Our First Adventure: Cafe Crawl Through The Kawarthas
Caffeination and sunshine are our favourite pairings this summer. Delectable baked goods for your sweet tooth, iced coffee for the hot weather, and scenic driving for perfect views are all waiting for you. You can complete this adventure in a full day or chip away one cafe at a time! Paired with each food and drink stop is a scenic destination close by so that you can indulge amongst nature.
We’re Atticus and Ivy, come along with us on our Cafe Crawl through The Kawarthas so you can find your favourite road to blast your summer playlist and the best spot for midday pick-me-up.
Stop 1:
17 Indacom Drive, Douro-Dummer
Celebrated for their butter tarts, Kawartha Sweets & Eats takes the cake–or should we say, tart–for the widest selection of freshly baked goodness. Get there early for the best apple fritters, baked in-house. This destination is the first stop spot for a reason (just so we can tell you to get the fritters while they’re warm from the oven).
Warsaw Caves Conservation Area
289 Caves Road, Douro-Dummer
Take your fresh baked goods over to Warsaw Caves to enjoy your treats amongst nature. Following the trails, once over the boardwalk, you’ll find a picnic table; the perfect serene place to indulge in the first bite of the day.
Stop 2:
Country Mart
3328 Buckhorn Road, Buckhorn
This hidden gem might blend in along the highway, but don’t let it fool you. Inside its doors are some of the most iconic butter tarts in The Kawarthas. They’re wide selection of baked goods make them a local classic. Pick up a cup of coffee to go along with your food and head over to Buckhorn Lock.
3210 Peterborough County Road 23, Buckhorn
The perfect place to wonder, ponder, and people watch. Sip while you watch the boats go through this iconic lift lock. With seating and trees all around, you’ll find it hard to leave this perfect scenery.
Stop 3:
77 Narrows Road, Apsley
Once you arrive at Shantilly’s Place, it may soon become a new favourite as it was for us. With a wide range of coffee, ice cream, and food (such as subs with fresh ingredients and a chip truck around the back), this one-stop-shop tucked away on Chandos Lake is a must-see. Shantilly’s Place is both the Cafe destination and the scenic stop we couldn’t wait to explore and share with all the other food and coffee-lovers. Enjoy your beverages and snacks by the water, with friendly dogs and even friendlier staff.
Stop 4:
4 Oak Street, Havelock
Finish the day strong with the perfect atmosphere. For aesthetic picture purposes, you won’t want to miss Wildflower Bakery and Cafe. The yellow walls, warm smiles, and variety of coffee make this bakery and cafe a gem on the main street of Havelock. If you want a delicious latte, they’ve got unique flavours to mix and match to your heart’s desires.
Rotary Park
25 Industrial Drive, Havelock
Ending the day with chats on a picnic bench while savouring the final treats caps off this day of cafe adventures. Rotary park’s pond makes this final stop all the sweeter, with the sounds of nature accompanying the vibrant energy.
Crawl on…!
Add more amazing cafe stops to this adventure with:
1929 Lakehurst Road, Buckhorn
100 Ottawa Street, Havelock
2621 Lakefield Road, Selwyn
33 Queen Street, Lakefield
18 Bridge Street, Lakefield
17 King Street East, Millbrook
More adventures are ahead…
Stay tuned for more crawls, explorations, and journeys that we go on this season!
Is there an adventure you would want to see us go on? Message Atticus and Ivy, at tourism@ptbocounty.ca or send us a DM to @thekawarthas on Instagram!