Cliffs (pt 2), Lavender, & the Rosebud Motel

Jul 3, 20214 min read

As we were going to be back in the area of Mono Cliffs we wanted to try to South Outlier Trail to see if there were better cliff views - read on to find out if there were or not. After our 6k hike, we were off to the Avalon Lavender Farm for an outdoor haircut! We drove past the Rosebud Hotel (any Schitt's Creek Fans reading this?) so, Jeff could take a couple pics. And, had an amazing sandwich at the Hockley General Store. Of course, we ended our trip with ice cream from Main Street Ice Cream in Caledon :)

MONO CLIFFS PROVINCIAL PARK:

Because is was Canada Day, the park entrance was free.

Check out Blog #1 - Cliffs, Cider & Ice Cream - for more details on the park entrance fees, etc.

We took the South Outlier Trail this time and it's very steep to start. We have walking sticks, but forgot them in the car - duh! They would have helped! Also, follow the blue markers on the trees carefully on the steep part - the trail curves to make it easier, but also a little harder to follow. Jeff likes letting me lead, but we usually make at least 1 wrong turn as my sense of direction is a little off.

The path was mostly tree covered, so lots of shade on a hot day. But, NO Cliffs! There's been lots of rain over the last few days, so there were mosquitos. We didn't notice them a couple weeks ago. Also, left the mosquito repellant in the car.

According to the map, we were on top of the cliffs, but no nice views. Were hoping for sweeping views similar to the Escarpment trails around Milton/Hamilton. We were running a bit late for my hair appt, so instead of doing the whole loop, we took the Spillway Trail back as it was flatter/quicker.

If anyone knows of a better view at this park, please let us know!

AVALON LAVENDER FARM:

A couple weeks ago, when we went to the Mono Cliffs Provincial Park, we passed a new lavender farm. I started following them and was VERY excited to book my first haircut in 10 months! (COVID lockdown Dec-Jun). They are doing a soft launch right now as they prepare to fully open in 2022, but stay tuned for 2021 events (more haircuts, yoga in the field, etc. and local market).

They have a really cool story: 'In 2019 we left Toronto with our three small children, and moved to an 1873 farmhouse in the rolling green hills of Mono, Ontario. We wanted more connection with earth, air, water, green, and for these precious family years to mean something special.'

First, I had my haircut with Val (sister to the owner, Dawn). I've never had a haircut outdoors before, so it was already special. But, to do this at a Lavender Farm, made it memorable. Val was friendly and gave me an amazing haircut - felt like a new woman :)

Then, we gave their horses (KitKat & Spirit) some treats (Thanks, Dawn!)

There's even chickens and a distiller behind the barn.

The boutique in on the upper level of the barn is stunning! Would make wonderful event space, but also makes a lovely boutique store ...

We bought their Cool Steam Shower Bombs (think bath bomb, but for the shower). It gives your shower a wonderful eucalyptus smell.

Follow them: moodhoney.ca, @avalonlavender on Instagram

Good things to know: - approx 1 hr drive from Etobicoke

- open Thurs-Sun, but check online before going

Next, we are off to the Rosebud Motel. Thanks for the tip from boutique salesgirl! If you are a fan of Schitt's Creek, like Jeff is, you may want to stop here too. It's on Hockey Road, near the Hockley General Store. Note, there's a chain across the driveway, so No Trespassing. There's room to pull over and park safely on the side of the road. BTW, if you have 1.6 mil, it's For Sale! Lots of cool info in this Forbes article.

We have a great realtor who can help you out: Meagan Ryder ;)

Hockley General Store:

'Peace, Love & Hockley: Coffee, Bakery, Breakfast, Lunch, Grocery, LCBO & Beer Store. A community favourite for local, fresh & organic products ranging from Kombucha to Cowboy Cookies. Good vibes and operated with kindness.' menu

Sorry, we were so hungry that we scarfed down the sandwich without taking better pics! We had the Hockley Hero - grilled baguette with ham, turkey, Italian sausage, cheddar, Swiss cheese & house-made mustard. Yummy! They made it fresh on the grill. The house-made mustard was tangy and zesty.

Chef Jeff Rating: 8/10

Lastly, a day exploring would not be complete without a treat - usually ice cream.

We headed to Caledon, to Main St Ice Cream on Airport Rd. They have Chapman's Ice Cream, which we thought was fitting, as they are Canadian & it's Canada Day.