One Elgin County spot we always send folks to visit is Sparta. Sparta is just south of St. Thomas and was settled by the Quakers after the War of 1812. It became a thriving village. Several interesting enterprises have lovingly occupied the historic buildings and made Sparta a great place to spend an afternoon.
Sparta Candles occupies the old General Store that was built in 1838. They produce their own unique candles that they only sell in Sparta and online. As well, they have many home decor items of interest.
Sparta House Tea Room is another quaint historical building built in 1836. It was the original hotel. It was purchased by an English couple who have braved the ghosts to create a charming tea room and restaurant that serves great English style lunches (Ploughman's Lunch, Cornish Pastie, Bangers and Mash etc.) Yes, there have been ghost sightings. Sparta House was featured on a tv program that explored their spectral guests.
Steed Lavender Farm is just on the outskirts of Sparta, a 45 acre farm with horses and beautiful lavendar gardens. It is well worth a visit to see the beautifully gaardens and smell the lavender.
Winter Wheat is another interesting experience in the Sparta area. Their gardens, full of interesting garden sculptures, along with the store are not to be missed.
Come and visit us at Arbour for a couple days and we will send you on several different Elgin tours. Elgin has so much to offer Art, Theatre, Railroad History, Sparta shops and farms, and so much more.