Coffee – Thornbury

With a vision of keeping things community oriented while serving quality coffee, Good Grief has earned themselves as reputable in Thornbury. Owners Jesse Keast + Alix Haddy roast their own beans which make for a real good cup of coffee. Alongside their modern and fun décor, you’ll find a selection of handmade goodies – everything from fresh donuts with inventive flavours to peanut butter + jam cookie sandwiches. The child lives on in us all once you visit GG and get a good look at their display of treats.

Make sure to visit close by friends at Ashanti + The Thornbury Bakery Café if you’re needing a third or fourth cup.

Royal Majesty - Blue Mountain Village

There is no better spot to grab a cup of coffee (or a s’mores latte) than at the Royal Majesty Espresso Bar + Bakery, located at the base of the Blue Mountain Village.  This café is naturally lit and has the most gorgeous blue tile work done throughout the space. From a wide list of hot beverages to their oh-so-famous Homer Simpson donut, this café has all the treats to make a trip to the Village more than memorable – or at least a little sweeter!

The Bakery - Flesherton

It’s hard to resist the trays upon trays of baked goods that fill the air of this family-run shop. The smell that overtakes the space is indescribable. Featuring tried and true recipes, the roster of sugary homemade treats holds up well in the small town of Flesherton. You won’t make a bad decision however we do recommend reaching for one of their cinnamon bun flowers or their award winning giant butter tarts.

During your stop over, make sure to pop in to The Bicycle Café + Highland Grounds to truly take in this Grey County destination.

The Kitchen – Meaford

Located in the heart of Meaford, The Kitchen is well-known by locals for their catering services, fresh + frozen foods that are made in-house and of course their famous carrot cake. It’s seriously to die for! Prided in using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, The Kitchen is a great spot to hit for a fresh lunch and a cup of coffee. It never disappoints!

Close by you’ll find McGinty’s Café – another Meaford location for coffee, tea and nibbles. 

Milk Maid – Owen Sound

Coffee, scones and cheese – all things you can find at The Milk Maid in Owen Sound.  Nestled on the main street, this beautiful space with exposed brick is a great spot to meet friends and indulge in an afternoon cuppa, a homemade scone (daily rotation of flavours) or a delicious cheese and charcuterie board. Sounds gouda to us!

Other digs you may want to check include the Bean Cellar and Frog Pond Café, both located in the downtown core.  

Garafraxa Café – Durham

Coffee, board games, beer and live music are a few things you can find at the Garafraxa Café in Durham – a lively night hub in town. This venue packs a house when they host music + comedy shows and with a variety of local beer on tap, it’s the perfect combination to take in all things local.

Great Books + Cafe – Williamsford

Housed in an old 19^th century gristmill, the Great Books + Café simply is a one-of-a-kind Grey County gem. With over 80,000 books to browse from all genres and some delicious eats to boot, you could spend hours in this enchanted space. Once you’ve found a book that sparks your interest, grab a seat, enjoy something delicious off of their menu and learn more about this wonderful historic place.

For something sweet, zip across the road and pay the Williamsford Pie Company a visit. We dare you not to get a pie!

Ashanti – Hanover

Known for their ‘farm to cup’ motto, Ashanti Coffee in Hanover nails it when it comes to the local coffee game. Ashanti grows their coffee beans in the red soils of Zimbabwe that are then imported to Canada and roasted in house. As a company, they follow ethical practices and are committed to supporting their workers and local community in any way they can. A true farm to cup, bean to drip coffee experience.

With fall upon us, there is no better time to taste your way through some of Grey County’s unique, one-of-a-kind coffee shops. From one side of the county to the next, the adventures are endless.

Let us know your go-to coffee shop!