MILLING ABOUT
A wealth of history and great food await

Ontario is home to a great collection of old mills, most of which allow us to explore the province's agricultural and industrial history. Some are nothing more than a rough outline of a foundation, while others now host some of province's best chefs. For a culinary day trip, consider one of these converted mills and enjoy a taste of history blended with a savory meal.

Aberfoyle Mill
The delightful interior of the Aberfoyle Mill is a constant reminder of its history. Operating as a restaurant since 1966, the Mill was built in 1859 by a Scottish immigrant named George McLean. The mill functioned until the late 1920s. The Aberfoyle Mill offers four charming rooms; each distinguishingly decorated and named. The Aberfoyle is also home to Ontario's second longest running Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre. The restaurant offers lunch Monday to Friday, dinner seven days a week and a Sunday brunch. 519-763-1070, www.aberfoylemill.com

Ancaster Old Mill
Built over a waterfall-fed creek that gushes down from the Niagara escarpment, the Ancaster Mill creates "Earth to Table" cuisine sourcing local, seasonal ingredients from near-by farms and food artisans. This results in seasonally changing menus of fresh, local ingredients. The restaurant offers lunch and dinner menus Tuesday through Saturday, Sunday brunch and dinner. 905-648-1828, www.ancastermill.com

Benmiller Inn and Spa
Benmiller has a very unique history behind its evolution from an old mill to the resort that it is today. Nestled in the rolling hills of Huron County just one hour north of London and two hours from Toronto, The Benmiller Inn and Spa offers gourmet regional cuisine, luxurious amenities, and elegant accommodations, with the sound of Sharpe's Creek rushing by and a resplendent view of its shoreline from many guest rooms. The Ivey Dining Room is winner of the CAA Four Diamond Award. 519-524-2191, www.benmillerinnandspa.com

Cambridge Mill
The Cambridge Mill is enjoying new life once again as a prestigious restaurant. Owned by the group that operates the Ancaster Mill, The Cambridge Mill also creates "Earth to Table" cuisine sourcing impeccable local, seasonal ingredients from near-by farms and food artisans. This results in seasonally changing menus of fresh, local ingredients. Perched along the banks of the Grand River, many of the restaurant's tables provide scenic views of the river, and if good fortune is with you, remarkable entertainment thanks to the feeding herons below the damn. 519-624-1828, www.cambridgemill.com

Millcroft Inn and Spa
The 100 acre estate is nestled in the rolling countryside of Southern Ontario's Hills of Headwaters, a region which is rich with cultural, artistic and rural activities. The Millcroft Inn and Spa offers a refreshing blend of rural serenity and sophisticated hospitality in Caledon, Ontario. The menus are guided by the availability of fresh, organic and natural foods that grow in abundance in The Hills of Headwaters. The result is an assortment of delectable, seasonal dishes that regularly thrill the palates of even the most seasoned gourmands. 519-941-8111, www.vintagehotels.com/millcroft/dining.htm