A foodie’s guide to culinary shopping experiences in South Eastern Ontario

As the seasons shift and we spend more time indoors, there’s nothing better than combining a little holiday shopping with a foodie road trip. This region has it all and it is brimming with flavourful finds that make perfect gifts, or, let’s be honest, indulgences for yourself. Here are some favourite finds in South Eastern Ontario.

County Classics: Prince Edward County

Agrarian Market is the kind of place where every shelf feels like a gourmet gift basket waiting to happen, with more than 50 County-made brands from charcuterie to fresh-baked breads.
Location: 4 Lake St., Picton | Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

At The Local Store, you’ll discover a treasure chest of artisan foods and locally made goods, perfect for stocking up on gifts that taste like the county itself. Watch for the 12 Days of Christmas from Wednesday, Oct. 29 to Sunday, Nov. 9. There are 160 local vendors to check out or browse the Made in Canada online offerings.

Location: 768 County Rd. 12, Prince Edward County, (south of Bloomfield) | Hours: Daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

J & W Farms brings you right to the source with farm-fresh produce and pantry favourites that celebrate the county’s agricultural roots. Limited edition preserves, condiments, sauces and antipastos galore. Discover many items made in the county, like chocolate, crackers and yes, even dog treats!

Location: 42 Murphy Rd., Milford | Hours: Daily, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The GOOD Place makes eating well simple with a healthy lunch counter full of vegan, gluten-free and fresh options, plus smoothies, juices and superfood bowls to fuel your day. Their shelves are stocked with specialty groceries, supplements and eco-friendly essentials for your buying pleasure.
Location: 153 Main St., Wellington| Hours: Daily, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

No foodie trip through PEC is complete without a stop at The Jam Shack, and choose a jar of Jo Barnes’ famous Jumbleberry Jam. This well-loved item would be a perfect fit for your gift basket. It’s an artisanal jam made with strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, sweet apple cider, cinnamon, pectin and a small amount of sugar. Find the Jam Shack at The Renaissance Farm.
Location: 222 County Rd. 34, Picton | Hours: Email jamshack2022@gmail.com for info.

Pickled & Preserved: Lennox & Addington

In Napanee, Harvest Brinery offerings are crafted with care from local and organic fruits and vegetables whenever possible. These preserves capture the flavour of quality, old-fashioned goodness. Each jar is hand-made to deliver a taste that feels both timeless and wholesome.
Location: 128 John St., Napanee | Call for hours of operation: 613-364-8057.

The Hive & Hearthstone brings together the sweetness of honey from their own hives with the taste of fresh, wood-fired artisan bread baked on site each Saturday. Using local wheat and rye berries milled in-house and sweetened with their own honey, every loaf is a fresh, farm-to-table experience.
Location: 225 S Shore Rd., Napanee | Call for details:  613-583-5854

Ellen’s Café and Pantry in Napanee invites guests to savour handmade, locally inspired dishes in a warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels like home. From thoughtfully curated pantry items to beautifully plated meals, every bite and detail reflects passion and care.

Location: 16 Dundas St. E, Napanee | Hours: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday and Saturday; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; closed Sunday.

Quinte Cravings

Fawn Over Market blends the comforts of a neighbourhood grocer with the creativity of a chef-led food destination, offering seasonal produce, house-made prepared foods, baked goods, coffee and more. It’s a place where everyday essentials meet gourmet delights.

Location: 22186 Loyalist Pky, Carrying Place | Hours: Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Sundays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

Obi’s Kitchen is a curated emporium in downtown Belleville offering a great selection of Canadian-made sauces, jams, dips and more. Many are from small-batch artisans and pair well alongside treats like Doohers donuts on Fridays and Saturdays. It’s a place where ingredient integrity meets retail discovery in a welcoming, flavour-forward space.

Location: 199 Front St. #102, Belleville | Tuesday and Wednesday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday and Friday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Sunday and Monday.

Small Scale Bread Drop in for a freshly baked loaf, a pastry, espresso, and browse the fully stocked shop for delicious and unique provisions, gifts, and housewares.
Location: 14 Front St. N Unit C, Belleville | Hours: Wednesday to Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Rideau Foodie Treasures

Mrs. McGarrigcles Gourmet Food Store began in 1988 with its founder, Janet Campbell, crafting condiments after hours in a hostel basement, and has since grown into a 3,000-sq ft epicurean destination in Merrickville where they manufacture mustard, host cooking classes and stock gourmet groceries. They now distribute their products across Canada, offer tasting events, and continue to champion “old-world” flavour and ingredient integrity at their store and online.

