Travel along the streets of Amulree, Brunner, Milverton, Millbank, Newton, Gads Hill, Poole, Rostock, Shakespeare, Wartburg – a collection of communities that share a rich heritage of industry and agriculture. Share the road with horse and buggy too - this area is home to many Amish and Mennonite residents who settled here to maintain their traditional way of life. Nowadays visitors will find an antique-lovers Mecca in Shakespeare, just minutes east of Stratford along with the Welcome Centre’s artisan exhibit and marketplace. There’s historic Fryfogel Inn, the first establishment to welcome travellers along historic Highway 8. Find handcrafted quilts and supplies, stuffed animals and fur-coat teddy bears, handmade and homegrown foods, antique treasures, home décor and garden goodies and a family-style dining experience. Sample the menus in popular restaurants like Anna Mae’s in Millbank and Rose Marie’s in Shakespeare.

Recreation & Activities

Find your way to nearby Newton and set the kids free to explore Ontario Maze - a corn maze and labyrinth along with a straw museum and a paper cutting exhibit too: www.ontariomaze.com has all the season’s details. Mini-golf and more means a family-friendly outing that’s fun for everyone. Watch for events and activities at the Perth East Recreation Centre where you’ll find family fun. Picnics and a pond: bring everyone for a day of fun to the Shakespeare conservation Area just north of the Hamlet. For events and activities throughout the year drop into the Perth East Recreation Centre.

Shopping & Treasures

A drive to Milverton, Millbank, Sebringville and Wartburg takes you to collectibles and antiques shops, garden centres and music stores filled with items to surprise and delight. Stop along the way to pick up snacks and fresh baked goods at the local general stores. The historic hamlet of Shakespeare is filled with antique galleries and shop keepers are always delighted to discuss the remarkable ‘ finds’ nestled in their stores. Calico quilts and British treasures and treats just might be the perfect gifts to pack in your trunk.

Natural Attractions & Architecture

The traditional Amish and Mennonite way of life is an important cultural component of Perth East. Characteristic architecture can be seen at the Carnegie Library in Milverton. Distinctive churches, built by hardworking congregations, grace every community. North of Shakespeare, beautiful stone farm houses dot a pastoral landscape that rolls and folds along the banks of streams. Watch for events and call for a tour of the tiny Brocksden Country School Museum, north of Shakespeare, a place where kids learn “what it was like when”.The Old Post Office in Shakespeare and the General Store in Millbank maintain their original architecture complete with creaking floors. For a truly rural retreat, stay in an 1860’s stagecoach stop. For more information visit our website www.millbankandarea.com

Fabulous Food

Slow down for horse and buggy traffic as you travel to the small, iconic towns of Milverton, Millbank and Shakespeare. The menu at Shakespeare’s local eatery is chock full of the freshest of ingredients. Down the street, you’ll find homemade pies and baked goods, Perth County pork, local cheeses, butter, jams, jellies and honey…all the ingredients for a family feast. In Milverton, sample the delicious goodies on sale at the local bakeshop and, on Thursdays, don’t miss the Milverton Farmers’ Market. The counters of the country corner store in Millbank brim with a seasonal harvest of fruits, vegetables and old-fashioned treats. People come from miles around to dine at Anna Mae’s famous restaurant or take home delicious pies and pastries fresh from the oven.

Arts & Crafts

The hamlet of Shakespeare is the gateway to Perth County. Stop at The Welcome Centre to view the crafts, artwork, gifts and goodies on display. Plan a visit to the quilt shop in Shakespeare for inspiration and supplies then enjoy a leisurely drive to view the Amish quilts on display in Millbank. Just outside Millbank, feeders and seed available from an Amish farmer are strictly ‘for the birds’. At the Corn Maze near Newton, don’t miss the straw museum and an exhibit of paper-cutting art. The lovely flower shop in Milverton offers inspiration for creating your own bouquets and planters.

Festivals & Fairs

Enjoy great food at Flavours of Perth and the Shakespeare Fish Fry. Travel to Milverton for the Fall Fair and Horse Club Shows and see if you can pick out the rodeo riders who will qualify for the Dodge Rodeo tour. If you prefer horsepower to horses, don’t miss the “Forbidden Ride” motorcycle event in May which tours from Shakespeare to the shoreline of Lake Huron. In July, bid for bargains at the Amish School Auction near Millbank.

October tours through the Amish homes, farms and workshops of Millbank, Poole and Milverton offer a rare opportunity to marvel at the beauty of items traditionally crafted by skilled artisans.

Event Calendar