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Please note: Always follow public health guidelines, wear a mask and opt for curbside pick-up and delivery when possible.
Experience Wellington County
Taste Real Spring Rural Romp
Experience Local Food The Entire Month of May!
The Spring Rural Romp is switching gears this year to make sure everyone can stay safe while discovering local farms and food businesses in the County of Wellington and Guelph. Instead of a one day farm and food tour, we have created a list with some great tips on where to find, experience and engage around local foods in the region.
Explore best places to shop for local foods, learn more about agriculture, find plants and flowers at local green houses and participate in virtual classes and activities.
Always follow public health guidelines, wear a mask and opt for curbside pick-up and delivery when possible. Click here for tips and recommendations.
Share your experience with us! #RuralRomp #tastereal
Rural Romp Box
On sale now
One of the best things about Rural Romp day is the cooler full of delicious local foods! Order now and receive a complimentary Taste Real cooler bag. purchased on the romp. This year, we don’t want you to miss out and have teamed up with the Guelph Box to bring Wellington County spring flavours to your doorstep. Orders are on a first come first serve basis, and you will receive a selection of delicious local foods to your home on May 26. $5 of each order will be donated to Wellington County Food Banks. Limited quantities available. Free delivery to all addresses across Wellington County and Guelph.
Mother’s Day
We love to celebrating with great food - and Mother’s Day is no exception. Even though a restaurant visit is out for this year, you can still surprise mom with food prepared by local chefs. View the list below for take-out food options, specials, and gift ideas. Or check out local garden centres for more great options.
Plant Nurseries and Flowers
Spring is here and we can’t wait to get growing! Visit Wellington County nurseries and greenhouses for all your gardening needs, planters and hanging baskets for your home, and everything to start your own vegetable garden.
Takeout Favorites
Ready for a spring menu? We asked local restaurants for their favourite spring takeout meals and beverage pairings to get you inspired. Check out what’s on the menu at Wellington County and Guelph restaurants and food businesses. Bon appetit!
Learn About Agriculture (virtual tours and more)
You may not be able to go on a farm tour right now, we have put together a list of posts, videos and workshops about agriculture and local food you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home. Whether you are looking for an addition to kids’ online school curriculum, or just want to dig deeper into learning about local food, read on and explore what local farms and organizations are offering.
Cooking Classes or Workshops
Are you an aspiring chef or want to learn new food skills? Food workshops and classes are a great way to deepen your culinary skills or get started. You can find local entrepreneurs offering virtual workshops and classes here.
Purchase Farm Direct
There are many ways to buy farm-direct, such as visiting a farmers’, subscribing to a CSA share, or stopping at farm gate stalls. Many Wellington County farms have dedicated farm stores or farm markets that are open year-round and worth a visit. Be sure to check opening hours and purchasing procedures, as they will vary by location.
Sign up for a Farm Share
Farm shares, often called CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture programmes) are a convenient option for individuals or families to shop for local foods. Sign up at the beginning of the season and receive a weekly share of produce during summer. Fall and winter CSAs are available as well. Check out CSA programmes and options locally.
Farm Fresh Meats
From summer sausage to tenderloin, local suppliers have you covered. You can find farm fresh meat at the farms and farm stores across Wellington County. Also learn the benefits of buying farm-direct. Discover local farm fresh meats.
Farmers' Markets
May is the beginning of farmers’ market season in Wellington County. While the Guelph Market is open year-round, seasonal markets open their doors in May and June. See a list of Wellington County farmers’ markets here and always check purchasing procedures and public health guidelines before visiting a market.
Butter Tart Adventures
Maybe Ontario’s favourite sweet treat – the iconic butter tart is well represented locally. In our opinion, we have some of the best in the country. The proof is in the pudding – or tart in this case. We have picked some of our favourite butter tart locations for you to explore. Find your perfect butter tart here.
Local Beverages
A great way to enjoy local year-round – check out local beverage producers. Craft brews, ciders, spirits, wine, and non-alcoholic options made in Guelph Wellington. Many also offer delivery or curb-side pick up. Cheers! Find your local beverage producers here.
Why Eat Local?
There are many reasons why someone may choose to eat local food, including benefits to the local economy, creating direct relationships with people growing your food, distance from farm to plate and more. What are yours? Learn more about local food and agriculture here.
Local Food Map
Request a hard copy of the Local Food Map
Finding locally grown food in Guelph and Wellington County is becoming easier every day. It's being served up at farm stores, farmers' markets, restaurants, retail stores, and at community events. Look out for the Taste Real brand to identify food from our region.
The Guelph Wellington Local Food Map is our community's guide to farms, markets, retailers, restaurants, breweries, and other businesses that feature food grown in Guelph and Wellington County.
This year-round guide can be picked up at Guelph and Wellington County libraries, tourism outlets, and select retail and business locations and all participating locations, or request a hard copy to be mailed right to your door!
Learn what the Guelph-Wellington Rural Romps are all about in our video.
