SPARTA Ontario a pretty village with an interesting Quaker history
Sparta Ontario - this pretty, historic village was founded by Pennsylvania Quakers who settled here in 1822, led by Josiah Doan. The descendants of those early settlers still live in the area today.
My hubby and I discovered the village of Sparta Ontario one afternoon when we were out for a ride on our motor-cycle - we were young and reckless then!
I was struck by the history of the village and although I thought it was quaint, what impressed me was that it was genuine and not an artificial quaintness - the buildings really were old, the Quaker Meeting House was actually used for Worship. I thought then that it was a lovely place and I still do.
When you visit the village, you will see the
Quaker Meeting House
on the left hand side of Quaker Rd, just north of the village. This Meeting House is still in use and has a peaceful, restful atmosphere.
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!
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!
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.
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 Rhea’s 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.
Sparta Ontario Links
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!
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
Just to the south of the village of Sparta Ontario, on the road to Port Bruce, watch out for the signs for
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.
Watch for the
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!
These Rhea oil based products are wonderful, have a gentle, pleasant fragrance and, I'm told, are good for you.
