Featured in EloraFergusToday: A Thank You to Our Community

Monsters and Cheese? Say less. Between Monster Month taking over Elora, cozy weekends at local farms, and one seriously good cheese festival, there's a lot going on this October in Centre Wellington. Here's my guide to the best things to do in Elora and Fergus this October. Monster Month in Elora All month long, Elora transforms into what's genuinely one of Ontario's best Halloween destinations. At the heart of it is Tim Murton's Twilight Zoo, over 100 illuminated wire sculpture monsters that hang from businesses and buildings all over the village, majestic by day and eerie lanterns by night. It's worth just wandering the streets on any evening in October to take them all in. The centerpiece event is the Monster March on Saturday, October 17 , a free, non-motorized parade that takes over downtown Elora. Marchers meet at MacDonald Square at 6 pm, with the parade officially kicking off at 6:30, winding its way to Bissell Park. Costumes are half the fun here, whether you're marching or just watching from the sidewalk, and donations collected along the route go to the Centre Wellington Food Bank. Elora Fergus Studio Tour If you love supporting local artists, the Elora Fergus Studio Tour runs its second weekend October 3 and 4, from 10 am to 5 pm. It's a free, self-guided tour where local artists open their working studios to the public, so you can see exactly where and how the art gets made, not just the finished pieces. It's one of my favourite ways to spend a fall weekend, and a great excuse to pick up something one-of-a-kind for your home. Pumpkin Patch Nearby For classic fall farm fun, Strom's Farm and Bakery in Guelph is a longtime local favourite. They've got over 6 km of corn maze trails, wagon rides, and thousands of pumpkins to choose from at their market, open Wednesday to Sunday right through Halloween. It's the kind of place you can make a whole afternoon of, corn maze, pumpkin picking, and a stop at the bakery before you head home. Fergus House of Horrors If you're after something a little more thrilling, the Fergus House of Horrors returns for select weekends throughout October. It's a real, century-old farmhouse just outside Fergus, transformed into a fully immersive haunted house experience, definitely not for the faint of heart. Tickets are timed and sell out, so it's worth booking ahead if you're planning a scare-filled night out. Ontario Cheese Festival Also landing on October 17 this year, the Ontario Cheese Festival brings 75+ artisan cheesemakers and local producers to the Grand River Raceway in Elora, from 10 am to 5 pm. It's fully indoors, so rain or shine, you can sample your way through some of the best cheese, pairings, and craft drinks Ontario has to offer. With the timing lining up, you could easily spend the day at the Cheese Festival and stick around for the Monster March that evening, a pretty perfect October day if you ask me. Whatever your idea of a great October looks like, whether that's monsters, mazes, or a really good piece of cheese, there's plenty to fill your weekends this month. ------------------------ Holly Fischer is an experienced Realtor® with Coldwell Banker Neumann Real Estate, serving Elora, Fergus, Guelph and surrounding communities. With an office in downtown Elora, Holly helps buyers and sellers navigate residential real estate with local market knowledge. She specializes in helping buyers relocate to Elora and Centre Wellington, marketing luxury and distinctive homes, and representing buyers and sellers of rural and country properties. Get in touch at holly@homewithholls.com, connect via Instagram @homewithholls or call 519-821-3600

