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2011 VISITOR’S GUIDE

EXPERIENCE
Elgin County
& ST. THOMAS

WWW.ELGINTOURIST.COM
COME FOR THE EXPERIENCE. LEAVE INSPIRED.

Victoria Day - Thanksgiving Day: Open 9am-5pm daily; Tearoom serves 11am-4pm
Thanksgiving Day - Victoria Day: Please call or check our website for hours.

2 1-877-GO-ELGIN | WWW.ELGINTOURIST.COM
CONTENTS
Warden’s Welcome  5
Our Communities  6
Business Listings
ELGIN COUNTY/ST. THOMAS
TOURISM SERVICES Accommodations  23
LOCAL PHONE Adventure & Golf  25
519-631-1460 x168 Agritourism  27
TOLL FREE Attractions  30
1-877-GO ELGIN x168 Food & Drink  31
FAX Heritage  34
519-631-4549
Shopping  37
EMAIL
info@elgin-county.on.ca Arts & Entertainment  42
Services  44
www.elgintourist.com Festivals & Events  47
Visit our website to discover all there is to Map of Elgin County  40
see and do in Elgin County & to learn more
about the programs below. Elgin County Events  49

www.savourelgin.ca

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• New GM & Optimum Used Vehicles Sales
• Genuine GM Parts and Accessories
• All Makes Insurance Recommended Collision Centre
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For Excellence in Sales, Service and Customer Satisfaction
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519-631-7960 • 1-800-265-4315

1-877-GO-ELGIN | WWW.ELGINTOURIST.COM  3
whole new way to chill.
A whole new way to chill.

PORT STANLEY

DAVE MENNILL
WARDEN OF ELGIN COUNTY

PAUL ENS
MAYOR OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM
le dates Open Mon-Sun HEATHER JACKSON-CHAPMAN
e location.10am-10pm
erican Dairy Queen Corp., Distributed by IDQ Canada Inc.
MAYOR OF THE CITY OF ST. THOMAS
417 Wellington St., St. Thomas - Elgin Mall
Canada.

519-637-2542
JACK COUCKUYT
MAYOR OF THE TOWN OF AYLMER
® Trademark of American Dairy Queen Corp., Distributed by IDQ Canada Inc. © 2010. Printed in Canada.
ueen / Orange Julius Space/Size: 2 col x 5-1/4”
BILL WALTERS
ral DQ/OJ
Elgin County’s GuidePubs:
to Issue:
Newspaper
2007 MAYOR OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF CENTRAL ELGIN
SPORT, RECREATION & LEISURE
Note: Please delete this information before placement.
JIM McINTYRE
MAYOR OF THE TOWNSHIP OF SOUTHWOLD

CAMERON McWILLIAM
MAYOR OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF DUTTON/DUNWICH

BERNIE WIEHLE
MAYOR OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF WEST ELGIN

DAVE MENNILL
MAYOR OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MALAHIDE

Experience Elgin County &


St. Thomas 2011 was produced by
Relish Marketing & Promotions Inc.
Reproduction of any material is strictly prohibited
without the written permission of the Publisher.

Get It, Read It, Use It, Keep It Printed by Aylmer Express
2011 GUIDE AVAILABLE NOW
4 1-877-GO-ELGIN | WWW.ELGINTOURIST.COM
WARDEN’S WELCOME
Welcome to Elgin County.
Located in the heart of Southwestern Ontario, Elgin County and St. Thomas offer a delightful
mix of urban and rural attractions and a high quality of life.
Whether you are interested in a half-day excursion in search of antiques, or days of sun, swim
and surf, or world class bird-watching, it’s all in Elgin County and St. Thomas.
Hugging the north shore of Lake Erie, Elgin has miles of sandy beaches, interesting hamlets
with architectural and historical allure, high quality dining establishments, and just the right
balance of city and country.
From St. Thomas, the Railway Capital of Canada, to fields of ginseng, pumpkins, strawberries
and apple trees, Elgin’s rich agricultural heritage is bolstered by the many urban centres with
theatrical attractions, festivals, celebrations and striking architecture. There are bicycle and
motorcycle trails to help you discover your favourite part of
the county.
For information on the many events and attractions, please
contact Tourism Services:
Visit: 450 Sunset Drive in St. Thomas
Call: 1-877-GO-ELGIN
Web: www.elgintourist.com
Elgin County is a great place to visit, work, live and play
and we are all waiting to share it with you.
Enjoy your stay, and please come back again.

Warden Dave Mennill

Joe Preston M.P.


Elgin - Middlesex - London
Ready and available to
help with your Federal concerns.
Constituency Office:
2-24 First Avenue, St. Thomas, ON N5R 4M5
Tel: (519) 637-2255 • Fax: (519) 637-3358
Toll Free: 1-866-404-0406
www.joeprestonmp.ca

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West Elgin
Central to Everything, Second to None
West Elgin—a place where the past and the future live side by side.
A minute from the 401, it’s your link to Lake Erie
and Ontario’s beautiful South Coast.

COME FOR A DAY OR STAY AWHILE...


Meet Our Farmers at more than half a dozen farm markets, where you
can taste the freshest blueberries, pick the sweetest corn and smell all
types of local honey, herbs, and flowers.
Explore Our Trails on bike, by car or on foot. Spend a day at the beach, or
fish at the pier of the Port Glasgow Marina. Quiet spaces abound
along gravel roads that pass by generations-old family farms and
through Carolinian forests.
Taste our Bounty of local foods at family-owned restaurants,
shop in our villages and rejuvenate your spirit at B&Bs with that
small-town touch and a friendly welcome.

We’re just down the road and off the beaten path.
WEST LORNE • RODNEY • PORT GLASGOW
www.westelgin.net
519-785-0560
WEST ELGIN
INCLUDING RODNEY, PORT GLASGOW & WEST LORNE
A minute from the 401, West Elgin is an easily
accessible destination for relaxation, recreation
and some unique annual events. Port Glasgow
Marina, with 80 slips, full-service washrooms
and paved pier, is one of Ontario’s prime pickerel
and perch fishing spots. Adjacent to the marina,
you will find miles of largely undiscovered beach.
Back-roads and trails beckon trekkers, hikers, OLDE RODNEY JAIL
bikers and bird-watchers – they will be rewarded
with vistas of rural beauty and several farmgate
markets offering the best in local produce. There’s
more to discover in West Elgin’s towns, including
friendly country restaurants, shops, B&Bs, and
even a tiny historic jail in Rodney.

EXPERIENCE THE ARTS & COOKERY BANK

WEST ELGIN
RODNEY FIRE MUSTER CAC TUS, CAT TLE & COWBOYS
Rodney Park, June 25
CACTUS, CATTLE & COWBOYS
WESTERN FESTIVAL
West Lorne, July 16
WEST ELGIN RAM RODEO
Near West Lorne, July 22-24
RIBS & RUBIES: DINNER ON THE RIDGE
The Arts & Cookery Bank, August 13
RODNEY-ALDBOROUGH FAIR
PORT GLASGOW MARINA
Rodney Park, September 16-18
HALLOWEEN AT THE OLDE RODNEY JAIL
& RODNEY TOWN HALL
October 31
Find more information about these and
other West Elgin events starting on page 49.

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DUTTON/DUNWICH
INCLUDING DUTTON & WALLACETOWN
Dutton/Dunwich is called “the heart of the Talbot
settlement” in reference to its rich history. Stop in
at the Backus-Page House museum or visit one of
their many events to experience the living history
of Colonel Talbot’s original settlement. The sights
and sounds of today’s Dutton/Dunwich also offer
the visitor much to enjoy. Enjoy a spectacular view
from bluffs high above Lake Erie, an enormous BACKUS-PAGE HOUSE
field of lavender, farmgate markets brimming
with colourful produce, or sunset behind the lone
EMPIRE VALLEY FARM MARKE
inukshuk monument on the homestead of famed T
economist, scholar and statesman John Kenneth
Galbraith. Join in the fun of the Wallacetown Fair,
September 30th to October 2nd, and then return
at the end of the month for a “howling good time”
at the very popular Haunted Fairgrounds.

EXPERIENCE
DUTTON/DUNWICH HERITAGE FARM SHOW

RELIVE THE TALBOT SETTLEMENT


Backus-Page House, May 27-28
STRAWBERRY SOCIAL
Backus-Page House, June 26
TALBOT TRAIL OF YARD SALES
Through Wallacetown on Hwy 3, August 27
HERITAGE FARM SHOW
Backus-Page House, September 3-4
WALLACETOWN FAIR
Wallacetown Fairgrounds,
September 30-October 2
Find more information about these and
other Dutton/Dunwich events starting on
RELIVE THE TALBOT SET TLEME
page 49. NT

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Dutton Dunwich

JOHN E. PEARCE PARK

The Heart of the Talbot Settlement


Dutton/Dunwich, a community with heart in the heart of the Talbot Settlement, welcomes you.
Hike, bike, explore, golf, camp, pick up some produce fresh from the farmgate, stroll
through a field of lavender or stop for a bite at one of our friendly diners.
Come for one of the many unique events held at the historic Backus-Page House Museum.
Visit us in October for old favourites and new at the Wallacetown Fair.

JOHN KENNETH
BUTTERMILK BOG WALLACETOWN FAIR GALBRAITH MEMORIAL BACKUS-PAGE HOUSE

The Municipality of Dutton/Dunwich 519-762-2204 www.duttondunwich.on.ca

BACKUS-PAGE HOUSE MUSEUM


29424 Lakeview Line, Wallacetown, Ontario
519-762-3072

farm • boutique • retreat


THUR-SAT 10-5 & SUN 12-5
MOTHERS’ DAY TO THANKSGIVING
28011 ASH LINE, WALLACETOWN
519.762.2188 / 519.702.3800 www.backuspagehouse.ca
www.lavendersense.com “In the Heart of the Talbot Settlement”

LAVENDER SENSE
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SOUTHWOLD
INCLUDING SHEDDEN, FINGAL & TALBOTVILLE
A predominantly rural community with a strong
GREAT LAKES FARMS
agricultural base, Southwold’s small hamlets and
beautiful countryside make it a great locale for an
excursion. Local flavours are available for purchase
at area fruit orchards, maple syrup bushes and
other on-farm markets. Rhubarb fans return each
year to the Rosy Rhubarb Festival, a celebration of
community spirit and everything rhubarb. Enjoy
the many species of birds as you stroll on the
‘War to Roses’ walking trail at the Fingal Wildlife
Management Area, symbolically named in
reference to the site’s past as a World War II
training facility. The site is especially popular with
amateur astronomers, who find that its isolation
from light pollution provides the perfect dark sky.

Welcome to the Township of


SOUTHWOLD
Enjoy all the Keystone Township
has to offer, including ...
THE FINGAL WILDLIFE
MANAGEMENT AREA
This former WWII training
facility features the “War to
Roses” walking trail - a unique ARBOUR BED & BREAKFAST
combination of history and
natural beauty.
SHEDDEN’S ROSY
RHUBARB FESTIVAL
Each year during the second EXPERIENCE
SOUTHWOLD
weekend in June, thousands
of people celebrate rhubarb
with fun, community spirit and
fundraising.
SOUTHWOLD ROSY RHUBARB FESTIVAL
EARTHWORKS Shedden, June 10-12
This National Historical Site
contains the archaeological SHEDDEN FAIR
remains of a village occupied
by a group of Attiwandaronk August 27-28
Indians in the early 16th century.
Find more information about these and
519-769-2010 other Southwold events starting on page 49.
www.twp.southwold.on.ca

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The Municipality of

Central Elgin
Discover the enjoyment
of a rural getaway that will
take you to unique shops,
relaxing accommodations,
highly recommended
restaurants, country
Belmont Lions Community Park
wineries, matinée and
evening theatre, art
galleries, picturesque parks
and clean sandy beaches.

Discover Central
Elgin and enjoy
Main Street, Sparta
hospitality at its best.
519-631-4860
450 Sunset Drive
St. Thomas, ON N5R 5V1
www.centralelgin.org
King George VI Lift Bridge, Port Stanley
LAVENDER BLUE IS NOW

STEED&CO.
LAVENDER

DISCOVER INDULGE ESCAPE


Open Wed-Sat 10-5 and Sun 12-4
Mother’s Day to Christmas
47589 Sparta Line (3km E of Sparta)
519-494-5525
www.steedandcompany.com
CULINARY PRODUCTS ALSO AVAILABLE AT KINGSMILL’S

Unique Home Décor


Giftware
Seasonal Items
Hand-Poured Candles
& Candle Accessories

46361 SPARTA LINE • WWW.SPARTACANDLES.COM


OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 10-5 • IN THE HISTORIC VILLAGE OF SPARTA
info@spartacandles.com • 519-775-0054 • 1-800-463-1447
12 1-877-GO-ELGIN | WWW.ELGINTOURIST.COM
CENTRAL ELGIN
INCLUDING PORT STANLEY, UNION, SPARTA & BELMONT
This growing municipality is best described as the
quintessential charming country getaway. The
area is a cultural delight, featuring several small
galleries and the popular Port Stanley Festival
Theatre. Enjoy golfing, bird-watching, or charter a
boat for an afternoon cruise.
PORT STANLEY THE BLUFFS GOLF CLUB
The fishing village of Port Stanley boasts one
of the finest stretches of sandy beach on Erie’s
north shore. The area is popular for its abundance
of trendy shops, inns and casual upscale dining
establishments.
SPARTA
Much of the charm of Sparta lies in its Quaker
heritage—many of the homes and businesses
reside in original buildings representing period
architecture dating back to 1825. Here you’ll
find interesting shops, a tearoom, art galleries, a BRIDGE STREET, PORT STANLE
Y
lavender farm, and the Forge & Anvil museum.

EXPERIENCE
CENTRAL ELGIN
GREAT LAKES INTERNATIONAL
AIR SHOW
St. Thomas Municipal Airport, June 24-26
PORT STANLEY CANFEST SPARTA HOUSE TEA ROOM
Port Stanley, July 1-2
ELGIN HISTORICAL SHOW PORT STANLEY’S MAIN BEACH
Dan Patterson Conservation Area,
August 12-14
DOORS OPEN PORT STANLEY-SPARTA
Various locations, October 1
Find more information about these and other
Central Elgin events starting on page 49.

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PORT STANLEY
Jewel of the North Shore
Our Business Community Welcomes You
ACCOMMODATIONS FOOD & DRINK HOME ACCENTS & GIFTS
Harbour View Bed & Breakfast • Broderick’s Ice Cream • 519-782-4492 Brambles • 519-782-4983
519-782-7763 Captain’s Cook • 519-782-7272 Connections • 519-782-7247
Inn On the Harbour • 519-782-7623 Godfather’s Pizza • 519-782-3203 Country Bliss Ltd. • 519-782-3360
Kettle Creek Inn • 519-782-3388 GT’s Restaurant Beach Bar • Harbourside Antiques • 519-782-3622
Port Stanley Beach Hotel • 519-266-4024 519-782-4555 Harbourtown Soap Co. • 519-782-5108
Telegraph House • 519-782-3006 Killer Desserts • 519-782-9987 Home Therapy Design/
The Windjammer Inn • 519-782-4173 M.E. & Suzie’s Restaurant • 519-782-3663 Joshua & Company • 519-782-5108
Mackie’s • 519-782-4390 Stan Portley’s Antiques • 519-782-3805
APPAREL/FOOTWEAR Mickey’s Boathouse Restaurant • Van Ijmeren • 519-782-7847
Apropos • 519-782-9955 519-782-7726
Apropos After Five • 519-782-3012 Pizzaworx on the Beach • 519-782-4500 MARINE & FISHERIES
Chic Shack Boutique • 226-658-0245 Port Stanley Wharf Restaurant • Glen Weaver Fisheries Inc. •
Elgin County Foot Services • 519-782-7788 519-782-7358
519-782-4654 Roxie’s Diner Restaurant • 519-782-3241 Golem Fisheries • 519-782-4987
Frankly Scarlett • 519-782-3601 Spicer’s Bakery • 519-782-7777 Kettle Creek Marina Ltd. • 519-782-3261
Kazwear • 519-782-7539 The Pierside Pub • 519-782-9963 LR Jackson Fisheries Ltd. • 519-782-3562
Satin Woods Boutique • 519-207-2846 Portside Marina • 519-782-3623
Southbound Boutique • 519-782-4741
FLOWERS/GARDENING Stan’s Marina • 519-782-3553
Moore Water Gardens • 519-782-4052
Studio Style • 519-782-7467
Russell House Apparel • 519-782-7781
Waterspots Flowers & Gifts • SERVICES
519-782-9962 C.A. Medical Centre
The $20 Shop • 1-866-511-2911
GENERAL MERCHANDISE Century 21 Network Realty Ltd. •
ARTS/CULTURE Home Hardware • 519-782-3264 519-782-4900
Erie Shores Art Gallery • 519-777-9481 Mac’s Convenience Store Dick Walter’s Auto Service • 519-782-4218
Mary Louise White • 519-633-2686 Port Stanley Foodland • 519-782-3315 Green Roof Gas Bar & Car Wash •
Portside Gallery • 519-782-7066 Ports Pets Pet Shop • 519-782-3392 519-782-3062
Shutter & Brush • 519-633-2686 The Storehouse • 227-658-0122 Lake Erie Beacon • 519-782-4563
Soulful Arts • 519-782-3703 Lanning & Turnbull Insurance •
HEALTH & BEAUTY 519-782-3327
ATTRACTIONS A State of Bliss • 519-317-3177 MacKinnon Electric • 519-782-3589
Kettle Creek Golf & Country Club • Bernice Willemse Massage Therapy • Port Stanley Fitness Centre •
519-782-7500 519-317-1975 519-782-7800
Port Stanley Festival Theatre • Carmel’s Hairstyling Re/Max Centre City Realty •
519-782-4353 Hair House • 519-782-7222 519-782-5505
Port Stanley Terminal Rail • Highland Pharmacy • 519-782-3324 Royal LePage Triland • 519-782-4888
519-782-3730 Kathy’s Hairstyling • 519-782-3284 Vedova & Chamberlain • 519-782-4562
Stork Club & Big Band Museum • Marion’s Beauty Salon • 519-782-3013
519-782-4563 Our Town Harbourview Spa •
519-782-4600

Visit us online at
www.portstanley.net
ST. THOMAS
St. Thomas has claimed the title of Railway Capital
PINAFORE PARK
of Canada, based upon its history as a North
American railway hub. This history is kept alive
largely through the efforts of two organizations—
the Elgin County Railway Museum and the North
America Railway Hall of Fame. St. Thomas is also
known for a famous railway tragedy—Jumbo, Photo courtesy of Catharine Spratley
the star of the Barnum & Bailey Circus, was struck
and killed by a train there in 1885. A life-sized
Jumbo monument was unveiled on the centennial RAILWAY CIT Y BREWING CO.
anniversary of the event and continues to greet
visitors entering the city’s west end. Echoes of the
past can be found in many architectural gems in
St. Thomas, including the Elgin County Court-
house, St. Thomas City Hall, Old St. Thomas Church
and numerous private homes, many of which are
found in the courthouse area. On a more modern
note, St. Thomas offers a lively community theatre,
impressive downtown murals and several beauti-
ful parks. It also boasts its own microbrewery,
the thriving Saturday Horton Farmers’ Market
(seasonal) and first class recreational facilities like EXPERIENCE
the St. Thomas Timken Community Centre and the
Douglas J. Tarry Sports Complex.
ST. THOMAS
DAY OUT WITH THOMAS
Memorial Centre, July 15-17 & 22-24
IRON HORSE FESTIVAL
Downtown St. Thomas, August 25-28
ST. THOMAS FIRE MUSTER
Pinafore Park, September 3-4
DOORS OPEN ST. THOMAS
Various locations, October 1-2
HOLIDAY FANTASY OF LIGHTS
Pinafore Park, December 2-31
Find more information about these and
other St. Thomas events starting on
HORTON FARMERS’ MARKET page 49.

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EVERY
TUESDAY
8AM-4PM
All roads lead to the ...
AYLMER SALES ARENA
Farmers’ Market & Flea Market
Shop and browse in our unique and friendly atmosphere.
Fresh Produce, Meat, Cheese, Eggs, Baked Goods, Crafts, Gifts,
Tools, Fabrics, Home Décor, Clothing, Books, Health Products, CDs,
DVDs, Jewellery, New & Used Furniture and much, much more!
ATM & RESTAURANT ON SITE
Serving Elgin County & Area for Over 50 Years!

KNOWN FOR SPORTSWEAR • FRIENDLY STAFF • TOP BRAND NAMES


Tan Jay, Alia, Columbia, Point Zero,
Joseph Ribkoff, Not Your Daugher’s Jeans,
Tribal, Roxy, Bench, plus many more

29 Talbot Street East, Aylmer 51 Murray St. (just off John St. N/Hwy #73N), AYLMER
519-773-3941 519-765-2211 • Vendor Inquiries Welcome
ELGIN’S FASHION INDEPENDENT SINCE 1925 www.aylmersalesarena.ca

CANADA DAY CELEBRATION - JULY 1 (RAIN DATE JULY 2)


On behalf of the Town of Aylmer and the Township of Malahide, the East Elgin Community
Complex hosts the Canada Day Celebration in partnership with the Kinsmen Club of Aylmer.
Festivities include: inflatables face painting, carnival games, crafts, BBQ, live entertain-
ment, free public skating, official ceremony and fireworks
Admission: Donation to the Kinsmen Club of Aylmer
FAMILY NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION - DECEMBER 31, 6-9PM
Ring in the New Year with family and friends. Don’t miss the fun and festivities!
Festivities include: face painting, cotton candy, crafts, carnival games, inflatables and Val
the Snake Lady. Public skating with rental skates available for only $2 a pair.
Admission: $10 per family
RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS
Adult Skate • Tiny Tots • Public Skating • Family Skate
Figure Skating • Shinny • Mini Shinny • Shuffleboard • Indoor Walking
Horseshoes • Youth Drop-In Program
For more information, contact the East Elgin Community Complex
531 Talbot Street West, Aylmer, Ontario N5H 2T9
Phone: 519-773-5631 Fax: 519-773-5755
tklachan@eastelgincommunitycomplex.ca
www.eastelgincommunitycomplex.ca

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MALAHIDE & AYLMER
THE TOWN OF AYLMER & TOWNSHIP OF MALAHIDE, INCLUDING
SPRINGFIELD & PORT BRUCE
Aylmer-Malahide is known for its rich agricultural
industry and the unique Carolinian forest that
surrounds the town of Aylmer. Along country roads
you will find contrasts in state-of-the-art dairy
operations next to old-order Mennonite farms,
where fields are ploughed with horses. In the
town of Aylmer, you will find a busy downtown CLOVERMEAD BEES & HONEY
lined with specialty shops and services, beautifully
restored theatre, community complex and active
area museum. Hit the back roads to find a popular
migratory bird viewing area, galleries, a pottery
and tearoom nestled in a pine forest, a winery,
farm markets and an apiary with delicious honey
and fun for families. The almost never crowded
beach at Port Bruce is just waiting for those
seeking a long, lazy afternoon of sand and sun.

EXPERIENCE
MALAHIDE & AYLMER
SPRINGWATER MAPLE SYRUP FESTIVAL
Springwater Conservation Area,
weekends in March
7TH ANNUAL BEE BEARD COMPETITION
Clovermead Bees & Honey, July 23
AYLMER FAIR SPRINGWATER
Aylmer Fairgrounds, August 11-14 CONSERVATION AREA
DOORS OPEN EAST ELGIN
Aylmer, Malahide & Bayham, September 24
CHRISTMAS SPIRIT WALK
Springwater Conservation Area, December 3
Find more information about these and
other Malahide & Aylmer events starting on PORT BRUCE
page 49.

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Town of Aylmer
Proud Heritage. Bright Future.
The historic Town of Aylmer has grown with the times and offers visitors a relaxed
pace to explore the community. Indulge yourself with a stroll around Aylmer. Walk
downtown to visit a shopping mecca of quaint boutiques, antique shops, several
fragrant bakeries and unique gift and souvenir stores. Visit the Aylmer Farm Market
on Tuesdays, featuring the bounty of Ontario. Linger a moment in extensive park
systems including Rotary Park, only the second one in Canada to be certified as an
Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. Take the heritage walk or visit the murals that
illustrate our history, then stop at one of our fine restaurants to complete your
touring, walking or shopping experience in Aylmer.

Whatever your desire might be, let it be realized amid the esthetic wonders and
bristling fragrances found along your nostalgic journey through Aylmer, Ontario.

Formore
For moreinformation
information or
or to receive your
your free
freeExplore
ExploreOur
Our
Treasures
TreasuresTour
Tour Map,
Map, call
call 519-773-3164
519-773-3164 or or visit
visit www.aylmer.ca
www.aylmer.ca
Township of Malahide
Diverse Attractions on Ontario’s South Shore
The journey is the adventure. Imagine the cool, pine-scented refreshment of a
Muskoka woodland, or the exotic flora and wildlife of a Carolinian forest. It’s all within
easy driving distance in Malahide. Travelling along Glencolin Line you will enter an
Old Order Amish community where the residents live and work without use
of modern conveniences. Visitors are welcomed and farm-gate shopping is available.

