Tag Archives: reid’s dairy

Things to do in Belleville: Shop at Taste of Country

Posted on by
1

In a way, I feel like I should have retooled this posting series as “things to eat” in Belleville as opposed to “things to do,” with the high volume of food-centric posts. But like I’ve mentioned before, it’s going to be a while before I get to the boring historical things (Frink Centre, Glanmore house), and finish with my series of food-based landmarks. Will I ever get to after-my-time Organic Underground? Not likely.

At least the food things to do I’ve selected really centre around a type of experience, especially with places like Reid’s Dairy and the Nova Deli. “Taste of Country” is no exception.

While at first glance, “Taste of Country” appears to be like those really boring looking “country” type stores that sell cutesy country art, with wood cutouts of cows with folksy sayings written on them. There is a very large element of that to this store, but don’t let it drive you away: Taste of Country is like the IKEA of those kinds of stores. It’s a huge barn filled with all that crap. If you look carefully enough, you’ll see some really crazy stuff (think presents for mom!) and even a raft of John Deere merchandise.

But beyond the country crafts, there’s also a massive frozen food section, filled with lots of frozen dinner items, mostly deep fried. Lots of frozen fried chicken, french fries, fried pizza rolls, fried pizza roll fries, and giant slabs of frozen soup.

Then there’s the pastries/breads that are all made on site… if you go at right time, you’ll have one of the best apple fritters you’ll have in your life, even if it just appears to be a ball of dough (but trust me, back in the day, they were donut shaped). You can even pick up some treats like chocolate covered gummy bears on the way out!

To sum up Taste of Country, is that it’s essentially a boutique grocery store — with no fruit or vegetables. That, and one of the most dangerous intersections in Hastings county.

For directions, check out the official “Taste of Country” website here.

Previously:

Things to do in Belleville: Go to Reid’s Dairy

Posted on by
3

reid3So if you find yourself in Belleville, Ontario, and asking yourself, “What do I do with myself today?,” consider this one of many pleasurable activities to consider.

Reid’s Dairy, which is located just south of the 401 on Sidney street (easily accessible for a quick pit stop if you’re passing by), is over 100 years old and remains independent to this day. I remember when it never had the tower and fake waving woman inside (the princess is long gone now… I believe it had something to do with Dairy Queen), and when Reid’s had a massive petting zoo, with lots of goats and other livestock.

reid2Now the zoo is replaced by a mini-mall square, complete with Quiznos, New Vision Christian book store and a flower shop, and Reid’s most mind boggling drive thru you have ever seen in your life. Imagine a disjointed figure eight with traffic islands and you get the idea.

I suggest getting the Loonie or Toonie milkshake, but you can get whatever you like… the ice cream is fresh and very sweet. And as a bonus, on the side of the cup you get this disturbing cow staring out at you while you enjoy her sweet, sweet nectar.

But if it’s your first visit to the dairy, head inside and check out the view of the factory through the glass windows (unless you are in there at the crack of dawn, you’ll never see any action). Then, as you browse their various cheeses, hit the big red button on the wall and be horrified as the creepiest animatronic stage show featuring bumpkin bluegrass players commence.

If you look carefully enough, you can probably also spot the choo-choo train running around the perimeter of the store, and the giant cow’s head which you can also activate with a big red button.

Does this all sound bizarre? It is. One of the two must-visit places you must hit when you stop by what the locals lovingly call, “Bellvegas.”

reid1