Discover Destination – Uxbridge Beer and Cider Trail (Part One)

~ Slabtown Cider Company | The Second Wedge Brewing Co. | Banjo Cider ~

Uxbridge, known as the Trail Capital of Canada, has one that needs to be explored! It’s the Uxbridge Beer and Cider Trail.

When I first heard about this” trail”, it took me back to my youth! Our “trail” was Downtown Toronto, and the Yorkville area. One of the places we visited was the Place Pigalle, affectionately known as “The Pig”!

The Pig and other “Watering Spots” or beer taverns served “cheap” beer. I think around 15 cents. The single draft beer was served in LCBO approved beer glasses. These establishments offered cheap beer, as I mentioned, beer nuts, and loud music! How times have changed, or perhaps not.

Today’s establishments offer some of the same things, beer (craft beer and now, cider), “beer nuts” (actually, great food) and music (modern and mostly local). However, they are not your “daddy’s or granddaddy’s” Beer Joints. No, today’s beer and cider companies are far more sophisticated, they serve better beer and cider (lots to choose from, with great names), more appetizing and nutritional food and live music you can hear and enjoy! The taverns back in my youthful days were smokey and loud. Some changes are good! That’s why a lot of us need to wear hearing aids today.

In addition to better beer, cider, food and music, the “new watering hole” venues are much more enjoyable. Many have beautiful gardens and patios, all adding to the ambience of the “Craft” experience.

Prior to writing this article, I had the opportunity to talk with the owners of the Craft Beer and Cider companies and to the Tourism Coordinator of the Township of Uxbridge. I’ll tell you more about my interviews in a moment. What I gained from my  interviews, was that each business, the Township of Uxbridge, for that matter, the Region of York Durham Headwaters,  were perfect examples of what I had learned from my research about today’s Craft Beer and Cider industry… Congratulations!.

York Durham Headwaters

The Region of York Durham Headwaters is dedicated to promoting excellence in each of their 3 regional areas. Their theme is “Ontario’s Road Trip Destination”. If the three businesses I talked to are any indication of the entire Region, then YDH motto is well named.

The Interviews

Township of Uxbridge – The Trail Capital of Canada

Katlyn Jones, Museum Curator and Tourism Coordinator

Uxbridge Ontario is known as “the Trail Capital of Canada” and has had a lot written about it. However, I wanted to get the “inside” scoop, so I contacted Katlyn Jones, the town’s Museum Curator and Tourism Coordinator. Katlyn is a true supporter of all the trails, but I wanted to find out more information about the Beer and Cider Trail. As it happens Uxbridge is the centre of three very popular beer and cider establishments, Slabtown Cider Company, The Second Wedge Brewing Company, and Banjo Cider. I’ll talk more about these great businesses later in this article. Back to the Beer and Cider Trail, Katlyn told me that all three companies work together to form an amazing alliance, that makes the trail a wonderful destination for both craft beer and cider enthusiasts and for people who just want to experience the passion and innovation that each Brewery and Cidery offers. Katlyn went on to explain that the Beer and Cider Trail was especially popular with cyclists. All three establishments offer something different, so visiting each is needed to experience and enjoy the whole trail! As an added bonus, this season you can (for a limited time) fill out your Uxbridge Beer & Cider Trail passports for a free collector’s glass.

Finally, Katlyn wanted me to remind everyone that all Uxbridge Trails are a terrific destination where all can hike, cycle, walk and enjoy the “great outdoors”.  While you are in Uxbridge, drop in to the Uxbridge Historical Centre and, if you see Katlyn there, tell her I said to say “hello”!

Uxbridge’s slogan, “Welcome, we can’t wait to meet you!”

Click here to learn more about the Trails of Uxbridge , the “Trail Capital of Canada“!

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