On Hacienda Road you will encounter the Aylmer Wildlife Centre, a stopping point
for migrating Tundra Swans. Imperial Road is home to a fully operational apiary where
you can explore a bee education centre. On Rogers Road a quaint tearoom and
pottery studio serves visitors in a peaceful oasis of tall pines surrounding a scenic
pond. Imperial Road ends at Port Bruce, the popular Lake Erie boating and fishing
destination on the south shore. A non-stop journey from north to south Malahide
takes under an hour but will leave a timeless memory of a diversity of cultures mixed
with a harmonious blend of man-made and natural attractions.

Formore
For moreinformation
information or
or to
to receive
receive your
your free
freeExplore
ExploreOur
OurTreasures
Treasures
Tour Map, call 519-773-5344 or visit www.malahide.ca
Tour Map, call 519-773-5344 or visit www.township.malahide.on.ca
Aylmer and Malahide
EXPLORE OUR
TREASURES
Visitor and Tour Map

Historically Rich. Experience the area’s rich heritage including


one of the most popular markets in Southwestern Ontario.
Naturally Beautiful. Explore the inviting green space at
Rotary Park – a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary.
Dramatically Unique. Indulge in the area’s unique
treasures including Clovermead Bees & Honey Apiaries
and the quaint boutiques of Mainstreet Aylmer.

Formore
For more information
information or
or to
to receive
receive your
yourfree
free
Explore Our Treasures Tour Map, please contact:
Explore Our Treasures Tour Map, please contact:

Town
TownofofAylmer:
Aylmer:519-773-3164
519-773-3164 Township
Township ofof Malahide:519-773-5344
Malahide: 519-773-5344
www.aylmer.ca
www.aylmer.ca www.malahide.ca
www.township.malahide.on.ca
BAYHAM
INCLUDING STRAFFORDVILLE, VIENNA, PORT BURWELL & EDEN
Discover Bayham on the east end of Elgin County, PORT BURWELL MARINE MU
SEUM
home to Edison Museum of Vienna, Port Burwell
Marine Museum & Historic Lighthouse, and Port
Burwell Provincial Park. Popular events like the
famous Edison Fest, Port Burwell Tub Daze and
the Straffordville Watermelon Fest offer tons of
family fun. The Erie Shores Wind Farm, spread
along Bayham’s lakefront provides sustainable
energy and an attraction for sightseers and
photographers. A fall tour through Bayham, with
its picturesque valleys, stately windmills and lake
scenery, rivals the best Ontario has to offer. Come
experience the long sandy beaches, delectable
Lake Erie perch served at several local restaurants,
and much more.

SILVER BIRCH TEAROOM AT


EXPERIENCE BAYHAM HERITAGE LINE HERBS

EDISON FEST
Vienna Memorial Park, June 4 WIND TURBINE
CANADA DAY CELEBRATIONS
IN PORT BURWELL
Parade begins at Legion, July 1
PORT BURWELL TUB DAZE
Port Burwell East Beach, July 29-31
STRAFFORDVILLE WATERMELON FEST
Community Centre Park, August 27
RAM ROCKIN’ RODEO
Outback Camping, September 2-5
STRAFFORDVILLE
SANTA CLAUS PARADE
Straffordville Public School, December 10
Find more information about these and
other Bayham events starting on page 49. PORT BURWELL BEACH

1-877-GO-ELGIN | WWW.ELGINTOURIST.COM  21
Discover Bayham
www.bayham.on.ca • 519-866-5521
Gateway to Erie’s Shore
Discover ... natural treasures & attractions.
Enjoy ... clean, sandy beaches, Port Burwell
Provincial Park, historic sites, special events,
bird & butterfly migrations, museums and 2011 EVENTS
historic lighthouse.
THROUGHOUT BAYHAM
Visit ... the Erie Shores Wind Farm and view the Sept 24: Doors Open East Elgin
magnificent, energy producing wind turbines, lo-
cated east and west of Port Burwell, along Lake Erie. VIENNA
June 4: Edison Fest
Marriage officiant services offered -
Nov 19: Edison Museum’s Annual
email rogers1651@amtelecom.net for details.
Dinner & Silent Auction
MAY is Museum Month! PORT BURWELL
Museums Open Daily Mid-May to Labour Day July 1: Canada Day Celebrations
Wind Interpretive Centre Information Kiosk with Parade at 11am
Brown Rd at Nova Scotia Ln July 29-31: Tub Daze -
Edison Museum of Vienna Fireworks at dark on Sunday
14 Snow St • 519-874-4999 Nov 6: Armistice Day Parade
Dec 3: Santa Claus Parade - 6:30pm
Port Burwell Marine Museum & Lighthouse
Pitt St & Robinson St • 519-874-4807 STRAFFORDVILLE
Aug 27: Watermelon Fest -
Trans Canada Trail Parade at 10am; Family Fun Day
& Cycling/Hiking Routes Dec 10: Santa Claus Parade - 10:30am
Brochure guides available at the Port Burwell Historic Visit www.bayham.on.ca for more
information on Bayham events.
Lighthouse Travel Information Centre.

Watermelon Fest

Port Burwell Marine Museum


& Lighthouse Erie Shores Wind Farm
ACCOMMODATIONS HOWARD JOHNSON - TILLSONBURG
92 Simcoe St, Tillsonburg, ON N4G 2J1
Ph: 519-842-7366 | Fax: 519-842-6176
No matter how long you have to visit, Ontario’s E: info@hojotillsonburg.ca | www.hojotillsonburg.ca
South Coast has whatever it takes to make your Boasts 59 well appointed rooms with attention to detail.
stay fun and relaxing. Select from several bed Scotty’s, our own on site restaurant opens at 6am. Compli-
and breakfasts, fully furnished cottages, motels, mentary continental breakfast.
inns and cabins. From luxurious to rustic, quaint INN ON THE HARBOUR & LITTLE INN
to modern, there’s a spot to match your needs. 202 Main St, Port Stanley, ON N5L 1H6
Ph: 519-782-7623 | Fax: 519-782-7728
ALMA VILLA E: innkeeper@innontheharbour.ca
201 Lakeview St, Port Stanley, ON N5L 1A1 www.innontheharbour.ca
Ph: 519-782-3881 | E: almavilla@sympatico.ca Experience the relaxation of casual waterfront accommoda-
www.cottagesincanada.com/almavilla tion. King beds, double jacuzzi, fireplaces and water views
Beautifully restored century old lakeside home in Port that will take your breath away. IMAGINE!
Stanley! 6 bedrooms with upper and lower decks offering
the most unforgettable views of Lake Erie. KETTLE CREEK INN
216 Joseph St, Port Stanley, ON N5L 1C4
ARBOUR BED AND BREAKFAST Ph: 519-782-3388 | Fax: 519-782-5074
10361 Talbotville Gore Rd, St. Thomas, ON N5P 3T2 E: information@kettlecreekinn.com
Ph: 519-933-3986 www.kettlecreekinn.com
E: peter@arbourbb.com | www.arbourbb.com Historical 1849 inn with 10 guest rooms and 5 luxury suites
Arbour Bed and Breakfast/Guest House, convenient to Lon- (whirlpools & gas fireplaces). Great pub food plus fine din-
don, St. Thomas, Aylmer and Port Stanley, offers two newly ing. Gazebo and patio dining! See ad on page 24.
renovated bedrooms with ensuites. Guests have private ac-
cess to the B&B, full kitchen facilities, beautiful living room, MERIDIAN ENERGETICS SPA & TEA ROOM
three season sun porch, gardens and deck. 186 Graham Rd, West Lorne, ON N0L 2P0
Ph: 519-768-3391 | E: info@bedandbreakfastspaontario.com
BEST WESTERN STONERIDGE INN & www.bedandbreakfastspaontario.com
CONFERENCE CENTRE Namaste! Experience the mind, body, spirit connection
6675 Burtwistle Lane, London, ON N6L 1H5 designed to offer a restful sleep. Relieve stress with Zen
Ph: 519-652-6022 | Fax: 519-652-1150 Aromatic Massage. Clean rooms and whole food meals
E: hotelinfo@stoneridgeinn.com | www.stoneridgeinn.com served by friendly professional folks.
Full-service hotel and conference centre features 70 guest
rooms; 8,700 square feet of conference space; on-site MULBERRY LANE B&B
chapel; on-site restaurant; Pasto’s Grill, fitness and business 6324 Stone Church Rd, Box 75, Union, ON N0L 2L0
centres. See ad on page 24. Ph: 519-637-4499 | E: mulberrylanebb@rogers.com
www.bbcanada.com/mulberrylane
CARDINAL COURT MOTEL Enjoy our welcoming spacious home in a captivating retreat
10401 Sunset Rd, RR #7, St. Thomas, ON N5P 3T2 setting. Our B&B is situated just minutes from Port Stanley,
Ph: 519-633-0740 | Fax: 519-633-9616 wineries, Hawk Cliff and more.
E: theaulakhs@execulink.com | www.cardinalcourt.ca
Located in St. Thomas, just off the highway, we offer quiet, NEW ELGIN MOTEL
clean, cozy comfort in a country setting. Our 15 rooms 9701 Sunset Dr, St. Thomas, ON N5P 3T2
are spacious and immaculate. Free continental breakfast, in- Ph: 519-633-0580 | E: newelginmotel@hotmail.com
ternet, hair dryers and coffee makers in the rooms. We hope www.newelginmotel.ca
that your stay with us is a happy and pleasant one. Very clean, comfortable and affordable rooms available. Two
minutes to downtown and fifteen minutes to Port Stanley.
GREY GABLES BED AND BREAKFAST 24 hour check-in available.
22 Erieus St, Port Burwell, ON N0J 1T0
Ph: 519-874-4644 | E: greygabl@amtelecom.net OTTER RIVER FARMS
www.bbcanada.com/3912.html Ph: 519-874-4038 | Fax: 519-874-4046
Located minutes by foot from the beach, Grey Gables is a E: otterriverfarms@gmail.com | www.otterriverfarms.ca
meticulously restored heritage home. Enjoy the village 3 bedroom guest house or rustic cabin rental. Explore the
atmosphere, visit the historic lighthouse and museum and wilderness of Otter Valley, guided ATV, snowmobile, hiking
dine at one of Port Burwell’s fine restaurants. Make Grey tours. Educational, historical, managed Carolinian forest.
Gables “your home at the Lake.” Fishing, birding, photography.
1-877-GO-ELGIN | WWW.ELGINTOURIST.COM  23
continental breakfast, on-site
dining at Pasto’s Grill, free
high speed internet access, conference
OUTBACK CAMPING
6679 Woodworth Rd, Port Burwell, ON N0J 1T0 Relax
merely &away!
minutes Recharge
rooms, catering and so much more... Convenient Highway
location, comfortably
Ph: 519-874-1242 | Fax: 519-247-3925 appointed guest rooms,
E: mike@outbackcamping.ca | www.outbackcamping.ca complimentary continental
breakfast, on-site dining
Party Camping! Events held throughout the year, mainly on at Pasto’s Grill, free high
long weekends, live music, interactive games, dance club. speed internet access,
Also rent out for Stag & Does, Weddings etc. conference rooms, catering
and so much more...
merely minutes away!
PEARCE WILLIAMS CHRISTIAN CENTRE -
SUMMER CAMP & RETREAT FACILITY 6675 Burtwistle Lane
8009 Iona Rd, RR #1, Fingal, ON Hwy 401 & Hwy 4, London
Ph: 519-764-2317 | Fax: 519-764-2428 519-652-6022
E: info@pearcewilliams.org | www.pearcewilliams.org Stoneridge Inn or 1-888-471-2378
Elgin County’s only full service Summer Camp & Rental & Conference Centre Groups Welcome • Catering Available
www.stoneridgeinn.com
Facility. Hiking trails open to public year round. Discover &
Explore Elgin’s Natural spaces. All welcome.
Relax & Recharge
6675 Burtwistle Lane, OPEN SUNDAY FOR DINNER & MON-SAT
PORT STANLEY BEACH HOUSE Hwy. 401 & Hwy. 4, London – LUNCH & DINNER –
519-652-6022 or 1-888-471-2378
137 William St, Port Stanley, ON N5L 1E6 www.stoneridgeinn.com
FOR RESERVATIONS: 519-652-7659
• HWY 401 & 4 •
Ph: 519-670-7285 | E: sacbep@yahoo.ca
Steps to Main Beach; a short drive to Little Beach. Renovated, Where history
fully furnished, 3+ bedrooms, central air, deck, BBQ, parking. meets hospitality.
“One of the Lake Erie shore’s most exceptional bed and
RAMADA INN breakfasts ... a tour de force of tempting choices.”
292 Wellington St, St. Thomas, ON | Ph: 519-631-2860 — Jeanette Higgins, The Best Places to B&B in Ontario
Fax: 519-631-0794 | E: stthomasramada@rogers.com
The first full service hotel located in the heart of St. Thomas. 205 Main Street, Port Stanley 
FIVE-STAR
Our staff is here to service your every need from great room 519-782-3006 FOBBA

rates to making that special reception unforgettable. www.telegraphhouse.com Rating

SHORELINE GETAWAYS
720-195 Dufferin Ave, London, ON N6A 1K7
Ph: 1-877-231-6421 | Fax: 519-432-8908
E: info@shorelinegetaways.com | www.shorelinegetaways.com
Shoreline maintains and rents 6 cottages located in the
heart of Port Stanley. Our cottages are clean, cozy, affordable
and available during all seasons.
STARDREAM B&B - ACCOMMODATION
42 East St, St. Thomas, ON N5P 2R2 | Ph: 519-637-4187 Picture yourself...
E: stevedwards@live.ca | www.stardream.ca Relaxing on our patio,
Fully restored heritage home. Located in West Village close Enjoying Lunch, Dinner or a snack,
to shops, spas, antiques, museums, art centre & restaurants. Staying the evening in
TELEGRAPH HOUSE a room or suite!
205 Main St, Port Stanley, ON N5L 1C4 | Ph: 519-782-3006
E: welcome@telegraphhouse.com | www.telegraphhouse.com
Our Victorian two-storey harbourfront Inn, circa 1875,
features four very grand bed and breakfast suites, all with
private bathrooms. Hot breakfast is included.
See ad on this page.
THE WINDJAMMER INN
324 Smith St, Port Stanley, ON N5L 1C6
Ph: 519-782-4173 | Fax: 519-782-5183 Main Street, Port Stanley
E: grrlmet@sympatico.ca | www.thewindjammerinn.com (519)782-3388
Beautifully restored heritage house is home to award www.kettlecreekinn.com
winning restaurant and cozy Bed & Breakfast. Luxury jacuzzi information@kettlecreekinn.com
suites in carriage house. Pet friendly. See ad on page 32.
24 1-877-GO-ELGIN | WWW.ELGINTOURIST.COM
ADVENTURE & GOLF
Elgin County offers great outdoor opportunities for every
season of the year. You’ll find places for adventure and
recreation on land (from golf courses to trails and
conservation areas), water (from lazy creeks for paddling
to the big water of Lake Erie) and air (at the busy
THE BLUFFS GOLF CLUB
St. Thomas Municipal airport).
BELMONT GOLF CLUB FORE GOLFERS ONLY LTD.
45809 Ferguson Ln, Belmont, ON N0L 1B0 43765 Talbot Ln, St. Thomas, ON N5P 3S7
Ph: 519-644-1370 | Fax: 519-644-0982 Ph: 519-631-8617 | Fax: 519-633-6409
Challenging 18 holes; easy walking or carts available; no tee E: fgo@rogers.com
times required; fun, friendly atmosphere. See ad below. www.foregolfersonly.on.ca
The largest selection of golf equipment, both new and used
BLUFFS GOLF CLUB, THE in the country. A must see for any golfer.
35593 Lake Ln, Port Stanley, ON N5L 1J1
Ph: 519-782-7447 | Fax: 519-782-7377 HANCOX HOMESTEAD DRIVING RANGE
E: info@thebluffsgolfclub.com | www.thebluffsgolfclub.com 31839 Silver Clay Ln, Iona Station, ON N0L 1P0
Unique and picturesque nine-hole course overlooking Lake Ph: 519-762-6048 | E: hancoxhomestead@aol.com
Erie offers licensed club house, patio, and golf course, season Situated near Dutton, Hancox Homestead Driving Range is an
and play passes, practice putting green and event planning. 11 acre facility that caters to both the novice & avid golfer.
New 2011 Driving Range. See ad below.
KETTLE CREEK CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
EAST ELGIN COMMUNITY COMPLEX 44015 Ferguson Ln, St. Thomas, ON N5P 3T3
531 Talbot St W, Aylmer, ON N5H 2T9 | Ph: 519-773-5631 Ph: 519-631-1270 | Fax: 519-631-5026
Fax: 519-773-5755 | www.eastelgincommunitycomplex.ca E: elizabeth@kettlecreekconservation.on.ca
E: tklachan@eastelgincommunitycomplex.ca www.kettlecreekconservation.on.ca
Owned and operated by the Town of Aylmer and Township of Kettle Creek Conservation Authority’s six conservation areas
Malahide, we offer recreational programs all year and host a showcase a number of water-related activities, bird watch-
Canada Day Celebration and Family New Year’s Eve Party. ing, disc golfing, hiking and camping opportunities. Visit
See ad on page 16. www.kettlecreekconservation.on.ca for more information.
See ad on page 26.
FERGUSON RV WORLD INC.
1249 Talbot St, St. Thomas, ON N5P 1G8 | Ph: 519-631-1092 KETTLE CREEK MARINA
Fax: 519-631-9166 | E: dferguson@fergusonrvworld.com 220 Colonel Bostwick St, Port Stanley, ON N5L 1C2
www.fergusonrvworld.com Ph: 519-782-3261
Recreational Vehicle: sales, service, parts, and accessories. E: info@kettlecreekmarina.com
Fifth wheels, travel trailers, fold downs and Wells Cargo - www.kettlecreekmarina.com
Cargo Trailers. We have rentals and we service most brands. Guest dockage for power and sail boats to 50 ft. The
See ad on page 26. friendliest little marina on Lake Erie for 26 years!

The Bluffs Golf Club is 5km west of Port


Stanley on the bluffs overlooking Lake Erie.
It’s a challenging 9-hole course with
breathtaking views that will make your
golfing experience a day to remember.
• Driving Range - New for 2011
• Licensed Clubhouse Patio & Golf Course
• Practice Putting Green • Golf Carts
A friendly place to golf. • Corporate Outings Welcome
35593 Lake Line
Owned & Operated by Port Stanley
Jan & George Loughlean, C.P.G.A. PRO
519-782-7447
45809 Ferguson Line 519-644-1370 Book online at www.thebluffsgolfclub.com
1-877-GO-ELGIN | WWW.ELGINTOURIST.COM  25
LATITUDE CHARTERS
170 Sydenham St, Port Stanley, ON N5L 1C6
Ph: 519-782-4729
E: latitude42@sympatico.ca
www.latitudecharters.ca
Latitude Charters offers sailing charters from the harbour of
Port Stanley. Step aboard a crewed 33’ sailboat for day and Enjoy a refreshing
sunset sails. Take the helm or just relax. Corporate charters day or weekend with
available. all that Mother
LOWER THAMES VALLEY CONSERVATION AUTHORITY Nature has to offer.
100 Thames St, Chatham, ON N7L 2Y8
Ph: 519-354-7310 | Fax: 519-352-3435 People in Harmony with Nature
E: ltvca@MNSi.net seasonal and overnight camping
www.lowerthames-conservation.on.ca beach • fishing • picnic areas
Check out these conservation areas in Elgin County on bird watching • playground
our website: E.M. Warwick Conservation Area near Eagle, hiking trails • swimming pools
Dutton-Dunwich Conservation Area, Sharon Creek Conserva- disc golf
tion Area near Delaware. See ad on page 35. canoe rental
kids’ activities
PLEASANT VALLEY GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
46343 Talbot Ln, St. Thomas, ON N5P 3S7 DALEWOOD
CONSERVATION AREA
www.pleasantvalleygolf.on.ca 519-631-1009
Pleasant Valley is a family owned recreational facility where LAKE WHITTAKER
everyone is made welcome. There is fun and challenge for all CONSERVATION AREA
at Pleasant Valley. 519-269-3592
PORT GLASGOW YACHT CLUB & MARINA www.kettlecreekconservation.on.ca
PO Box 315, Rodney, ON N0L 2C0
Ph: 519-785-2408 | Fax: 519-785-0434
E: wayner@mnsi.net
Operation of Marina Lake Erie.

SPRINGWATER CONSERVATION AREA


8079 Springwater Rd, RR #5, Aylmer, ON N5H 2R4
Ph: 519-773-9037 | Fax: 519 765-1489
E: springwater@catfishcreek.ca
www.catfishcreek.ca
We offer a wide range of outdoor activities for the whole
family - camping, fishing, swimming, picnics, special events,
hiking through Springwater Forest. Visit us for memorable DISCOVER OUR GOOD NATURE
experiences. See ad, below right.
• SEASONAL & OVERNIGHT CAMPING •
open from early May to mid-October
FERGUSON RV WORLD • HIKING TRAILS •
ST. THOMAS, ONTARIO
• DAY USE AREA •
Proudly Serving Elgin with sandy beach, stocked pond with fishing
for Over 40 Years platforms, playground, picnic areas and
Motorhomes canoe & pedal boat rentals
Folding Trailers
Travel Trailers CATFISH CREEK CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
Fifth Wheels 8079 Springwater Rd., RR#5 Aylmer, ON N5H 2R4
South of Hwy#3 at Orwell between St. Thomas & Aylmer
Cargo Trailers
Local: 519-631-1092 Service 519-773-9037
Toll Free: 1-800-668-4903 Parts & Accessories www.catfishcreek.ca
1249 Talbot Street • www.fergusonrvworld.com
26 1-877-GO-ELGIN | WWW.ELGINTOURIST.COM
AGRITOURISM
Our countryside is dotted with great places to make part of your own custom agri-adventure—
tour, taste, learn and pick up some special ingredients to turn into a delicious feast back at home.
EMPIRE VALLEY GREAT LAKES FARMS
FARM MARKET

CLOVERMEAD STEED & CO.


BEES & HONEY LAVENDER

BEARY BLUE ACRES CLOVERMEAD BEES & HONEY


23301 Queens Ln, Rodney, ON N0L 2C0 | Ph: 519-785-0450 11302 Imperial Rd (Hwy 73), Aylmer, ON N5H 2R3
E: sandenacres@yahoo.ca | www.bearyblueacres.com Ph: 519-773-5503 | Fax: 519-773-5868
Family farm offering ready picked and pick-your-own blue- E: info@clovermead.com
berries mid-July to late August. Frozen blueberries available www.clovermead.com
year round. Children welcome! Clovermead is a Country Store filled with all things honey,
plus a whole world to explore in the Clovermead settlement.
BELMONT CORN MAZE Check the website for the latest buzz. See ad on page 29.
46614 Crossley-Hunter Ln, Belmont, ON
Ph: 519-644-5151 | E: belmontcornmaze@hotmail.com EMPIRE VALLEY FARM MARKET
www.belmontcornmaze.net 27983 Talbot Ln, Wallacetown, ON
Come get lost in the country! An afternoon or evening of fun Ph: 519-762-3504 | Fax: 519-762-0129
for all ages, wander your way through our 10 acres of trivia, E: empire@amtelecom.net
twists and turns. Farm-themed play-yard, concession booth www.empirevalleyfarms.com
& picnic tables onsite. Haunted maze after dark Fri & Sat Empire Valley Farm Market is a family owned business pro-
after Thanksgiving until Halloween. Malahide Township, just viding fresh homegrown vegetables seasonally. Beautiful
south of Belmont. Open Sept 1 to Nov 1, 2011 hanging baskets, perennials, tomatoes, cucumbers. Fresh
fruits & vegetables available thru to October. See ad below.
BERRY HILL FRUIT FARM
48937 Glencolin Ln, Aylmer, ON N5H 2R6 FERGUSON’S PRODUCE
Ph: 519-765-1752 | Fax: 519-765-1136 11026 Wellington Rd, St. Thomas, ON N5P 3T1
E: farmerdick@berryhillfruitfarm.ca Ph: 519-631-6589 | Fax: 519-631-2492
www.berryhillfruitfarm.ca E: fergusonproduce@gmail.com
“Make Our Garden, Your Garden”. Visit our on-farm stand www.fergusonproduce.com
for your fresh, seasonal fruit and vegetables, strawberries, In season strawberries, sweet corn, pumpkins, fall raspber-
raspberries, peaches, green beans, sweet corn, tomatoes ries, scarecrow festival every weekend in Oct. Corn Maze,
and more! School Tours, Birthday Parties. See ad below.

