Savouring Autumn in London and Area
When the air turns a little cooler and the sun starts setting earlier, the pace naturally slows. September feels like a deep breath after the lingering summer heat, a time when the light softens and kitchens begin to fill with the warm scent of cinnamon and spice.
For newcomers, fall in London, Ontario, and nearby St. Thomas can feel like stepping into a postcard. The trees along the Thames and Kettle Creek begin their wardrobe change, roadside stands appear with baskets of produce, and a quick search for the best pumpkin pie often becomes part of the ritual.
Here is where to savour autumn’s bounty.
Farmers’ Markets
Start at Covent Garden Market in downtown London for crisp apples, buttery corn, and handmade preserves. On Saturdays and Sundays, wander through The Market at the Western Fair for seasonal fruits and vegetables, local maple syrup, and fresh-baked pies. On Saturdays until October, the Masonville Farmers’ Market offers produce, flowers, and honey from nearby farms. In St. Thomas, Horton Farmers’ Market is a Saturday morning tradition, filled with fresh produce, baked goods, and friendly vendors who remember your name.
Apple Picking
For classic pick-your-own fun, Apple Land Station in Thorndale is a favourite, complete with warm cider, wagon rides, and a pumpkin patch later in the season. Great Lakes Farms in Port Stanley offers both apple picking and baked goods worth the trip. Closer to home, Crunican Orchards in London provides a relaxed, family-friendly spot to pick apples straight from the trees and enjoy the beauty of a working orchard.
Pumpkin Everything
Beyond decorating the doorstep, pumpkin belongs in the kitchen. Stop by Heeman’s for a jar of pumpkin butter and seasonal décor, or try Millar Berry Farms for freshly picked pumpkins and squashes. For a smaller stop, visit Howe Family Farm Market in St. Thomas for homegrown pumpkins and farm-fresh treats.
Cozy Cafes
On a chilly day in London, grab a seat at the Black Walnut Bakery Café for their famous lattes and flaky croissants. Locomotive Espresso is ideal for those who enjoy a more urban, bustling vibe. For a quieter corner, Commonwealth Coffee Co. on Richmond Street has a warm, creative atmosphere and rotating seasonal drinks. In St. Thomas, Streamliners Espresso Bar serves excellent coffee in a historic rail-themed space, and just down the way, Zesty Dessert Café feels like autumn in a cup with pumpkin-spiced treats and cozy drinks you’ll want to linger over.
Autumnal Beverages
As the leaves turn and the air crisps, local producers in London and the area offer a delightful array of seasonal beverages. From apple ciders to craft beers, here are some ways to savour the flavours of fall.
Anderson Craft Ales: A family-owned microbrewery in London, Anderson Craft Ales uses locally sourced ingredients to craft a range of unique beers. Their pumpkin brew is a fall favourite, rich and cozy, just like the season itself.
Heeman’s Cellar: Just outside London, Heeman’s produces award-winning, handcrafted ciders from locally sourced apples. Each sip captures the essence of autumn perfectly.
Rise and Ruin Cider Co.: Known for its handcrafted ciders made from Ontario-grown apples, this local cidery is perfect for sampling unique autumn blends.
Railway City Brewing Company: This St. Thomas brewery produces small-batch, handcrafted beers and often features seasonal offerings. It’s a cozy stop for enjoying local craft beers and ciders on a crisp fall day.
Great Lakes Farms: Located in Port Stanley, this orchard offers both alcoholic and non-alcoholic ciders made on-site. Their Apple Barn is open daily, perfect for tasting autumn straight from the source.
For those new to the area, these autumn flavours are more than just ways to tickle your palate. They offer a way to feel at home, to meet the people who grow and prepare these delights, and to create the small, happy rituals that anchor life in a new place.
And yes, having pie for dinner absolutely counts as embracing fall.
