PJs, Pastries & Wagon Rides:
A Mennonite Country Experience in Waterloo Region
by CuratedKW | August 2025
If life has been moving a little too fast and you need a moment to recharge, we have the perfect antidote for you. With the Mennonite Country Overnight Experience, you can step back in time to when life moves at the pace of a horse-drawn wagon.
This all-inclusive package from Explore Waterloo Region offers a charming introduction to the region’s Mennonite culture, pairing homestyle cooking with scenic countryside tours.
Getting cozy at the Apple Inn
Bring your comfiest PJs and loungewear to the Apple Inn Bed & Breakfast, a charming bed and breakfast with sunlit rooms and plenty of cozy nooks for curling up with a book and unwinding. The calming rustic-chic interiors make it easy to slow down and breathe deeper.
Famous Mennonite comfort food
The package includes dinner at Anna Mae’s Restaurant and Bakery, famous for its Mennonite comfort food. We decided to bring ours back to the Apple Inn, where we enjoyed it in the beautiful backyard alongside the sunset. The meal comes with a starter, main, side and dessert – for the main, we definitely recommended trying the crispy broasted chicken!
Waking up slowly
The next day began with a thoughtful touch: coffee and a homemade pastry delivered right to our room at Apple Inn. Then, a full breakfast prepared by owner Sheryl, whose Mennonite roots was evident in every bite. This was comfort cooking at its finest! We still drool about the berry scone that Sheryl baked us.
Shopping local treasures
Armed with the $25 off $50 gift card to InSeason Home and Garden as part of this package, we browsed rows of local and Canadian-made products. They had everything from kitchenware and outdoor decor, to handmade jewelry, candles and beauty products. We could spend hours in this shop going through the goodies!
Journey through Mennonite culture
Our next stop was The Mennonite Story, a cultural centre that offers a window into the lives and traditions of the Old Order Mennonites often seen travelling around by horse and buggy. The exhibits brought context to what we’ve seen in passing, and the video presentation painted a vivid picture of the community whose roots shape so much of Waterloo Region.
A scenic ride to finish
We wrapped up the trip with a wagon ride through the countryside with Elmira Wagon Rides. The steady pace and open fields gave us a chance to learn even more about Mennonite life while taking in the peaceful scenery. The ride ends at the St. Jacob’s Farmers Market, so we recommend picking up a grab and go lunch and then heading to the nearby Mill Race trail to enjoy in the calm and quiet.
Package pricing
Pricing for this package starts at $357, tax included, for two people and includes:
- Overnight stay at the Apple Inn Bed & Breakfast, with a homemade breakfast
- Meal Deal dinner for two at Anna Mae’s, which includes starters, mains, sides and desserts
- $25 gift card when you spend $50 or more at inSeason Home + Garden.
- A one-hour Elmira Wagon Ride through Mennonite country
- Admission to The Mennonite Story video presentation
This overnight getaway is a lovely way to experience some of Waterloo Region’s heritage and we definitely left carrying a bit of that rural warmth home!
