Top 10 Things You'll Experience in Elmira

So this weekend I had the privilege of getting to the Elmira Maple Syrup Festival.
As soon as I arrived, I was greeted by a sea of people and the nostalgic scent of pancakes and sausage and other good things. It was quite cold, however the endless sunshine made up for the lack in temperature. Here I met up with a few friends and we checked out the booths, ate soft pretzels and got free coffees from the Mcdonald's truck (well played, McDonalds), We also checked out the antique show and I scored a really neat 1950s classroom map for only $10. 

If you've never been, Elmira is a small town located around Kitchener/Waterloo area (an hour or so from Toronto) and is famous for it's Mennonites and maple syrup. It's my hometown (and really does have fantastic maple syrup) so it's always a treat to get over to the festival 

for some good food and small town charms. 

Like any small town though, there are certain things you are bound to hear and experience every day as a local. I know there's a good bunch of you from Elmira reading this (as well as some friends that are interested in the town I grew up in) - so this post is for you! 

Top 10 Things You'll Experience in Elmira

1) The joys of Sip 'N' Bite

This is to Elmira what Denny's is to city dwellers. It's a place to get together for an affordable meal downtown where all the action is (meaning buggy races and people walking their dogs). I personally love their breakfast! Another great restaurant is Crossroads just on the outskirts of town (amazing Mennonite home cooked meals in buffet style). Just try to make a reservation - it's usually quite busy!

2) Swerving your car to avoid driving into horse poop.

In Elmira, you share the road with the buggies. Horse manure is unavoidable.

 It also smells fantastic on hot summer days. 

3) Having an out-of-towner ask which Tim Horton's to meet at. 

Elmira only has one Tim Hortons.

4) Everyone's last name is either Bauman, Martin, Clemmer or Brubacher. 

And if it isn't, it will be. Unless you marry an out-of-towner. 

5) You'll know when it's noon on Saturday because every Saturday at noon the town fire alarm will go off and let you know that it's noon. 

Very practical for schedule keeping. I always knew when I was supposed to be eating lunch. Not because I was hungry, but because the town alarm would tell me it was lunchtime.

6) Traditional Elmira foods -  you can only get it in Elmira and the locals love it.

This includes more than homemade maple syrup, farm eggs and apple cider. Only in Elmira can you get the best Mennonite summer sausage. It's expensive, full of fat, and delicious. Here I'd also mention farmers sausage, apple butter and edible buggy whips (really long pepperoni stick type food). All available at the local Kitchen Kuttings. 

7) The Saturday before Easter weekend is when the town experiences it's busiest and most talked about day of the year. The Elmira Maple Syrup Festival. 

And every year, the people of Elmira hope to themselves that this year the weather will be good.

 It usually isn't...but that doesn't stop the locals and tourists from having their fun.

8) Almost everything you'll need is conveniently located on one street.

Elmira's downtown includes one long street which everything conveniently branches off of - Arthur street. Here you'll find dentists, doctors, grocery stores, churches, gas stations and a bunch of other necessities and small shops. It makes it very easy to get around town!

9) You will have most likely attended Conestoga Bible Camp as a child and loved it

 (even if you weren't particularly religious). 

I have many fond memories of this place. The silly camp songs, taking the yellow bus with my school friends, peach juice from the Tuck shop and ridiculous counselor names and crushes

 just to name a few.

10) You'll know everyone and everyone will know you. 

(Whether you like it, or not.)

This isn't just an Elmira thing, it's a small town thing. The morals are high, the churches are full, and the people are friendly. You'll always bump into someone you know at the grocery store, in the Tim Hortons, or on the street. Should you need a hand, don't be surprised if a stranger gives it to you. Elmira has a strong community feeling to it, and you can tell that the people care.

Elmira's a great little town. If you're looking for a good place to do a day trip in or a place to settle down in and call home, I highly recommend it (Make sure to check out Donut's and Deli! A local hidden gem).

xoxo

Brittany