Nikki Andrew is optimistic she will be able to weather the COVID-19 storm at her craft brewery in Bayfield, River Road Brewing Co., by adapting to changing restrictions imposed to control the spread of the coronavirus. (Derek Ruttan/The London Free Press)
BAYFIELD
Population: 1,100, many times that in summer
Claims to fame:Beaches, quaint little shops, eclectic eateries and inns mark the village located along Lake Huron at the mouth of the Bayfield River.
After Nikki Andrew and her husband bought an apple farm, they decided their hearts just weren’t into growing apples.
Craft beer enthusiasts, who explored craft breweries all over Ontario, they instead opened their own operation, River Road Brewing and Hops, on the farm.
They grow their own hops and barley. Highland cattle gobble up the spent grain, so there’s no waste. A small tap room serves up beer by the glass, but virtually their entire property is licensed.
“People walk out to see the cattle with a beer in hand. Obviously, that’s a big tourist attraction,” said Andrew.