F ERGUSON’
PRODUCE
11026 Wellington Rd • 519-631-6589
S
FARM MARKET & GREENHOUSES
FRESH, HOME-GROWN SEASONAL PRODUCE
Fresh produce from our field
HANGING BASKETS & BEDDING PLANTS to your table, guaranteed!
SUNFLOWER MAZE • FALL DECORATIONS
27983 Talbot Line, Wallacetown • 519-762-3504 www.fergusonproduce.com
www.empirevalleyfarms.com Strawberries . Raspberries . Sweet Corn . Pumpkins . Preserves

1-877-GO-ELGIN | WWW.ELGINTOURIST.COM  27
GREAT LAKES FARMS
5111 Union Rd, Port Stanley, ON N5L 1J2
Ph: 519-782-3433 | Fax: 519-769-2466
E: contact@greatlakesfarms.ca
www.greatlakesfarms.ca
Great Lakes hosts a wide variety of activities including HERITAGE LINE HERBS
Mother’s Day brunch, group dinners, weddings and pick-
your-own strawberries, pears, pumpkins and apples. WE GROW ORGANIC POTTED HERBS & HEIRLOOM VEGETABLES
There’s always something new in our Country Store!
HERITAGE LINE HERBS & THE SILVER BIRCH TEAROOM Tea Room & Store Open Tuesday to Sunday
53443 Heritage Ln, RR #1, Aylmer, ON N5H 2R1 Visit our website for seasonal hours and special events.
Ph: 519-866-5577 | Fax: 519-866-5923 53443 Heritage Line, RR#1 Aylmer • 519-866-5577
E: heritagelineherbs@amtelcom.net
www.heritagelineherbs.com
www.heritagelineherbs.com
Delightful rural destination. Shop in our quaint country
store, stroll through our gardens & dine in our open air tea Fresh Organic Produce
Available Seasonally
room. Special events & tours year round. See ad at right. at the Horton Market,
Saturdays in St. Thomas
LAVENDER SENSE
28011 Ash Ln, Wallacetown, ON N0L 2M0
Ph: 519-762-2188
E: info@lavendersense.com
www.lavendersense.com
LAVENDER SENSE is a premier grower and purveyor of Farm fresh available whole or vacuum packed pieces.
exquisite lavender products. Enjoy the fields, browse the
Phone to order and arrange pickup.
boutique, take a Carolinian forest walk, explore the ‘Gallery 519-631-0279 • 42828 Shorlea Line, St. Thomas
in the Forest’, discover Elgin County’s first barn quilt or stay mcsmith@amtelecom.net
at the Bed & Breakfast Retreat. Seasonal pick-your-own www.mcsmithsorganicfarm.com
lavender. See ad on page 9.

MCSMITH’S ORGANIC FARM


42828 Shorlea Ln, St. Thomas, ON N5P 3T1
QUAI DU
.
VIN
E S T A T E W I N E R Y
Ph: 519-631-0279 | Fax: 519-631-9726
E: mcsmith@amtelecom.net
www.McsmithsOrganicFarm.com
McSmith’s is a diversified farming operation which has been
certified organic since 1984. Organic meat chickens, Laying
hens, pastured beef and turkeys are raised. See ad at right.

SALT CREEK FARM MARKET


11143 Highbury Ave, St. Thomas, ON N5P 3T3
Ph: 519-633-9338 | Fax: 519-631-8114
519-775-2216 2km north of Sparta Ontario www.QuaiduVin.com
www.saltcreekmarket.com
Farm market with produce in season, home baking, pickles,
honey etc. Crafts & gifts, garden items, many kinds of LOCALLY GROWN PRODUCE
apples. Known for our homemade pies. See ad at right. Apples Are Our Specialty

LARGE STOCK OF GIFTWARE


STEED & CO. LAVENDER
JUST NORTH OF ST. THOMAS
47589 Sparta Ln, Aylmer, ON N5H 2R4 HIGHBURY AVE AT RON MCNEIL LINE
Ph: 519-494-5525 (10 MINS SOUTH OF HWY 401)
E: info@steedandcompany.com LOCALLY MADE
www.steedandcompany.com Cider • Jam • Salsa • Honey • Maple Syrup
Come stroll in our gardens and experience the wonders of HOMEMADE BAKING
lavender. Our gift boutique offers unique locally crafted Always A Delicious Selection of Pies & Tarts
gifts and specialty foods created with our hand harvested Plus the Best Date Squares Around
lavender. See ad on page 12. Open 7 Days • 8am to 7pm • May 1 to Dec 24
www.saltcreekmarket.com • 519-633-9338
28 1-877-GO-ELGIN | WWW.ELGINTOURIST.COM
• Friendly Farm Animals
• Zipster Pedal Cart Track
• Zip Line and Balance Rope
• Black Hole slide
• Play Structures
• Fish Pond
• Glass Beehive Display
• Rubber Duck Racing
• Enchanted Bee Yard Trail
• Straw Jump
ment!
Buzzing with Excite • Wild Bee Ride...& much more!

• Fresh Honey on Tap


• Honey Tasting Bar
• Honey Spreads
• Homemade Preserves
• Wedding-Hostess Favours
• Pollen & Propolis
• Pure Beeswax Candles
• Skin Care Products Dripping with Sweetness!

Clovermead is also proud to offer guided tours


of our Heritage Family Apiary
Visit us online for more info:
clovermead.com

519-773-5503 | 11302 Imperial Rd. N, Aylmer ,ON


ATTRACTIONS
In addition to the attractions listed here, museums and places of historic interest can be found in the
Heritage section. A couple of very popular local sites attract flocks of people and birds for a few weeks
each year. Aylmer Wildlife Management Area (north of Aylmer, near the Ontario Police College) is the
staging area for Tundra Swans in March. Hundreds visit Hawk Cliff (on Lake Erie, east of Port Stanley) in
the fall for the raptor migration. Live bird demonstrations and information displays are featured during
two Hawkwatch weekends in September.
ARTS & COOKERY BANK, THE PORT STANLEY TERMINAL RAIL
242 Graham Rd, Box 174, West Lorne, ON N0L 2P0 309 Bridge St, Port Stanley, ON N51 1C5
Ph: 519-768-9986 Ph: 519-782-3730 | Fax: 519-782-4385
E: info@theartsandcookerybank.com E: info@pstr.on.ca | www.pstr.on.ca
www.theartsandcookerybank.com Experience the fun of a train ride through the scenic Kettle
A regional destination, The Bank offers a snapshot of our Creek Valley. Diesel powered trains travel over a 7 km
rural culture through hands-on, interactive culinary and portion of the former London & Port Stanley Railway (est.
photography sessions and outrageously rural experiences. 1856). Special Event Trains also available. See ad below.
Come for the experience. Leave inspired. See ad on page 2.
ST. THOMAS BINGO COUNTRY
ERIE SHORES WIND FARM 140 Edward St, St. Thomas, ON N5P 1Z3
55094 Glen Erie Ln, Vienna, ON N0J 1Z0 Ph: 519-633-1984
Ph: 519 874-1461 | Fax: 519 874-1386 E: bburge@Boardwalkgaming.com
E: info@erieshores.ca | www.erieshores.ca www.boardwalkgaming.com
Erie Shores Wind Farm is a 99MW power generation facility Bingo Country is open 7 days a week with sessions begin-
using 66 wind turbines. We are located on the north shore of ning at 12:30, 4, 7 and 10:30pm. Every session ends with a
Lake Erie near Port Burwell. See ad below. $1,000 jackpot game! See ad on page 53.

Elgin County’s Longest


Running Tourist Attraction

Erie Shores Wind Farm is


proud to be part of
Elgin County.
Visit us at www.erieshores.ca.

QUAI DU
Shores - 2-4.
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A T E 1 W I N E R Y 12/17/2009 11:18:27 AM

GIFT SHOP • SCENIC RIDES & SPECIAL EVENTS


GROUP CHARTERS • LITTLE RED CABOOSE BIRTHDAY PARTIES

COME RIDE THE TRAIN!


519-775-2216 2km north of Sparta Ontario www.QuaiduVin.com
www.pstr.on.ca • 519-782-3730
30 1-877-GO-ELGIN | WWW.ELGINTOURIST.COM
FOOD & DRINK
KETTLE CREEK INN
216 Joseph St, Port Stanley, ON N5L 1C4
Ph: 519-782-3388 | Fax: 519-782-5074
Elgin County eateries offer tastes ranging from E: information@kettlecreekinn.com | www.kettlecreekinn.com
a frosty treat on a hot summer day, to the local Historical 1849 inn with 10 guest rooms and 5 luxury suites
(whirlpools & gas fireplaces). Great pub food plus fine din-
catch in a casual beachside café, or a memorable ing. Gazebo and patio dining! See ad on page 24.
creation from one of our local chefs.
MACKIES
BOSTON PIZZA 124 William St, Port Stanley, ON N5L 1E1 | Ph: 519-782-4390
860 Talbot St, St. Thomas, ON Fax: 519-631-8063 | E: mackies1911@rogers.com
Ph: 519-631-7007 | Fax: 519-631-4667 Family owned and operated, located on the beach in Port
E: stthomas@bostonpizza.com | www.bostonpizza.com Stanley since 1911. Famous for our fresh cut fries, home-
Full service Italian style eatery located in the heart of St. made sauce, relishes and orangeade. Celebrating 100 years
Thomas. Open late seven days a week with free delivery. on the beach in Port Stanley!
COLD STONE CREAMERY NEW SARUM DINER
995 Talbot St, St. Thomas, ON 46230 New Sarum Ln, RR #3, St. Thomas, ON N5P 3S7
Visit Tim Horton’s at First & Talbot St for the ULTIMATE ICE- Ph: 519-773-3101
CREAM EXPERIENCE. See ad below. E: jim@newsarum.com | www.newsarum.com
Hwy. #3 at Hwy. #74. Casual family dining in a relaxing
DAIRY QUEEN ORANGE JULIUS country atmosphere. Local memorabilia. Established in
417 Wellington St, St. Thomas, ON | Ph: 519-637-2542 1943. Banquet facilities. AGCO, Full Menu, Open 7 days a
A whole new way to chill, at Elgin Mall in St. Thomas.  week 8am to 9pm. See ad on page 33.
See ad on page 4.
GREEN FROG TEA ROOM AT PINECROFT POTTERY
FARMGATE MARKETS DELI & FRESH MEAT 8122 Rogers Rd S, Aylmer, ON
19 Elgin St, St. Thomas, ON N5R 3L7 | Ph: 519-637-0055 Ph: 519-773-3435 | Fax: 519-773-9061
E: info@farmgatemarket.com | www.farmgatemarket.com E: pinecroft@amtelecom.net | www.pinecroft.ca
Quality fresh meats. Superb deli, smoked and sausage spe- A truly serene setting amongst towering pines and pictur-
cialties made from the freshest Ontario-grown lean meat. esque waterfalls. Dine the tearoom, visit the pottery studio,
All hormone, antibiotic, chemical and by-product free. Many enjoy live music, or extend your stay with an overnight
ready to serve or cook at home menu items. retreat in a log cabin B&B. See ad on page 2.
See ad on page 33.
QUAI DU VIN ESTATE WINERY
GTS BEACH BAR & GRILL 45811 Fruit Ridge Ln, St. Thomas, ON N5P 3S9
350 Edith Cavell Blvd, Port Stanley, ON N5L 1E2 Ph: 519-775-2216 | Fax: 519-775-0168
Ph: 519-782-4555 | Fax: 226-658-0091 E: info@QuaiduVin.com | www.QuaiduVin.com
E: management@gtsportstanley.ca | www.gtsportstanley.ca Quai du Vin (pronounce Kay due van) is nestled amongst the
Southwestern Ontario’s largest beach patio! We boast 8 vineyards in the picturesque rolling hills of Central Elgin. Lo-
beach volleyball courts, lounge chairs, full menu, weekday cated 2 km north of Sparta, there you will sample fine wines
food specials and live entertainment weekends. Open May - and experience spectacular events. See ads on pages 28,
Sept. See ad on page 33. 30, 32, 33, 42 & 67.

Located at Tim Hortons - First and Talbot Street, St.Thomas


1-877-GO-ELGIN | WWW.ELGINTOURIST.COM  31
RAILWAY CITY BREWING COMPANY THE ROXY DINER
168 Curtis St, St. Thomas, ON N5P 3W9 301 Bridge St, Port Stanley, ON N5L 1C2
Ph: 519-631-1881 | Fax: 519-633-4553 Ph: 519-782-3241
E: info@railwaycitybrewing.com 100 seat family restaurant (diner), licensed. Featuring Lake
www.railwaycitybrewing.com Erie Perch!
A small craft brewery, using only the finest ingredients.
On-site tours and samples available every day. Retail store THE WINDJAMMER INN
on-site. Brands include Iron Spike, Dead Elephant Ale and 324 Smith St, Port Stanley, ON N5L 1C6
different seasonals. See ad on page 33. Ph: 519-782-4173 | Fax: 519-782-5183
E: grrlmet@sympatico.ca
RUSH CREEK WINES www.thewindjammerinn.com
48995 Jamestown Ln, Aylmer, ON Beautifully restored heritage house is home to award
Ph: 519-773-5432 | Fax: 519-773-5431 winning restaurant and cozy Bed & Breakfast. Luxury jacuzzi
E: winemaster@rushcreekwines.com suites in carriage house. Pet friendly. See ad below.
www.rushcreekwines.com
Rush Creek Wines offers award winning wines, daily tasting, TIM HORTONS
large gift store, light lunches, tour by appt. Open year round 7 St. Thomas Locations
Mon-Sat 10-5, Sun 12-5. Located south of Aylmer off Hwy www.timhortons.com
73. See ad on page 33. Serving St. Thomas at seven locations including 1204 Talbot
St, 995 Talbot St, 546 Talbot St, 191 Talbot St, 60 Elm St, 280
SPARTA HOUSE TEA ROOM Elm St and 145 South Edgeware Rd.
Main Street, Sparta, ON See ad on page 49.
Ph: 519-775-2312 | www.spartahouse.com
Enjoy a unique dining experience in the quaint historical WENDY’S
village of Sparta. Step into an unhurried atmosphere where 1063 Talbot St, St. Thomas, ON
you will discover deliciously appealing British Cuisine. An Ph: 519-631-8410
appetizing selection of light lunches, afternoon teas, and Check out our Everyday Value Menu.
weekend casual dining awaits you. See ad, below left.

QUAI DU VIN
.
E S T A T E W I N E R Y
Windjammer INN
The

PORT STANLEY
Recommended in Where to Eat in Canada

519-775-2216 2km north of Sparta Ontario www.QuaiduVin.com


RCHASE NEW

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1063 TALBOT ST.


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ITEMS
FOR Eac h Bed, Breakfast & Bistro
with any other discount or promotion. No cash
Valid at participating locations in Ontario only.

Open Year Round for Lunch, Dinner & Weekend Brunch


E NEW
$EVERYDAY
Live Acoustic Music on Sundays
RAP

VALUE
e
with any other discount or promotion. No
Valid at participating locations in Ontario only.
FEATURING LOCAL BOUNTY & REGIONAL SPECIALTIES
324 Smith St, Port Stanley • 519-782-4173
EE
Y with any
16oz.
MENU Eac h
www.thewindjammerinn.com

EVERYDAY
combo purchase
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32
with any other discount or promotion. No cash
. Valid at participating locations in Ontario only.
COUPONS
ON BACK!
1-877-GO-ELGIN | WWW.ELGINTOURIST.COM
12/23/10 8:45:28 AM
ALL ONTARIO MEATS
NO ANTIBIOTICS
Distinctively Different! NO HORMONES
100% Ontario Grown Fruit COME ENJOY LUNCH IN OUR NEW SEATING AREA
Award Winning Wines Our deli meats are lean, low in salt and free of gluten,
phosphates and chemical nitrates & nitrites.
Mon-Sat 9am-6pm • 19 Elgin Street, St. Thomas
519-637-0055 • www.farmgatemarket.com

QUAI DUVIN
Tasting Daily E S T A T E . W I N E R Y
Light Lunch Available
Gift Store
Picnic Area Always Open
Tours By Appt.

www.rushcreekwines.com
Open 7 days a week - Monday-Saturday 10-5 & Sunday 12-5
(519) 773-5432
Just 20 mins from the 401! Exit onto Hwy 73 and go south through
Aylmer, then turn right onto Jamestown Line (we’re #48995). 519-775-2216 2km north of Sparta Ontario www.QuaiduVin.com

ELGIN COUNTY’S OLDEST DINER


From foot long hot dogs and a milk shake to full course dinners.
Come out to visit us, sit down and enjoy ... like the old days.
We can accommodate up to 100 people in our private dining room.
Dinner Meetings . Special Occasions . Bus Tours
Share Something Local With Your Friends!
Fresh, all natural beers, craft brewed
Hwy #3 at Hwy #74 (In New Sarum) • 519-773-3101
www.newsarum.com in small batches using only the finest
natural ingredients.

168 Curtis St., St. Thomas


519-631-1881
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
TOURS AVAILABLE
ALSO AVAILABLE AT
AREA LCBOs

www.railwaycitybrewing.com
Visit the brewery to discover our latest
SEASONAL BREW
1-877-GO-ELGIN | WWW.ELGINTOURIST.COM  33
HERITAGE PORT BURWELL
HISTORIC LIGHTHOUSE
Elgin County heritage is a rich tapestry
made up of thousands of unique stories.
These survive and are brought to life in
our museums, archives, historic build-
ings and preserved through the efforts
of curators, historians, re-enactors and
hundreds of volunteers. Discover a hero,
admire a visionary, be inspired, relive
an adventure—start by checking out
the listings here and further museum
information on page 58.
BACKUS-PAGE HOUSE ELGIN COUNTY RAILWAY MUSEUM
29424 Lakeview Ln, Wallacetown, ON N0L 2M0 Wellington St, St. Thomas, ON | Ph: 519-637-6284
Ph: 519-762-3072 E: thedispatcher@ecrm5700.org | www.ecrm5700.org
E: tyrconnell@execulink.com Elgin County Railway Museum is located at Wellington
www.backuspagehouse.ca Street, west of First Ave, St. Thomas. Locomotives, steam,
Located amidst the beauty of John E. Pearce Provincial Park, diesel, and electric. Other rolling stock. Model railway.
this restored Georgian 1850’s residence is home to a living See ad on page 36.
history museum. See ad on page 9.
ELGIN MILITARY MUSEUM
EDISON MUSEUM OF VIENNA 30 Talbot St, St. Thomas, ON N5P 1A3
14 Snow St, Vienna, ON N0J 1Y0 Ph: 519-633-7641 | E: curator@elginmilitarymuseum.ca
Ph: 519-866-5521 | Fax: 519-866-3884 www.elginmilitarymuseum.ca
E: bayham@bayham.on.ca The museum focuses on military history, emphasizing
www.bayham.on.ca Canada and Elgin County and its citizens through exhibits,
The Edison Museum of Vienna features many authentic tours and programs. Open year round. See ad on page 35.
Edison artifacts, inventions and family mementos. Museum
open mid May - Labour Day. Off season by arrangement. LOWER THAMES VALLEY CONSERVATION AUTHORITY/
SKA-NAH-DOHT VILLAGE & MUSEUM
ELGIN COUNTY MUSEUM 8449 Irish Dr, Mount Brydges, ON N0L 1W0
450 Sunset Dr, St. Thomas, ON N5R 5V1 Ph: 519-264-2420 | Fax: 519-264-1560
Ph: 519-631-1460 x159 | Fax: 519-631-9029 E: lowerthames@odyssey.on.ca
E: mbaker@elgin-county.on.ca www.lowerthames-conservation.on.ca
www.elgincounty.ca 63 hectare (155 acre) park features Ska-Nah-Doht, a
The museum mounts a series of exhibitions and programs recreated longhouse village of 1 000 years ago. Education
StorkClub
based on a ElginTouismAd:Layout
permanent collection of artifacts 1 21/01/10
which illustrate 12:25programs
PM Page in Native
1 Studies and the environment. 7km of
StorkClub ElginTouismAd:Layout 1 21/01/10 12:25 PM Page 1
the history and heritage of Elgin County. See ad on page 36. trails. See ad on page 35.

Visit
Visit Our Our
Interpretive
Interpretive
Centre
Centre
302 Bridge Street, Port Stanley
302 Bridge
in theStreet,
retail Port
areaStanley
in the retail
The Festival Theatre area
Building
The Festival Theatre Building
Music and Memories of
Music
theand Memories
Big Band Era of
www.musicmemories.ca the Big Band Era
www.musicmemories.ca A R e g i s t e re d C h a r i t y
519-854-1646 A R e g i s t e re d C h a r i t y

34 1-877-GO-ELGIN | WWW.ELGINTOURIST.COM


NORTH AMERICA RAILWAY HALL OF FAME SPARTA AND DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
750 Talbot St, St. Thomas, ON N5P 1E1 PO Box 34, Sparta, ON N0L 2H0
Ph: 519-633-2535 | Fax: 519-633-3087 Ph: 519-775-2292 | Fax: 519-775-2335
E: info@narhf.org | www.narhf.org E: tcg@execulink.com
The mission of the Hall of Fame is “to preserve and honour Own and operate the Forge and Anvil Museum in Sparta
railway heritage in North America and ensure the future (46316 Sparta Line) as well as host a re-enactment dinner
sustainability of the Canada Southern Railway Station”. the second Saturday in November and co-ordinate Doors
See ad on page 36. Open in Sparta in conjunction with Port Stanley (October 1,
2011) Our museum is open every day May till August and
OLD ST. THOMAS CHURCH, THE most days till November.
55 Walnut St, St. Thomas, ON N5R 2Y7
Ph: 519-633-2610 | Fax: 519-633-3225 ST. PETER’S ANGLICAN CHURCH
E: oldstthomaschurch@hotmail.com 29596 Lakeview Ln, Wallacetown, ON N0L 2M0
www.oldstthomaschurch.com Ph: 519-631-5515
Provincially designated historical Anglican Church and Built in 1827 we continue to be an active Anglican church
Churchyard built in 1822, open Monday to Saturday 9:00am with 11am Sunday Services year round. Beautiful stained
- 5:00 pm late May - Labour Day for guided tours. glass windows are dedicated to the memory of prominent
See ad below. citizens from the Talbot Settlement. Open Wednesdays in
July and August 10am-2pm.
PORT BURWELL MUSEUM & HISTORIC LIGHTHOUSE
Corner of Pitt & Robinson St, Port Burwell, ON STORK CLUB BIG BAND MUSEUM AND
Ph: 519-866-5521 | Fax: 519-866-3884 HALL OF FAME INTERPRETIVE CENTRE
E: bayham@bayham.on.ca | www.portburwellmuseum.com 302 Bridge St, Port Stanley, ON N5L 1C3
The Port Burwell Marine Museum and Lighthouse depict Ph: 519-854-1646
the rich marine heritage and local history. Climb the 1840 E: info@musicmemories.ca | www.musicmemories.ca
wooden structure for a panoramic view of this Lake Erie Visit our Interpretive Centre dedicated to the history of the
community. Open mid May - Labour Day. Off season by Stork Club dance pavilion and the revival and enjoyment of
arrangement. Swing Era Big Band Music. See ad on page 34.

