We had so much fun going back in time at the Historic Stewart Farm in South Surrey on Sunday.

The picturesque heritage site, which was home to an early Surrey pioneer family from 1880 to 1944, offered a royal celebration fit or a queen – A Royal Victorian Party!

If you haven’t explored this local gem located in South Surrey, just 45 minutes from Vancouver and 20 minutes from the Pacific Border Crossing, I highly recommend adding a visit to your summer bucket list.

I went several times as a wee Valley girl, and can still remember being so excited to stop by the kitchen of the home for a taste of fresh churned butter on a Saltine.

As you drive in off tree-lined, Crescent Road, the rural scene will sneak up on you.

“Why haven’t we been here before? This place is amazing!” said Molly, 7, while chasing her little sis, Zoe, 5, through an orchard on site.

It felt like a scene from my favourite childhood flick ‘Anne of Green Gables.’

From the farmhouse and sprawling farm grounds, to the outbuildings typical of Surrey farm life, there is so much to explore, as well as ample room to picnic and soak up the beautiful river view.

A vibrant, family friendly destination, Historic Stewart Farm invites drop-in tours and holds many programs and events, such as the recent royal bash that attracted visitors from all over the Fraser Valley and Metro Vancouver last weekend.

The Victorian Party was a real blast to the past, featuring colourful and lively dances from the Vancouver Morris Men and the Tiddley Cover Morris dancers, a good ol’ fashioned game of croquet on the farmhouse lawn, the chance to create a bejewelled crown and sceptre fit for royalty, photo op with the faux Queen and so much more.

Of course, no visit to the farm is complete without a tour of the house.

As we opened the original stained glass door, the smell of baking on the wood stove invited us in. Costumed staff greeted our clan, offering information and a tour or the option to tour on our own – we chose the latter.

The antique floorboards creaked beneath our feet as we imagined a family laughing, dining and living in the house.

“What is that pot under the bed,” asked Zoe, pointing to the chamber pot in the master bedroom.

Both my girls erupted in a fit of giggles when I informed them it was kind of like an ‘adult potty.’

Most days there are crafts and a dress up station upstairs. The grounds are open every day, even if the farmhouse is not, with scenic water views and lots of space for kids to run around or try the authentic water pump.

Expect to spend at least an hour on site, and don’t forget to pack a picnic! After touring the farm grounds and buildings, consider a nature trail walk through Elgin Heritage Park on the banks of the Nicomkel River.

Will we be back again this summer? You bet! In fact, we’re looking forward to their next party…

Save the Date!

What: Dominion Days Festival

When: July 1-2

Where: Historic Stewart Farm

If you want to experience a blast to the past at the Historic Stewart Farm like we did, make sure to mark July 1-2 on your big Mom Calendar for the Dominion Days Festival.

In celebration of #SurreyCanada150, this new two-day festival is a unique opportunity for families to party like it’s 1899 at this throwback fete reviving Dominion Days.

It is the largest, most action-packed event at the Historic Stewart Farm to date!

Bring your noisemakers for a calithumpian parade, celebrating Canadian pride. This free, all-ages, family event will feature :

• Food Trucks:
  Saturday, July 1   O’Canadawg  and U’scream I’scream
  Sunday, July 2   Taters the Baked Potato Co.
• Sunday, July 2 evening local singer/songwriter Ranj Singh
• Story time and roaming entertainment by Zox of the Forest
• Performances by Surrey International Folk Dancers and Surrey Square Wheelers dance group
• Candy bags from Dipsy Doodle Creations candy cart
• The “Beat the Bucket” dunk tank game
• Prizes for old time carnival games and lawn game competitions
• Guided nature walks through Elgin Heritage Park courtesy of Urban Forestry
• A period costume pioneer selfie station
• The Surrey Archives booth will have a “Then and Now” spin the wheel game about Surrey’s past
• Heritage demos and spinning demos with Peace Arch Weavers and Spinners.

We will be there, so make sure to come and say hello! For more information, visit www.surrey.ca/stewartfarm. You can also stay in the loop about upcoming events and activities at the Historic Stewart Farm by following their Facebook page.

 

Disclaimer: While this is a sponsored post, all opinions are my own.