If there's one thing I never compromise on, it's a good cup of coffee. Lucky for me, Elora and Fergus have no shortage of cute spots to grab one. Whether you're after a quiet corner to work or a quick grab-and-go before a busy day, you’ve got options. Here is a round up of local coffee shops. Lost & Found Café A true local favourite in Elora, Lost & Found is known for its welcoming vibe, fun seasonal menus and fresh baked treats. The decor is eclectic and vintage and they tend to always have gluten-free snack options on hand, which I appreciate every time I stop in. The Vault Espresso Bar Over in Fergus, The Vault is a longtime go-to for a great coffee and a breakfast bagel (they've even got a gluten-free option). It's the kind of neighbourhood spot where you can tell the owners actually care about the coffee they're serving, and it's become a staple for a lot of us who live here. The Lodge Café The newest addition to the list, The Lodge is set inside a cozy wood log cabin right on Metcalfe Street in Elora, opened by the same team behind The Vault. What makes it stand out is the matcha menu, they're Elora's first dedicated matcha bar, alongside baked goods and grab-and-go sandwiches and salads. Bluebird Bistro Tucked into a historic 1850s building on Metcalfe Street, Bluebird Bistro is a family-owned spot offering fresh, affordable coffee and food on the go. Pair a premium espresso or cappuccino with one of their sandwiches or salads, all made with sauces and dressings prepared fresh on site. Grab a seat on their iconic front bench if you can, it's one of the best little people-watching spots in Elora. Wild and Free Café A newer favourite of mine, Wild and Free Café on Geddes Street is an adorable pit stop with a genuinely good cup of coffee, and they donate a portion of every coffee sale to a good cause, so it's a purchase you can feel good about. The BLT is a must, and their corn and bean salsa is one of those little menu items I keep going back for. So, who wins? Honestly, every single one of these is genuinely delicious, there's no bad choice here. But if I'm being fair, Elora edges ahead simply on numbers, with a few more options to choose from than Fergus has right now. However you take your coffee, there's a spot in Elora or Fergus that'll make it feel like a little ritual. Next time you're in town, I'd start here. --------------------------- Holly Fischer is an experienced Realtor® with Coldwell Banker Neumann Real Estate, serving Elora, Fergus, Guelph and surrounding communities. With an office in downtown Elora, Holly helps buyers and sellers navigate residential real estate with local market knowledge. She specializes in helping buyers relocate to Elora and Centre Wellington, marketing luxury and distinctive homes, and representing buyers and sellers of rural and country properties. Get in touch at holly@homewithholls.com, connect via Instagram @homewithholls or call 519-821-3600

Centre Wellington New Resident Reception If you've recently moved to Fergus, Elora, Salem, or Belwood, or you're planning a move here soon, I've got an event you'll want on your calendar. The Township of Centre Wellington is hosting a New Resident Reception , and it's a genuinely great way to feel settled in a little faster. What to Expect This event is designed for anyone who's moved to Centre Wellington within the past few years, or who's planning a move here soon. It's a relaxed opportunity to learn more about the community, connect with local organizations and services, and discover some of the resources available to residents, from recreation programs, parks, trails, and community events, to local businesses, volunteer opportunities, and municipal services. You'll also get the chance to speak directly with Township representatives and meet other new residents who are settling in right alongside you. Moving somewhere new always comes with a bit of a learning curve, figuring out where things are, who to talk to, what's actually available to you. This event is a shortcut through a lot of that, all in one evening. Event Details New Resident Reception October 6, 6:00–8:00 p.m. CW Community Sportsplex, 550 Belsyde Avenue , Fergus For more information, visit centrewellington.ca/communityconnect ------------------------ Holly Fischer is an experienced Realtor® with Coldwell Banker Neumann Real Estate, serving Elora, Fergus, Guelph and surrounding communities. With an office in downtown Elora, Holly helps buyers and sellers navigate residential real estate with local market knowledge. She specializes in helping buyers relocate to Elora and Centre Wellington, marketing luxury and distinctive homes, and representing buyers and sellers of rural and country properties. Get in touch at holly@homewithholls.com, connect via Instagram @homewithholls or call 519-821-3600

