Martintown Ontario — This place is an untapped treasure trove, and it is quickly going from a well-kept local secret to everyone’s favourite meeting place. NAH! You won’t like it..you’ll love it. There are no clocks there and loitering is encouraged.

Built approximately 200 years ago, this sprawling building was purchased in January, 2012 by the new owners Tammy and Gary Myers. It’s been said that, by necessity, most farmers become builders, welders, plumbers, and whatever else is needed to run a farm. Gary Myers has taken these skills to a new height, bringing the Trading Post back to life.

There is a charming, homey café for breakfast and lunch; Thursday, Friday and Saturday there is also supper. You’re going to hate Tuesday…they are closed. The café is run by the Myers family plus 2 full-time and 3 part-time employees. There are specials every day, desserts baked on the premises, and main courses featuring their home-raised pork and beef as well as local free-range chicken. Tortieres will be available for Christmas and there is a freezer with packaged meat you can purchase. Pizzas are made on site and you can get just a slice if that appeals to you. Turkey comes from a roasted turkey.

Tammy is the artistic director in charge of the merchandise and displays in the beautiful store area, with cards, crafts, artwork, glassware, gently-used articles, antiques and even a large display of the famous local Ground Soap. Folks could do most of their Christmas shopping in this one place. Throughout the entire building, there are wonderful old accessories; every nook and cranny has something of interest. Whiplash is a distinct possibility!

The upper level has amazing surprises. Lisa Bigras (Tammy and Gary’s daughter) owns Sacred Earth Yoga Studio with classes Mondays and Thursdays. The studio is calm, serene and beautiful. Cost is only $10 a session.

Another classy area upstairs is brought to life every Monday evening by Mark Muir’s guitar lessons for all ages and all levels. Nearby, an old-fashioned salon full of antique furniture is used as an exquisite and peaceful waiting room.

Angel Friend Monica Piotrowski has recently discovered the magic of the Martintown Trading Post for her Drum Circle. Her group meets the third Wednesday evening each month and the third Thursday afternoon. The space is huge and elegant, just waiting for drumbeats.

Gradually, more parts of the spacious old building are being revived and the possibilities are endless. Perhaps tours of the facilities are in order. No matter where you are from, come home to the Martintown Trading Post.