Kawartha Localist is an editorial series from kawarthaNOW sharing trusted local recommendations, hidden gems, and favourite discoveries from people who know and love this region. It’s what we love about where we live. Kawartha Localist is sponsored by Kawartha Financial Services.
It’s no surprise to anyone that small businesses drive the local economy — though it might be surprising to you just how major a role they play. As of 2024, businesses with fewer than 20 employees represented 91.2 per cent of all businesses in Canada, collectively employing 4.5 million people.
That’s why it’s so important to support the small businesses that are the beating heart of communities in the Kawarthas region. They hire our neighbours and family members, they show up for us, they collaborate and support one another, and they are always giving right back to the community in one way or another.
This week is Small Business Week, an annual celebration of the entrepreneurs and small business owners who show up day in and day out to serve the community. We are fortunate to have so many incredible small businesses across the region that are passionate about what they do, the communities they live in, and the people they serve.
We’ve rounded up 10 favourite small businesses, as voted on by our readers. These are businesses that are doing something a little different, or are finding ways to pay the love forward to other small businesses, makers, or farmers in the region.
With thousands of worthy independent small businesses across the greater Kawarthas region, it wasn’t easy to single out just a handful. Make sure you show some local love for your own favourite small businesses, and not just during Small Business Week.
Enjoy a third place full of art and creativity at Take Cover Books, now in downtown Peterborough
As we increasingly live our lives online, the need for more third places has become a hot topic of conversation. Third places are welcoming and accessible spaces for gathering and connecting outside of your home (your first place) and your workplace or school (your second place).
That’s exactly what Andrew and Sean Fitzpatrick have crafted at Take Cover Books in downtown Peterborough. The brothers founded Take Cover Books as an online bookstore in 2022 before opening as a brick-and-mortar storefront in Peterborough’s East City the following year. Now, the bookstore has evolved once again as they settle into their new home at 391 Water Street in the former home of The Neighbourhood Vintage.
The Fitzpatricks created Take Cover Books with the intention of using the space both to celebrate local artists and to build community. It doesn’t matter whether a musician or author can pack the store, or if they have yet to find their audience — Take Cover Books is a home to all creatives, and all the book launches, readings, music events, and other gatherings they want to host.
The brothers have also always been open to collaborating with other creatives to bring events to the store. The Highly Likely Festival of Music and Literature, done in collaboration with Miracle Territory, is an annual celebration featuring local talent, while the development of Give a Sheet Press — which publishes books on a single sheet of paper — makes authorship accessible to local writers.
If that’s not well above the expectation of a bookstore already, Take Cover Books also hosts a monthly film club with an in-store screening and a monthly online book club. I highly recommend subscribing to their newsletter — not only will you be reminded of upcoming events, but you’ll also get tips on literary and cultural happenings in the community, and Sean always starts the newsletter with a fun fact or story. Just like the store itself, it offers a much needed personal and human touch.
Take Cover Books is located at 391 Water Street. To learn more, keep up to date on upcoming events, and shop online, visit takecoverbooks.ca.
Find gourmet cheese, artisan products, and quality sandwiches at Millbrook Mercantile
It’s no mystery why Millbrook Mercantile is one of the most beloved small businesses in the region, given that it offers a little bit of everything. From cheese and wine to home goods to freshly made meals to a friendly face in store, there’s always more reason to stick around.
This week, husband-and-wife owners Bernadette MacNeil and Lance Nachoff are celebrating seven years since opening the store in 2019. They created Millbrook Mercantile with the vision of offering locals the opportunity to find high-quality goods and gifts without having to leave town.
In store, you’ll find more than 100 gourmet cheeses, including several the owners collect directly from fromageries in Quebec to bring home. This year, they also spent six months aging a cheese they brought back from Portugal.
You can learn more about the cheese on the shelves by signing up for the Cheese of the Month Club. Every month with no obligation, you can get two unique cheeses as well a box of gourmet crackers or other accompaniments for $35. Each package includes tasting notes, wine and cocktail pairing recommendations, and cooking recipe suggestions.