September is such a fun one around here. The heat of summer starts to ease off, the market stalls fill up with the best of the harvest, and Elora and Fergus have a fun schedule of events to make the most of it. Here's what I'm looking forward to this month. The Elora Farmers' Market Every Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm, Bissell Park fills up with local farmers, bakers, and artisans right along the Grand River. It's one of my favourite ways to spend a Saturday morning, grab a coffee, pick up something fresh for dinner, and just enjoy being outside. The market runs until Oct 10th 2026 so there's no rush, but the September stalls are hard to beat. Keep in mind, Bissell Park is a part of the Grand Trail System: Elora Bissell Loop. An 1.8km trail walk with a beautiful boardwalk along the river. The trail is both cyclist and pedestrian friendly. This 20 minute leisurely walk is a perfect addition to a beautiful fall day in town. Apple Picking at Shuh Orchards Starting September 5, Shuh Orchards in nearby Elmira opens for pick-your-own apples straight from the tree, and it's become one of my favourite ways to kick off fall. Beyond the apple picking, there's a tractor-drawn wagon tour of the orchard and farm animals to visit, so it's an easy, fun outing whether you're bringing the kids or just want a classic fall afternoon. It's about a 30-minute drive from Elora and Fergus, worth the trip for fresh Honeycrisp alone. CW Family FunDay On Sunday, September 6, Bissell Park Pavilion hosts CW Family FunDay starting at 11 am. Hosted by the Centre Wellington Black Committee, it's a free, family-friendly celebration with live music, kids' activities, food vendors, and a real sense of community. It's the kind of event that reminds you what a special place this is to raise a family. Fergus Fall Fair Running September 18 to 20 at the Fergus Fairgrounds, the Fergus Fall Fair is one of the oldest agricultural fairs in Ontario, and it's a must if you haven't been. Between the truck and tractor pulls, the livestock and giant vegetable competitions, the midway, and the live entertainment, it's a full weekend of small-town charm. If you've got kids, this one is an easy favourite. Enchanta Forest For something completely different, Enchanta Forest returns September 25 and 26 to the forested area behind the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex in Fergus. It's an after-dark fantasy festival with glowing art installations, live music, theatrical performances, and whimsical vendors, genuinely unlike anything else around here. Costumes are welcome but not required, and it's family-friendly, so it's a fun one to make an evening of with the kids or as a date night. Fall Rural Romp Wrapping up the month, the Fall Rural Romp takes place September 26 across Centre Wellington, Erin, Guelph/Eramosa, Puslinch, and Guelph. It's a self-guided tour of local farms, markets, and food and beverage businesses, a great way to stock up on fall produce, meet the people growing your food, and spend the day exploring a little further outside town. There's truly something for everyone this September, whether you're after live music, fresh produce, or a night that feels a little bit magical. However you spend it, I hope you get outside and enjoy this pocket of the year while it lasts. ------------------------ Holly Fischer is an experienced Realtor® with Coldwell Banker Neumann Real Estate, serving Elora, Fergus, Guelph and surrounding communities. With an office in downtown Elora, Holly helps buyers and sellers navigate residential real estate with local market knowledge. She specializes in helping buyers relocate to Elora and Centre Wellington, marketing luxury and distinctive homes, and representing buyers and sellers of rural and country properties. Get in touch at holly@homewithholls.com, connect via Instagram @homewithholls or call 519-821-3600

I have the best news to share, and it's all because of you. EloraFergusToday.com just announced the winners of the 2026 Reader Favourites Awards , and I'm beyond honoured to share that Holly Fischer Real Estate was voted the community's favourite real estate agent in Elora and Fergus. 🏆 And it doesn't stop there, my brokerage, Coldwell Banker Neumann Real Estate , was also voted the top real estate brokerage in the area. Why This Means So Much Being named a top realtor in Elora isn't an award I could have won on my own, it's a direct reflection of the trust you've placed in me, the referrals you've sent my way, and the support you've shown my business over the years. Every single vote came from someone in this community, and that means more than recognition ever could. About the Reader Favourites Program Each year, EloraFergusToday's Reader Favourites program recognizes the best local businesses across Elora and Fergus in nearly 100 categories, all decided by public vote. There's no panel, no judges, just the community voting for the realtors and businesses they trust most. Being chosen as the best real estate agent in Elora and Fergus, alongside Coldwell Banker Neumann being voted the top real estate brokerage, is a win that belongs to all of you just as much as it does to me. Thank You From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Thank you for trusting in me, for choosing me as your realtor in the Elora and Fergus area, and for continuing to cheer me on. I couldn't do this without you. 💛 If you're searching for the best realtor in Elora or Fergus, or you're comparing realtors in Elora ahead of buying or selling a home, I'd be so grateful for the chance to help. I was also recently featured in EloraFergusToday following my win in the 2026 Reader Favourites Awards. Read the full article to learn more about my approach to real estate and what makes Elora such a special place to call home. ----- Holly Fischer is an experienced Realtor® with Coldwell Banker Neumann Real Estate, serving Elora, Fergus, Guelph and surrounding communities. With an office in downtown Elora, Holly helps buyers and sellers navigate residential real estate with local market knowledge. She specializes in helping buyers relocate to Elora and Centre Wellington, marketing luxury and distinctive homes, and representing buyers and sellers of rural and country properties. Get in touch at holly@homewithholls.com, connect via Instagram @homewithholls or call 519-821-3600

