In the Bay of Quinte region, you’ll be hard pressed not to pass by a farm stand every day, whether you’re headed to and from work or out to the Sandbanks for the weekend. An abundance of local products are available in the summer, so we’re bringing you a perfect picnic basket, packed with local flavours that you can find across the region.
1) L’Auberge de France – 22 Front Street, Trenton; 304 Front Street, Belleville
With locations in both Belleville and Trenton, this authentic French bakery serves fresh baked croissants on Saturday mornings, as well as baguette and brioche. You can also pick up pre-made gourmet sandwiches (we love the smoked salmon croissant) if you want someone to do the heavy lifting for you.
2) Maple Dale Cheese – 2864 Highway 37, Belleville
If you’re heading towards Tweed for a picnic stop at Vanderwater Conservation Area or the H.R. Frink Centre, MapleDale is perfectly located for a pit stop along the way. No worries if you can’t make it out to the factory though: MapleDale curds and cheeses can be found in grocery and convenience stores across the region as well.
3) Queen of the Kitchen Artisan Chocolates – 255 Glen Miller Road, Quinte West
As you head out of Trenton into the Glen Miller area, you’ll find Queen of the Kitchen’s cozy chocolate shop nestled along the Trent River. At least a dozen flavours of handmade truffles are available on a daily basis to provide the sweet finale to a perfect picnic.
4) Prince Edward County Hot Sauce – Wellington Farmer’s Market
Straight from the pepper farm, Prince Edward County Hot Sauce offers several varieties to spice up your sandwiches and salads. We’re particularly fond of the “HaBEERnaro” collaboration with Barley Days Brewing Company. Find it at shops like Gourmet Diem in Belleville and at the Wellington Farmer’s Market on Saturdays.
5) Rachel’s Tarts – 25 Frankford Crescent, Quinte West
A long-time favourite of the region, Rachel’s Tarts can be found in grocery stores, convenience shops, gas stations, farmer’s markets and pretty much anywhere you might stroll past and find yourself with a hankering. Perfectly crispy topped butter tarts with smooth insides – the general consensus is that these could be the best butter tarts in the country.
6) Grills Orchards – 886 Grills Road, Quinte West
Packed to the brim with produce and preserves from local purveyors, Grills Orchards also boasts an impressive baked goods selection with homemade pies, breads and fudge!
7) La Cultura Salumi – 842 Hamilton Road, Quinte West
Just up the road, La Cultura Salumi dry ages their own meat products, from prosciutto to water buffalo slizenga to tender beef carpaccio. You can pick up the products directly from the facility, and pair with fresh mozzarella di bufala from their farm in Québec.
8) West Moira Orchards – 526 Moira Street West, Belleville
On one of the main thoroughfares to downtown, West Moira Orchards provides the perfect stop for seasonal fruits and vegetables, as well as being an outlet for some of the cheese and sweets mentioned in the list! You can also pick up frozen local meat to take home for dinner.
