Out & About #844 | Downtown Orangeville Feat. Mochaberry Stopover

10/8/2022

Mercury levels had begun to stoop during my homebound absence from the world. I saw snippets of fall foliage while traversing along Burnhamthorpe, though not enough to quench my desire to be within nature as the change was occurring.

As per tradition, I was eager to embark on a long weekend hike to maximize Ontario's limited autumn weather. The idea was received without resistance, and we ventured northwards in the direction of Owen Sound.

A diverse spectrum of warm hues could be witnessed throughout the GTA, even as near as Brampton and Caledon. Though, my appetite to explore further was unaltered. This was especially the case with the sleepy polar bear adopting role as a chauffeur. Confidence has been steadily recovered since the MeNami incident, and I can now declare gradual improvements with each long-distance trip. (Parking, on the other hand, is a department worthy of investment.)

I requested a pit stop around the forty minute mark. Public lavatory options spanned nationwide franchises such as Timmies and McD's, however I suggested detouring to a local café instead.

We exited off Hwy 10 into Orangeville, finding ourselves within the city's BIA district.

It would appear that municipal infrastructure improvement and maintenance projects were being undertaken across the province. This was particularly accurate in terms of sidewalk replacement and associated streetscaping, if applicable.

Fresh, untainted bays were observed in Downtown Orangeville. These were larger slabs than the typical width required for residential and commercial neighbourhoods, likely to promote walk-ability. Select areas has yet to be poured, thus were secured with barrels, caution tape, and even construction fences as an additional safety measure.

Harvest- and Halloween-themed decorations were in full swing. Along the corridor were cobwebs, skeletons, and fake tombstone plates; within the shops were artificial pumpkins and leaves.

We found a Farmer's Market on 2nd Street by chance. The available assortment ranged from handmade soaps to frozen wagyu beef, but the primary point of interest for me was the sheep plushie dangling from a meat vendor. Years ago, I had procured the same object of fluffiness from Bath & Body Works (though it's since been misplaced).

I was unable to resist the multi-toned fronds surrounding us, and excitedly scurried towards the most vibrant tree.

Continuing on our path, Mochaberry Coffee was spotted further west on Broadway.

The café/roastery hybrid adopted an ambiance similar to that of Jimmy's Coffee on Ossington, hazy with patches of incandescent illumination. Seating was generally limited and occupied by parties of one or two, leisurely working away on their laptops.

A Pumpkin Tart and Blue Matcha Coconut Vanilla Latte duo were taken to go. While our order was prepared, I sought out the one-and-only single stall bathroom at the back of the establishment. The door was labelled "Family Bathroom" and was even equipped with a changing station within. Nearby was another stall labelled "Staff Bathroom".

I wasn't keen on the foamy beverage, for there was little depth beyond a sweet, milky fluid. The sleepy polar bear expressed greater appreciation towards it. More to my liking was the Pumpkin Tart, whose sturdy shell supplied textural contrast to the wonderfully silky, spiced filling. Pumpkin pies and tarts tend to often emerge runny, sour-smelling, and dismal, however this concoction proved satisfying.

Hitting the road once more, the drive continued for another hour and forty. In the meantime, I began reviewing (and comparing) fast food offers for lunch.