The quest for Westman’s best pastries and interesting, scenic drives continues. This time we’ve gone north east through Neepawa to Gladstone. To start the day trip, head north out of Brandon on Highway #10, then east when you reach junction of #10 and #16.
Neepawa is an engaging and picturesque town worth so much more time than a day trip. When you approach the town from the west side, on Highway #16, you will first see a bustling mix of modern stores and conveniences. You’ll see a Co-Op gas bar, a Chicken Corral Restaurant and a Boston Pizza franchise. You’ll also see a home-grown industry and their well-known Farmery Brewery.
Farmery has set up an outlet store for their beer sales and their logo merchandise in a high traffic, high profile spot right on the highway. Even if you don’t see the storefront, their antique truck should catch your eye.
Don’t just stay on the highway and pass by the historic downtown. It’s definitely worth a detour. So turn north onto Mountain Ave, slow down and enjoy the view. Vintage signs, and historic buildings line both sides of the avenue. Push on until the end of Mountain Avenue and you’ll arrive at the Yellowhead Centre, home of Neepawa’s MJHL team. (MJHL is Manitoba Junior Hockey League)
First game of the MJHL season goes Friday, October 9th at 7:30 when Neepawa will host the Winkler Flyers.
Once out of Neepawa and back on Highway #16, heading east, you won’t have far to go before you see the signs to Gladstone. Gladstone’s must-visit stops are the bakery, and the “Happy Rock” statue. The bakery, is at the corner of Morris Street and Dennis Street. Open Monday to Saturday, they serve both breakfast and lunch meals plus offer a wide array of fresh baked goodies. They have two sizes for sticky cinnamon buns, filled donuts, decorated donuts and even “Happy Rock” smiley face donuts. The kids will love them!
It’s hard to beat a honey-glazed, but their blueberry-filled donuts were positively worth raving about.
When heading out to the small towns of Westman, be respectful of their Covid-19 guidelines. Many businesses may be operating under modified hours and will ask for guests to wear masks indoors.
