We visit Floradale

We’ve decided to visit some small towns in our area of Ontario this summer. The first one was a week or so ago – a visit to Floradale, just a few km outside of Elmira. This has been a small community with many Mennonite families, but as one long time resident told me, it is changing fairly quickly. Older residents are passing on or moving to retirement communities, and new people are buying up old established properties.

The highlight of our trip was having lunch at Bonnie Lou’s Cafe right in the heart of Floradale (at the intersection of Floradale and Ruggles Roads). It was mid afternoon so Bonnie Lou’s was not busy. The food was excellent and modestly priced.

The cafe is located in a prominent old building that has been the centre of town for generations – a former general store and post office. We sat beside the windows looking out onto the main street. Lots of trucks went by servicing the small number of local businesses in this part of town – mostly reflecting the farming community.

And, of course horse-drawn Mennonite buggies regularly drove by.

Just off the main street, on the road leading back towards Elmira, is the impressive elementary school. I was surprised by the size of the school, and was told later that the majority of the students are from the local Mennonite communities in the rural area.

It was a nice, quiet visit, and we’ll be sure to do it again.