The Date Almanac
A summer day around Essex
A lavender farm in bloom, Fort Malden National Historic Site, and a local market
Begin with a lavender farm in bloom at Serenity Lavender Farm, then Fort Malden National Historic Site a few minutes on, and finish at the Amherstburg market. 4 stops, none more than 21 km apart, all around Essex.
- 1
Pick the patch · Essex
Serenity Lavender Farm
Rows of more than 30 lavender varieties to walk on the north shore of Lake Erie, next door to the North 42 Degrees vineyard, with a gift shop of lavender bath and culinary products and field picking during the summer festival.
- 2
Shop and refuel · Amherstburg
Amherstburg Farmers' Market
Runs in the outdoor space at GL Heritage Brewing, with a roster of 60-some growers and makers selling produce, baked goods, flowers, and crafts. Live music plays in the afternoon, the brewery patio stays open, and dogs get water bowls.
- 3
Walk it off
Fort Malden National Historic Site
British stronghold on the Detroit River frontier through the War of 1812 and the 1837-38 rebellions. You walk surviving earthworks and ditch, a restored 1819 brick barracks, and grounds facing Bois Blanc Island, with costumed guides running demonstrations.
- 4
A local landmark · Kingsville
Colasanti's Tropical Gardens
Acres of greenhouses growing cacti, orchids and tropical plants you can walk for free, wrapped around an indoor mini-golf course, arcade, petting zoo with goats and exotic birds, and a diner known for broasted chicken and cinnamon donuts.
Before you go
- Confirm Serenity Lavender Farm is open and in season the day you go; what is ready shifts week to week.
- Bring water and bug spray for the walk at Fort Malden National Historic Site; the footing is easy but shaded and buggy in summer.
- The Amherstburg market runs limited days and hours, so check its schedule before you build the day around it, and bring cash.
A free day out from the Home Almanac. Every stop is a verified place; days change with the season, so print it the week you go. Data (c) OpenStreetMap contributors, openstreetmap.org/copyright.