OLD ST. THOMAS CHURCH


Open late May to Labour Day
Tour Guides on Duty
For Information
519-633-2610 Preserving the past... ...for the future
www.oldstthomaschurch.com
55 Walnut Street The Elgin Military Museum
(2 blocks South
of Jumbo
30 Talbot Street, St. Thomas
Monument) (519) 633-7641
www.elginmilitarymuseum.ca

Spend time at the park...


step into the past!
A recreated village of 1,000 years ago at
Longwoods Road Conservation Area
8348 Longwoods Road (Middlesex Rd. 2)
6.5 km west of Delaware | 10 km east of Melbourne
519-264-2420
SKA-NAH-DOHT
Village and Museum www.ltvca.ca
Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority - Celebrating 50 Years of Conservation

1-877-GO-ELGIN | WWW.ELGINTOURIST.COM  35
Visit the largest train station in 2011 EXHIBITIONS
Southwestern Ontario

Elgin County Administration Building, 4th Floor,


450 Sunset Drive (Hwy 4), St. Thomas, Ontario
Tuesday to Saturday 10-4 • 519.631.1460 ext. 160

Remembering John McCrae


on loan from Guelph Museums
January 8 - April 9
Meet the man who wrote In Flanders Fields. Also on view are a
number of original WWI sketches by H. W. Cooper and the story
1873 of how a Wallacetown native won a Victoria Cross at Vimy Ridge.
Come for a tour to see the progress on
the station’s remarkable restoration.
FOR TOURS CALL
519-633-2535
NOW BOOKING WEDDINGS INTO 2012
Visit North America Railway Hall of Fame at:
www.narhf.org

Patterns from the Past:


Hooked and Woven Textiles
April 16 - September 3
Highlights include early hooked rugs from prominent local
collections, a number of period overshot and Jacquard coverlets
Re-Live The Great Rail Adventure! and a series of demonstrations of a variety of textile skills.
Ford Talbotville, 1968, Courtesy, Elgin County Archives

Opening May 21, Victoria Day Weekend Changing Gears:


Elgin County Industry in the 20th Century
JOIN US IN 2011 FOR September 17 – December 23
Railway Nostalgia Weekend • June 18 & 19 This exhibition illustrates the region’s transition from a reliance
DAY OUT WITH THOMAS • July 15-17 & 22-24 on several US railways to the opening of a number of American
Railway Heritage Day • August 28 branch plants producing auto parts and vehicles, crowned by
the arrival of the Ford plant in Talbotville in 1967.
www.ecrm5700.org
519-637-6284 • 225 Wellington Street www.elgincounty.ca
36 1-877-GO-ELGIN | WWW.ELGINTOURIST.COM
SHOPPING
There are many treasures to be found amongst
Elgin County’s shops, from fashions and
accessories to uniquely crafted gifts, antiques,
home décor and more. Whether you are in the
mood for a lazy afternoon of browsing the shops
of a quaint village, trekking the back roads, or
being part of the main street bustle, you’re sure
to bring home unique finds.
ANYTHING USED & SPARTA COUNTRY CANDLES
46361 Sparta Ln, Sparta, ON N0L 2H0 | Ph: 519-775-0054
E: info@spartacandles.com | www.spartacandles.com
Founded by Pat and Mary Muscat in 1992, Anything Used
is located in the historic Village of Sparta in a general store
built in 1838. Our store features two floors of rooms full of
unique home décor items, candle accessories, seasonal items
and Sparta Country Candles. See ad on page 16.
AYLMER SALES ARENA
51 Murray St, Aylmer, ON N5H 2A6
Ph: 519-765-2211 | Fax: 519-773-3183
E: sales@aylmersalesarena.ca | www.aylmersalesarena.ca
Large farmer’s and flea market. Open year round Tuesdays
8am - 4pm. Also on site: restaurant & ATM. Automatic &
self-serve car wash, laundromat & dog wash open 7 days.
See ad on page 16.
BERRY-HILL LIMITED
75 Burwell Rd, St. Thomas, ON N5P 3R5
Ph: 519-631-0480 | Fax: 519-631-8935
E: info@BerryHillLimited.com
www.BerryHillLimited.com
Since 1946, for home, garden, gift-giving, wild bird supplies
& hobby farm equipment. Now in our 3rd generation owner-
ship! See ad on page 39.
Over 75 Years of
BEYOND THE GARDEN GATE
Quality and Service
46349 Sparta Ln, Sparta, ON N0L 2H0
Ph: 519-775-2361 | E: gardengate@rogers.com
www.gardengatesparta.ca
A unique shop for Fashion, Fairies and Fabulous Finds! Fun
and affordable ladies wear including hats, handbags and
Vintage and Canadian jewellery. Red Hat Boutique, Asian
Antiques and more!
CANADALE NURSERIES LTD.
269 Sunset Dr, St. Thomas, ON N5R 3C4
Ph: 519-631-7264 | Fax: 519-631-0818
E: info@canadale.com | www.canadale.com 4683 Sunset Road, Port Stanley
We are an award winning Garden Centre and Nursery spe-
cializing in unique, rare and unusual plants. Great weekly 519-782-4052
sales. Come see what’s new at Ontario’s favourite Garden
Centre. See ad, top right.
www.moorewatergardens.com
1-877-GO-ELGIN | WWW.ELGINTOURIST.COM  37
CONNECTIONS PINECROFT POTTERY
302 Bridge St, Port Stanley, ON N5L 1C3 8122 Rogers Rd S, Aylmer, ON
Ph: 519-782-7247 | E: ywca@bellnet.ca Ph: 519-773-3435 | Fax: 519-773-9061
Featuring fair trade gifts from around the world. E: pinecroft@amtelecom.net
See ad on page 39. www.pinecroft.ca
A pottery studio and Elgin county Tradition for 60 years.
DISBROWE CHEVROLET BUICK GMC CADILLAC Rest, relax, shop or eat in a truly serene setting amongst
116 Edward St, St. Thomas, ON N5P 4E6 towering pines and picturesque waterfalls. Dine the
Ph: 519-631-7960 | Fax: 519-631-9113 tearoom, visit the pottery studio, enjoy live music, or extend
E: karenjohnson@disbrowe.com | www.disbrowe.com your stay with an overnight retreat in a log cabin B&B. For a
Depend on the Disbrowe Difference for new GM and opti- truly memorable experience, visit Pinecroft today.
mum used vehicle sales; authorized GM warranty service, See ad on page 2.
genuine GM parts and all makes paint and body repair.
See ad on page 3. SATIN WOODS BOUTIQUE - DESIGNER STYLE 14+
292 Bridge St, Port Stanley, ON
DURKEE’S Ph: 519-207-2846 | E: inquiries@satinwoods.ca
29 Talbot St E, Aylmer, ON | Ph: 519-773-3941 www.satinwoods.ca
Known for our friendly staff and wide selection of top brand Satin Woods Boutique in Southwestern Ontario, is a premier
fashions for the whole family, including Tan Jay, Alia, Colum- Canadian retailer of designer fashions exclusively for curvy
bia, Joseph Ribkoff, Point Zero, Roxy, Bench, Not Your Daugh- women, wearing sizes 14+. “Embracing Curves, Defining
ter’s Jeans plus many more. See ad on page 16. Beauty”.
LITTLE RED MITTEN SILVERTHORN LANDSCAPE SUPPLIES
86 Talbot St, St. Thomas, ON N5P 1A5 | Ph: 519-207-2880 46400 Talbot Ln, RR #3, St. Thomas, ON N5P 3S7
E: info@littleredmitten.ca | www.littleredmitten.ca Ph: 519-765-2379
Featuring quality knitting & spinning supplies, a wide range www.silverthornlandscape.com
of colours and fibres, books, patterns, and the best selection Silverthorn operates a 30 acre landscape supply depot
of knitting tools around. Majacraft Spinning Wheel dealer. featuring a 2000 square foot gift store plus many outdoor
Something for everyone from beginner to enthusiast. displays to help you “capture the vision.”
MAD HATTERS TEAM ROOM / QUAKER BARREL See ad on page 39.
47272 Talbot Ln, Orwell, ON | Ph: 519-913-1278
STAN PORTLEY’S - ANTIQUES AND UNIQUES
E: sterry5.uwo@gmail.com | www.madhatterstearooms.com
288 Bridge St, Port Stanley, ON N5L 1C3
Escape to Wonderland in an enchanted tea room & parlour,
Ph: 519-782-3805 | Fax: 519-782-7468
located inside the Quaker Barrel Antique Market. Enjoy full
E: info@stanportleys.com
lunches, desserts, coffee & tea. Call for high tea reservations.
www.stanportleys.com
METAMORPHOSIS Unique and New Gift Items. View our treasures. Vintage and
Ph: 519-633-4497 | E: mail@metamorphosisskin.com Antique furniture to complement any décor from Toronto
www.metamorphosisskin.com Chic, to Cottage Style and Paris Apartment.
Skin solutions to restore balance & vitality. To order, shop on-
line. Holistic care for stressed skin. See ad on page 39. VICTORIAN ELEGANCE
109 Talbot St W, Aylmer, ON
MOORE WATER GARDENS Ph: 519-765-3634
4683 Sunset Rd, St. Thomas, ON N5L 1J4 www.victorianelegance.ca
Ph: 519-782-4052 | Fax: 519-782-3139 You are invited to experience two levels of one-of-a-kind
E: moorewg@execulink.com | www.moorewatergardens.com giftware, the latest in ladies’ fashions and the delightful
Growers of the finest water lilies and aquatic plants. Great cuisine of Savanna’s Magical Garden & Tea Room.
selection of goldfish, pond liners, pumps and filters. Every- See ad on page 39.
thing for the water garden enthusiast. See ad on page 37.
WINTER WHEAT
PICARD’S PEANUTS 5277 Quaker Rd, Sparta, ON N0L 2H0
10683 Sunset Dr, Talbotvile, ON N0L 2K0 | Ph: 519-637-8704 Ph: 519-775-2618 | Fax: 519-775-0182
Fax: 519-637-8704 | www.picardspeanuts.ca E: lucyogletree@winter-wheat.com
Corner of Hwys #3 & #4. Home of the Canadian Peanut! www.winter-wheat.com
Outlet for peanuts and a good variety of other nuts. Chip Winter Wheat is a retail store and folk art gallery. The store
nuts, dried fruits, chocolates, fudge, ice cream in the sum- features home and garden decor plus artwork by Canadian
mer months. Make your own peanut butter. folk artist Lucy Ogletree. See ad on page 12.
38 1-877-GO-ELGIN | WWW.ELGINTOURIST.COM
WATER FEATURES & FOUNTAINS • ROCKS • MULCHES
SOILS • GROUND COVERS • GIFT STORE • FREE SEMINARS

Since 1946 for home, garden, gift giving,


wild bird supplies & hobby farm equipment!
Open Daily • 75 Burwell rOaD, St.thOmaS • 519-631-0480
www.BerryhilllimiteD.cOm

A WORLD OF
LANDSCAPE TREASURES DAMAGE CONTROL
MOISTURIZER
Featured in the 2010
Just 10 min. East of St. Thomas on Hwy #3 Grammy Awards Swag Bag

519-765-2379 SHOP ONLINE AT


www.metamorphosisskin.com
www.silverthornlandscape.com OR PHONE 519-633-4497 TO ORDER

Featuring fair trade


In the pursuit of global items from
equity and equality, we are around the world ...
all connected. scarves, jewelery,
handbags, Indian
leather journals,
302 Bridge Street, Port Stanley masks, African
in the theatre building Dishware and more!
519-782-7247 In Support of YWCA
ywca@bellnet.ca St. Thomas-Elgin

Victorian Elegance
TEA ROOM • LADIES’ FASHIONS • JEWELLERY • SHOES
109 Talbot Street West, Aylmer • 519-765-3634
Store: Mon to Sat 9:30-5 & Tea Room: Tues to Sat 11-3:30

Glamorous Ladies’ Fashions & Accessories


Gifts for Everyone • Bradford Exchange Dealer
Featuring Savanna’s Tea Room
High Tea by Reservation • Perch Dinners with Celery Bread
Full Lunch Specials • Serving Local Wines L.L.B.O.
www.victorianelegance.ca
1-877-GO-ELGIN | WWW.ELGINTOURIST.COM  39
MAP OF ELGIN COUNTY
Recreation opportunities abound in Elgin County, throughout the seasons. There are
activities geared for everyone, including cycling, hiking, cross-country skiing, bird
watching, boating, swimming at a tourist beach, or spending the day at one of our many
parks and conservation areas. Visit www.elgintourist.com for cycling and hiking
guides, and www.activeelgin.ca for information on various sport, leisure and recreation
activities across the county.

40 1-877-GO-ELGIN | WWW.ELGINTOURIST.COM


MAP COURTESY OF
ERNA COFFIN & EC DESIGNS

1-877-GO-ELGIN | WWW.ELGINTOURIST.COM  41
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Opportunities to take in art and be entertained (or develop your own creative talents) are to be found
throughout the county all year long.
COBBLESTONES GIFT & GALLERY OF PORTSIDE GALLERY
SHELLEY MCVITTIE 187 1/2 Main St, Port Stanley, ON
48664 John Wise Ln, Aylmer, ON N5H 2R4 Ph: 519-782-7066
Ph: 519-773-5912 E: portside@cuttingpromotions.com
E: art@shelleymcvittie.com | www.shelleymcvittie.com http://portside.cuttingpromotions.com
Cobblestones’s walls & shelves overflow; nostalgia by Artist Portside Gallery is an artist-run gallery with 11 local artists
Shelley McVittie & her creative artisan friends - paintings, offering art work in a broad range of styles, mediums and
pottery, one of a kind gifts, lotions, potions & more. techniques.
ELGIN THEATRE GUILD ROMANTIC DESIGNS ARTIST STUDIO
40 Princess Ave, St. Thomas, ON N5P 4H4 120 Wellington St, St. Thomas, ON N5R 2R4
Ph: 519-633-8530 Ph: 519-860-6851| E: brassard@execulink.com |
E: info@elgintheatreguild.ca | www.elgintheatreguild.ca www.romanticdesigns.ca
The Elgin Theatre Guild is the only live theatre in St. Thomas Romantic Designs Artist Studio is a gallery plus workshop.
and has five productions each season. Special musical Artists Sharon and Daniel Brassard share a passion for Celtic
performances occur throughout the season. Folklore and Romance. View and purchase sculptures of clay,
fabric and paper, paintings of watercolour, pastels and ink.
MINERVA ART GALLERY Sharon and Daniel also provide workshops and classes.
11078 Springwater Rd N, Aylmer, ON N5H 2R6
Ph: 519-765-1616 ST. THOMAS-ELGIN PUBLIC ART CENTRE
E: minerva@lweb.net 301 Talbot St, St. Thomas, ON N5P 1B5
www.minerva-art.com Ph: 519-631-4040 | Fax: 519-631-4057
A full service art gallery carrying local, national, and E: info@stepac.ca | www.stepac.ca
international artists. Fully equipped custom framing on site, It is our mission to promote appreciation and support of
offering conservation framing & lamination for home and the visual arts in our community through exhibitions, educa-
business. tional programs and preservation of a permanent collection.
See ad below.
PORT STANLEY FESTIVAL THEATRE
6-302 Bridge St, Port Stanley, ON N5L 1C3 WEDS THEATRE
Ph: 519-782-4353 (Box Office) 199 Currie Rd, Dutton, ON N0L 1J0
E: info@portstanleytheatre.ca Ph: 519-768-3306 | E: weds.ca@gmail.com
www.portstanleytheatre.ca www.weds.ca
Located in the scenic lakeside village of Port Stanley, ON, The West Elgin Dramatics Society (WEDS) has been staging
the Port Stanley Festival Theatre presents professional live live theatre performances at Dutton Town Hall since 1971.
theatre from May- September, and musical performances Our productions have always been organized and presented
from Oct- April each year. See ad on page 43. by volunteers, primarily from Elgin County.

QUAI DU
.
VIN
E S T A T E W I N E R Y

519-775-2216 2km north of Sparta Ontario www.QuaiduVin.com

42 1-877-GO-ELGIN | WWW.ELGINTOURIST.COM


ke !
La

he
yt
Play b
PORTSIDE GALLERY
PORT STANLEY

PORT STANLEY FESTIVAL THEATRE ANNOUNCES THE

PORT STANLEY
FESTIVAL THEATRE
2011 SEASON
May 25 to June 11th
Photo courtesy of STEPAC
“MAMA’S COUNTRY
RECORD COLLECTION”
By Thom Currie
June 15th to July 2nd
“BOEING BOEING”
By Marc Camoletti
ST. THOMAS-ELGIN July 6th to July 23rd
PUBLIC ART CENTRE “7-10 SPLIT”
A World Premiere by Michael Wilmot
Visit the following websites for more info: July 27th to August 13th
Aylmer Performing Arts “DUMP GUYS”
www.artsinaylmer.com By Simon Joynes
Aylmer Community Theatre August 17th to September 10th
www.aylmertheatre.ca
“BEDTIME STORIES”
Elgin Theatre Guild By Norm Foster
www.elgintheatreguild.ca
Port Stanley Artists’ Guild SEASON SUBSCRIPTIONS
www.portstanleyartguild.com & GIFT CERTIFICATES
Port Stanley Festival Theatre AVAILABLE NOW
www.portstanleytheatre.ca Artistic Director General Manager
St. Thomas-Elgin Artists’ Guild SIMON JOYNES SUSAN E. TANTON
www.steag.ca 6-302 Bridge Street, Port Stanley
St. Thomas Performing Arts Please call the Box Office:
www.stthomasperformingarts.com (519) 782-4353
West Elgin Dramatics Society (WEDS) Or visit our website:
www.weds.ca www.portstanleytheatre.ca
1-877-GO-ELGIN | WWW.ELGINTOURIST.COM  43
SERVICES
CENTRAL ELGIN, MUNICIPALITY OF
450 Sunset Dr, St. Thomas, ON N5R 5V1
Ph: 519-631-4860 | Fax: 519-631-4036
E: dwilson@centralelgin.org
ACTIVE ELGIN C/O ELGIN ST. THOMAS PUBLIC HEALTH www.centralelgin.org
99 Edward St, St. Thomas, ON N5P 1Y8 The Municipality of Central Elgin is a progressive, dynamic
Ph: 519-631-3159, x247 | Fax: 519-633-0468 urban and rural municipality located on the shores of Lake
E: earnett@elginhealth.on.ca | www.activeelgin.ca Erie in the heart of southwestern Ontario connected by 370
Active Elgin is an inventory of all sport, recreation and lei- kms of municipal roads. Central Elgin encompasses 325
sure opportunities within Elgin-St. Thomas. Pick up a guide square kms in area and has a population of 12, 700 citizens.
or visit www.activeelgin.ca and GET ACTIVE ELGIN! See ad on page 11.

AYLMER & AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE DAYTRIPPING IN SOUTHERN ONTARIO


44 Talbot St W, Aylmer, ON N5H 1J7 624 Broadway St, Wyoming, ON N0N 1T0
Ph: 519-773-5655 | Fax: 519-773-5622 Ph: 800-667-0337 | Fax: 519-845-3903
E: commerce@amtelecom.net E: info@daytripping.ca | www.daytripping.ca
www.aylmerchamber.on.ca “The Daytripper” is a magazine promoting the most unique
The Aylmer Chamber’s mission is to promote networking shops, stops, towns and events. Available free at tourist
and community involvement and to attract residents and booth, in shops and online at www.daytripping.ca
visitors to the Aylmer area.
DOG & PONY PRODUCTIONS INC.
AYLMER, TOWN OF 51 Rosebery Pl, St. Thomas, ON N5R 2H9
46 Talbot St W, Aylmer, ON N5H 1J7 Ph: 519-637-6410 / 519-637-3777 | Fax: 519-637-2996
Ph: 519 773-3164 | Fax: 519 765-1446 E: bob@dogandpony.ca or gail@gailmcnaughton.com
E: hadams@town.aylmer.on.ca | www.aylmer.ca www.dogandpony.ca
The Town of Aylmer is a lower tier, urban municipality within www.gailmcnaughton.com
the County of Eglin. Aylmer is a business, shopping and Dog & Pony Productions Inc - “Tell your story to get results!”
servicing centre for East Elgin. See ads on pages 18 & 20. Video production, videography, multimedia, video testimo-
nials, animation, social media, marketing, on-line training,
BAYHAM, MUNICIPALITY OF photography. Get your free book, “How to Make a Video to
9344 Plank Rd, Straffordville, ON N0J 1Y0 get Noticed”.
Ph: 519-866-5521 | Fax: 519-866-3884
E: bayham@bayham.on.ca DUTTON DUNWICH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.bayham.on.ca PO Box 547, Dutton, ON
Visit the Port Burwell historic Lighthouse, Marine & Edison www.ddchamber.ca
(Vienna) museums & Wind Interpretive centre kiosk - open The Dutton Dunwich Chamber of Commerce is a group of
daily mid-May to Labour Day. Off season by arrangement. interested and caring people from the business community
Special events, beach, boating, fishing, food & family fun. of Dutton Dunwich and surrounding area.
See ad on page 22.
DUTTON/DUNWICH, MUNICIPALITY OF
CARROLL PUBLISHING INC. 199 Currie Rd, Dutton, ON N0L 1J0
15 St. Catharine St, St. Thomas, ON N5P 2V7 Ph: 519-762-2204 | Fax: 519-762-2278
Ph: 519-633-1640 | Fax: 519-633-0558 E: tfarrell@duttondunwich.on.ca
E: terry@theweeklynews.ca www.duttondunwich.on.ca
www.theweeklynews.ca The Municipality of Dutton/Dunwich is a progressive rural
Carroll Publishing Inc. publishes “The Weekly News” and a municipality located between Lake Erie and the Thames
monthly magazine “Elgin This Month” which includes the St. River in Southwestern Ontario; in the heart of the Talbot
Thomas Chamber of Commerce section “Business Beat”. Settlement. See ad on page 9.

CEDARHURST SALON & SPA ELGIN BUSINESS RESOURCE CENTRE


76 Talbot St, St. Thomas, ON N5P 1A5 300 S Edgeware Rd, St. Thomas, ON N5P 4L1
Ph: 519-631-7629 Ph: 519-633-7597 | Fax: 519-633-5070
E: cedarhurstsalonandspa@rogers.com E: dwebster@elgincfdc.ca
www.cedarhurstsalonandspa.com www.elgincfdc.ca
Our dedicated professionals and quality products, guarantee Elgin BRC is community based and represents the County of
to bring you the absolute best in care. Make an appoint- Elgin. We assist job creation through the creation of small
ment…relax…enjoy! See ad on page 45. business and economic development.
44 1-877-GO-ELGIN | WWW.ELGINTOURIST.COM
vacation
ELGIN COUNTY LIBRARY
450 Sunset Dr, St. Thomas, ON N5R 5V1
Ph: 519-631-1460 x148 | Fax: 519-631-9209
Make us part of your
E: crobson@elgin-county.on.ca
www.library.elgin-county.on.ca
With ten branches located throughout Elgin County, the
Elgin County Library serves all your informational needs,
including books, electronic resources, Internet services and
children’s programs. See ad on this page.

JIM HARRIS, BROKER M.V.A ROYAL LEPAGE


TRILAND REALTY-BROKERAGE
491 Talbot St, St. Thomas, ON N5P 1C3
Ph: 519-857-5429 | Fax: 519-631-4478
E: jharris@royallepage.ca
www.isellstthomas.com
You need an experienced professional when buying or
selling real estate. Count on me for excellent knowledge of
Elgin, great negotiation skills and selling strategies.

JOE PRESTON, MP ELGIN-MIDDLESEX-LONDON


2-24 First Ave, St. Thomas, ON N5R 4M5
www.library.elgin-county.on.ca Internet Access
Ph: 519-637-2255 | Fax: 519-637-3358
www.joepreston.ca Activities for Kids
Ready and available to help you with your Federal concerns:
Passports; Revenue Canada; Service Canada; Citizenship &
Immigration; Employment Insurance.
Wireless
See ad on page 5.
Genealogy
Because You
Deserve It Tourist Information
Visit any of our
Gift Certificates & Gift Baskets available for all occasions 10 branches
Spa Parties for that "Special Event"
in Elgin County.
Open Mon 10am-4pm, Tues-Fri 8:30am-7pm & Sat 8am-4pm
519-631-7629 Aylmer • Straffordville
76 Talbot Street, St. Thomas, Across from Jumbo Belmont • Dutton • Port Burwell
www.cedarhurstsalonandspa.com Port Stanley • Rodney • Shedden
Springfield • West Lorne

QUAI DU
.
VIN
E S T A T E W I N E R Y

Library
519-775-2216 2km north of Sparta Ontario www.QuaiduVin.com

1-877-GO-ELGIN | WWW.ELGINTOURIST.COM  45
KETTLE CREEK PUBLISHING RELISH ELGIN
204 Carlow Rd, Port Stanley, ON N5L 1C5 St. Thomas, ON | Ph: 519-633-1992
Ph: 519-782-4563 | Fax: 519-782-4725 E: contact@relishelgin.ca | www.relishelgin.ca
E: andrew@lebeacon.ca Lifestyles web and print magazine with a seasonal focus
www.lebeacon.ca on Elgin County. Freelance graphic design services creating
A community newspaper serving north shore of Lake Erie appealing designs and media built around your budget.
from Port Burwell past Port Glasgow with a free circulation
of over 6800. Feature stories, news, event reportings, local SOUTHWOLD, TOWNSHIP OF
people, history, and advertising from the shore of Lake Erie. 35663 Fingal Ln, Fingal, ON N0L 1K0
Ph: 519-769-2010 | Fax: 519-769-2837
MAINSTREET AYLMER E: southwold@twp.southwold.on.ca
44 Talbot St W, Aylmer, ON N5H 1J7 www.twp.southwold.on.ca
Ph: 519-773-5655 | Fax: 519-773-5622 Local government. See ad on page 9.
E: commerce@amtelecom.net
MainStreet Aylmer has a unique, friendly, historical atmo- ST. THOMAS & DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
sphere with boutiques and shops. 555 Talbot St, St. Thomas, ON N5P 1C5
Ph: 519-631-1981 | Fax: 519-631-0466
MALAHIDE, TOWNSHIP OF E: mail@stthomaschamber.on.ca
87 John St, Aylmer, ON N5H 2C3 www.stthomaschamber.on.ca
Ph: 519-773-5344 | Fax: 519-773-5334 The St. Thomas and District Chamber of Commerce serves
E: aadams@malahide.ca residents, visitors and businesses by promoting our member
www.malahide.ca organizations, our community’s exceptional assets and
Local government. See ads on pages 19 & 20. providing information, assistance and services to those who
are considering an investment here.
OTTER VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
PO Box 36, Port Burwell, ON N0J 1T0 ST. THOMAS DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT BOARD
Ph: 519-874-4477 | Fax: 519-874-4477 545 Talbot St, St. Thomas, ON N5P 3V7
www.ottervalleychamber.com Ph: 519-633-5248 | Fax: 519-633-7009
The Otter Valley Chamber represents the Bayham area. Our E: info@downtownstthomas.com
mix of beach harbour, wind power, nature, farms, museums www.downtownstthomas.com
and restaurants makes us a popular destination. Our goal is to promote and beautify Downtown St. Thomas,
with its many retail and service businesses, restaurants,
PORT STANLEY BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT AREA murals, parks and beautiful historic buildings.
450 Sunset Dr, St. Thomas, ON N5R 5V1
Ph: 519-631-4860 x286 | Fax: 519-631-4036 ST. THOMAS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
E: dwilson@centralelgin.org 545 Talbot St, St. Thomas, ON N5R 5V7
www.portstanley.net Ph: 519-631-1680 | Fax: 519-631-3441
The BIA board of Management and the General Membership E: rwheeler@st-thomasedc.on.ca
strive to improve, beautify and maintain municipally owned www.st-thomasedc.on.ca
lands, buildings and structures while promoting the Busi- To enhance the quality of life for all citizens of the City of
ness Improvement Area as a business and shopping district. St. Thomas primarily by attracting, retaining and growing
See ad on page 14. industry and employment.

