We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time. – T.S. Eliot

Dear Customers,

We hope everyone is having a lovely summer. It certainly has been for us as we are so excited to see old friends, as well as new ones, enter our doors day after day. For those that haven’t ventured out lately, consider heading north of Port Hope on Hwy 28 for adventure, shopping and culture.

Get your kicks on Hwy 28

Highway 28

Needing to get away and experience something new and exciting? Just a short ride into the countryside will bring you to the most amazing places in Northumberland County. For a day of fun shopping and culture, make sure to visit the following memorable stores and galleries.

Primitive Designs

Just 2 kilometeres north of Port Hope and the 401 (exit 464) is Primitive Designs on Hwy 28.

A visit to Primitive Designs will make you feel as if you have been on an exotic trip to Southeast Asia. Unique, hand-made arts, architectural pieces, furniture, statues and much more is imported from Bali, Thailand, Nepal, Morocco, India and Vietnam.

picture by Primitive Design

They are rated #1 on Trip Advisor and are named one of Canada’s Top Roadside Attractions. The Primitive Design’s gigantic metal statues (one being 26 feet tall) are made from recycled auto parts and brought oversees from Southeast Asia. These statues have caught the attention of MTV, the Space Channel, CottageLife Television, Canada AM and CBC. A couple even made their way to Ripley’s Believe It or Not! in Niagara and Florida.

To control crowds, Primitive Designs is open by appointment only between Tuesday and Sunday. 905-885-7516

Herma’s Fine Foods & Gifts

Travel just four more kilometeres north on Hwy 28 to Herma’s Fine Foods & Gifts.

Herma’s Fine Foods and Gifts

Walking through Herma’s doors from the countryside has been likened to Dorothy from Kansas walking out of her home and into the land of OZ. The atmosphere is so magical with gorgeous chandeliers, sparkling crystal and large vases full of beautiful permanant botanical flowers.

While most of the gifts, home decor, body care, dishware and fashion items are located in the front of the store, a labyrinth of endless hallways and aisleways lead to a wealth of award-winning barbecue sauces, spices, pastas, soups, preserves, olive oils, balsamic vinegars, frozen entrees, steaks, chickens, breads, cheeses, salamis and so much more imported from around the world, but also produced locally as well.

And if there is a kitchen tool you need we have you covered with names like Cuisipro, Dreamfarm, BOSKA, Emile Henry, OXO Good Grips, Peugeot, Epicurian Boards and Global Knives.

Walk-ins welcome every day of the week! 905-885-9250

Barnfinds

Next door to Herma’s is a time machine that will transport you to a different era with vintage furniture, antiques and just about anything.

At Barnfinds you may truly find yourself hunting for treasure as you peruse through the vast amount of furniture and knick knacks presented.

From antique china cabinets, dial-up telephones, formica dining tables, Cuckoo clocks, large 1950’s Vanities – you name it, they’ll have it. For every visit you will be sure to find a new unique treasure.

And let’s not forget the fun that may be had transforming a rough piece of furniture into something fantastic.

Open most days.  905-885-4356

ZimArt Rice Lake Gallery

The perfect way to end your journey is to take a picturesque 15 minute drive to Rice Lake where ZimArt’s open-air gallery is located.

ZimArt represents 50 Zimbabwean stone sculptors culminating into the most comprehensive, eclectic selection of Zimbabwean stone sculpture in Canada.

During much of the summer season the artist-in-residence, visiting from Zimbabwe, is on site teaching workshops or talking and demonstrating to gallery visitors.

picture by ZimArt Rice Lake Gallery

Gallery visitors may stroll around the gallery on self-guided tours, bird watch, count the toads in their pond, and while they are at it, picnic under a tree with a yummy piece of cheese and some baguette bread from Herma’s. Don’t forget to bring snacks for picnicing as it will lead to a glorious end to a glorious excursion!

Open daily 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. until Thanksgiving. 705 – 939 – 6144

Newly Arrived at Herma’s! Jellycat’s Cuddly Stuffed Animals

Jellycat Stuffed Animal

Taco suggests…

Outdoor Entertaining with BOSKA’s Partyclette

picture by BOSKA

The Cheese Shop

Recent Cheese Platter

In addition to carrying an amazing selection of cheeses that include favourites like…

Grey Owl, Chateau de Bourgogne, Goudas, Gruyere, Manchego, Bellavitano Merlot, Iberico, Greek Feta, Brillat Savarin, 1655, Black Lemon Gouda, Parmegiano Reggiano DOP, Buffalo’s Milk Mozzarella, Bleu Benedicin, Saint Agur, Red Fox Cheddar, Pecorino Romano PDO and so much more, Margaret is putting together something to enjoy already prepared and ready to eat.

Snack To-Go

Available Thursdays through Sundays

We love the idea of offering cheese, preserves, salami and crackers all in one individual clear container for an impromptu picnic or on-the-road snack. If you would like to guarantee availability call 905-885-9250.

Also in our Cheese Shop…

Herma’s Signature Products

We are proud to say that our beloved Signature Products have all returned, made with fresh ingredients in small batches.

picture by Gary Mulcahey of Grapevine Magazine

Liver Pate – Beer Cheese Spread – Sundried Tomato Dip – Seafood Dazzler – Bacon Cheddar Spread – Savoury Cheddar Spread – Goat Cheese Round Medley – Herma’s Chevre

Be sure to pick up your favourite dip, pate and spread today before they are all bought up.

We hope you come for a visit soon and that you take advantage of all the wonderful shopping and culture available on Hwy 28 and beyond.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Sincerely,

All of us at Herma’s

Herma’s Fine Foods and Gifts