Millbrook Mercantile also offers find cured meats, boutique wines, gift baskets, and homeware. Everything comes from Canada as much as possible and, if it doesn’t, it’s still made by a small business. Currently, MacNeil is most excited to have brought in ceramics hand produced by Warsaw artists Thomas Aitken and Kate Hyde.
You don’t want to leave Millbrook Mercantile without trying something off the menu. You can’t go wrong with ordering a charcuterie board specially curated with what’s in store, or trying one of the famed Millbrook Mercantile sandwiches. A Reuben was recently added to the menu, crafted with a half-pound of thinly sliced pastrami, housemade Russian dressing, sauerkraut, and melted cheese.
All of this — gourmet cheese, locally crafted goods, and high-quality meals — paired with small-town charm means there’s always a reason to return to Millbrook Mercantile time and time again.
Millbrook Mercantile is located at 28 King Street East in Millbrook. To learn more, visit www.millbrookmercantile.com.
Find florals inspiring connection at Sweet Fern Floral Studio in Peterborough
Sweet Fern Floral Studio in downtown Peterborough is proof of what can happen when we support our local small businesses.
Because of the generosity of the community — and the personal customer service that keeps flower lovers and gift-givers coming back — owner Angela McDonald has, in a few short years, been able to grow from working by herself in her basement to a brick-and-mortar storefront operated with the help of seven staff members.
In fact, the shop has seen so much growth that next month, they are moving to 208 Charlotte Street, which has three times as much space as the current Water Street location.
The move is extra special and a full-circle moment for McDonald, whose parents owned a well-known floral shop in the same storefront. This store on Charlotte Street is where McDonald learned all her skills and developed a passion for fresh-cut florals.
With the larger space, Sweet Fern Floral Studio will be expanding their curated selection of home goods, décor, and sweet gift options. Of course, there will be able to continue maintaining their supply of pre-arranged bouquets and custom arrangements of fresh-cut flowers and plants, available for pick-up and delivery.
Despite the growth and move, McDonald promises the same quality, the same friendly environment, and the same fresh flowers that have earned her loyal customers.
Sweet Fern Floral Studio is located at 387 Water Street and, on November 3, will be moving to 208 Charlotte Street. To learn more, visit sweetfernfloralstudio.com.
Know what you’re feeding your furry friend when buying from The Doggery in Peterborough
You’d be hard-pressed to go to a local market and not find Tiffany Lennox-Dixon selling her small-batch, single-ingredient dog treats.
The young entrepreneur was taking nutrition classes online when her family dog was diagnosed with cancer and they had to make the difficult decision to say goodbye. That prompted her to combine her passion for nutrition, love of dogs, and desire to launch her own business. She began making a line of treats for her own dogs so she would know exactly what they were consuming, and quickly saw interest from other dog parents who wanted the same comfort and assurance.
Since launching in January 2024, The Doggery has grown from offering just three products to 20 products. The bestsellers are the freeze-dried chicken hearts as well as the toppers that were launched just a few months ago at the request of those with picky-eater canines. The Doggery is also well-known for creating novel products you can’t find elsewhere else, like freeze-dried marble cheese, shrimp, frog legs, and mussels.
Lennox-Dixon also stocks mental enrichment products like lick mats and grooming tools and, as she continues to learn more about canine nutrition, she hopes to soon add full meals to her product line.
Local retailers selling The Doggery products include Reclaimed Garden Co. in Burleigh Falls, Chandos Pet Supply in Apsley, Craftworks at the Barn in Selwyn, and Mercado La Hacienda, which is the local pickup location.
To learn more about The Doggery, visit thedoggeryptbo.ca.
Shop local produce and meats from local farmers at The Roost Farm & Market in Kawartha Lakes
When celebrating small businesses, we can’t forget about the many small-scale farms in the greater Kawarthas region. The Roost Farm and Market is already several steps ahead — they’ve built a whole business around supporting local farmers.
Ten years ago, wife-and-husband Shannon O’Donnell and Matthew Stewart purchased a property northwest of Kirkfield that had been in their family for generations, with the intention of transforming it from a hobby farm into a commercial business and agricultural hub.
Today, the family raises their own poultry and makes their own maple syrup, while operating a market that supports other ethical local farmers. In store, you’ll find produce, meat, honey, preserves, and other goods, much of which comes from right down the road or around the corner.
