CK's own Parks Blueberries has evolved into a culinary destination


Bill Parks at Parks Blueberries expanded the agri-business into a culinary tourism attraction

People will travel great distances to experience the best in food and beverage. Ontario’s second largest blueberry grower has tapped into this market of tourists by evolving from a u-pick family farm into a culinary destination.

Parks Blueberries in Chatham-Kent draws people from across the province anxious to taste its creative fusion of delicious fresh-baked blueberry goods. Most of the pies, muffins, cakes, tea loaves, cookies, sauces and preserves made on site include blueberries.

“Where we were once trying to promote blueberries now our customers are coming to us,” says Diane Parks. “The trick is to make the quality product.”

Owners Diane and Bill Parks have marketed their business well by sharing family recipes with their customers to help them incorporate the healthy fruit into their daily diets. The Parks have published a book featuring more than 150 blueberry recipes and held cooking demonstrations with a popular local chef throughout 2008.

“We’re hoping to expand in this regard because when people see professionals showing them how to use the berries it works for everyone,” says Diane. Her cookbook includes dessert recipes and pairings for the berries in salads, sauces and meats.

“Parks Blueberries is an excellent example of an agri-business that has researched and developed their product into a major culinary attraction in Chatham-Kent,” says Joy Sim, Tourism Development Coordinator, Economic Development Services and Tourism.

Parks Blueberries features a bakery, country store and charming café with a view of the 40-acre blueberry farm. Parks Blueberries is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Visit www.blueberi.com or call 1-866-901-5373.

For more information, please contact Chatham-Kent Tourism at 519-351.6125/1.866.542.5994 or at cktourism@chatham-kent.ca