Highgate and area communities are built on agriculture and culture - so if you love rural (like we do), then you need to plan a visit.
Agricultural roots run deep here and every September (since 1854) the Highgate District Agricultural Society hosts the Highgate Fair, which is a true agricultural fair with dairy shows, cattle competitions, 4H achievement day events, a parade, live music and children's activities.
Culture buffs will appreciate the charm of the art gallery and rich acoustic sounds of a concert at the Mary Webb Centre for the Arts, which will have you eagerly wanting to see another performance. The exterior of the Mary Webb offers an iconic CK photo opportunity, so be sure to tag us in your images on social media. The centre was repurposed from a church, so there is stunning stained glass windows and for architecture buffs, the construction is that of a very rare central ceiling dome with no supporting columns. What does all that mean? It means there isn't a bad seat in the house and the acoustics and aesthetics are top notch.
As part of your visit, be sure to stop at Urban Sunset Farms for local produce and microgreens. You can pick your own strawberries at Scott's Strawberry Farm. Take a short drive to Palmyra to visit Susanne at the Crazy 8 Barn, a rare octagon barn (yet another iconic CK image and photo spot), that was constructed in the late 1890s. It is now the starting place for cycling tours and a Barn Quilt painting experience. Keep on driving down Highway 3 and make your way to Greenview Park and Zoo. Here you will get a chance to visit with 75 different animals including: tigers, lions, kangaroo, zebras, capybara, lemurs, monkeys, reptiles and many more!
Take the family camping at Clearville Park, located on the shore of Lake Erie. You will enjoy a weekend of playing on the beach, hiking and roasting marshmallows over a campfire. If you don't feel like cooking, there are plenty of Ridgetown & Highgate Area food options.
You will not want to miss the Bi-ennial Canadian Carv-a-Palooza - it takes place every two years, so book the dates in your calendar. The week-long event attracts chainsaw carvers from around world. You will be amazed at the craftsmanship and skills on display and at how quickly a log turns into a beautiful work of art. On the Sunday, you can purchase artwork carved during the week. Complete the day with a nature hike through Clear Creek Forest Provincial Park. It is one of the finest parks to soak in the many colours of autumn and is a favourite spot for locals.
In the winter, you can visit Blacksmith and Tin to pick and cut the perfect Christmas tree. Make sure to visit their Christmas shop, you will find local handmade wood and tin ornaments and other treasures - keepsakes from your #VisitCK experience.
We've outlined just some of the things to do when you #VisitCK, but be sure to come and discover on your own. Follow #SeeYouinCK on Facebook and Instagram for more great places to visit and ways to spend your days in Chatham-Kent.
We can't wait to #SeeYouinCK.