Visit St. Thomas Public Library for:


• Genealogical resources and information on
local hiking trails and attractions
• Computers with word processing and Internet, and
wireless Internet for laptops
• Photocopying
During Revitalization construction, look for us in our
temporary location at Elgin Mall, 417 Wellington Street.

St. Thomas Monday - Friday:


9:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
www.st-thomas.library.on.ca
Ph: (519) 631-6050
Public Library Saturday:
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Fx: (519) 631-1987
153 Curtis St., St. Thomas, N5P 3Z7

46 1-877-GO-ELGIN | WWW.ELGINTOURIST.COM


ST. THOMAS PUBLIC LIBRARY TOURISM LONDON
153 Curtis St, St. Thomas, ON N5P 3Z7 267 Dundas St, London, ON N6A 1H2
Ph: 519-631-6050 Fax: 519-631-1987 Ph: 519-661-5000 | Fax: 519-661-6160
E: stpl@st-thomas.library.on.ca E: www.londontourism.ca | tourism@city.london.on.ca
www.st-thomas.library.on.ca Tourism London is the tourism promotional organization
St. Thomas Public Library provides reading and resource responsible for promoting and developing the tourism and
material, and programming for reading and leisure. From hospitality industry in London and Southwestern Ontario.
April to November visit our temporary location at Elgin Mall.
See ad on page 46. WEST ELGIN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Rodney, ON N0L 2C0 | E: secretary@westelginchamber.ca
ST. THOMAS, CITY OF www.westelginchamber.ca
545 Talbot St, St. Thomas, ON N5P 3V7 We believe in a balanced approach to Economic Develop-
Ph: 519-631-1680 | Fax: 519-633-9019 ment. This includes the maintenance and expansion of area
E: mayor@city.st-thomas.on.ca agricultural businesses, along with new industrial develop-
www.city.st-thomas.on.ca ment, residential expansion and tourism opportunities.
Providing services through the following departments:
Planning, Treasury, Economic Development, Parks & Recre- WEST ELGIN, MUNICIPALITY OF
ation, Valleyview, Ontario Works, Police, Human Resources, 22413 Hoskins Ln, Rodney, ON N0L 2C0
Fire, Environmental Services, Library, Clerk’s, Mayor’s Office. Ph: 519-785-0560 | Fax: 519-785-0644 | www.westelgin.net
A place where the past and the future live side by side. A
minute from the 401, it’s your link to Lake Erie’s beautiful
South Coast. See ad on page 6.

FESTIVALS & EVENTS


DAY OUT WITH THOMAS DOORS OPEN ST. THOMAS
St. Thomas Elgin Memorial Centre, St. Thomas, ON Ph: 519-631-1680
Ride behind Thomas the Tank Engine July 15-17 and 22-24. www.doorsopenontario.on.ca
Tickets: 1-888-222-6608 or www.ticketweb.ca/dowt. Oct 1&2, 2011. See ad on page 73.
See ad on page 67.
KETTLE VALLEY PIONEERS
GREAT LAKES INTERNATIONAL AIR SHOW 30019 Thomson Ln, Dutton, ON N0L 1J0
St. Thomas Municipal Airport, St. Thomas, ON Ph: 519-762-2583
www.greatlakesinternationalairshow.ca Elgin Historical Show always the second full weekend in
June 24-26, 2011. The skies above St. Thomas will once again August. Antique show to demonstrate how farming was
fill with the spectacle of vintage warbirds and thunder from done in the pioneer days.
the world’s most advanced jet aircraft. See ad on page 63.
RODNEY ALDBOROUGH FAIR
HOLIDAY FANTASY OF LIGHTS PO Box 130, Rodney, ON N0L 2C0
204 First Ave, St. Thomas, ON N5R 6A1 Ph: 519-768-1858
E: Hfoflights@gmail.com | www.fantasylights.org E: jmclarty@porchlight.ca | www.rodneyfair.ca
Seasonal display, 1 km long, 125,000 lights. Entertain- The Rodney Aldborough 157th Fair on Sept 16-18 invites
ment and tractor rides each weekend. Open December 2 to you to spend your weekend in the country at our small town
December 31 nightly, 5pm-10pm. See ad on page 77. rural family fun fair. See ad on page 71.

IRON HORSE FESTIVAL ST. THOMAS FIRE MUSTER


PO Box 20094, St. Thomas, ON N5P 4H4 305 Wellington St, St. Thomas, ON
Ph: 519-207-4000 | Fax: 519-207-4001 Ph: 519-631-0210 | Fax: 519-631-0215
E: info@ironhorsefestival.com E: stthomasfiremuster@gmail.com
www.ironhorsefestival.com www.stthomasfiremuster.bravehost.com
A community street festival celebrating our heritage; Fire Muster Days, Pinafore Park, September 3rd and 4th
featuring 3 stages of free entertainment, rib-fest, midway, Labour Day weekend. Firefighter competitions, car show,
FreshFest, Craft vendors, Artists in the Park, Kids’ Junction parade, entertainment, antique trucks and apparatus.
and Iron Chef Grill-off. See ad on page 69. Weekend of free family fun.
1-877-GO-ELGIN | WWW.ELGINTOURIST.COM  47
• RM Classic Car Exhibit • Golf at 9 challenging courses
• Buxton National Historic Site & Museum • Fish on 2 abundant lakes
• Uncle Tom’s Cabin Historic Site • Ontario’s newest live
performances venue - Chatham
• Black Mecca Exhibit – Wish Centre
Capitol Theatre trave
• Smith & Wilson Estate Winery
Exper
ience.
l gu
ide
Eng
age.
Enjoy

• Family friendly festival and !


2011
• Rondeau Provincial Park events
-201
2

To request a FREE copy of the Travel Guide, please call:


1.800-561.6125 or visit:
www
.visit
ck.ca
1-80
0-56

www.visitck.ca
1-612
5

Guided tours at Rondeau Chatham Capitol Wine Tasting at


Provincial Park Theatre Smith & Wilson Estate Wines
EVENTS IN ELGIN COUNTY
There’s always something happening in Elgin County. Visit our website for the most current event
listings, as well as ideas for exciting day trips and interactive maps of Elgin County’s unique destinations.
DETAILS MAY CHANGE BETWEEN THE PRINTING OF THIS GUIDE AND THE TIME OF THE EVENT - PLEASE CALL AHEAD TO CONFIRM.

COMPLETE EVENT LISTINGS AT WWW.ELGINTOURIST.COM


YEAR ROUND & SEASONAL EVENTS LATE MAY-SEP 5
FREE TOURS OF OLD ST. THOMAS CHURCH
MAY 7-OCT 29 Built in 1820, the Old St. Thomas Church is the oldest histori-
HORTON FARMERS MARKET cal building and cemetery in the city featuring box style
The market runs Saturday mornings from Mother’s Day pews and a Masonic stained-glass window.
to the end of October. It is a community-driven market Time: Mon-Sat | www.oldstthomaschurch.com
committed to providing fresh products from local producers. The Old St. Thomas Church, 55 Walnut St, St. Thomas
Demonstrations, local food sampling and special events are
on-going throughout the market season. JUN 3-SEP 17
Time: 8am-12pm | Manitoba St, 1 block north of Talbot NOT-FOR-PROFIT RACING AT
www.hortonfarmersmarket.ca WONDERLAND SPEEDWAY
Dirt does squeal! Micro & Outlaw oval racing in Elgin/
MAY 8-OCT 10 Middlesex. Every Friday except Labour Day weekend. Free
LAVENDER SENSE ACTIVITIES & EVENTS admission, food and beverages available. Bring a chair and
For complete “Activities & Events” please see website. enjoy Elgin/Middlesex’s fastest show on dirt. Don’t miss our
www.lavendersense.com fireworks! A great family outing.
MAY 8-DECEMBER Time: 7pm | 4262 Harry White Dr
STEED & CO. LAVENDER EVENTS AND CLASSES Contact: Mike Chinnery, 519-637-7939
Our amazing lavender events and classes will continue to be www.wonderlandspeedway.com
offered this new and exciting season. Great fun for all!
Sparta Ln, Sparta (3km east of the village) | 519-494-5525
www.steedandcompany.com
MAY 23-THANKSGIVING
WATERSHED GEOCACHE EVENT
The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Foundation is plan-
ning its 1st Annual Amazing Geocache Event. Come join us
for Geocaching fun! Stay tuned for further details.
Time: During Conservation Area day use hours
Longwoods Rd Conservation Area, 8348 Longwoods Rd
(10km east of Melbourne) | 519-264-2420
www.lowerthames-conservation.on.ca HORTON FARMERS’ MARKET

Always Fresh.
With 7 locations to serve you in
St. Thomas
© Tim Hortons, 2010

1-877-GO-ELGIN | WWW.ELGINTOURIST.COM  49
FEBRUARY EVENTS
FEB (DATE TBA)
MOONLIGHT WINTER FAMILY OWL HIKE
Call to pre-register for event hikes and owl presentations.
Longwoods Rd Conservation Area
8348 Longwoods Rd (10km east of Melbourne)
519-264-2420
www.lowerthames-conservation.on.ca

MONTH OF FEB
9TH ANNUAL MINIATURE ART SHOW
Show and sale of miniature artwork by regional artists.
Image size cannot exceed 16 sq. inches. The best in show
awarded $100. Judge Catherine Elliot.
Time: 11am-5pm Daily | 519-782-7066
MAD HATTER’S TEA ROOM Portside Gallery 187 1/2 Main St, Port Stanley
http://portside.cuttingpromotions.com
JANUARY EVENTS FEB 1
JAN 8 FEST-A-MONTH: THAILAND
TEA TASTING EVENT We celebrate the culinary traditions from around the world
Come warm up, and enjoy tea from around the world. and around the corner. Our guest chef brings the aromas and
Includes homemade desserts. You may even see Alice. flavours of traditional foods to our spectacular studio kitchen
Cost: $10 per adult, $5 per child | Time: 2:30pm and we serve you in our elegant Heritage Hall.
Mad Hatter’s Tea Room at the Quaker Barrel Cost: $30/diner | Time: 6:30pm
Contact: Samantha, 519-913-1278 or 519-854-4565 The Arts and Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne
www.madhatterstearooms.com 519-768-9986
www.theartsandcookerybank.com
JAN 23
FAMILY SNOWSHOEING EVENT FEB 2-16
Meet at log cabins for instructions and guided hikes on tra- PHOTO CLASS: THE DIGITAL POINT & SHOOT
ditional wood and rawhide snowshoes. Lower thames Valley FUN-DAMENTALS
Conservation Authority - 50 Years of Conservation! This entry level class is geared to the “point & shoot” digital
Time: 12-4:30pm | Longwoods Rd Conservation Area, camera owner who wants to make better images of friends
8348 Longwoods Rd (10km east of Melbourne) and family and take better pictures when on holidays. Be
519-264-2420 | www.lowerthames-conservation.on.ca prepared for some “home play” photo assignments.
Cost: $75 for the three week course
JAN 29 Time: 9am-12pm Wed
CHEF SKILLS CULINARY BOOT CAMP: The Arts and Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne
SALADS, STOCK & SOUPS 519-768-9986
This six-week “Chef Skills” Boot Camp training gives you an www.theartsandcookerybank.com
opportunity that will create a lifetime of memories. You’ll
walk away with a “recipe book” of tips, tricks, cooking tech- FEB 3-17
niques , recipes, and fascinating insights into professional PHOTO CLASS: BOLDLY GO CREATIVE
cooking that can be used in your own Kitchen! Jonathan WITH PHOTOSHOP CS4
Collins is the chef for this series. Adobe Photoshop CS4 is sophisticated, complex software
Time: 9am-4pm which redefines digital imaging with powerful new
The Arts and Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne photography tools and breakthrough capabilities. Learn how
519-768-9986 | www.theartsandcookerybank.com to express your wildest creative ideas across print, and web
platforms.
JAN 29 Cost: $155 for 3 week course (includes software & materials)
AN EVENING WITH JOHN MILLES & CHRIS EVELAND Time: 6:30-9:30pm Thurs
Tickets: $20 | Time: Doors open at 7pm; Show at 8pm The Arts and Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne
519-670-5628 or info@elgintheatreguild.ca 519-768-9986
www.elgintheatreguild.ca www.theartsandcookerybank.com
50 1-877-GO-ELGIN | WWW.ELGINTOURIST.COM
FEB 4-MAR 4
WINE ESSENTIALS
An in-depth wine experience designed for the wine enthu-
siast. A five-week series on the history, production and of
LEGION EVENTS
course extensive tasting of wines! FEB 6, MAR 6, APR 3, MAY 1, JUN 5 , JUL 3, AUG 7, SEP
Cost: $75/session | Time: 7-9pm Fri 4, OCT 2, NOV 6 & DEC 4
The Arts and Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne WEST LORNE LEGION BREAKFASTS
519-768-9986 Cost: $6 | Time: 9am-12pm
www.theartsandcookerybank.com 142 John St, West Lorne | 519-768-1890

FEB 5-19 FEB 20, MAR 20, APR 17, MAY 15, JUN 19, JUL 17, AUG
PHOTO CLASS: THE BEGINNING DIGITAL SLR 21, SEP 18, OCT 16, NOV 20 & DEC 18
Photo assignments in this class are designed to give you the WEST LORNE LEGION LUNCHES
confidence to move-off “Automatic” for most of your shots. Cost: $8 | Time: 11am-1pm
Delve below the surface settings of your digital SLR to get 142 John St, West Lorne | 519-768-1890
more out of your camera and lens to tell better photo stories. FEB 13, MAR 13, APR 10, MAY 8, JUN 12, JUL 10, AUG
Time: 9am-12pm Sat 14, SEP 11, OCT 9, NOV 13 & DEC 11
The Arts and Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne RODNEY LEGION BINGO
519-768-9986 Time: 2pm
www.theartsandcookerybank.com 177 Victoria St, Rodney | 519-785-2111
FEB 5 JAN 7, FEB 4, MAR 4, APR 1, MAY 6, JUN 3, SEP 2, OCT
CHEF SKILLS CULINARY BOOT CAMP: 7, NOV 4 & DEC 2
PASTA, RICE & RISOTTO RODNEY LEGION LUNCHES
This six-week “Chef Skills” Boot Camp training gives you an Cost: $7 | Time: 11am-1pm
opportunity that will create a lifetime of memories. You’ll 177 Victoria St, Rodney | 519-785-2111
walk away with a “recipe book” of tips, tricks, cooking tech-
niques , recipes, and fascinating insights into professional JAN 16, FEB 20, MAR 20, APR 17, MAY 15, JUN 19, JUL
cooking that can be used in your own Kitchen! Jonathan 17, AUG 21, SEP 18, OCT 16, NOV 20 & DEC 18
Collins is the chef for this series. RODNEY LEGION BRUNCHES
Time: 9am-4pm Cost: $6 per adult; $3 kids under 12 | Time: 9am-12pm
The Arts and Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne 177 Victoria St, Rodney | 519-785-2111
519-768-9986
www.theartsandcookerybank.com
FEB 12
FEB 6 CHEF SKILLS CULINARY BOOT CAMP:
SEVEN SUNDAYS: SAVOURY SUNDAY TARTS MEATS, GAME & POULTRY
This series of interactive culinary experiences brings This six-week “Chef Skills” Boot Camp training gives you an
together our guest chef and a small group of cooking opportunity that will create a lifetime of memories. You’ll
enthusiasts to prepare an elegant meal that befits a Sunday. walk away with a “recipe book” of tips, tricks, cooking tech-
Work side-by-side with the chef to prepare various dishes, niques , recipes, and fascinating insights into professional
learning as you go, then sit down to enjoy the meal you’ve cooking that can be used in your own Kitchen! Jonathan
created. Limited to 12 guests. Collins is the chef for this series.
Cost: $65/session | Time: 11am Time: 9am-4pm
The Arts and Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne The Arts and Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne
519-768-9986 519-768-9986
www.theartsandcookerybank.com www.theartsandcookerybank.com
FEB 10-13 & 17-19 FEB 12
“THAT SUMMER” WINTER OPEN HOUSE
An emotional, bittersweet story of the innocence of youth Warm up with a tour through our greenhouses. Tea bar with
and the wisdom which age brings. A play by David French. tea, clotted cream, scones and jam. Food samples. Draw for
Time: 8pm (Feb 13 2pm) a 10-25% off your purchase. Heirloom seeds have arrived.
Princess Ave Playhouse, 40 Princess Ave, St. Thomas Time: 10am-4pm
info@elgintheatreguild.ca Heritage Line Herbs, 53443 Heritage Ln RR#1, Aylmer,
www.elgintheatreguild.ca 519-866-5577 | www.heritagelineherbs.com
1-877-GO-ELGIN | WWW.ELGINTOURIST.COM  51
FEB 13 FEB 20
FEBRUARY ROAD TRIP FUNDRAISER FOR SEVEN SUNDAYS: FLAVOURFUL FRITTATAS
SERENITY HOUSE HOSPICE This series of interactive culinary experiences brings
Includes a 3 course meal at Smitty’s restaurant in Sarnia fol- together our guest chef and a small group of cooking
lowed by the 2pm matinee showing of Noel Coward’s Fallen enthusiasts to prepare an elegant meal that befits a Sunday.
Angels at the Starbright Theatre. Work side-by-side with the chef to prepare various dishes,
Time: 10am leaving parking lot of 300 S Edgeware Rd, learning as you go, then sit down to enjoy the meal you’ve
St. Thomas | www.serenityhousehospice.ca created. Limited to 12 guests.
Cost: $65/session | Time: 11am
FEB 13 The Arts and Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne
SEVEN SUNDAYS: FLAPJACKS & FRENCH TOAST 519-768-9986
This series of interactive culinary experiences brings www.theartsandcookerybank.com
together our guest chef and a small group of cooking
enthusiasts to prepare an elegant meal that befits a Sunday. FEB 20
Work side-by-side with the chef to prepare various dishes, MEGAN (BARBER) MCTAGGART
learning as you go, then sit down to enjoy the meal you’ve Tickets: $10 | Time: 2pm | 519-637-2291
created. Limited to 12 guests. Princess Ave Playhouse, 40 Princess Ave, St. Thomas,
Cost: $65/session | Time: 11am
The Arts and Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne FEB 22
519-768-9986 | www.theartsandcookerybank.com COOKING WITH HERBS
Learn how to incorporate all of your favourite herbs, both
FEB 19 fresh and dried in your cooking. Tips, suggestions, good
CHEF SKILLS CULINARY BOOT CAMP: samples and lots of handouts. Pre-registration is required.
FISH, SHELLFISH & SEAFOOD Cost: $25 | Time: 7:30pm
This six-week “Chef Skills” Boot Camp training gives you an Heritage Line Herbs, 53443 Heritage Ln, RR#1 Aylmer
opportunity that will create a lifetime of memories. You’ll 519-866-5577
walk away with a “recipe book” of tips, tricks, cooking tech- www.heritagelineherbs.com
niques , recipes, and fascinating insights into professional
cooking that can be used in your own Kitchen! Jonathan FEB 26
Collins is the chef for this series. CHEF SKILLS CULINARY BOOT CAMP:
Time: 9am-4pm VEGETABLES, FRUITS & HERBS
The Arts and Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne This six-week “Chef Skills” Boot Camp training gives you an
519-768-9986 | www.theartsandcookerybank.com opportunity that will create a lifetime of memories. You’ll
walk away with a “recipe book” of tips, tricks, cooking tech-
niques , recipes, and fascinating insights into professional
cooking that can be used in your own Kitchen! Jonathan
Collins is the chef for this series.
Time: 9am-4pm
The Arts and Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne
519-768-9986
www.theartsandcookerybank.com

FEB 27
SYRUP SEASON IN ELGIN SEVEN SUNDAYS: CREAMY CUSTARDS
& BREAD PUDDING
A perfect combination of native trees and special This series of interactive culinary experiences brings
weather patterns is essential for commercial maple together our guest chef and a small group of cooking
syrup production—Elgin County is in just such enthusiasts to prepare an elegant meal that befits a Sunday.
an area. Two local spots offer both a chance to see Work side-by-side with the chef to prepare various dishes,
how maple syrup is made and a chance to taste the learning as you go, then sit down to enjoy the meal you’ve
sweet treat. Palmer’s Maple Syrup is abustle every created. Limited to 12 guests.
weekend in March with activities for the whole Cost: $65/session | Time: 11am
The Arts and Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne
family. Springwater Maple Syrup Festival takes you
519-768-9986
back in time to see the traditional methods as well www.theartsandcookerybank.com
as the modern ones. Check their listings for details.

52 1-877-GO-ELGIN | WWW.ELGINTOURIST.COM


MARCH EVENTS
MAR (DATE TBA)
HIGHWAY CLEANUP SPONSORED BY
WEST LORNE KIWANIS CLUB
Time: 7am-9am
Marsh Line to Eagle
519-768-1224

MAR (DATE TBA)


MUSICAL SHOWCASE
Four schools are taking part in this annual event with a par-
ticipating student enrollment of 500 plus. The gate receipts
are being used to bring in a Clinician to the WESS’s to further
assist music students with their studies. Sponsored by West
Lorne Kiwanis Club.
Time: 7-9pm | 519-768-1798
West Elgin Secondary School
139 Graham St, West Lorne

WEEKENDS IN MAR & MARCH BREAK


SPRINGWATER MAPLE SYRUP FESTIVAL
Horse-drawn wagon rides through the Sugar Bush and
guided nature hikes through the Springwater Forest Trails.
Visit the pancake house and the old-fashioned sugar shanty
for maple products, samples and demonstrations. Don’t miss
the Sugar Bush Children’s Festival on March 26th!
Springwater Conservation Area, Aylmer
519-773-9037
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
springwater@catfishcreek.ca SESSIONS AT 12:30 4:00 7:00 & 10:30
www.catfishcreek.ca
Monthly Specials & Discount Days
WEEKENDS IN MAR & MAR 16
PALMER’S MAPLE SYRUP FESTIVAL Professional & Friendly Service
Palmer’s Maple Syrup is a great place for the family to Non Smoking Environment
enjoy a shanty tour, self-guided woods excursion, pioneer Snack Bar with Daily Specials
storyteller, log-sawing, and maple leaf branding.
Time: 9am-3pm Every session, we give away
34308 Lake Ln, RR #1 Port Stanley
Contact: Ellen Palmer, 519-769-2245 thousands of dollars
MAR 5 in cash prizes and end with a
CHEF SKILLS CULINARY BOOT CAMP:
DESSERTS, CUSTARD & SOUFFLE
$1000 jackpot game!
This six-week “Chef Skills” Boot Camp training gives you an Along with our regular games,
opportunity that will create a lifetime of memories. You’ll we have the following specials:
walk away with a “recipe book” of tips, tricks, cooking tech-
niques , recipes, and fascinating insights into professional BC Special • Super 57 • Super 56
cooking that can be used in your own Kitchen! Jonathan Sponsor Special • Player’s Progressive
Collins is the chef for this series. with prizes ranging from $100-$5000!
Time: 9am-4pm
The Arts and Cookery Bank
242 Graham Rd, West Lorne 140 Edward Street, St. Thomas
519-768-9986
www.theartsandcookerybank.com (519) 633-1984
www.boardwalkgaming.com
1-877-GO-ELGIN | WWW.ELGINTOURIST.COM  53
Have a group looking
for something new &
different to do?
Elgin County is the complete answer to the
question of “what can I do in Ontario”. Situated
on the north shore of Lake Erie, Elgin County is
overflowing with studios and galleries, wineries,
farm markets and quaint rural villages that offer
www.ontariosfunconnection.com unique shops and unforgettable experiences.

To sample some of the group offerings


available in Incredible Elgin, read on...

The Country Wine Tour (Wine Tour)


This tour takes you to three local wineries that produce both fruit and grape wines. All of your stops on this tour
offer tastings and tours and all of the wineries offer award-winning products to sample or take home. This is a
day that no lover of wine, or nature, should miss.

