Magical Places for Great Take-Away

The south shore of Rice Lake in Northumberland County is all about the drive for me. I love stumbling upon historical hamlets, world class resorts, and seeing stunning views. I urge you to take detours at every chance. It’s magical to stumble upon new and remarkable places in your own backyard. 

In season, you can find farm gates filled with produce. The signs for fresh beef, lamb and chicken are all around as well. It’s also home to a lot of grain farming, including organic producer, Loon Song Farm. You can’t pick up their oats at the Farm, but can find them at Our Lucky Stars, or other health food stores in Cobourg, Warkworth and Brighton.

The food service scene may be less abundant on the south shore of Rice Lake all the way down to Hwy. 401, but there are still some hidden gems you shouldn’t miss out on. 

Pizza has got to be my favourite food. I could eat it every day, period. When not eating it, I’m thinking about eating it. One of the best pizzas I ever had was from Bewdley Pizza on Rice Lake Dr.  When you think of Bewdley, you might think of Rice Lake, fishing, snowmobiling or cottages. I’m here to tell you, using their own words, “Think Bewdley. Think pizza”. Known by locals and tourists as the best pizza around, Bewdley Pizza has been pumping pies out of their A-Frame that overlooks Rice Lake for over 20 years. It’s all about the house-made dough here. There’s a secret ingredient, but I can’t put my finger on it. Order ahead if at all possible, but if you don’t, they say, “We’re told it’s worth the wait.” 

Northumberland Bagel is nestled in the hills just north of Cobourg and Port Hope. It’s home to what is, perhaps, my favourite bagel experience of all time. Tony, who is owner and head bagel maker, says some of his fondest childhood memories came from getting freshly-baked bagels in the streets of Montreal every Saturday morning. He’s re-creating that here. Order online, at least one day in advance, for pick up at Headwaters Farm on Rowe Rd., south of Bewdley. 

Sliding into Baltimore, you can get a look at the newest players in the adult beverage game, Rice Lake Hard Cider. Inspired by cottage life on Rice Lake, these ciders are meant to be refreshing, and go down easily. The Apple Cranberry is wonderfully seasonal and just about perfect for when we finally arrive back home. Store pick up is at 4741 Northumberland 45. I’d suggest you check their online store to order first.

Wherever you end up, whatever you decide to pick up, I hope you enjoy the trip. While the stops add a lot to our experience, we spend most of our time on the journey. Take the time to take these food adventures in. Learn what you can about everything there is to offer in Northumberland County. It’s a pretty amazing place. 

Check out my other Blogs here and send me any food for thought. Try new things and stay safe. But don’t stay hungry. Get out there and support locally-owned businesses whenever possible. 

Cheers!

Please note: While I have done my research to confirm that these businesses are open and offering safe and considerate options for curbside pick-up or take-away, it’s still in your best interest to check that they will be open when you plan to visit.

By Jeff Bray