Location: 311 St. Lawrence St., Merrickville | Hours: Daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Pickle & Myrrh is an award-winning sea salt caramel shop in Merrickville where every treat is handmade and every visit feels like stepping into a cozy confectionery dream. Their shelves brim with gourmet pantry items and beautifully curated gift baskets that make perfect tokens of sweetness. You will find the best mouth-watering caramels the village has to offer. 

Location: 110 Main Street East, Merrickville | Hours: Monday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Tuesday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Rosie Yumski’s Fine Foods in Westport offers customers a wide range of teas, coffees, jams and sauces. They have expanded their product offering over the years with the addition of international food flavours from around the world. You’ll find spices, cooking sauces, barbecue sauce, olives and pastas, as well as a wide range of olive oils and balsamic vinegars.

Location: 2 Bedford St., Westport | Hours: Daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Luke’s European Style Market is a family-owned gourmet café in Athens, Ontario, known for its artisan sauces, compotes, chutneys and coffee syrups, all handcrafted with quality and European flair. Their shelves also feature pastries, sandwiches and specialty pantry items made with love and local ingredients.

Location: 29 Main St., Athens | Hours: Tuesday to Friday 6 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturday 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., closed Sunday and Monday

Ridgway Confections in Seeley’s Bay crafts fine, small-batch Belgian chocolates, barks, brittles and bars using fresh ingredients and local sourcing where possible. Their charming showroom opens on weekends and invites visitors to browse, taste and take home beautifully boxed sweets.

Location: 159 Main Street, Seeley’s Bay | Hours: Friday to Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Brockville area’s secret gems

Hall’s Apple Market just outside Brockville is a holiday favourite, where a scratch bakery, cider press, and shelves of preserves, crafts and gourmet treats are paired with a year-round Christmas shop that comes alive for the season. From gift baskets brimming with local flavours to festive décor and edible stocking stuffers, it’s a one-stop destination for holiday cheer.
Location: 2930 Second Concession Rd., Brockville | Hours: Open daily 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Sunday until 5 p.m.)

STUDIO EVEN is the place for a modern and artisan-focused gourmet basket. This downtown gift shop and coffee bar is a perfect stop. The shop features a curated selection of Canadian-made products, including homeware, unique gifts, and specialty gourmet food items like fine olives. You can easily select a stylish gift item (like a candle holder or mug), pair it with a gourmet food item, and grab a fresh coffee while you put together your custom, high-end culinary gift. 
Location: 164 King Street West, Brockville | Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Closed Sunday and Monday).

River West Co. is a lifestyle boutique in downtown Brockville that offers a dedicated selection of gourmet foods, including locally sourced maple syrup and honey, Mitchell's Soup mixes, and specialty condiments perfect for building your own foodie-focused gift basket.
Location: 80 King Street West, Brockville | Hours: Monday to Thursday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Olive Oils & Old Favourites: Kingston & Frontenac

Kingston Olive Oil Company is a local, family-owned specialty shop offering ultra-fresh extra virgin olive oils, infused oils, barrel-aged balsamics and pantry essentials, emphasizing ingredient integrity and global sourcing.

Location: 62 Brock St., Kingston and 185 Main St., Picton | Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday and Monday closed.

Stepping into Cooke’s Fine Foods & Coffee feels like slipping back into a slower era of Victorian décor, worn wood floors that creak with history, and antique fixtures that whisper tales of Kingston's past. Their shelves brim with imported gourmet goods, vintage tins and jars, cheeses, chocolates and deeply aromatic house-roasted coffees, all curated with a reverence for craftsmanship. Drop by Cook’s Essentials right next door.

Location: 61 Brock St., Kingston | Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Cocoa Bistro is an artisan chocolate boutique in Kingston where every confection is crafted to be experienced, from truffles and barks to custom chocolate creations. Their ingredients include premium Belgian couverture, locally sourced cream and butter, and natural infusions with no artificial flavours. They cater to gluten-free, lactose-free and peanut-free diets as well.
Location: 840 Development Drive, Kingston | Hours: Tuesday to Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday.

Lavallée’s Cookery in Inverary blends homestyle comfort with artisan flair, serving up chef-inspired meals, baked goods, and plant-based options that highlight fresh local ingredients. Beyond the kitchen, you’ll also find a selection of locally crafted gifts, like soaps and candles and housewares, making it the perfect stop to pick up something special along with your lunch.
Location: 3810 Perth Road, Inverary | Hours: Open daily 8:15 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Sunday until 4 p.m.)