Pokin’ around the Port (Shopping/Theatre)


“Port Stanley has been a popular tourist destination for decades. On this tour you will discover local treasures at
many downtown boutiques and marvel at the work of local artisans that have their studios in the centre of town.
You may also be able to take in a theatre performance or an unforgettably delicious meal at a local inn”.

Green Acres (Farm Tour)


This tour features the home grown and homemade highlights of this wonderful area. The day starts with a face
to face encounter with over one million honey producers and travels on to an herb farm where you can take tea
in the garden. Lunch offers a “touch of Muskoka” and after lunch you will experience the many benefits of one
of nature’s most relaxing creations. The day ends in a historic village where all of your “unique and different”
shopping needs will be well met.

To Book Your Elgin Adventure Call Us


TOLL FREE @ 877-877-0253
www.ontariosfunconnection.com

#50011494
MAR 6 MAR 19
SEVEN SUNDAYS: DIM SUM ALEXANDER ROSS AND THE
This series of interactive culinary experiences brings UNDERGROUND RAILROAD
together our guest chef and a small group of cooking Author Steven Duff will talk about the role played by
enthusiasts to prepare an elegant meal that befits a Sunday. Canadian abolitionist Alexander Ross in the Underground
Work side-by-side with the chef to prepare various dishes, Railroad. He will also discuss the maritime route many Afri-
learning as you go, then sit down to enjoy the meal you’ve can Americans took to escape slavery in the United States.
created. Limited to 12 guests. Port Burwell was part of that escape route. Mr. Duff is author
Cost: $65/session | Time: 11am of “Hunter of Dreams”.
The Arts and Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne Time: 7pm | Anglican Church Parish Hall Port Burwell
519-768-9986 | www.theartsandcookerybank.com (corner of Wellington & Strachan St)
Contact: Jim Hevenor or Grey Gables, 519-874-4644
MAR 11
CELEBRATE ST. PATRICK’S DAY WITH THE MAR 20
SHERIDAN BAND SEVEN SUNDAYS: THE PERFECT SOUFFLE
Tickets: $10 | Time: 8pm; Doors open 7:30pm This series of interactive culinary experiences brings
The Princess Ave Playhouse, 40 Princess Ave, St. Thomas together our guest chef and a small group of cooking
519-633-6118 or jeffsheridan@hotmail.com enthusiasts to prepare an elegant meal that befits a Sunday.
Work side-by-side with the chef to prepare various dishes,
MAR 12 learning as you go, then sit down to enjoy the meal you’ve
HERBS & THEIR USES, MEDICINAL & CULINARY created. Limited to 12 guests.
Learn about many herbs that we use everyday. What are Cost: $65/session | Time: 11am
their health benefits and how can we use them to get the The Arts and Cookery Bank
best results from each one. 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne
Cost: $10 (pre-registration required) | Time: 1:30pm 519-768-9986
Heritage Line Herbs, 53443 Heritage Ln, RR#1 Aylmer www.theartsandcookerybank.com
519-866-5577 | www.heritagelineherbs.com
MAR 22
MAR 12 REVIVING THE LOST ARTS: PIES, TARTS & MORE
OPENING RECEPTION FOR ARTIST ARNOLD MCBAY Our Grandmothers and great-grandmothers didn’t “add
“SELECTED WORKS” water and stir”, “heat and serve”, “refrigerate after opening”,
Admission is free. Join us in celebrating the work of Arnold or “Microwave on high.” They kneaded, proved, rolled,
McBay. Exhibition runs until May 7, 2011. pulled, punched, let sit, canned, baked, simmered, tapped
Time: 7-9pm | 519-631-4040 and boiled. Learn to bring back the lost arts of baking bread,
St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre, 301 Talbot St, St. Thomas biscuits and buns, making pie crusts and pies, soup stock,
jams, jellies, candy and more!
MAR 12 Cost: $25/session | Time: 6:30pm
MAE MOORE The Arts and Cookery Bank
Mae Moore originally from the St. Thomas region comes 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne
back to her roots with folk songs and down to earth music 519-768-9986
for one night only. www.theartsandcookerybank.com
Time: 8pm | Port Stanley Festival Theatre
519-782-4353 or info@portstanleytheatre.ca MAR 25
www.portstanleytheatre.ca ODD COUPLES WITH CHEF MIRELLA DAMIANI
Read a 21st century menu in one of your favourite restau-
MAR 13 rants and you’re likely to see some unusual pairings- two
SEVEN SUNDAYS: THE TRADITIONAL SUNDAY MEAL foods you don’t expect to blend well, but do! Many a chef
This series of interactive culinary experiences brings has created a signature “odd couple” pairing, and all kinds of
together our guest chef and a small group of cooking “odd couples” help to make the (culinary) world go round!
enthusiasts to prepare an elegant meal that befits a Sunday. These culinary sessions are interactive and everyone cooks
Work side-by-side with the chef to prepare various dishes, and enjoys a full meal!
learning as you go, then sit down to enjoy the meal you’ve Time: 6:30pm start (limit of 12 Guests, so book early)
created. Limited to 12 guests. The Arts and Cookery Bank
Cost: $65/session | Time: 11am 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne
The Arts and Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne 519-768-9986
519-768-9986 | www.theartsandcookerybank.com www.theartsandcookerybank.com

1-877-GO-ELGIN | WWW.ELGINTOURIST.COM  55
APR 2
“CANT WAIT ‘TILL SPRING” CONTAINER GARDENS
PowerPoint on growing and caring for herbs in containers.
Make your own herb garden to take home and learn what to
do with the herbs in your garden.
Cost: $15 (pre-registration required)
Time: 1:30pm
Heritage Line Herbs, 53443 Heritage Ln RR#1, Aylmer
519-866-5577 | www.heritagelineherbs.com

APR 2
STEPHEN FEARING
Multiple Juno Award winner Stephen Fearing is one of the
foremost performing singer-song writers in Canada. Special
guest Andy White from Ireland will be performing with
Stephen for a one night exculsive engagement.
Time: 8pm | Port Stanley Festival Theatre
519-782-4353 | info@portstanleytheatre.ca
www.portstanleytheatre.ca
CANADALE SPRING GARDEN SHOW
APR 2-16
PHOTO CLASS: BOLDLY GO CREATIVE
MAR 25-27 WITH PHOTOSHOP CS4
2011 SPRING GARDEN SHOW Adobe Photoshop CS4 is sophisticated, complex software
Celebrate the new gardening season. See all that’s new & which redefines digital imaging with powerful new
exciting for 2011 plus enjoy seminars, charity, lunch, local photography tools and breakthrough capabilities. Learn how
exhibitors, & fun kid’s activities. to express your wildest creative ideas across print, and web
Time: 8am-6pm Fri, 8am-6pm Sat, 9am-5pm Sun platforms.
Canadale Nurseries, 269 Sunset D., St. Thomas Cost: $155 for 3 week course (includes software & materials)
519-631-7264 | www.canadale.com Time: 9am-12pm Sat
The Arts and Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne
MAR 30
519-768-9986 | www.theartsandcookerybank.com
REVIVING THE LOST ARTS: STEWS
Our Grandmothers and great-grandmothers didn’t “add APR 2-16
water and stir”, “heat and serve”, “refrigerate after opening”, PHOTO CLASS: THE DIGITAL POINT & SHOOT
or “Microwave on high.” They kneaded, proved, rolled, FUN-DAMENTALS
pulled, punched, let sit, canned, baked, simmered, tapped This entry level class is geared to the “point & shoot” digital
and boiled. Learn to bring back the lost arts of baking bread, camera owner who wants to make better images of friends
biscuits and buns, making pie crusts and pies, soup stock, and family and take better pictures when on holidays. Be
jams, jellies, candy and more! prepared for some “home play” photo assignments.
Cost: $25/session | Time: 6:30pm Cost: $75 for 3 week course | Time: 9am-12pm Sat
The Arts and Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne The Arts and Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne
519-768-9986 | www.theartsandcookerybank.com 519-768-9986 | www.theartsandcookerybank.com

APR 7
APRIL EVENTS REVIVING THE LOST ARTS: BREADS
APR 1 Our Grandmothers and great-grandmothers didn’t “add
FEST-A-MONTH: NETHERLANDS water and stir”, “heat and serve”, “refrigerate after opening”,
We celebrate the culinary traditions from around the world or “Microwave on high.” They kneaded, proved, rolled,
and around the corner. Our guest chef brings the aromas and pulled, punched, let sit, canned, baked, simmered, tapped
flavours of traditional foods to our spectacular studio kitchen and boiled. Learn to bring back the lost arts of baking bread,
and we serve you in our elegant Heritage Hall. Explore the biscuits and buns, making pie crusts and pies, soup stock,
foods of our local Dutch culture. jams, jellies, candy and more!
Cost:$30/diner | Time: 6:30pm Cost: $25/session | Time: 6:30pm
The Arts and Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne The Arts and Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne
519-768-9986 | www.theartsandcookerybank.com 519-768-9986 | www.theartsandcookerybank.com

56 1-877-GO-ELGIN | WWW.ELGINTOURIST.COM


APR 7-21 APR 14-17 & 21-23
PHOTO CLASS: THE BEGINNING DIGITAL SLR “MOON OVER BUFFALO”
Photo assignments in this class are designed to give you the Hilarious misunderstandings mixed with zany misad-
confidence to move-off “Automatic” for most of your shots. ventures for the Hays, who are set to perform Cyrano De
Delve below the surface settings of your digital SLR to get Bergerac and Private Lives. A play by Ken Ludwig.
more our of your camera and lens to tell better photo stories. Time: 8pm (April 17 2pm)
Cost: $110 for 3 week course | Time: 6:30-9:30pm Thurs The Princess Ave Playhouse, 40 Princess Ave, St. Thomas
The Arts and Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne 519-633-8530 or info@elgintheatreguild.ca
519-768-9986 | www.theartsandcookerybank.com www.elgintheatreguild.ca

APR 9 APR 15
VIMY DAY AT ELGIN COUNTY MUSEUM SILENT AUCTION & CASINO NIGHT
Closing of an exhibition on Col. John McCrae, author of Flan- Presented by the Wallacetown Fair Board.
ders Fields, on loan from Guelph Museums and highlighted Time: 8pm | Contact: Shelley Wilkinson, 519-471-7351
by an installation of the Sifton Victoria Cross. Dutton Community Centre, 1 Scotland St, Dutton
Time: 1-4pm | 450 Sunset Dr, St. Thomas
Contact: Mike Baker, 519-631-1460 x159 APR 16
www.elgin-county.on.ca COOKING WITH HERBS
Learn how to incorporate all of your favourite herbs, both
APR 9 fresh and dried in your cooking. Tips, suggestions, good
TINY TOTS SCRAP-A-THON samples and lots of handouts. Pre-registration is required.
A full day of scrap booking or for any other hobbies as well. Cost: $25 | Time: 1:30pm
Cost: $15 registration fee and $15 in pledges required Heritage Line Herbs, 53443 Heritage Ln, RR#1 Aylmer
Time: 9am-9pm | 519-785-2164 519-866-5577 | www.heritagelineherbs.com
West Elgin Community Centre, 135 Queen St, Rodney
APR 16
APR 10 CANADALE NURSERIES GRAND OPENING EVENT
ARBOUR B&B PRESENTS DAVE GUNNING Kick off the new gardening season with a $1000 shopping
Dave Gunning is a great Canadian Singer Songwriter! He will spree at Canadale. Fill in a ballot & be here to win!
be doing a House Concert giving the audience a chance to Time: 8am-6pm; Draw held at 11am
interact with the artist. Dave entertains in a charming East Canadales Nurseries, 269 Sunset Dr, St. Thomas
Coast Style. He is a humourous, charming story teller, great 519-631-7264 | www.canadale.com
guitarist and singer.
Time: 2-4pm | Arbour B&B | 519-933-3986 APR 16-17
EASTER BUNNY VISITS SPARTA
APR 12 Come to Sparta and visit the Easter Bunny, have your picture
REVIVING THE LOST ARTS: CANDY & TAFFY taken and search for eggs. Donations to the Caring Cupboard
Our Grandmothers and great-grandmothers didn’t “add would be appreciated.
water and stir”, “heat and serve”, “refrigerate after opening”, Time: 11am-3pm Sat, 12pm-3pm Sun
or “Microwave on high.” They kneaded, proved, rolled, Side room of the Sparta Tea Room | www.spartacandles.com
pulled, punched, let sit, canned, baked, simmered, tapped Contact: Mary Muscat, 519-775-0054 or Norma Roberts,
and boiled. Learn to bring back the lost arts of baking bread, 519-775-2312
biscuits and buns, making pie crusts and pies, soup stock,
jams, jellies, candy and more!
Cost: $25/session | Time: 6:30pm
The Arts and Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne
519-768-9986 | www.theartsandcookerybank.com

APR 14
BEAN BLAST!
Bean Blast is an annual fundraiser for the Community Out-
reach Dinners. Money helps purchase food. It is supported in
part by the Ontario Bean Producers Marketing Board.
Cost: $5 | Time: 11:30am-1pm
St. Anne’s Centre, 20 Morrisson Dr, St. Thomas
519-633-0518 or cgrondin@fanshawec.ca
THE PHOTO STABLE AT THE ARTS & COOKERY BANK
1-877-GO-ELGIN | WWW.ELGINTOURIST.COM  57
MAY IS MUSEUM MONTH Elgin County Museum
Each year, the Elgin County Museum mounts a
series of exhibitions and programs, often based
“May is Museum Month” is a province-wide
upon artifacts from the permanent collection.
campaign organized by the Ontario Museum
This year’s exhibits include “Remembering John
Association. Check out what’s new at one of our
McCrae”, about the author of “In Flanders Fields”,
remarkable museums today!
“Patterns from the Past: Hooked and Woven
Aylmer & District Museum Textiles”, and “Changing Gears: Elgin County
The Aylmer & District Museum preserves, presents Industry in the 20th Century”.
and promotes a collection reflecting the town Open year round: Tues-Sat 10am-4pm.
and area’s local heritage. Museum volunteers also See listing on page 34.
organize the annual Christmas Tour of Homes, Elgin Military Museum
Tundra Swan migration reports and other events. The museum focuses on military history, with an
14 East St in Aylmer, 519-773-9723, emphasis on Elgin County and its citizens and the
www.amtelecom.net/~aylmermuseum role they have played in Canadian military history
Backus-Page House back to the founding of the Talbot Settlement. The
Located amidst the beauty of John E. Pearce museum is also anticipating the arrival of HMCS
Provincial Park, this restored Georgian 1850s Ojibwa, a cold war Oberon Class submarine, which
residence is home to a living history museum. will be preserved and operate as a museum in
Tour the house at your own pace or with a Port Burwell (visit www.projectojibwa for more).
costumed interpreter. The Heritage Farm Show in Open year round: Tues-Fri 1-5pm, Sat 9am-noon &
September features period farming demos, work- 1-5pm, Sun (May-Oct) 2-5pm. See listing, page 34.
ing horses, steam engines and antique tractors. Port Burwell Museum & Historic Lighthouse
Open May1 to Oct: Tues-Fri 10am-4:30pm, Sat & From its beginning as an important centre for
Sun 12pm-4:30pm. See listing on page 34. shipbuilding in the Talbot Settlement, to a promi-
Edison Museum of Vienna nent shipping port, to the Canadian destination of
The Edison Museum in Vienna, hometown of the Ashtabula carrying coal across Lake Erie, the
Thomas Alva Edison’s grandparents, features marine-influenced economy and community life
many authentic Edison artifacts, inventions, of Port Burwell are depicted within the museum’s
family mementos and local history. Exhibit displays. It has one of the finest collections of
themes are changed annually. lighthouse lenses on the Great Lakes. Built in
Open mid-May to Labour Day: Daily 10am-5:30pm. 1840, the lighthouse is one of Canada’s oldest
See listing on page 34. wooden lighthouses. The 53 stairs take the visitors
to a spectacular view of the harbour and village.
Elgin County Railway Museum Open mid-May to Labour Day: Daily 10am-5:30pm
Housed in the former 1913 Michigan Central See listing on page 35.
Locomotive Shops, the museum includes steam,
diesel and electric locomotives, cabooses, work Ye Old Forge & Anvil Museum
equipment, passenger cars and an operating The cob museum building is one of many
model railway, much of which has been restored examples of early Ontario architecture in Sparta,
by volunteers. Major fundraising efforts such as which began as a Quaker settlement in 1813. It
“A Day Out With Thomas” contribute to the ongo- served as a blacksmith shop and carriage works
ing refurbishment of both the railway equipment in the early community. The artifacts reflect the
and museum building. Such work will ensure history of the Sparta area. It is run by the Sparta
the museum’s future role in the preservation and and District Historical Society.
presentation of Elgin County Railway heritage. Open daily mid-May to Aug and most days till Nov.
Open Victoria Day till Labour Day. See listing on See Sparta & District Historical Society listing on
page 34. page 35.

58 1-877-GO-ELGIN | WWW.ELGINTOURIST.COM


APR 27 MAY EVENTS
ELGIN COUNTY LIBRARY’S 75TH ANNIVERSARY
KICK-OFF CELEBRATION MAY 1
Performers, cake and refreshments. BACKUS-PAGE HOUSE SEASON OPENING
Time: 1-4pm | Port Stanley Library Come celebrate the opening of the Backus-Page House
Museum Season.
APR 28 Time: 12-4:30pm | 129424 Lakeview Ln, Wallacetown
REVIVING THE LOST ARTS: JAMS & JELLIES www.backuspagehouse.ca
Our Grandmothers and great-grandmothers didn’t “add
water and stir”, “heat and serve”, “refrigerate after opening”, MAY 1
or “Microwave on high.” They kneaded, proved, rolled, HIKE FOR HOSPICE
pulled, punched, let sit, canned, baked, simmered, tapped Why Hike? Funds raised through the hike can insure that
and boiled. Learn to bring back the lost arts of baking bread, more Canadians receive the end-of-life care they wish for.
biscuits and buns, making pie crusts and pies, soup stock, 100% of the funds raised stay in your community.
jams, jellies, candy and more! Time: 10am; Registration to commence at 10:30am
Cost: $25/session | Time: 6:30pm Pinafore Park, St. Thomas; Lavender Sense, Wallacetown;
The Arts and Cookery Bank Springwater Conservation Area, Aylmer
242 Graham Rd, West Lorne www.serenityhousehospice.ca
519-768-9986
www.theartsandcookerybank.com MAY 3
REVIVING THE LOST ARTS: BISCUITS & BUNS
APR 29 Our Grandmothers and great-grandmothers didn’t “add
ODD COUPLES WITH CHEF WILL GAYNOR water and stir”, “heat and serve”, “refrigerate after opening”,
Read a 21st century menu in one of your favourite restau- or “Microwave on high.” They kneaded, proved, rolled,
rants and you’re likely to see some unusual pairings- two pulled, punched, let sit, canned, baked, simmered, tapped
foods you don’t expect to blend well, but do! Many a chef and boiled. Learn to bring back the lost arts of baking bread,
has created a signature “odd couple” pairing, and all kinds of biscuits and buns, making pie crusts and pies, soup stock,
“odd couples” help to make the (culinary) world go round! jams, jellies, candy and more!
These culinary sessions are interactive and everyone cooks Cost: $25/session | Time: 6:30pm
and enjoys a full meal! The Arts and Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne
Time: 6:30pm start (limit of 12 Guests, so book early) 519-768-9986 | www.theartsandcookerybank.com
The Arts and Cookery Bank
242 Graham Rd, West Lorne MAY 7
519-768-9986 RODNEY HORTICULTURE PLANT SALE
www.theartsandcookerybank.com Perennial plants and garden ornamentals on sale for reason-
able price. Monies donated back for community beautifica-
APR 30-MAY 1 tion in flowerbeds throughout the village.
LONGWOODS HERITAGE WEEKEND Time: 8am | 519-785-0937
Experience history being brought back to life as the Upper Rodney Town Hall, 217 Furnival Rd, Rodney
Thames Military Reenactment Society present the 22nd
Annual Battle of Longwoods Heritage Days. MAY 7-8
Time: 10am-4pm | Longwoods Rd Conservation Area, MOTHER’S DAY OPEN HOUSE & SUNDAY HIGH TEA
8348 Longwoods Rd (10km east of Melbourne) 7th annual Mother’s Day Open House. Gifts for the first five
519-264-2420 Moms each day. Treat Mom to high tea lunch on Sunday.
www.lowerthames-conservation.on.ca Limited seating, reservations required.
Time: Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 11am-4pm
APR 30-MAY 31 Heritage Line Herbs, 53443 Heritage Ln, RR#1 Aylmer
TIM HORTON’S TROUT DERBY 519-866-5577 | www.heritagelineherbs.com
Rainbow Trout are stocked in the Springwater Pond each
year to create a safe and easily accessible fishing opportu- MAY 8
nity for both novice and avid anglers. Anyone who catches MOTHER’S DAY SEASON OPENING
a tagged trout in the pond wins a cash prize! Unserviced Celebrate a wonderful Mother’s Day at Steed & Co. Lavender
camping is available in the east campground for partici- season opening. All Mothers will receive a lovely lavender
pants. Kids Derby on May 8th & 9th. gift. Join us for the start of a fabulous new season.
Springwater Conservation Area, Aylmer Time: Sun 12pm-4pm | Sparta Ln, Sparta | 519-494-5525
www.catfishcreek.ca www.steedandcompany.com

1-877-GO-ELGIN | WWW.ELGINTOURIST.COM  59
MAY 8 MAY 13
LAVENDER SENSE OPENS FOR THE SEASON ODD COUPLES WITH EMILY RICHARDS
LAVENDER SENSE opens for the season on Mother’s Day. Read a 21st century menu in one of your favourite restau-
For complete “Activities & Events” please see website. rants and you’re likely to see some unusual pairings- two
www.lavendersense.com foods you don’t expect to blend well, but do! Many a chef
has created a signature “odd couple” pairing, and all kinds of
MAY 8 “odd couples” help to make the (culinary) world go round!
MOTHER’S DAY WINERY & COUNTRYSIDE TOUR These culinary sessions are interactive and everyone cooks
Time: 12pm-5pm | Rush Creek Wines, Jamestown Ln, Aylmer and enjoys a full meal!
www.rushcreekwines.com Time: 6:30pm start (limit of 12 Guests, so book early)
The Arts and Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne
MAY 11 519-768-9986 | www.theartsandcookerybank.com
REVIVING THE LOST ARTS: SCONES & SQUARES
Our Grandmothers and great-grandmothers didn’t “add MAY 14
water and stir”, “heat and serve”, “refrigerate after opening”, PLANNING & GROWING AN HERB GARDEN
or “Microwave on high.” They kneaded, proved, rolled, Growing an herb garden can be an enjoyable experience
pulled, punched, let sit, canned, baked, simmered, tapped with just a little planning. Join us for an informative talk
and boiled. Learn to bring back the lost arts of baking bread, and PowerPoint presentation on how to establish your own
biscuits and buns, making pie crusts and pies, soup stock, beautiful herb garden. Lots of handouts.
jams, jellies, candy and more! Cost: $5 (pre-registration required) | Time: 1:30pm
Cost: $25/session | Time: 6:30pm Heritage Line Herbs, 53443 Heritage Ln, RR#1 Aylmer
The Arts and Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne 519-866-5577 | www.heritagelineherbs.com
519-768-9986 | www.theartsandcookerybank.com MAY 19
REVIVING THE LOST ARTS: BREADS
Our Grandmothers and great-grandmothers didn’t “add
water and stir”, “heat and serve”, “refrigerate after opening”,
or “Microwave on high.” They kneaded, proved, rolled,
pulled, punched, let sit, canned, baked, simmered, tapped
and boiled. Learn to bring back the lost arts of baking bread,
biscuits and buns, making pie crusts and pies, soup stock,
jams, jellies, candy and more!
Cost: $25/session | Time: 6:30pm
The Arts and Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne
519-768-9986 | www.theartsandcookerybank.com
MAY 20-23
LET THE GAMES BEGIN
The University/College Club camping challenge weekend.
GET FRESH IN ELGIN “Outbacked Out” traditional games, main stage name enter-
tainers (TBA), DJ’s at the Tiki Club, pool, prizes and fun.
The farmers and producers of Elgin County Time: 3pm Fri-2pm Mon | www.partycampground.com
grow a bounty of amazing tastes to be savoured Outback Camping, 6679 Woodworth Rd, Port Burwell
throughout every season of the year. In order that Contact: Mike Timmermans, 519-874-1752 or
you don’t miss any of the taste parade, let the “Buy mike@outbackcamping.ca
Local, Buy Fresh” map be your guide. MAY 25
The 2011 map, the sixth annual edition, will be REVIVING THE LOST ARTS: JAMS & JELLIES
available starting in April from local producers, Our Grandmothers and great-grandmothers didn’t “add
the health unit, municipalities, tourism offices and water and stir”, “heat and serve”, “refrigerate after opening”,
libraries. It encourages visitors and Elgin County or “Microwave on high.” They kneaded, proved, rolled,
residents to travel the county in search of local pulled, punched, let sit, canned, baked, simmered, tapped
vegetables, meats, maple syrup and wine. and boiled. Learn to bring back the lost arts of baking bread,
biscuits and buns, making pie crusts and pies, soup stock,
Our extensive agritourism markets will delight and jams, jellies, candy and more!
satisfy the palate as you travel throughout Cost: $25/session | Time: 6:30pm
beautiful countryside. The Arts and Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne
519-768-9986 | www.theartsandcookerybank.com
60 1-877-GO-ELGIN | WWW.ELGINTOURIST.COM
MAY 31
RELIVE THE TALBOT SETTLEMENT SILVER BIRCH TEA ROOM OPENS FOR THE SEASON
Enjoy Lunch, high tea or a snack in our open-air tea room
by the waterfall. We feature a full menu, made with fresh
herbs, heirloom vegetables and local produce. Afternoon
high tea is available by reservation.
Time: Tues-Sat 11am-4pm, Sun 12-4pm
Heritage Line Herbs, 53443 Heritage Ln, RR#1 Aylmer
519-866-5577 | www.heritagelineherbs.com