At the market, there is also fresh home baking available every day, as well as soups, sandwiches, salads, and ready-made frozen meals. Across all departments of The Roost, there is virtually no waste. Any unsold groceries are taken to the kitchen and processed into soups and meals, and unused meals are then given directly to the chickens or dogs.
With educational events held during the maple season and “The Loft” Airbnb accommodation located above the market, there are so many ways to experience the land on which the agricultural hub is located.
The Roost Farm and Market is located at 3314 Kirkfield Road in Kawartha Lakes. To learn more, visit roostfarm.ca.
Find an intriguing mix of now and then at The Old Tin Shed in Bancroft
Alright, in all honesty, this wasn’t voted on by our readers — it’s one of my personal favourite small businesses.
The Old Tin Shed in Bancroft is easy to support because I always find something no matter what I’ve gone in search of — garden gnomes, home décor, puzzles, hooks, clothing, cozy goods, and so much more. After all, the store’s slogan isn’t “an intriguing mix of now and then” for nothing.
Kathryn and Geoffrey Webber are the second owners of the store, having taken over in 2019. Located in the original Catholic Church in Bancroft, the Old Tin Shed gets customers from all over the world, and remains a beloved store, as well as Bancroft’s Christmas store every year.
From candles, lotions, preserves, dish towels, and so much more, The Old Tin Shop prioritizes stocking product made within 100 kilometres of town, and otherwise stocks Canadian products. In the back corner, you’ll find a large selection of iron hardware including unique hooks and doorknobs. From May through Thanksgiving, out back, you’ll find an antique barn that’s perfect for scavenging through hidden gems like old windows, beams, and other unique finds.
At the Old Tin Shed, things are always changing depending on the season, and new makers and suppliers are always being added to the lineup. Nothing is stocked by the hundreds, meaning it might not be there the next time you step inside. Every time is a new experience and, if you’re lucky, you might just catch a glimpse of the resident ghost!
The Old Tin Shed is located at 25 Sherbourne Street North in Bancroft. To learn more, visit www.theoldtinshed.com.
Get a taste of local flavours at Centre & Main Chocolate Co. in Warkworth
If you haven’t sunk your teeth into the chocolate from Centre & Main Chocolate Co. in Warkworth, what are you waiting for?
This is a must-try — in part because you’re supporting local while eating chocolate, of course, but also because this artisan chocolate shop sources hyperlocal ingredients to make some very original flavours you haven’t tried before.
Founded by chocolatier Angela Roest, Centre & Main has some of the most artfully designed bars and bonbons you’ve ever seen. You’ll be awestruck by their design, and even more awestruck when you get a taste. Have you ever tried chocolate made with popcorn? Or pollen? How about matcha, mustard, or kimchi? That’s what you’ll find at Centre & Main Chocolate Co.
My personal favourite bar is the award-winning Tea and Toast, made with bread from a Brighton baker and paired with Darjeeling tea. I’m drooling just thinking about it!
There are also a range of plant-based and dairy-free options, as well as seasonal and limited time specials. All of these creative flavours you can browse on the Great Wall of Chocolate in store.
Centre & Main Chocolate Co. is located at 50 Centre Avenue in Warkworth. To learn more and shop online, visit centreandmainchocolate.com.
Get excited for Living Local Marketplace’s second location in Peterborough’s East City
When you shop local, there’s always a ripple effect. At Living Local Marketplace, that ripple flows through the 100 small businesses and artisans across Ontario that are featured in store — and that ripple continues to widen.
Owner Alicia Doris says she never envisioned the growth of her business when she first began Living Local from her home in the early days of the pandemic to support local makers by providing a seasonal subscription box service. Then, five years ago, she opened a brick-and-mortar storefront in Peterborough to allow customers to browse hundreds of unique products including gourmet foods, candles, homewares, artwork, and so much more.
Now, just months after moving her business into Horlings Garden Centre after a very successful holiday pop-up shop in 2025, Doris is preparing for Living Local’s largest expansion yet: the opening of a second location in Peterborough’s East City — at 59A Hunter Street East, in the former Take Cover Books location — on November 3.
