2025 SUMMER YARN ADVENTURE

Welcome to new and returning Fibre Friends and Yarn Enthusiasts,

Let's dive into another fun event in Ontario's cottage country with a self-guided SUMMER YARN ADVENTURE. It is as simple as starting the car, inviting your fibre friends, and picking up a postcard map at the first stop along the way to plan your personalized route. 

Our 2025 SUMMER YARN ADVENTURE begins on June 14th and ends on September 22nd, with 100 days of road trip possibilities. We have compiled a list of NINE fabulous yarn and fibre destinations to visit along the way!! This is a self-guided tour of cottage country with an opportunity to explore charming small towns, and discover hidden gems.  

BONUS: This year's SUMMER YARN ADVENTURE will include SEVEN chances to win! Each of our SEVEN featured shops will be hosting individual prize draws. To enter, just show us your 2025 postcard this summer at each shop and fill in a ballot for a chance to win! (A limit of two ballots per shop visits allowed per person). 

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1. Happenstance Books & Yarns is situated on Queen Street in an enchanting heritage building located downtown in the village of Lakefield. Look for free street parking or municipal lot across the street.  There are two steps at the store front to navigate with helpful hand grips for accessibility. An unique stop on your Summer Yarn Adventure, this shop doubles your browsing pleasure with a curated collection of books and an extensive yarn collection. Queen Street offers an eclectic mix of shops and galleries with these lunch suggestions - The Nutty Bean Cafe (outdoor dining verandah), Cassis French Bistro, or The Loon. After lunch, visit the Christ Church Community Museum featuring a wealth of local history or take a stroll along the Otonabee River interpretive sign trail.

2. Needles In The Hay has been a downtown fixture in Peterborough's historical Commerce building with a passion for heirloom quality ethically-produced natural fibres to entice knitters and crocheters alike. Some of NITH's outstanding flagship brands are De Rerum Natura, The Fibre Co., mYak, and Sandnes Garn, all happily nesting in a twelve foot wall of wool. Parking is free on Saturdays, and during the week there is plenty of metered parking available on the street and in adjacent municipal lots. Set the mood for yarn shopping with a scrumptious hand-made croissant from Kit Coffee, and St. Veronus for lunch and dinner. To the right of NITH, Watson & Lou has a wide selection of handmade goods by local makers. And to the left, you’ll find Sweet Fern Floral Studio, a plant lover's paradise!  Don't miss these local hidden gems - Peterborough Lift Lock, an engineering marvel and largest hydraulic boat lift in the world; and the newly renovated Canadian Canoe Museum.

3. Curious Fenelon established in 2014, is in the charming village of Fenelon Falls with a picturesque view of the Trent Severn Waterway just steps away at Lock 34. Easily accessible by boat or car, this shop is a cornucopia of creativity, focusing on local handmade art, crafts, decor, needle felting supplies and an array of yarns to tempt your hooks and needles. Murphy's Lockside Pub and Patio also at Lock 34 offers casual dining with a view. Fenelon Fish & Grill is an old-fashioned style fish grill nearby specializing in lightly-battered halibut and haddock. Ask for directions to a hidden gem, Eponymous Falls.  

4. Twist Yarn is centrally located in downtown Midland just two blocks away from the gorgeous sparkling waters of Georgian Bay. An easily accessible shop with on street parking and an exceptional selection of popular yarn brands including - Sandnes Garn, Drops, Knitting For Olive and Scheepjes. Wander down the street for harbour view dining at Boathouse Eatery, or enjoy a delicious mile high sandwich at Dino's Fresh Food Deli. A stroll through the downtown core will lead you to discover one of Ontario's largest outdoor art galleries with more than thirty murals and sculptures including the largest historic outdoor mural located at Midland Harbour. 

 

5. Wild Roots & Twisted Fibers is a step back in time to a fully sustainable farm setting, offering a memorable outing for visitors who wish to experience the  homegrown traditions of makers. Alpacas, sheep, goats, bees, and chickens are all part of the adventure! Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy shady sitting areas on the property and follow the trail to the cabin where the alpacas are easily within view and eager to engage with eye to eye contact. Visit the farm shop where summer workshops are frequently held and farm-to-skein yarns are naturally dyed and always in stock.

Note: Dogs are on site and very friendly.     

Call first (705) 528-4868 for visiting hours.

6. Muskoka Yarn Connection celebrates 32 years this summer! Located in an old automotive factory in Bracebridge, don't let the outside looks fool you, once inside, this bright and airy shop offers an oasis of natural and blended fibres, complimented with original-designed sweater and accessory project kits. This shop is also home to the locally-dyed Muskoka Yarn Goddess brand. Free parking is right at the storefront and this shop is fully accessible. In the same complex, you'll discover the NEW location of Simply Cottage for browsing home decor trends, and right next door, Sasha Designs features Made in Muskoka casual clothing and giftware. After a day of shopping, enjoy a relaxing lunch at one of our local outdoor patio restaurants and cool off at the Bracebridge Falls.   

7. Wave Fibre Mill in Seguin, is a full-scale fibre production facility, workshop space and adjacent wool shop with locally-made products, all housed in an airplane hangar.  The vintage mill equipment is rich in history and constantly in motion, custom processing fibre from Canadian farmers using only sustainable and ethical milling practices. Mill tours are available by appointment. Don't miss a chance to check out the neighboring Milford Bay Smokehaus and hungry visitors are welcome at Wings Cafe where a window seat provides the perfect view of planes taking off.   

For info on these TWO exciting fibre festivals in cottage country please click on links below-

KAWARTHA YARN & FIBRE FESTIVAL Saturday June 14th from 10 am to 4 pm.

MUSKOKA YARN & FIBREFEST Saturday June 21st from 10 am to 4 pm. 

Happy Adventures in COTTAGE COUNTRY!