The best pie pit stops in cottage country

You know what David Mamet once pronounced, don’t you? “We must have pie. Stress cannot exist in the presence of a pie.” To this day, these words still ring true. Whether you are celebrating an upcoming holiday, joining the fall festivities, or simply want to indulge in a craving, there’s enough of this flakey treat for everyone to have a slice (or two!).

So, what are you waiting for? Visit the best pie pit stops in cottage country (according to you).

Cardiff Country Store, Cardiff, Ont.

Located just west of Bancroft, this Mom-and-Pop shop is known for its friendly service, good food, and convenience. But that’s not all. The Cardiff Country Store also offers freshly baked apple, blueberry, cherry, and rhubarb pie. Don’t spot your favourite on the shelf? No problem! Place a custom order right up at the counter.

The store is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Saturday and close at 6 p.m. on Sundays. While there, consider stocking up on local corn on the cob and fresh peaches.

Loughlin’s Country Store, Hallville, Ont.

Loughlin’s bakes fresh goods using traditional recipes, just like Grandma. Their nine-inch fruit pies go for $18 and come in a variety of fresh flavours, including apple, raspberry, blueberry, cherry, and raisin. They also offer a variety of cream and specialty pies for an extra two bucks. Try pumpkin, pecan, lemon meringue, banana, butterscotch, and chocolate this holiday season—just make sure to order online 24 hours in advance.

The bakery is closed on Mondays and is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. every other day, except Sundays, open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fun fact: They even won first place in the Ottawa area butter tart competition.

Swiss Bear Cafe Bistro & Express, Apsley, Ont.

You’ll discover this hidden gem, the Swiss Bear Cafe Bistro & Express, tucked away in the Kawarthas. Run by a professionally trained chef and his family, this restaurant makes all its food on-site, offering house specialty schnitzel, frozen meals, and pies. Or, grab a box of six fruit, butter pecan, or raisin tarts.

The Swiss Bear is open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Get there promptly to beat the lineups.

Loretta’s, Seguin, Ont.

Head to Loretta’s for exquisite raspberry pie, made from scratch with only the finest ingredients. Not a fan of raspberry? Order another one (or many!) of their homemade pies, including blueberry, apple, strawberry rhubarb, pumpkin, and more (from $22 to $27). Allow 24 hours to prepare your order—they have a convenient online system where you can select a pickup date and time. (They also have butter tarts available.)

Loretta’s opens at 9 a.m. from Thursday to Saturday, closing at 4 p.m., except on Fridays when they close at 6 p.m. Pickup is at 1297 Lake Joseph Rd.

The Little Pie Shack, Fenelon Falls, Ont.

Don’t let the name deceive you—the Little Pie Shack serves a mouth-watering variety of goodies, including pastries, cookies, squares, tarts, and cheesecakes, alongside their famous pies: lemon meringue, apple, and coconut cream. They also serve breakfast, lunch, dinner, and frozen takeaway meals.

Call (705) 928-5341 to order your pies and stop by seven days a week, year-round.

Henrietta’s Pine Bakery, Dwight or Huntsville, Ont.

Traditional-style European baking meets sprinkles of modern twists at Henrietta’s Pine Bakery. Their selection includes all the classic pies, including apple, apple caramel, blueberry, cherry, raspberry, peach, and strawberry rhubarb. Or, get your hands on something different, such as bumbleberry or Saskatoon berry rhubarb.

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It’s best to give a 48-hour heads-up for pre-orders. And don’t forget to specify a location when you place an order. The Dwight location is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Huntsville hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Can’t get enough of their treats? Check out their savoury menu and catering services.

The United Church, Coldwater, Ont.

Coldwater United Church, located at 14 Harriet Street, is a local favourite. Contact the church office at ceupc@amtelecom.net or (705) 686-7787 to check out what they offer this season and place a pickup order. Better be quick because these pies sell out fast!

Murphy’s Farm Market and Bakery, Alliston, Ont.

Muskoka bound? Make a quick pit stop at this fifth-generation family farm. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Murphy’s Farm Market and Bakery has only the finest award-winning products, including apple, wild blueberry, raspberry, and buttercrunch pies. (They also offer coconut cream on weekends.) While there, do some grocery shopping and pick up fresh asparagus, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, sweet corn, pumpkins, and potatoes. The store carries various local products, but the pies are made in house.

Contact the Market at (705) 435-2141 or info@murphysfarmmarket.com to place an order.

Don’s Bakery, Bala, Ont.

Did someone call for pie? Well, Don’s Bakery has been answering the call for 70 years. Established in 1947, this Bala bakery is loved by the community and is conveniently located near the Bala portage landing and downtown Barrie. Don’s offers various pies and tarts, including apple crumble, lemon meringue, and Muskoka berry crumble pie. You can order online and choose a pickup date.

Fall hours are Friday to Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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