By Jan Vilaca – Tasty Road Trips 

One of the first things I noticed about Stirling, Ontario wasn’t a building, a shop, or even a landmark — it was the pace. Stirling moves gently. You can wander from shop to shop without rushing, breathe between conversations, follow your curiosity rather than your schedule, and soak up the small-town energy that doesn’t adhere to an algorithm.
 

Everything feels close, connected, and wonderfully walkable: cafés, the theatre, artists’ studios, friendly locals who actually have time to chat, and of course the iconic covered bridge, which practically invites you to stop, look around, and take it all in.

So that’s exactly what we did. We wandered. We chatted. We tasted. We connected. And every step of the way, Stirling gave us the space to fully arrive.


 

Before We Dive In.

Before we jump into this delicious Ontario adventure, here’s a morsel about me: I’m a food and travel content creator who lives for small towns, unforgettable flavours, and those “you can’t make this up” moments that happen when you explore rural Ontario. I design small-town experiences, spotlight hidden gems, and help communities shine by showing the world what makes them so wonderfully unique.
 

Stirling, ON stole my heart in a way only a very special small-town can — with boutique shops, delicious stops, creative makers, and a pace that lets you wander freely and soak in every moment. 

 

Day One, Let’s Begin: A Matinee at Stirling Festival Theatre — And the BEST Intermission Surprise

We kicked off this official Stirling adventure with a matinee of Robin Hoodie at the historic Stirling Festival Theatre.  The cast was witty, talented, and full of unexpected puns, fun and a ton of laugh-out-loud moments.  It was such a grand way to begin a three-day visit into Hastings County.  Did you know that you can attend a theatre production year-round in this magnificent 419-seat theatre.  It’s quite an experience you don’t want to miss.  The theatre itself was majestic with the flowing red velvet curtains and the fold-up seats where you must bob around the person in front of you, but honestly, I felt like a kid again. I loved the feeling.  The production was just so hilariously immersive, I couldn’t remember the last time I had such good belly laughs.
 

A fun sippin’ feature: The Eugene Burrell Hall upstairs— fully accessible via the Stirling-Rawdon Library elevator — and home to the most brilliant intermission idea: pre-ordered drinks waiting for you. My cold Focal Brewing Co. beer was ready on Shelf K. No lineups. It’s the simple things that make one happy, indeed. 
 
 

Dinner at The Smokin’ Barrel Bar & Grill — Where Locals Pour in Fast

Just steps from the theatre sits The Smokin’ Barrel Bar & Grill. This local diner style restaurant was empty when we arrived and then it was packed ten minutes later. It isn’t fancy with décor, by any means, but the food is delicious and the staff super friendly. Staring at me on the menu was the Pit Boss Burger and I just had to try it— juicy, delicious, and served with house-cut fries. You gotta try this Stirling staple food destination. 
 

Huntingdon House — A Cozy, Lamp-Lit Welcome After Dark

Driving in after it was dark, I had to wonder “where am I” — then the porch lights appeared, along with a warm welcome sign and hosts Jenn and Greg who were awaiting our arrival.  Huntingdon House is a historic farmhouse offering cozy nooks, a second level loft, a private bedroom with two comfy beds, thoughtful touches, and the gentle company of Bailey the Great Pyrenees. Two nights simply wasn’t enough. Jenn is a super host and every detail is taken care of.  Jenn and Greg offer unique experiences for guests of Huntingdon House, so be sure to ask what’s in season for experiences. I may have had an exclusive moment creating pretzels in the Sourdough Studio.  You must ask Jenn about this unique hands-on insider experience. 

What a super start to my getaway in Stirling. 
 

Day Two in Downtown Stirling — Makers, Shops & Heartfelt Stories

Paradise Tarts — A Butter Tart Wonderland at a Highway Stop Sign

Our first stop was Paradise Tarts, a humble little corner bakery that absolutely blew me away. I expected a few butter tarts… I walked into a full-blown butter tart extravaganza.

Flavours included Peanut Butter, Brownie, Turtles, Skor, Apple Crumble, Pecan, and Raisin (which this spicy gal politely declined). I bought a dozen to share with everyone I met in Stirling, because butter tarts are a great way to make new friends.
 

Then it was time to hit the shops. 

Rustic Routes: Donna was a super star behind the counter at this cottage-inspired home décor and apparel shop. And I found a unique necklace that practically chose me, while I wondered about taking in this well displayed shop of all things home and clothing.  Donna, warm and welcoming, made the visit feel like chatting with an old friend from the moment I walked through the door.

