The Fruit Wagon

793 County Road 50 East, Harrow Ontario N0R 1G0 519-738-4819

Description

Since 1984, The Fruit Wagon has been offering quality home-grown fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers at “Canada’s most southerly orchard.” The daily harvest yields an ever-changing variety of plants and produce at this roadside retail stand. A special blend of apple cider vinegar made from their own apples is the newest addition to the wagon. Local support is important to The Fruit Wagon and they make a habit of working collaboratively with others to help the region thrive. In July, they join hands with about 36 local businesses to help make the annual Explore the Shore weekend a big success. They’ve also partnered with Cooper’s Hawk Vineyards to provide the key ingredient for the winery’s hard apple cider. The annual “Dinner in the Orchard” is prepared by a local chef who showcases fresh ingredients from The Fruit Wagon and other local suppliers. Each dish is paired with a wine from one of the nine wineries in the area for added local flavour. Stop by the self-serve wagon every day from May through November to find out what’s in season!

Meet Doug and Leslie Balsillie

Hardworking, talented, and knowledgeable are the best words to describe Leslie and Doug Balsillie, the agriculturally savvy owners of The Fruit Wagon. Both members of this duo have the experience that comes with growing up on family farms. Doug’s dad owns an apple orchard, and Leslie was part of a mixed produce farm. Everything they’ve learned is reflected in The Fruit Wagon. The couple enjoys skiing trips in the winters, and bike riding in the summers. Leslie is part of the International Fruit Tree Association and is grateful for the travel experiences she gets to embark upon each year. When asked what makes the Essex region so special, she says: “It’s the best kept secret area there is!” The climate is perfect for growing crops, and it’s a comfortable and friendly place to spend your days, she adds. “It’s like we are on vacation every day.”