By Jim Fox SPECIAL TO SUN MEDIA, 2009

We get letters . . . so here's a sampling from the e-mail bag of suggested things to do and places to go on a tank of gas or less.

Taking part in the Oxfordlicious dining event are Eric Boyar, right, chef-owner of Six Thirty Nine Restaurant in Woodstock, and Tim Creton, who supplies the restaurant with local herbs and vegetables.

There's an abundance of delicious local cuisine in Oxford County.

Actually, it will be downright "Oxfordlicious," said Cathy Bingham of Tourism Oxford, adding this first-time event provides a "great opportunity to nibble your way around the county."

The close-to-home dining experience, "celebrating local food from field to fork," runs from Wednesday to Aug. 17.

Pick up a passport, dine and collect at least five stamps from participating restaurants for a chance to win prizes.

They include Take Home a Chef, a dinner for four prepared in your home by chef Eric Boyar of Six Thirty Nine, a Woodstock restaurant.

The event is planned by Oxford Fresh, a group of local restaurants committed to connecting chefs with area growers and producers.

Each of the 10 participating restaurants will feature appetizers, main courses and desserts using local ingredients.

Products made by the Bright Cheese and Butter Co., a local artisanal cheese maker, will be featured during Oxfordlicious.

Taking part are Elm Hurst Inn, Six Thirty Nine, Niko's Eatery and Bar, Walters Dinner Theatre, Ody's, Quehl's of Tavistock, Dairy Capital Cheese Shoppe, Clog Steak and Seafood Grille, Charles Dickens Pub and Bronsons Steakhouse and Pour Bar.

Most of the dining establishments will also feature local art and music.

Make it a real getaway by staying at a participating bed and breakfast -- Simple Pleasures and Just for You, both in Thamesford, and the Oak Cottage in Burgessville.

Passports are available at participating locations and Oxford tourism centres.

For details about Oxfordlicious, restaurants and their featured menu items, go to www.oxfordlicious.com or call 1-866-801-7368.