Thrifting has always been one of my favourite ways to shop. For me, it’s not about finding more things. It’s about being intentional. Buying what you actually need, choosing quality over quantity. Thrifting feels like a simple way to shop more responsibly while still enjoying the process. Luck just so has it that Centre Wellington has a few really great spots to practice your thrifting game. Start With Coffee (Then Take Your Time) Before heading out, grab a coffee and breakfast bagel (gluten-free option available) from Lost & Found Café in Elora or The Vault Espresso Bar in Fergus for fuel. Hangry and thrifting aren’t a great match. From there, you can thrift all day at a slow pace and make a day of it. Favourite Thrift Stops in Elora & Fergus One of my favourite stops in Centre Wellington is the Fergus Mission Thrift Store . It’s clean, well organized, and consistently full of quality finds from clothing to home goods. Some of my favourite store sections are: Books! (I’m always looking for beautiful decorative coffee table books), Dishwares (my eyes are peeled for good cast iron, pyrex and beautiful glass pieces) Next up, located right in downtown Fergus on St. Andrew Street, you’ll find a funky consignment store called Echoes Vintage they specialize in 90s and Y2K vintage, are locally owned and put their hearts into sourcing! From collectables and accessories to cute clothing, it’s worth a look. New To You Fergus is a volunteer-run shop in support of Groves Memorial Community Hospital. It’s a true community staple and has raised over $4 million for the hospital while offering gently loved clothing and household items. Over in Elora, Blackbird offers a thoughtfully curated selection of women’s clothing and accessories. It’s a great stop if you’ve got time to spend in the fitting room trying out new styles and fresh looks. Goldie’s is a newer addition to town and has quickly become a favourite. You’ll find a mix of clothing and vintage housewares, and if the weather is warm, you can also treat yourself to a scoop of ice cream while you browse. If you feel like venturing out of town, there are a few noteworthy spots in Guelph that I tend to frequent - The Patch and Wild Rose Consignment . Both offer a wide selection of clothing and accessories while staying pretty current with style trends! Why Thrifting Feels Better There’s so much fast fashion in the world, and thrifting feels like a quiet response to that. Buying secondhand helps reduce waste, keeps items out of landfills, and lowers demand for mass production. More importantly, it encourages you to be more frugal, slow down and buy only what you need. Thrifting isn’t about having more. It’s about choosing better. And around here, it’s an easy habit to love.

Elora is one of those places that makes spending time together feel easy. With its walkable village, thoughtfully curated shops, great food, and beautiful surroundings, date night in Elora works just as well for a spontaneous date day as it does for a planned overnight getaway. With Valentines, Mother's Day and the excitement of Spring approaching, it's the perfect time to start planning yourself a little treat. Come for the afternoon or stay a little longer at one of Elora's charming boutique hotel stays - here you'll find all of my tried and true favourites for a lovely visit to our little town. Whether you’re visiting for the afternoon or staying a little longer, Elora offers plenty of ways to enjoy quality time together without feeling rushed. Coffee & Breakfast in Elora Cute coffee shops are always a hit right? Let's start your experience on the right foot with Lost & Found Café - it is a local favourite! Known for its welcoming vibe, excellent coffee and fresh baked treats, it’s a spot that encourages you to slow down and enjoy before heading out to explore the village. If you spot a cinnamon bun at Lost & Found, I highly recommend snagging it! Another great cafe option is the brand new Wild and Free Cafe over at 58 Geddes St. - not only is Wild and Free Cafe an adorable pit stop, they also donate a portion of all coffee sales to an amazing cause - a purchase you can feel good about!. If a full breakfast menu is your preference, I would suggest trying The Wild Tart or Box Social for a hidden gem experience (Box Social is always busy because the food is quick and delicious - especially the Club Sandwich and Caesar Salad!!) If you get really lucky during your visit you may be able to snag a fresh baked loaf of sourdough or some cookies at Elora Bread Trading Co . before they sell out! Exploring "The Mews" Right in the downtown core at 45 West Mill Street, The Mews is one of Elora’s most charming areas to wander. Often seasonally decorated, the central seating area allows you to peruse and enjoy a sit down between shoppes. One of the standout shops here is Seasons Home & Gift, offering beautiful home goods along with a thoughtful selection of toys and gifts for kids. It’s the kind of shop where you can browse without an agenda, always find something unexpected and the owner is an absolute sweetheart. Another gem in this area is Aria Boutique for trendy clothing and accessories. And just a few steps away you'll find the newest hotspot... Tony's Sourdough Pizza (and yes, it's worth the hype!)

As much as I hate to admit it, the holidays are coming. The leaves have mostly fallen, the air is crisp, and the sun sets earlier each day. While I miss the long summer days, there is something comforting about this season. It is the perfect time to slow down, reflect on the year, and spend quality time with the people we love. This holiday season, my to-do list is long, but one priority always stands out: shopping locally. Supporting local businesses helps our community thrive and makes holiday gifts feel extra meaningful. Elora and Fergus truly embrace the holiday spirit, making it easy to find festive experiences for all ages.

Sweet Treats for Thanksgiving in Guelph, Elora & Fergus