08/14/2026
Let’s talk about getting off the beaten path.
I mean really getting off it.
Leaving the highway and taking the old road — the one that winds through the countryside, not necessarily paved, and crosses a one lane bridge. The road itself insisting you slow down!
As we cross, I smile to myself and think, I bet there’s a swimming hole nearby.
You remember.,,
That particular spot along the creek that only the locals seem to know about. The place where, on a hot summer day, everyone somehow ended up — towels, bathing suits and absolutely no plans to go home anytime soon.
It was our answer to air conditioning!
The road continues, and eventually we’re back on pavement.
“Turn right at Wyvern Road,” Google Maps instructs.
So we do.
We pass farms and wild blueberry fields and I’m enjoying every moment. Soon we arrive in the picturesque village of Collingwood.
There’s a church with a sign out front:
Service this Sunday at 9:30.
Once again my imagination takes over and I’m transcended back in time - back to our little village.
I can picture the villagers standing outside after church, chatting about the weather, the local news and who’s been up to what.
Soon after we arrive at our destination
Petals & Pitchforks Country Market
Really, how could you not fall in love with a place called that?
We arrived before opening time, but there was already a car in the driveway. I imagine the owners had arrived early to make sure everything was just right.
A few minutes later, the door opened and two smiling faces appeared.
“Hi,” I said. “We’re delivering for HardyWares Preserves”
And just like that, we were chatting with Megan and Nathalie — bright, cheerful and genuinely excited about their new products.
I love their enthusiasm, their warm welcome, but most of all their entrepreneurial spirit.
Our delivery travels takes us through many rural villages and more often than not, we see boarded up general stores, gas stations and restaurants. The result of being bypassed by busy highways, shrinking population and folks traveling for better pricing and selection.
I’m encouraged when I see a revival in the form of a country market. Folks like Megan and Nathalie who - (pardon the cliche) think outside the box.
I had a quick scan of their page and noticed the front verandah often transforms into a stage with live and lively entertainment.
I can’t help but think - what if??
What if we left a little earlier for our next appointment and got off the beaten path?
What if we all consciously made it our mission to stop by a local market in a quiet village and purchased an ice cream or other local fare.