A new tourism initiative is inviting visitors to explore Oxford County through the work of local artisans and makers.
The Oxford Handcrafted Trail connects visitors with locally made products and creative experiences, providing opportunities to meet artisans, visit studios and shops, and learn more about the handmade arts.
The trail was created to strengthen rural tourism by showcasing Oxford County’s diverse maker community and providing visitors with authentic experiences. It is designed for people who appreciate handmade products, those looking to discover something new, and local makers interested in connecting and sharing their skills.
The project received $32,000 in funding from the Ontario Ministry of Rural Affairs through the Rural Ontario Development Program. The funding represents half of the trail’s $64,000 investment, with the Province and Oxford County each contributing $32,000.
The Rural Ontario Development Program provides cost-share funding for projects designed to help rural communities attract and retain businesses and jobs while building stronger regional partnerships.
The Oxford Handcrafted Trail offers several ways to explore the county.
Visitors can follow routes based on different mediums, including textiles, woodwork and culinary arts. They can also explore by neighbourhood, discovering handcrafted experiences located near one another.
For those looking for a more hands-on experience, the trail also features studios, shops, galleries, museums and culinary destinations where visitors can create their own handcrafted adventure.
The trail is being promoted as a way to discover the people, products and creative experiences that make Oxford County unique.
The Oxford Handcrafted Trail is now available to explore this fall.
