Public murals in small towns and cities in Ontario are a perfect way to explore any region. Checking out murals and outdoor art spaces are a great way to learn about the area’s artists, culture and history.  A perfect example are the Oro-Medonte Art_Trees public art project. The project promotes the local nature in Ontario and showcases the wonderful work of talented regional Ontario artists.

Visiting these outdoor art pieces should be one of the top things to do in Ontario for anyone visiting or taking a driving tour.

This community and municipality-led art project is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression and make you want to keep coming back to the area!

Keep reading to learn more about the Art Tree Story Map and how to find the best local businesses.

Discover the Tree Art of Oro-Medonte

The incredible art installation includes over twenty-five art pieces that are planted around Oro-Medonte. Originally, the piece designs were made to reflect the local history and culture of the area. You can find each tree placed near a local business to highlight great entrepreneurs.

On each tree, many beautiful details symbolize the surrounding landscapes and houses in the region. There’s a focus on nature, local landmarks, and colourful motifs. You’ll spend hours looking at each display as they are captivating and an excellent activity for weekend things to do.

There are many talented artists. A selection of artists artists include Angela Aujla, Margaret Ferraro, MJ Pollak, and Meg Leslie. Each artist brings their unique take on the trees on the Oro-Medonte trail. So, you can expect to see wildlife like owls and green herons. But there are also special pieces created with mosaic tiles.

It’s recommended that you take your time to plan an art driving tour using a map so you don’t miss anything!

Explore the local business and gift your loved ones or treat your family to a tasty meal.

Support Art and Business in One Place

There are many things to do in Ontario beyond the art installation, but the most memorable is meeting the local people. Community art projects like Art_Trees are a great occasion to boost awareness of local businesses. Craighurst has the perfect mixture of leisure and necessity.

So, you don’t have to worry about running out of food when taking a day trip to this area.Restaurants include Carthew Bay Pub, Quayle’s Brewery, Off Eleven Pizza & Eats, HQ Tap House and more.

Here are a few places you must visit when looking at this breathtaking artwork.

Loobies Restaurant

Loobies is a local restaurant that prides itself on serving Canadian cuisine at affordable prices. It’s a great spot to take your family, and there’s a cozy atmosphere, so children will love it. It’s in the same area as the art project, so you can park your car nearby and pop in for food.

The restaurant opens early, which means you can grab breakfast or go for a dinner snack after walking around the town. You can’t go wrong with a delicious meal after a day of looking at art and exploring a new area.

Chelsea Chocolates

Who doesn’t love chocolates, right?

Well, Chelsea Chocolates is the best sweet spot in town. Leave Craighurst with a box of chocolates to enjoy later, or buy a few treats for the journey. This is a great way to make the trip extra special, and you’ll love tasting the creative range of chocolates at this shop.

You’ll find Chelsea Chocolates in the north region of Craighurst. Locals consider this chocolate shop the town’s hidden gem, so you need to put it on your to-do list when you visit the art project. Plus, it’s nice to have a sweet souvenir to remember the trip.

If you live nearby, you might find your new favorite place for chocolates!

HQ Restaurant and Tap House

For the ultimate relaxation, try the HQ Restaurant and Tap House. This is where the community comes together to share food and catch up with friends. New visitors are welcome in this restaurant, and you’ll love the food and drink on offer.

This place has been established for a long time, so it won’t disappoint. It’s great for large groups and families, so you don’t have to look for somewhere to eat and drink. Add this to your driving tour and make the most of the calm atmosphere of the town.

Dwellings Home and Gift

Even though you can’t take one of the tree artworks home, you can still buy something at Dwellings Home and Gift. This shop has everything from furniture to decor for your home. You’ll be able to explore the eclectic selection and find a unique item that can go somewhere in your home.

When your friends ask about the new light or table decoration, you’ll be able to say you found it in a shop in Craighurst. Not everyone will have these one-of-a-kind products, so you need to take a look when you’re there.

Quayle’s Brewery

Quayle’s Brewery is a lovely brewery surrounded by nature that brings the quality of organic ingredients to a laid-back venue. They make their own drinks with fresh hops and spring water, which is the ideal refreshing drink after a trip.

It’s also a great area to take photos of the scenery and put them in your scrapbook when you get home!

This place has good food, events, and a fun atmosphere. Everything you need to relax and make the most of the experience.

Foodland

Going on a trip means that you need to prepare for anything, especially if you run out of water or need an essential item. Foodland is a grocery store in the town that has all the essentials. It’s easy to stock up on water and snacks when riding home after your day trip.

Simply jump into Foodland and buy whatever you need. If you’re a family, this can be a lifesaver as your children will most likely need something. But it’s always good to know there’s a reliable grocery store when you go somewhere new.

Check out the interactive map to see what to expect.

Don’t Miss These Things To Do in Ontario

There’s always a long list of things to do in Ontario when you look online, but the Art_Trees project offers a special event. It’s not every day you get to appreciate the work of local artists and taste new cuisine. Bring your friends, family, or come alone for a day out and see these colorful creations for yourself.

Start planning and pick a package on our website today. We have more hidden gems to see in Ontario, plus tips for making the most of your journey.

Let us know if you have any more questions, and happy planning!