When it opens, the East City location will join the Horlings location as a holiday destination for the “Season of Sparkle.” The 3,000-square-foot space at Horlings will allow Living Local to stock up on even more holiday décor as well as essential gift items like sustainably made clothing and sweet treats. Just like last year, there will be hot cider and shortbread on offer that you can enjoy while getting in the holiday spirit.
With so much growth, Living Local Marketplace is not only supporting the many local small businesses they work with all the time, but they have grown to a seasonal staff of 12 team members between the two locations. That’s a lot of living and loving local!
Living Local Marketplace at Horlings Garden Centre will be closed from October 25 until the Christmas market debuts on November 1, with the East City location opening on November 3. To learn more, visit livinglocalmarketplace.ca.
Find new maker and artisan items daily at Watson & Lou in downtown Peterborough
From ceramics to prints to jewellery and all kinds of gifts, Watson & Lou in downtown Peterborough is all about showing off the talents of makers and artisans across Canada.
Originally founded by Erin Watson and Anna Eidt in 2017, Katie Küntz has been the owner since 2024. She prioritizes curating a collection of goods with new products arriving daily and regularly onboarding new artists. The shop is also a strong supporter of the arts, offering studio spaces and participating in the monthly First Friday Peterborough art crawls.
Watson & Lou has recently reinstated Villager Puzzles, a B.C. maker of unique puzzles designed by female artists in Canada that were previous best sellers in store (if the brand sounds familiar to you, you might remember them securing a deal on Dragon’s Den in 2025).
Küntz says many local artists have been submitting artwork to Villager Puzzles, so be sure to keep checking in to Watson & Lou to see if the work of a local artist has been featured. Watson & Lou has also recently begun selling work from Valerie Davidson Jeweller, and will soon be rolling out the seasonal holiday collection.
Newest of all, Watson & Lou has collaborated with another small business, The Neighbourhood Vintage, which was previously located just down the street in the space now occupied by Take Cover Books. Now The Neighbourhood Vintage shares the back of the store at Watson & Lou, giving you even more reason to step inside in search of some one-of-a-kind finds.
Watson & Lou is located at 383 Water Street in Peterborough. To browse the store, visit www.watsonandlou.com.
Take a DIY home décor lesson at Heart N Soul Gifts in Lindsay
For 16 years, Heart N Soul Gifts has been a hidden gem that’s off the beaten path in Lindsay.
Even before owner Kim Thornbury launched the business after retiring early from a career at General Motors, she harboured a passion for crafts and giftware. That’s why she’s curated Heart N Soul Gifts as a one-stop shop for home décor.
The store features Mineral Fusion Paint, a Toronto paint brand that’s designed for furniture, as well as Redesign with Prima, which provides décor transfers, moulds, and stamps. Otherwise, Thornbury aims to stock Canadian products across the jewellery, rugs, candles, baby products, and other cute and unique goods found in store. This included the recently bestselling and trendy porch geese and the handmade wooden ducks from DCUK that have been flying off the shelves!
Heart N Soul Gifts also makes some of their own supplies and invites others to learn about their own crafting by leading workshops on sign making, resin projects, and other DIY activities.
To see some of the new products that are available weekly at Heart N Soul, tune in to the live selling videos happening on the Heart N Soul Facebook page every Tuesday night at 7 p.m. For more opportunity to shop in person, Heart N Soul Gifts will soon be opening their annual Christmas kiosk at the Lindsay Square Mall. The kiosk will be open from November 20 to December 27.
Heart N Soul Gifts is located at 15 Sussex Street South in Lindsay. To learn more, follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/Heart.N.Soul.Gifts.Canada/.
Kawartha Localist is an editorial series from kawarthaNOW celebrating the places, experiences, businesses, and communities that make our region extraordinary. Written by people who live here, work here, and have spent nearly 30 years exploring the Kawarthas and surrounding region, each edition shares trusted local recommendations, hidden gems, and favourite discoveries from across Peterborough County, the City of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland County, Haliburton County, and Hastings Highlands.
Whether you’re looking for your next hiking trail, favourite patio, scenic drive, farmers’ market, or weekend adventure, Kawartha Localist is what we love about where we live.
Kawartha Localist is sponsored by Kawartha Financial Services.
