By: Emmalee Nother
Whether it’s hockey night, movie night or just a virtual game night with friends, it’s easy to create an at home experience with the bounty of goodies at our doorstep in Haldimand County.
Starting off with the some drinks to wet your whistle, you can grab the perfect brewskis for any occasion at Concession Road Brewery, Haldimand County’s first and only craft brewery. Owners Jeff and Shannon have built a community staple and gathering place in the small town of Jarvis, just off of Highway 6. Even if you can’t visit, you can still create the feeling of being in their taproom right at home. Stopping by their brewery, you can pick up a mixed pack of their many delicious beers like their Crossroads Sour a mix of bright guava and lime that will take you on a tropical trip even on the coldest of days or their robust Grind Coffee Milk Stout that offers a smooth yet sweet flavour, perfect to mix with a charcuterie board or the snacks of your choosing.
A great idea is to make mini flights of beer for you and your friends to test out the seasonal faves in your very own home. Just grab a few small cups, a wooden board and pour a few flavours for each person to taste. If you’re meeting virtually, each household can go grab a few of the same brews, and make their own flights. You can then log on and experience the tasting like you’re in the taproom together, savouring each sample. A taproom staple, welcomed into your own home!
If you prefer non-alcoholic drinks or need something that’s kid friendly, Richardson’s Farm and Market offers sparkling juices and ciders that are sourced from local farms in the area that come in several flavours that tickle your tastebuds quench your thirst. A little something for everyone!
Stepping into the snacks, whether you’re a sweet person or savoury, Haldimand County has you covered! A quick stop at Sweet Retro-Spect in Dunnville will offer you countless ideas for your night in! With over 30 flavours of both sweet and salty popcorn there’s sure to be one (or two!) that will feast your fancy. The cheesy jalapeno is a great pairing with beer and has a bite that isn’t too much but still give a bit of kick. You won’t be able to stop munching!
If you’ve got more of a sweet tooth, a must try are the artisanal chocolates from My Sweet Sweet World in Hagersville. These smooth, creamy chocolates come in a variety of flavours. Created right here in Haldimand County, you would swear these bars of chocolate were from some of the top chocolatiers in the world, they may even be a little better. With flavours like Masala Chai and Dark Chocolate Mint, they are not only packaged beautifully but are the perfect little pick me up snack on movie night.
Next time you’re thinking about what to do on game night or you know the big game is coming up, support local in Haldimand County and grab a few cold beers and some small town snacks that pack big time flavour. Making your own experience is easy when you have this many hometown goodies right on your doorstep!
You can find the full list of Concession Road Brewery beers at Concessionroadbrew.com , all of the snacks from Sweet Retro-Spect on their Facebook @sweetretro-spect and those delectable artisan chocolates from My Sweet Sweet World at mysweetsweetworld.com
Have fun, be creative and support local!
Haldimand County gratefully acknowledges the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario’s (FedDev Ontario) support for tourism businesses in southwestern Ontario.
Travel only when it is safe to do so. Follow recommendations of your regional Department of Public Health as well as your destination’s Department of Public Health.