JUNE EVENTS
JUN (DATE TBA)
ST. PETER’S ANGLICAN CHURCH SUPPER
Join us for a home cooked meal and country fellowship.
Time: 5-7pm | 29596 Lakeview Ln, Wallacetown
Contact: Anna Tokarz, 519-762-2617
MAY 25-JUN 11
“MAMA’S COUNTRY RECORD COLLECTION” JUN (DATE TBA)
From Roger Miller to Dolly Parton this sparkling new country STARGAZING PARTY
musical from the show boat festival will set your heart Evening event will look into the world of Astronomy. Come
pounding and feet stomping! A play by Thom Currie. and look at the night sky through giant telescopes!
Time: Matinees 2pm; Evenings 8pm | 519-782-4354 Time: 7:30pm | Longwoods Rd Conservation Area,
Port Stanley Festival Theatre | www.portstanleytheatre.ca 8348 Longwoods Rd (10km east of Melbourne)
519-264-2420 | www.lowerthames-conservation.on.ca
MAY 27-28
RELIVE THE TALBOT SETTLEMENT JUN 1
Experience life in the early years of the Talbot Settlement FEST-A-MONTH: CARIBBEAN
through period reenactors, historical interpreters, entertain- We celebrate the culinary traditions from around the world
ment displays and performers. and around the corner. Our guest chef brings the aromas and
29424 Lakeview Ln, Wallacetown | www.backuspagehouse.ca flavours of traditional foods to our spectacular studio kitchen
and we serve you in our elegant Heritage Hall. Turn up the
MAY 28 heat as we discover the Caribbean.
PLANNING & GROWING AN HERB GARDEN Cost: $30/diner | Time: 6:30pm
Growing an herb garden can be an enjoyable eperience The Arts and Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne
with just a little planning. Join us for an informative talk 519-768-9986 | www.theartsandcookerybank.com
and PowerPoint presentation on how to establish your own
beautiful herb garden. Lots of handouts. JUNE 1-4
Cost: $5 (pre-registration required) | Time: 1:30pm ST. ANNE’S FESTIVAL
Heritage Line Herbs, 53443 Heritage Ln, RR#1 Aylmer 20 Morrison Dr, St. Thomas
519-866-5577 | www.heritagelineherbs.com
JUN 2
MAY 28 FARM MARKET STARTS
TINY TOTS TIKE-A-THON Local produce available every Thursday, Friday and Saturday
Games, bake sale, raffle, silent auction and more. Great fun beginning June 2. Buy local and support our farmers.
for the whole family. Heritage Line Herbs, 53443 Heritage Ln, RR#1 Aylmer
Time: 9am-12pm | 217 Furnival Rd, Rodney | 519-785-2164 519-866-5577 | www.heritagelineherbs.com

MAY 28 JUN 2-7


SPARTA COMMUNITY WIDE GARAGE SALE PINK PLANTS FOR A CURE
The Merchants of Sparta do the advertising and the Get into the pink & help find a cure. Donations to the
community benefits. Everyone in the village gets out their Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation for every pink labelled
“Treasures” for all the garage sale junkies. plant sold.
Time: 9am-2pm | The Village of Sparta Time: 8am-8pm Weekdays, 8am-6pm Sat, 10am-5pm Sun
Contact: Mary Muscat, 519-775-0054 Canadales Nurseries, 269 Sunset Dr, St. Thomas
www.spartacandles.com 519-631-7264 | www.canadale.com

1-877-GO-ELGIN | WWW.ELGINTOURIST.COM  61
JUN 4
EDISON FEST
This family fun festival pays homage to the local Thomas
Alva (the inventor) Edison family. Enjoy an Edison LightBulb
River Race, Ice Cream Social, Music Jam in the Park, craft
& art vendors, food, childrens’ activities & free draws. Visit
the Edison Museum (14 Snow St), open daily mid-May to
Labour Day.
Time: 9am-6pm | Vienna Memorial Park, Vienna
Contact: Cheryl, 519-866-3066 or Jean, 519-874-4505
www.bayham.on.ca

JUN 7
REVIVING THE LOST ARTS: SCONES & SQUARES ROSY RHUBARB FESTIVAL
Our Grandmothers and great-grandmothers didn’t “add
water and stir”, “heat and serve”, “refrigerate after opening”, JUN 10-12
or “Microwave on high.” They kneaded, proved, rolled, ROSY RHUBARB FESTIVAL
pulled, punched, let sit, canned, baked, simmered, tapped The 19th Annual Rosy Rhubarb Festival celebrates rhubarb,
and boiled. Learn to bring back the lost arts of baking bread, fun and community spirit in the village of Shedden. The
biscuits and buns, making pie crusts and pies, soup stock, community welcomes visitors, tourists and vendors from
jams, jellies, candy and more! near and far. Come browse the yard sales, participate in the
Cost: $25/session | Time: 6:30pm rhubarb pie auction.
The Arts and Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne Shedden Keystone Complex and surrounding community
519-768-9986 | www.theartsandcookerybank.com www.rosyrhubarbfestival.com

JUN 9-12 & 16-18 JUN 11


“THE NEIGHBOURHOOD CRIME WATCH” HERB GARDENS FOR KIDS
Bungling burglars at a neighbourhood crime watch meeting Children will enjoy this event filled with fun activities and
result in side-splitting comedy laden with mistaken identity. games teaching about herb & vegetable gardening. Planting
A play by Craig Alpaugh. seeds, taking a cutting, fixing up the soil and more. Recom-
Time: 8pm (June 12 2pm) | www.elgintheatreguild.ca mended for ages 6-10. Pre-registration required.
The Princess Ave Playhouse, 40 Princess Ave, St. Thomas Cost: $10 | Time: 10am-12pm
519-633-8530 or info@elgintheatreguild.ca Heritage Line Herbs, 53443 Heritage Ln, RR#1 Aylmer
519-866-5577 | www.heritagelineherbs.com
JUN 10-12 JUN 15-JUL 2
VAN FEST “BOEING, BOEING”
Come see Canada’s Premiere Truck Show, including custom Winner of the 2008 Tony Award for best revival, this play by
vans, pick-ups, and 4x4’s. Show and Shine is Saturday 11am- Marc Comoletti is high flying comedy at its best!
5pm. Purchase tickets at the gate. Time: Matinees 2pm; Evenings 8pm
Springwater Conservation Area, Aylmer | www.catfishcreek.ca Port Stanley Festival Theatre | www.portstanleytheatre.ca
519-782-4353 or info@portstanleytheatre.ca
STRAWBERRY SOCIAL,
CASO STATION JUN 18
ANNUAL STRAWBERRY SOCIAL
Join the North America Railway Hall of Fame for their Straw-
berry Social in the historic Canada Southern Railway Station.
Enjoy entertainment and savour the sweet tastes of local
strawberries and ice-cream in the historic dining roon.
Time: 11am-1pm | 519-633-2535 | www.narhf.org
Canada Southern Railway Station, 750 Talbot St, St. Thomas
JUN 18
HOE-DOWN FOR HOSPICE
Featuring the Jammin in the Cabin gang, wellness tent, kid’s
corner, BBQ and non-alcoholic drinks for purchase.
Time: 1am-4pm | www.serenityhousehospice.ca
Pinecroft Pottery Studio, 8048-8122 Rogers Rd, Aylmer
62 1-877-GO-ELGIN | WWW.ELGINTOURIST.COM
JUN 24-26
GREAT LAKES
INTERNATIONAL
AIR SHOW
Enthusiastic aviation fans flocked to see the
“Snowbirds” at the first St. Thomas-based air
show in 2006. Organizers have continued to
build on that following with Wings & Wheels
2007 and Wings & Wheels 2 2009. The now
top-rated aviation event will be presented this
year as The Great Lakes International Air Show.
Thunder and buzz fill the air in the days and
hours leading up to the show which will take
place on June 24th - 26th, 2011. New this
year will be a Friday evening “Hour of Power”
followed by two action-packed days featuring
both static and flying displays.
This premier event attracts masses, an indica-
tor of success. In 2009 this presented a logisti- Photo courtesy of Hugh Shields
cal challenge to organizers, especially with
soggy parking areas due to a rainy lead-up to
the show. Steps have been taken to make this
year’s event not only bigger, but better, with
improved parking, seating and activities for
children.
Attractions confirmed so far include The
Canadian Armed Forces Snowbirds Aerobatics
Team and Skyhawks parachute team.
Since its inception, the event has been a
fund-raiser and that tradition continues, with
the goal of the 2011 show to raise money for
worthy local organizations and service provid-
ers and raising awareness of the contributions
made by the men and women of the Canadian
JUNE 24-26 2011
Armed Forces. ST. THOMAS MUNICIPAL AIRPORT
ST. THOMAS, ONTARIO
In 2011, the St. Thomas Municipal Airport, in FEATURING THE
addition to hosting another much-anticipated Canadian Forces Snowbirds Air Demonstration Team
aviation spectacular, celebrates its 70th & New Friday Evening ‘Hour Of Power’
birthday. Built in 1941 as part of the Com- Tickets Available At The Gate
monwealth Air Training Plan, the airport was On-Line & At Participating Libro Financial Branches
originally a relief field for the RCAF training For more info visit our website:
stations in Aylmer and Fingal. Over the years it www.greatlakesinternationalairshow.ca
has been expanded to serve the needs of the Raising funds for the St.Thomas Elgin General Hospital Foundation, Military
surrounding region. Family Resource Centre (London) and Leukaemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada

1-877-GO-ELGIN | WWW.ELGINTOURIST.COM  63
JUN 18
STEED & CO.
HERBAL TEA & HERB WALK LAVENDER FESTIVAL
What kind of herbs to grow to make delicious tea will be
discussed during this class. Some discussion on medicinal at-
tributes. How to harvest and make your tea. Pre-registration
required.
Cost: $5 | Time: 1:30pm
Heritage Line Herbs, 53443 Heritage Ln, RR#1 Aylmer
519-866-5577 | www.heritagelineherbs.com

JUN 18-19
RAILWAY NOSTALGIA WEEKEND
Elgin County Railway Museum | 519-637-6284
225 Wellington St, St. Thomas | www.ecrm5700.org

JUN 24 JUN 25-26


ODD COUPLES STEED & CO. LAVENDER FESTIVAL
Read a 21st Century menu in one of your favourite restau- Revel in the bounties of the lavender harvest with various
rants and you’re likely to see some unusual pairings- two demonstrations including cooking with lavender. Enjoy the
foods you don’t expect to blend well, but do! Many a chef festivities with artists and musicians participating through-
has created a signature “odd couple” pairing, and all kinds of out the weekend.
“odd couples” help to make the (culinary) world go round! Cost: Adults $5 | Time: 12-5pm Sat, 12-4pm Sun
These culinary sessions are interactive and everyone cooks Sparta Ln, Sparta (3km east of the village) | 519-494-5525
and enjoys a full meal! Chef TBA. www.steedandcompany.com
Time: 6:30pm start (limit of 12 Guests, so book early)
The Arts and Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne JUN 26
519-768-9986 | www.theartsandcookerybank.com THAT COUNTRY THING
New for Summer Sounds Delicious 2011, featuring country
JUN 25 music’s most popular tribute acts.
RODNEY FIRE MUSTER Time: 2-7pm | 519-775-2216 | www.quaiduvin.com
The 5th Rodney Fire Muster will take place Saturday June 25, Quai du Vin Estate Winery, Fruit Ridge Ln, St. Thomas
2011, at Rodney Park. The day kicks off with a parade of fire
trucks through town. Children’s games, firefighters’ games, JUN 26
flea market at the Rodney Recreation Centre, emergency STRAWBERRY SOCIAL
Vehicle display. Proceeds to the Children’s Hospital of Come enjoy an 1850s Strawberry Social Tea, located on the
Western Ontario. grounds of the Backus-Page House Museum.
Time: Parade 10am; Dance 8pm | Rodney Park Time: 1pm | 29424 Lakeview Ln, Wallacetown
Contact: Michelle and Jeff Slater, 519-785-1218 www.backuspagehouse.ca
JUN 25
SIGNATURE EVENT FOR THE STORK CLUB JULY EVENTS
MUSIC MEMORIES
Live music, dancing, memories of the Stork Club and the Big JUL (DATE TBA)
Band Swing era! COOKING WITH GUEST CHEF
Quai du Vin Estate Winery, Fruit Ridge Ln, St. Thomas Learn to create a delectable lavender dish with our invited
chef, then savour the indulgence.
Time: TBA | Steed & Co. Lavender
Sparta Ln, Sparta (3km east of the village) | 519-494-5525
www.steedandcompany.com
JUL 1
CANADA DAY CELEBRATIONS IN PORT BURWELL
Parade at 11am followed by flag raising ceremony, music
entertainment, children’s activities and cake cutting. Visit
the Marine Museum and Historic Lighthouse.
Time: Parade 11am | Port Burwell Legion to Library
Contact: Bob, 519-874-1190, 519-209-6745 or
RODNEY FIRE MUSTER
blozon@amtelecom.net
64 1-877-GO-ELGIN | WWW.ELGINTOURIST.COM
JUL 1 JUL 6-23
CANADA DAY BBQ AND 1/2 PRICE HERB SALE “7 - 10 SPLIT”
Help us celebrate Canada’s birthday. Barbecued lunch If your fondest dream was to be a pro-bowler… but you
includes barbecued chicken, hamburger, hot dog or veggie haven’t paid a bill in 3 years, then you have a lot in common
dog and salads, dessert and a drink. 4” potted herbs 1/2 with Earl. A world premiere by London Playwright Michael
price for the day. Wilmot is sure to please the bowlers in all of us!
Time: Store Open 10am- 3:30pm; BBQ 11am Time: Matinees 2pm; Evenings 8pm
Heritage Line Herbs, 53443 Heritage Ln, RR#1 Aylmer Port Stanley Festival Theatre
519-866-5577 | www.heritagelineherbs.com www.portstanleytheatre.ca
519-782-4353 or info@portstanleytheatre.ca
JUL 1
CANADA DAY CELEBRATIONS JUL 8-10
1pm Kids’ Country Carnival & other activities; 5pm Fish Fry, BALLS BIKE RALLY
7pm Opening Ceremonies, baseball game, snake lady show; Ride with a thousand for charity. Ride, eat and enjoy the
9:30pm fireworks entertainment. Camping is available. Purchase tickets at
Time: 1pm-10:30pm | Miller Park, West Lorne the gate.
519-785-0650 | www.westelgin.net Springwater Conservation Area, Aylmer
www.catfishcreek.ca
JUL 1-2
PORT STANLEY CANFEST JUL 9
A Canada Day celebration featuring live music, boat parade, FAIRY TEA PARTY
fireworks, Port Perch Plate, Veterans parade and cake cutting Enjoy a fairy afternoon. Follow the fairy trail, scavenger
celebration and much more! See our website for details. hunt, games, activities and crafts. All Ages. Pre-registration
Port Stanley | www.portstanleycanfest.ca required.
Contact: Carol Gates, carolgates@gtsportstanley.ca Cost: $10 | Time: 1:30pm
Heritage Line Herbs, 53443 Heritage Ln, RR#1 Aylmer
JUL 1-3 519-866-5577 | www.heritagelineherbs.com
OHHH CANADA!
Outback’s homage to Canada. Best Canadian Eh! Competi- JUL 9, 16, 30 & AUG 6, 13, 20, 27
tion in “camp” sculpture and culture. Name entertainers on SATURDAY AFTERNOONS WITH THE BEEKEEPER
stage (TBA), Tiki Club DJs, pool and fun. Have a guided tour with the beekeeper, enjoy watching
Time: 12pm Jul 1-6pm Jul 3 | www.partycampground.com a beehive being opened before your eyes, see the queen,
Outback Camping, 6679 Woodworth Rd, Port Burwell, ON a bee hatch, or hold a stingless drone bee. Free honey
Contact: Mike Timmermans, 519-874-1752 or sample. Tours start at 2:30 pm. 
mike@outbackcamping.ca Clovermead Bees & Honey Adventure Farm
11302 Imperial Rd, Aylmer | info@clovermead.com
JUL 2 www.clovermead.com
VALDY & GARY FJELLGAARD
Canadian Folk music featuring Valdy & Gary Fjellgaard. No JUL 10
alcohol, coolers or pets. Refreshments available on site. Rain ARBOUR B&B PRESENTS JEFF WISEMAN
or shine. Jeff Wiseman is an accomplished musician with an incred-
Tickets: $20 in advance; $25 at the door | Time: 1-5pm ible voice. He writes, teaches music, tours throughout
Pinecroft, 8048 Rogers Rd S | www.pinecroft.ca Canada and Eurpoe, directs two choral groups and finds time
to be a family man. Dave is not well known but don’t let that
deter you from coming our to hear this fabulous, talented
Canadian Artist.
Cost: $25 | 519-933-3986

JUL 10
ULTIMATE TRIBUTES
The 4th Annual Tribute featuring Abba Mania. Event
proceeds to the Easter Seals of Ontario.
Tickets: $20.00 in advance; $25 at gate
Time: 2-7pm
Quai du Vin Estate Winery
Fruit Ridge Ln, St. Thomas
CLOVERMEAD BEES & HONEY 519-775-2216 | www.quaiduvin.com
1-877-GO-ELGIN | WWW.ELGINTOURIST.COM  65
JUL 17
ALICE IN WONDERLAND
Traditional afternoon tea complete with scones, crumpets,
clotted cream, tiny sandwiches and desserts. Enjoy the
beauty of the waterfalls and gardens on our special tour. Ask
about children’s prices. Reservations required.
Cost: $20 | Time: 1-3pm
Heritage Line Herbs, 53443 Heritage Ln, RR#1 Aylmer
519-866-5577 | www.heritagelineherbs.com

JUL 17
ARTIFACT DAY
Bring artifact points out to Archaeology Day and learn more
WEST ELGIN RAM RODEO about our local heritage. Lower Thames Valley Conservation
Authority - 50 years of Conservation!
JUL 14 Time: 1-4pm | Longwoods Rd Conservation Area,
REVIVING THE LOST ARTS: PIES, TARTS & MORE 8348 Longwoods Rd (10km east of Melbourne)
Our Grandmothers and great-grandmothers didn’t “add 519-264-2420 | www.lowerthames-conservation.on.ca
water and stir”, “heat and serve”, “refrigerate after opening”,
or “Microwave on high.” They kneaded, proved, rolled, JUL 18-22
pulled, punched, let sit, canned, baked, simmered, tapped BACKUS-PAGE HOUSE ADVENTURE DAY CAMP
and boiled. Learn to bring back the lost arts of baking bread, Come take part in adventure, make new friends, learn
biscuits and buns, making pie crusts and pies, soup stock, about our past and the great outdoors. At this daycamp for
jams, jellies, candy and more! children ages 6-10.
Cost: $25/session | Time: 6:30pm Time: 9am-5pm Daily | 29424 Lakeview Ln, Wallacetown
The Arts and Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne www.backuspagehouse.ca
519-768-9986 | www.theartsandcookerybank.com
JUL 22-24
JUL 14-26 WEST ELGIN RAM RODEO
CUSTOMER APPRECIATION SALE In conjunction with the West Lorne Optimist club. Dances
We thank our loyal customers with our biggest sale of the Friday and Saturday nights. Farmers Breakfast Sunday morn-
year! Everything in store 30% - 70% off. Fun activities for ing. Rough camping available.
the entire family. Time: 2pm | Contact: Ken Neil, 519-768-2691
Time: 8am-5pm Weekdays, 8am-5pm Sat, 11am-5pm Sun
Canadale Nurseries, 269 Sunset Dr, St. Thomas JUL 23
519-631-7264 | www.canadale.com 7TH ANNUAL BEE BEARD COMPETITION
Four contestants load up with live honeybees and compete
JUL 15-17 & 22-24 for the 2011 Bee Beard Champion title. Fun begins at 1:30
DAY OUT WITH THOMAS pm with preshow entertainment, competition at 2:30pm.
Spend a day out with Thomas the Tank Engine and friends Also enjoy all of the regular fun family activities at the Clo-
and participate in Thomas related activities. vermead Adventure Farm. All admission goes to the YWCA’s
St. Thomas Elgin Memorial Centre, Wilson | 519-637-6284 Men & Women Shelter.
JUL 16 Clovermead Bees & Honey Adventure Farm
CACTUS, CATTLE & COWBOYS WESTERN FESTIVAL 11302 Imperial Rd, Aylmer | info@clovermead.com
8am West Lorne Fire Department breakfast; 8:30am Farmers’ www.clovermead.com
Market; 12pm parade; 1pm family fun events in Miller Park, JUL 23
horse and horse drawn equipment, trail rides (BYO horse). CULINARY CAMPING
West Lorne | 1-866-401-2965 Great taste. Great music. Naturally. An event where the
JUL 16-17 musicians don’t just cook onstage, they literally test their
HORSE CAMP & TRAIL RIDES chops at cooking demos. Featuring a locally sourced farmer’s
Trail rides on Trans Canada Trails and private trails to Lake market, cheese, wine and craft beer vendors. It’s about
Erie. Overnight horse stalls available advance booking. Camp locally grown food, music and camping in style. Camping is
fire and jamboree. available onsite.
Time: 3pm Sat, 10am Sun | 28660 Talbot Ln, Wallacetown Springwater Conservation Area, Aylmer | www.catfishcreek.ca
519-762-2783 or 1-866-401-2965 519-773-9037 or springwater@catfishcreek.ca

66 1-877-GO-ELGIN | WWW.ELGINTOURIST.COM


JUL 23 Includes FREE
KIDS, COPS AND CANADIAN TIRE FISHING DERBY admission to the
Elgin County
Bob Izsumi has organized a fantastic fishing derby with the Railway
Museum
help of the Ontario Police Association and Canadian Tire. It is
a great family outing. You won’t want to miss this fun day!
Purchase tickets at the gate.
Time: 9am | Springwater Conservation Area, Aylmer
www.catfishcreek.ca

JUL 24
JUKEBOX MEMORIES All Aboard For:
Enjoy 5 hours of live 50s-60s rock and roll. Tickets: $20 in 25 minute ride with a full size
advance, $25 at the gate Thomas the Tank Engine™
Time: 2-7pm | 519-775-2216 | www.quaiduvin.com Meeting Sir Topham Hatt
Quai du Vin Estate Winery, Fruit Ridge Ln, St. Thomas Storytelling, Live Music, Build with Mega Bloks®
and Much More!
HOSTED BY AT
JUL 27-AUG 13 St. Thomas - Elgin
“DUMP GUYS” Memorial Centre,
“Separated by love, united by garbage, “Dump Guys” are 80 Wilson Ave, St. Thomas, ON

a laugh riot! Well drawn characters, deft one liners, and a Friday, Saturday & Sunday
July 15-17 & 22-24, 2011, 8am - 6pm
dumpster full of laughs! A play by Simon Joynes.
Time: Matinees 2pm; Evenings 8pm For tickets and information, visit
www.ticketweb.ca/dowt
Port Stanley Festival Theatre | www.portstanleytheatre.ca or call 1-888-222-6608
519-782-4353 or info@portstanleytheatre.ca Tickets are $20 for ages 2 and up.
Advance purchase is recommended.
JUL 29-31 Ticket sales are final. Events are rain or shine.