Just down from Rustic Routes is Stirling Book Company, where Tracey welcomed us and shared the story behind her bookstore. I settled into a cozy chair, browsed greeting cards, and enjoyed a moment of pure literary calm.
 

Rawdon Creek Soap Co. although you might think it is just another fragrance-filled soap store, this was a really neat family-operated soap store, with a unique collective of the soaps, candles and more, going on. The sales behind the product was Jessica who introduced me to two new staples: Magnesium Lavender Foot Spray and Water Buffalo Milk Lip Balm — both now part of my nightly routine. Ask about these unique Rawdon Creek Soap Co., products. 

 

Lunch at Farm Girl Café 
Warm, rustic, and flavourful — Farm Girl Café knows how to serve it up.  I enjoyed the Squash soup and a gourmet sandwich that hit the spot. And oh my gosh, I couldn’t leave without a bag of their delicious in-house baked cookies and a café latte to sip and get my superpowers on for an afternoon of walking and shopping, just a wee bit more. 

More Exploring: Vintage, Art & Foodie Gems
 

The Vintage Junction blends new and vintage décor with a rustic cottage vibe — I could redecorate my whole house with this farmhouse chic décor.  I loved it all.

At The Studio in Stirling: Jean — the owner and artist — radiates creativity. Her watercolour classes and warm spirit make this downtown studio/shop a true artistic haven. Jean took the time to connect with us as visitors and was curious about how we landed in Stirling.
 

The Food Boutique is a gourmet treasure trove of fresh and frozen meals, condiments, and treats impossible to leave behind. I found a few new gourmet sauces; I just had to take home with me. 


Ontario Water Buffalo Company — The Buff Stuff Store

The Ontario Water Buffalo Company is so much more than a farm and store.  The Buff Stuff Store was unforgettable and truly something I had never experienced before.  Owner Martin welcomed us and because he was behind the counter we enjoyed samples of gelato, milk, cheese, and meats. Next, we headed to the barn to meet the curious tween buffalo, and seriously they were absolutely the cutest. I certainly didn’t know Water Buffalo were so photogenic. 

Martin shared incredible insights about water buffalo farming, nutrition, behaviour, and the health benefits of buffalo milk and meat. It was truly a different agricultural experience, and I loved every minute of it.  I think we spent the most time here as I had a million and one questions.  I must confess, as I write, I am noshing on the Jalapeno Water Buffalo Gouda with Teriyaki Jerky and seriously I wish you were here to enjoy it with me. 

The Apple Store Cooney Farms - Apples, Utensils & Country Charm 

At The Apple Store at Cooney Farms, we found apples, gourmet condiments, utensils, and pantry favourites — a wonderful snapshot of Hastings County apple agriculture and we also learned about the many annual community events they host for all to enjoy. 
 

Chef Sam — A Signature Add-On Experience at the Huntingdon House 
 

Did you know that while you are staying at Huntingdon House you can enjoy a four-course meal, catered by none other than Chef Sam of Stirling Kitchen Catering & Provisions.  This dining add-on features local cheeses, house-made jellies, soups, and succulent entrees all in the farm-fork & garden-to-table sourcing style. We enjoyed perch and beef, and I have to say that Chef Sam covered all the culinary bases and is one of the best for creating an elevated local dine-in Stirling Ontario experience. Chef’s passions for being locally inspired and growing his own food really elevated the conversations in between every course.
 
 

In small towns, neat things happen.  The next day after such a memorable dining experience, Chef Sam returned with Jerusalem Artichokes for MY garden at home and the two of the iconic Foley’s Fry Pies — this is where a donut-meets-a pie and in Stirling, I understand it is only available at the Pro Gas Station at 208 North Street, Stirling-Rawdon.  (you are welcome) 

 

Why Stirling Stayed with Me — And Why I’ll Keep Sharing Small Town Stories

Stirling reminded me why I do this work. As a food and travel content creator and small-town experience designer, I’m passionate about uncovering the flavours, stories, and people that make rural Ontario shine. From Donna at Rustic Routes to the theatre actors, sitting down to laugh with Jenn over sourdough pretzel making, wandering the fields with Martin at the water buffalo farm, I am proudly from Ontario and love discovering new hidden gem destinations like Stirling, in Hastings County.
 

You don’t pass through Stirling. You experience it.