SPARTA Ontario
a pretty village with an interesting |
While you are here don’t miss the lovely Sparta House Tea Room & Restaurant which is housed in the former Coaching Inn, better still, go inside and sample some of the delicious fare on their menu!
The owners have an impressive collection of Tea Pots - we tried to count them all, but lost count at 300! Perhaps you could count them all and see how many you find!
Many years ago I worked in this charming Tea Room and have always loved the atmosphere here - it is a wonderfully relaxing place to spend a Sunday afternoon.
Just beside the Tea Room you will find the Studio of local Sparta Ontario artist,
Peter Robson. Spend a little time exploring this Aladdin's Cave of art! There is a selection of Original works, Limited Edition Prints and smaller Art Cards.
When we met, my hubby and I both owned a small collection of Peter Robson's Limited Edition Prints, which we have added to over the years of our marriage.
I love the local scenes and Case's favourites always include snow scenes and horses as he loves the way the horses in Peter Robson's pictures seem so realistic - almost ready to start moving!
There are two pieces of Peter Robson's Original Art for sale - Little Beach (Port Stanley) and December Morning - both are lovely examples of his work.
Hot off the Press ......
Plans are underway for a Scarecrow Trail, scheduled for September and running until early October 2010.
Check out the information from the Ontario Heritage Trust about the
Doors Open, Port Stanley-Sparta
event, which takes place on October 2nd 2010.
While you are still at the four corners, check out the delightful
Anything Used & Sparta Country Candles
store on the south east corner of the main intersection of the village - check out both levels of their establishment where they sell candles, potpourri, home decor, books and much, much more!
This unique family business was started in 1992 by Pat and Mary Muscat and their store is located in the historic general store which dates back to 1838.
The store is a great place to find interesting and unusual gifts for those special people on your list! Don't leave Sparta without checking them out!
The items below are available from Amazon.com - but why not check out Sparta Country Candles for their unique scented candles!
If you continue west along Sparta Line you will find
Lavender Blue,
Lavender Farm & Gifts - check their website for their location and hours.
If you like lavender you will love their Lavender Harvest Festival which takes place annually - usually in June, so check their website for 2010 information.
The lavender is in bloom from mid-June to mid-July and again from the end of August to mid-September.
You will find Lavender items for Bed & Bath, for cooking and for your home & garden - so why not plan to visit this summer and enjoy all that Lavender Blue has to offer!
If you live too far away from Sparta Ontario to visit Lavender Blue, you can find many Lavender products below at Amazon.com.
Just to the south of the village of Sparta Ontario, on the road to Port Bruce, watch out for the signs for
Winter Wheat, Sparta Ontario
, which is an amazing place to spend an hour or even an afternoon.
The owners, Mike Roberts and artist, Lucy Ogletree, opened this wonderful and whimsical store in 1996 and now have a thriving business.
After you have wandered the grounds, said “Hello” to the goats, and taken a good, long look around their store, peep inside one of the two cabins on the property.
Mike and Lucy provide complimentary tea, coffee and cookies – for their visitors - they are so good, I’m sure Mike gets up early each morning to bake them himself!
We try to spend some peaceful time there to listen to the soothing music and soak up some of the relaxing atmosphere before we move on.
Before you leave Sparta completely, take a drive north up Quaker Road – and turn left at Fruit Ridge Line.
Watch for the
Quai du Vin Winery
on your left.
This winery opened its doors, and bottles, in 1999 and has an excellent variety - White, Red and Specialty wines.
Each summer the Winery has Featured Events for visitors to enjoy – we love the Jazz Festival and other activities and wait eagerly for them to start in the summer time.
For our wedding in 1995 we ordered our wine from Qui du Vin and were so pleased with the beautiful wines we had selected - they really helped to make our wedding perfect!
You can even get customized labels on the wine you order for special occasions - Weddings, Anniversaries etc - the staff work with you to make sure that the wines you select will be just right for you.
Their opening hours are Monday to Saturday, 10am until 5pm and Sunday, from noon until 5pm.
After you visit the winery and sample just a little of their amazing wine, continue along Fruit Ridge Line and stop in to the
Pfeffer Family’s Rhea farm.
If you have never seen Rheas up close, now is your chance and at the same time check out the Rhealife products that are available there.
These Rhea oil based products are wonderful, have a gentle, pleasant fragrance and, I'm told, are good for you.
Mary, John and their family have farmed on this property for many years and they will be happy to show you their wonderful Rhea products - some for arthritis, others for soothing and moisturizing the skin.
Along Union Rd, heading west out of the village of Sparta, you will see the St Thomas Dragway , which is a great place for those who like car racing. Just click on the link to their website for more information on schedules and races - check out their amazing Photo Gallery!
Accommodation in the Sparta - St Thomas Area
If you are looking for Cottages in Southern Ontario you should check out the cozy, comfortable accommodation at the Sunnybrook Holiday Home in nearby St Thomas, a great place to stay as you explore this beautiful part of the country. Your Hosts will make you most welcome!
Lavender Blue Lavender Farm
A lovely place to stop and shop - there are Lavender items for cooking, the home & garden, bath & body products too
Anything Used & Sparta Country Candles
If you plan to spend time in pretty Sparta Ontario, then make sure you have the time to visit this quaint store
Quai du Vin Estate Winery
Opened in 1990 and now producing 90,000 bottles each year, this winery is a great place to sample fine wines year round
Pfeffer Rhea Farms
Located just north of the village of Sparta Ontario, this is the only place in Elgin County where Rhealife products are sold, so take a look at their store and quality Rhea items
St Thomas Dragway - Sparta Ontario
Check this site for a summer schedule