Culinary delights in Cornwall

Happy Popcorn Co. in downtown Cornwall is a whimsical stop for anyone with a sweet tooth, offering dozens of gourmet popcorn flavours alongside retro candies, chocolates and novelty snacks. With fun packaging and flavour combos that make perfect gifts or stocking stuffers, it’s a shop designed to bring a smile and a little crunch to every visit.
Location: 150A Pitt Street, Cornwall, ON | Hours: Monday to Wednesday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Riley’s Bakery in Cornwall is a classic corner bakery known for warm sandwiches, freshly baked desserts, cookies and their beloved meat pies. It’s a true staple for locals craving comforting, handcrafted treats. With a small but welcoming space and daily offerings, it’s the kind of spot where visitors can pop in for a bite and bring home something sweet.
Location: 248 Pitt St., Cornwall | Hours: Open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Closes at 2:30 p.m. on Monday and 1 p.m. on Saturday. Closed Sunday.

Flavour East in SDG

Nickel & Ore in Cornwall is a 6,000 sq. ft. lifestyle destination that blends home décor, apparel, bath and body, and gourmet food finds under one roof. With curated gift baskets and foodie treats, it’s a go-to spot for unique holiday shopping. Of note, Nickel and Ore offers an oil and vinegar bar with infused olive oils and balsamic vinegars in flavours from citrus to dark chocolate. The selection is designed for tasting and pairing, showing how a drizzle can transform salads, pastas or desserts.
Location: 1140 Brookdale Ave, Cornwall, ON | Hours: Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Zaytoona Market in Cornwall offers a wide selection of Middle Eastern groceries, sweets, spices and imported treats, making it a go-to spot for authentic flavours. It’s a welcoming shop for both everyday essentials and unique foodie finds.
Location: 25 Second Street East, Cornwall, ON | Call 438-220-3874 for details.

Ingleside Bakery and Gourmet Foods mixes fresh breads and pastries with gift ideas for everyone on your shopping list, even you! Custom cakes and desserts are plentiful, as are pastries and pies. How about a decadent Boston cream cake or a campfire cupcake?
Location: 5-14 Dickinson Dr., Ingleside: Hours: Monday to Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Thursday to Saturday until 7 p.m. Sunday, until 6 p.m.

Marlin Orchards is a favourite stop for fresh, local flavours and seasonal gift ideas. Beyond the rows of apples, pears and plums, you’ll find shelves stocked with fresh-pressed cider, apple-cider donuts, homemade preserves and gourmet treats that make perfect gifts or additions to a holiday basket.
Location: 6864 Orchard Road, South Glengarry, ON | Hours: Daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Glengarry Fine Cheese in Lancaster is a must-visit for cheese lovers, producing award-winning European-style artisan cheeses from a nearby Brown Swiss herd. Their shop features everything from creamy bloomy rinds to aged cheddars, alongside local gourmet extras like honey, maple syrup and preserves, all ideal for gift baskets or a festive cheese board.
Location: 5926 County Road 34, Lancaster, ON | Hours: Monday to Friday 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday closed

Butte & Bine Farm Café is a welcoming rural spot where everything is made in-house, from flaky croissants to rustic sourdough and other baked favourites. Their shelves are lined with small-batch granola, maple syrup, preserves, and locally crafted goods that highlight the best of Eastern Ontario’s harvest. It’s a warm and inviting place to taste, shop, and connect with the region’s rich food culture, and a great spot to stop for lunch while you’re there.

Location: Near Cornwall (7 minutes from Hwy 401; 15 minutes from downtown Cornwall). Visit their website for café hours and details.

Epicerie Henderson’s Grocery in Lancaster is a gourmet grocer with a hometown feel, offering fresh-baked goods, a full butcher counter, and specialty local products. With artisan cheeses, prepared meals, and pantry favourites, it’s an ideal stop for foodies looking to stock up or pick up gifts with local flavour.
Location: 187 Military Road South, Lancaster, ON | Hours: Monday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Cheese Royalty: Prescott & Russell

St. Albert’s Cheese (Fromagerie St-Albert) is a food-lover’s must-visit, blending a cheese shop, visitor centre and boutique all into one. Their store carries award-winning cheddars and curds, along with curated local gourmet items and gift baskets, while guests can stroll the observation gallery to peek into their cheese-making process.
Location: 150 St. Paul Street, St. Albert, ON | Hours: Open daily 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Final Bite

By the time you’ve ticked off even a handful of these stops, your car will be filled with jars, cheeses, oils, and sweet treats. This season, skip the malls and gift cards as South Eastern Ontario’s culinary treasures make shopping an experience in itself, and the best part is you can taste-test along the way.