With Van Go(gh) back on the road and fully loaded, we set out on Friday morning along the back roads to St. Jacob's, where we would spend the night at an Airbnb nice and close to the Elmira Maple Syrup Festival. With a 4am setup, we wanted something close, yet also an opportunity for a bit of a "vacation" before the long day at the festival.
After a pleasant drive along Highway 2, we first stopped on London so Jane could pursue a new shopping opportunity. With her little green bag firmly in hand, we headed north and made another stop in Stratford, at the Black Swan Brewing Company. Continuing northward, we enjoyed a great lunch (and delicious pie!) at Anna Mae's in Millbank.
We arrived in St. Jacob's by mid-afternoon, and were delighted with the Airbnb - great location within walking distance to everything, and very nice and cozy. We even met the friendly owner, who like most of the town worked for Home Hardware, which is headquartered in St. Jacob's.
After relaxing for a bit, we walked the main street in St. Jacob's, and stopped into Block 3 Brewing for a sampler of their fine selections. On a Friday night, the place was packed with locals drinking beer out of clay mugs (for the regulars) and playing crokinole and various board games. Of course, I grabbed a few more bottles to go, including the obligatory Jaromir Lager.
After some mindless Netflix at the Airbnb, we were off to bed early, before rising at 315am and heading off. Luckily the Tim Horton's in Elmira opens early, so we hit the main street downtown by 4am with coffee and began setting up. Compared to the previous year, conditions were much more favourable with warmer temperatures and little wind.
This year, we chose to secure a good parking spot early and ferry supplies from the van, rather than entering the fray of many cube vans and trucks all trying to access the same limited area at the same time. While it meant more effort, it led to far less frustration, and again at the end of the day.
Dawn came and the crowds descended. It was almost TOO busy at times, with browsers pushed along by the throng, but sales were brisk nonetheless and the weather just got nicer and nicer as the day went on.
After a great show, we were off to visit John and Julie (and Harley!) for a night of music and camaraderie. Heading home on Sunday morning, we again opted for the quiet back roads, arriving home by mid-afternoon to 15 C temperatures and flowers in bloom.
Sampler Platter at Block 3 Brewing
A subtle entrance leads to a party inside!
A selection from Black Swan Brewing in Stratford
A few bottles "to go" from Block 3
Scenic St. Jacob's
Airbnb in St. Jacob's
Setting up in the wee hours....
Open for business at Maple Syrup Festival!
Bring on the crowds!
Greeted by spring!
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