TUB DAZE IN PORT BURWELL www.thomasandfriends.com/dowt


Day Out With Thomas™ Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends™ Based on the Railway Series by the Reverend W. Awdry. © 2011 Gullane (Thomas) Limited. Thomas the Tank

Summer weekend family and tourist celebrations, beach Engine & Friends and Day Out With Thomas are trademarks of Gullane (Thomas) Limited. Thomas & Friends and Design is Reg. U.S. Pat. & Tm. Off. HIT and the HIT logo are
trademarks of HIT Entertainment Limited. © 2011, MEGA Brands Inc.® & TM MEGA Brands Inc.

volleyball, fire truck pulling contest, beer tent, music, en-


tertainment, children’s activities, lots of great food and fun.
Visit the Marine Museum and Historic Lighthouse. Fireworks
Sunday at dark.
Time: 9am-10pm | Port Burwell East Beach
QUAI DUVIN
E S T A T E . W I N E R Y
Contact: Deb, 519-874-4450 or dtravis@amtelecom.net
www.bayham.on.ca Summer Sounds Delicious ‘11
JUL 29-AUG 1
GOTTA GETAWAY WEEKEND
Mardis Gras with beads, Zydeco, Cajun food and spontane-
ous parades. Name talent on stage (TBA). Tiki Club DJs, pool
and fun.
Time: 3pm Juy 29-2pm Aug 1 | www.partycampground.com SUNDAY, JUNE 26TH
Outback Camping, 6679 Woodworth Rd, Port Burwell That Country Thing
Contact: Mike Timmermans, 519-874-1752 or
SUNDAY, JULY 10TH
mike@outbackcamping.ca
Ultimate Tributes
JULY 31 SUNDAY, JULY 24TH
PORT GLASGOW ANNUAL FISH FRY Juke Box Memories
& WATERFRONT FESTIVAL SUNDAY, AUGUST 8TH
Fish Dinner, Entertainment, Fireworks (always sold out call
for tickets). Tickets available from Marg’s Variety, Knights
A Barrel of Laughs
Hardware, Knights of Columbus Rodney, Rodney Fair Board, SUNDAY, AUGUST 22ND
Rodney Fire Department, Port Glasgow Yacht Club. Reds, Whites and the Blues
Cost: Adults $14; Children 6-12 yrs $6 | Time: 4pm For more information on these and other events, please visit our website.
Port Glasgow Marina 2km north of Sparta Ontario • 519-775-2216
Contact: Dennis Lee, 519-785-1765
www.QuaiduVin.com
1-877-GO-ELGIN | WWW.ELGINTOURIST.COM  67
AUGUST EVENTS AUG 12-14
ELGIN HISTORICAL SHOW
AUG 6 Always the 2nd full weekend in August, this antique show at
LAVENDER FAIRY FESTIVAL Dan Patterson Conservation Area (Highbury Ave, just north
An afternoon filled with fairy fun and lore. Learn all about of St. Thomas) demonstrates how farming was done in the
the Lavender Fairy and do some jammin’ with Juno nomi- pioneer days. Presented by Kettle Valley Pioneers.
nated children’s performer “Jam Sandwich”. Don’t forget Time: 9am-5pm Fri & Sat, 8am-5pm Sun | 519-762-2583
your wings!
Time: 12-4pm | Steed & Co. Lavender AUG 13
Sparta Ln, Sparta (3km east of the village) | 519-494-5525 RIBS & RUBIES: DINNER ON THE RIDGE
www.steedandcompany.com Put this date aside NOW - you’re going to want to be a part
of this outdoor fundraising dining extravaganza. Stay tuned!
AUG 6-7 This is our big fun-raiser to help support our programs and
SPARTA SIDEWALK SALE events. The Bank is a non-profit charitable organization.
Come early and enjoy the sales. From the weird to the The Arts and Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne
wonderful. Sparta has it all. 519-768-9986 | www.theartsandcookerybank.com
Time: 10am-5pm | www.spartacandles.com
Downtown Sparta | Contact: Mary Muscat, 519-775-0054 AUG 17
ELGIN CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION
AUG 6-7
ANNUAL BARBECUE
HOME BUILDING CENTRE FAMILY FISHING DERBY
Come out and enjoy great local food. The event runs rain
Enjoy fishing with your family at the Springwater Pond dur-
or shine the third Wednesday of August each year. It serves
ing this fun day. Catch any size or type of fish and receive a
approximately 700-800 people.
ticket in a draw for great prizes. Purchase tickets at the gate.
Cost: Adults $12 | Time: 5-7pm | Pinafore Park
Springwater Conservation Area, Aylmer | www.catfishcreek.ca
Contact: Amanda Ford, 519-762-3749
AUG 7
BRUNCH BY THE WATERFALLS AUG 17-SEP 10
Enjoy a relaxing Sunday Brunch in our gardens by the water- “BEDTIME STORIES”
falls. Visit our website for menu. Reservations required. Norm Foster does it again. Great comedic writing, a wealth
Time: 11am-2pm of recognizable characters, and a dazzling clever plot - A
Heritage Line Herbs, 53443 Heritage Ln, RR#1 Aylmer winner! And a perfect closer to our 2011 season!
519-866-5577 | www.heritagelineherbs.com Time: Matinees 2pm; Evenings 8pm
Port Stanley Festival Theatre | www.portstanleytheatre.ca
AUG 7 519-782-4353 or info@portstanleytheatre.ca
A BARREL OF LAUGHS
A Barrel of Laughs outdoor comedy festival featuring 5 AUG 19-21
veteran comedians in 4 hours of non-stop comedy. FRED EAGLESMITH CHARITY MUSIC FESTIVAL
Tickets: $20 in advance, $25 at the gate | Time: 2-6pm Come out and see this popular entertainer for the day or the
Quai du Vin Estate Winery, Fruit Ridge Ln, St. Thomas weekend. Fred’s line-up includes Americana, Alternative
519-775-2216 | www.quaiduvin.com Country, Bluegrass, Rock, and just Great Song Writing. Enjoy
great Canadian music at its best. Tickets available at the gate
AUG 8-12 and at www.fredeaglesmith.com.
BACKUS-PAGE HOUSE ADVENTURE DAY CAMP Springwater Conservation Area, Aylmer | www.catfishcreek.ca
Come take part in adventure, make new friends, learn
about our past and the great outdoors. At this daycamp for ELGIN HISTORICAL SHOW
children ages 6-10.
Time: 9am-5pm Daily | 29424 Lakeview Ln, Wallacetown
www.backuspagehouse.ca

AUG 11-14
AYLMER FAIR
Horse shows, exhibits, petting zoo, cattle shows, vendors,
midway, demo derbies, tractor pulls and more.
Time: 12-10pm Thurs, 10am-10pm Fri & Sat, 12-6pm Sun
Aylmer Fairgrounds, 139 Pine St E, Aylmer
519-773-3445 | aylmerfairboard@amtelecom.net
www.aylmerfair.ca

68 1-877-GO-ELGIN | WWW.ELGINTOURIST.COM


AUG 20
CHILDREN’S FUN DAY
Wagon ride, scavenger hunts (age appropriate), games,
crafts, face painting, snacks and more.
AUGUST 25TH - 28TH
Cost: $10 (pre-registration required) | Time: 1:30-3:30pm DOWNTOWN ST. THOMAS
Heritage Line Herbs, 53443 Heritage Ln, RR#1 Aylmer
519-866-5577 | www.heritagelineherbs.com
AUG 20
NIGHTWALK WITH THE SPIRITS
Take a guided tour through the Ska-Nah-Doht Villiage at
night. The “spirits” have waited 1,000 years to tell their story.
Time: 9pm (1 show only)
Longwoods Rd Conservation Area, 8348 Longwoods Rd
(10km East of Melbourne) | 519-264-2420
www.lowerthames-conservation.on.ca
AUG 21
REDS, WHITES AND THE BLUES
This year marks the 10th Reds, Whites and the Blues at Quai
du Vin. Five hours of live Blues and entertainment.
Tickets: $20 in advance, $25 at gate | Time: 2-7pm
Quai du Vin Estate Winery, Fruit Ridge Ln, St. Thomas
519-775-2216 | www.quaiduvin.com 1
AUG 23 201
9
REVIVING THE LOST ARTS: BISCUITS & BUNS 200
Our Grandmothers and great-grandmothers didn’t “add
water and stir”, “heat and serve”, “refrigerate after opening”,
or “Microwave on high.” They kneaded, proved, rolled,
pulled, punched, let sit, canned, baked, simmered, tapped
and boiled. Learn to bring back the lost arts of baking bread,
3 Stages of Entertainment!
biscuits and buns! Something Different Every Day
Cost: $25/session | Time: 6:30pm
The Arts and Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne
519-768-9986 | www.theartsandcookerybank.com
AUG 25
FRESHFEST AT THE CASO STATION
Foods from local producers presented in partnership with
talented area chefs, wineries and brewery to create the MIDWAY ARTISAN’S VILLAGE
ultimate taste experience.
CASO Station, 750 Talbot St, St. Thomas | www.freshfest.ca
AUG 25-28
IRON HORSE FESTIVAL
A community street festival celebrating our heritage, featur-
ing 3 stages of entertainment, ribs, midway, vendors, Arti- RIB FEST BUSKERS
sans Village, Kids’ Junction, Iron Chef Grill-off & FreshFest.
Time: 11am-11pm Thurs-Sat, 11am-5pm Sun
Talbot St between St. Catherines and Elgin St
admin@ironhorsefestival.com | www.ironhorsefestival.com
AUG 27
MOTORCYCLE
TALBOT TRAIL OF YARD SALES SHOW & SHINE KIDS’ JUNCTION
100 kilometres of yard sales, farm produce stands, unique
shops, museums, wineries, art galleries, and so much more. www.ironhorsefestival.com
Just follow the Talbot Trail.
Time: All Day | County Wide | www.elgintourist.com 519-207-4000
1-877-GO-ELGIN | WWW.ELGINTOURIST.COM  69
SEPTEMBER EVENTS
SEP (DATE TBA)
COOKING WITH INVITED GUEST CHEF
Learn to create a delectable lavender dish with our invited
chef and savour the indulgence.
Time: TBA | Steed & Co. Lavender
Sparta Ln, Sparta (3km east of the village) | 519-494-5525
www.steedandcompany.com
SATURDAYS IN SEP
ELGIN COUNTY RAILWAY MUSEUM CLOVERMEAD ANNUAL HONEY HARVEST FESTIVAL
Come and see how honey is harvested, dip your own
AUG 27 beeswax candle, see a live bee hive opened from a screened
TALBOT TRAIL OF YARD SALES deck. Watch a bee beard demonstration at 2:30 pm. Enjoy a
THROUGH BAYHAM wagon ride. Bee barrel train ride for kids, and family fun on
Follow the Elgin County Talbot Trail of Yard Sales filled with the Adventure Farm. Events from 11 am- 4 pm.
fun and treasure packed yard sales throughout Bayham Clovermead Bees & Honey Adventure Farm
along Heritage Line to Plank Road through Richmond, Straf- 11302 Imperial Rd, Aylmer | info@clovermead.com
fordville and Vienna to Port Burwell. www.clovermead.com
Time: 8am-3pm | Throughout Bayham
SUNDAYS IN SEP
519-866-5521 | www.bayham.on.ca
SEPTEMBER SUNDAYS
AUG 27 Come experience the fun of a walk on the farm while you
WATERMELON FEST IN STRAFFORDVILLE wander through 10 acres of twists, turns and trivia! Farm-
Pancake breakfast at firehall. Parade at 10am. Summer themed play-yard, concession booth & picnic tables onsite.
family fun, music, entertainment, children’s activities, rides, Time: 1-4pm | Belmont Corn Maze, 46614 Crossley Hunter Ln
silent auction, craft vendors, lots of great food and fun. belmontcornmaze@hotmail.com
Time: Parade, 10am, school to park www.belmontcornmaze.net
Straffordville Community Centre Park | www.bayham.on.ca
SEP 2-5
Contact: Paul, 519-866-5295 or ens@porchlight.ca
RAM ROCKIN’ RODEO
AUG 27 RAM Rockin’ Rodeo complete with cowboys/gals broncs,
TALBOT TRAIL OF YARD SALES ponies and bull riding. Dance in the Dirt, live performances
Many vendors and charities with a wide variety of goods. (TBA), Tiki Club DJs, pool and fun.
Antiques, collectables, kitchenware, furniture, Christmas Time: 3pm Sep 2-2pm Sep 5 | Outback Camping, 6679
décor and home décor. Please come and browse. Some Woodworth Rd, Port Burwell
vendors will also be here on the 28th. Contact: Mike Timmermans, 519-874-1752 or mike@
Time: 8am-4pm | Country Seat Upholstery Studio outbackcamping.ca | www.partycampground.com
28143 Talbot Ln, Wallacetown
Contact: Yvonne Brooks, 519-762-2965
AUG 27
TALBOT TRAIL OF YARD SALES AT
EMPIRE VALLEY FARM MARKET
For lots of unique treasures plan on stopping here on your
way down the Talbot Trail. Outdoor farmers market, multi-
family yard sales, unique vendors, fireman’s breakfast &
lunch, hot roasted sweet corn. Proceeds to Dutton/Dunwich
Fire Dept.
Time: 8am-2pm | 27983 Talbot Ln, Wallacetown
Contact: Joy Westelaken, 519-762-3504
www.empirevalleyfarms.com

AUG 28
RAILWAY HERITAGE DAY
Elgin County Railway Museum | www.ecrm5700.org
WATERMELON FEST
225 Wellington St, St. Thomas | 519-637-6284
70 1-877-GO-ELGIN | WWW.ELGINTOURIST.COM
SEP 3
FRIENDS OF SPRINGWATER CARNIVAL & FIREWORKS Come on out to the 157th
While camping at the Springwater CA, have a great after- Rodney Aldborough Agricultural Fair
noon of games, surprises and fun! In the evening watch a
spectacular display of fireworks over the pond.
Springwater Conservation Area, Aylmer | www.catfishcreek.ca September
SEP 3-4 16, 17 & 18
ST. THOMAS FIRE MUSTER
Firefighter competitions, car show, parade, entertainment, Tractor Pull, Mid Way
antique trucks and apparatus. Weekend of free family fun. Pet Show, Demo Derby,
Pinafore Park
children’s entertainment

Red &
SEP 3-4 ... and so much more!
HERITAGE FARM SHOW
This annual show features farming demonstrations includ-

White Pride
ing threshing, baling, working farm horses and historic
interpretive displays as well as antiques, tractors, and
machinery exhibits.

Shared
Time: 10am-4pm Sat, 9am-4pm Sun
Backus-Page House, 29424 Lakeview Ln, Wallacetown

Country Wide
www.backuspagehouse.ca
SEP 7
REVIVING THE LOST ARTS: PICKLES & PRESERVES
Our Grandmothers and great-grandmothers didn’t “add
water and stir”, “heat and serve”, “refrigerate after opening”,
or “Microwave on high.” They kneaded, proved, rolled,
pulled, punched, let sit, canned, baked, simmered, tapped
and boiled. Learn to bring back the lost arts of baking bread,
biscuits and buns, making pie crusts and pies, soup stock,
jams, jellies, candy and more! SEP 15
Cost: $25/session | Time: 6:30pm REVIVING THE LOST ARTS: STEWS
The Arts and Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne Our Grandmothers and great-grandmothers didn’t “add
519-768-9986 | www.theartsandcookerybank.com water and stir”, “heat and serve”, “refrigerate after opening”,
or “Microwave on high.” They kneaded, proved, rolled,
SEP 10 pulled, punched, let sit, canned, baked, simmered, tapped
DRYING, FREEZING & STORING HERBS and boiled. Learn to bring back the lost arts of baking bread,
Learn how to make use of the herbs in your garden before biscuits and buns, making pie crusts and pies, soup stock,
the frost. Pre-registration required. jams, jellies, candy and more!
Cost: $5 | Time: 1:30pm Cost: $25/session | Time: 6:30pm
Heritage Line Herbs, 53443 Heritage Ln, RR#1 Aylmer The Arts and Cookery Bank,
519-866-5577 | www.heritagelineherbs.com 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne
SEP 10 -11 519-768-9986 | www.theartsandcookerybank.com
APPLE FEST SEP 16-18
Come help us kick off the apple season with lots of apple RODNEY ALDBOROUGH FAIR
treats, farm fun, and of course apple picking. Rodney Park, Queens St, Rodney | 519-768-1858
Time: 10am-5pm | Great Lakes Farms
519-782-3433 | www.greatlakesfarms.ca SEP 17
STINGER CLASSIC 2 KM FUN RUN
SEP 10-11 For elementary-aged students. No pre-registration neces-
FALL BULB FESTIVAL sary. Register at the park for $2. Runners receive a participa-
Fall is for planting bulbs. Shop our huge selection of Tulips, tion ribbon, compliments of the Optimist Club of St. Thomas.
Narcissi, & unique bulbs. Join us for seminars, charity BBQ & All proceeds to Jesse’s Journey.
Kid’s Club activities. Time: 9:30am
Time: 8am-5pm Sat, 10am-5pm Sun Waterworks Park, St. Thomas
Canadale Nurseries, 269 Sunset Dr, St. Thomas Contact: Scott Shakir, 519-525-2000
519-631-7264 | www.canadale.com
1-877-GO-ELGIN | WWW.ELGINTOURIST.COM  71
SEP 17
OPENING RECEPTION FOR ARTIST ERIC ATKINSON FORGE & ANVIL MUSEUM
DOORS OPEN PORT STANLEY/SPARTA
“NEW WORKS”
Admission is free. Join us in celebrating the works of Eric
Atkinson. Exhibition runs until October 29, 2011.
Time: 7-9pm | 519-631-4040 | www.stepac.ca
St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre, 301 Talbot St, St. Thomas

SEP 17-18
FALL MUM FESTIVAL
Brighten your gardens with fall mums. Select from hundreds
of mums & colourful fall plants. Enjoy charity BBQ, Kid’s Club
activities & complimentary apple cider.
Time: 8am- 5pm Sat, 10am- 5pm Sun
Canadale Nurseries, 269 Sunset Dr, St. Thomas
519-631-7264 | www.canadale.com

SEP 22-25
FRIENDS OF PORTSIDE SHOW AND SALE
An art show by regional artists. Opening Sept 22nd, 7-9pm. SEP 24
Art is original in various styles and mediums. Admission free DOORS OPEN EAST ELGIN
and everyone welcome. Various facilities of local interest and historical interest will
Time: 11am-5pm Daily | 519-782-7066 be open for the public to tour.
Portside Gallery 187 1/2 Main St, Port Stanley Aylmer, Malahide, Bayham
http://portside.cuttingpromotions.com SEP 24-25
SEP 24 FALL SCARECROW FESTIVAL
STINGER CLASSIC 2KM FUN RUN Fun for the entire family! See all the Scarecrows that have
For elementary-aged students. No pre-registration neces- invaded our garden centre, make your own & enter it to win
sary. Register at the park for $2.00. Runners receive a great prizes!
participation ribbon, compliments of the Optimist Club of St. Time: 8am-5pm Sat, 10am- 5pm Sun
Thomas. All proceeds to Jesse’s Journey. Canadale Nurseries, 269 Sunset Dr, St. Thomas
Time: 9:30am | Pinafore Park, St. Thomas 519-631-7264 | www.canadale.com
Contact: Scott Shakir, 519-525-2000 SEP 24-25
SEP 24 ANNUAL RUSH CREEK WINES HARVEST FESTIVAL
“GET READY FOR WINTER” Rush Creek Wines, Jamestown Ln, Aylmer
Planting an indoor herb container, watering your gardens www.rushcreekwines.com
and care of them over the winter, making pesto, oils and vin- SEP 30-OCT 2
egars are a few of the topics covered in this class. Everything WALLACETOWN FAIR
is hands-on with lots to sample, plus take home a small Wallacetown Fairgrounds
herb garden. Pre-registration required. www.wallacetownfair.com
Cost: $15 | Time: 1:30pm Contact: Shelley Wilkinson, 519-471-7351
Heritage Line Herbs, 53443 Heritage Ln, RR#1 Aylmer
519-866-5577 | www.heritagelineherbs.com
OCTOBER EVENTS
OCT (DATE TBA)
ST. PETER’S ANGLICAN CHURCH SUPPER
Join us for a home cooked meal and country fellowship.
Time: 5-7pm | 29596 Lakeview Ln, Wallacetown
Contact: Anna Tokarz, 519-762-2617

OCT (DATE TBA)


HIGHWAY CLEANUP SPONSORED BY
WEST LORNE KIWANIS CLUB
RUSH CREEK WINES HARVEST FESTIVAL Time: 7am-9pm | Marsh Line to Eagle | 519-768-1224
72 1-877-GO-ELGIN | WWW.ELGINTOURIST.COM
WEEKENDS IN OCT
SCARECROW PUMPKIN FESTIVAL
Corn maze, wagon rides, scarecrow making (bring own
clothes), pumpkin launcher, face painting, concession booth,
harvest decorations, school tours, birthday parties.
Time: 11am-5pm | 11026 Wellington Rd
www.fergusonproduce.com

FRI, SAT & SUN IN OCT


OCTOBER MAZE WEEKENDS
Come experience the fun of a walk on the farm while you ............................ October
1st & 2nd
wander through 1-acre of twists, turns and trivia! Farm- FREE ADMISSION
themed play-yard, concession booth & picnic tables onsite. ............................
Purchase your pumpkins & fall decorations and get creative
with our free harvest crafts.
For more info
please call 2011
Belmont Corn Maze, 46614 Crossley-Hunter Ln, Belmont 519-631-1680 10am to 4pm
belmontcornmaze@hotmail.com
www.belmontcornmaze.net

OCT 1
FREE BUILDING TOURS
FEST-A-MONTH: FRANCE
• 16 sites across the city
We celebrate the culinary traditions from around the world open to the public
and around the corner. Our guest chef brings the aromas and • no tickets required
flavours of traditional foods to our spectacular studio kitchen
and we serve you in our elegant Heritage Hall. Enjoy a taste ONTARIO
HERITAGE
of French Cuisine. THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF

ST. THOMAS
TRUST
An agency of the Government of Ontario

Cost: $30/diner | Time: 6:30pm


The Arts and Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne www.doorsopenontario.on.ca
519-768-9986 | www.theartsandcookerybank.com
OCT 1
OCT 1 HARNESS YOUR HEALTH
DOORS OPEN PORT STANLEY/SPARTA Join special guest speakers as they demonstrate different
Doors Open is a Cultural/Heritage Event. Visit the following ways to keep healthy and active. Lunch is included. Proceeds
places of interest in Port Stanley & Sparta: Quaker Meeting donated to Make a Wish Foundation.
House, Stork Club I.C., Port Stanley Festival Theatre, Com- Time: 10am-3pm (pre-registration required)
mercial Fishery Display, Morgan Nina’s Tailor Shop, Christ Heritage Line Herbs, 53443 Heritage Ln, RR#1 Aylmer
Church, HMCS Provost, Quai du Vin Winery, Yarmouth Natural 519-866-5577 | www.heritagelineherbs.com
Heritage Centre, The Abby, the Railroad Display, Lake Erie
Salmon & Trout Club, Piper, MP3 walking tour, Forge and OCT 1-2
DOORS OPEN ST. THOMAS
Anvil, Rush Creek Wines, and Telegraph House. 519-631-1680 | www.doorsopenontario.on.ca
Time: 10am-4pm | Contact: Craig Cole, 519 782-4532
Port Stanley & Sparta OCT 1-2
www.doorsopenontario.on.ca FALL PUMPKIN FESTIVAL
Pumpkins, Pumpkins, Pumpkins! In Every size shape &
colour. Join us for fall decorating seminars, charity BBQ & fun
family activities. Time: 8am-5pm Sat, 10am- 5pm Sun
Canadale Nurseries, 269 Sunset Dr, St. Thomas
519-631-7264 | www.canadale.com

OCT 2
ELGIN FEDERATION OF AGRICULTURE
CAR-A-VAN TOUR
This self-guided tour allows you to pick and choose which
farms/agri-businesses you would like to visit. Maps/bro-
chures will be available Sep 1 at St. Thomas Public and Elgin
ELGIN FEDERATION OF AGRICULTURE County Libraries.
CAR-A-VAN TOUR Time: 10am-3pm | Contact: Roberta Gillard, 519-633-0114
1-877-GO-ELGIN | WWW.ELGINTOURIST.COM  73
OCT 5-19 Cost: $75 for 3 week course | Time: 9am-12pm Sat
PHOTO CLASS: THE BEGINNING DIGITAL SLR The Arts and Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne
Photo assignments in this class are designed to give you the 519-768-9986 | www.theartsandcookerybank.com
confidence to move-off “Automatic” for most of your shots.
Delve below the surface settings of your digital SLR to get OCT 16
more out of your camera and lens to tell better photo stories. TASTES OF FALL
Cost: $110 for 3 week course | Time: 6:30-9:30pm Wed Come and celebrate the harvest season! Crafts, great food,
The Arts and Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne and entertainment make this event fun for the whole family.
519-768-9986 | www.theartsandcookerybank.com Time: 12-4pm | Longwoods Rd Conservation Area, 8348
Longwoods Rd (10km east of Melbourne)
OCT 5, 12,19, 26 & NOV 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 519-264-2420 | www.lowerthames-conservation.on.ca
NINE WEDNESDAYS
The Nine Wednesdays is Back! Our 2010 series SOLD OUT, OCT 22
so you’ll want to book early this year. Bring a group of your HERBS & THEIR USES, MEDICINAL & CULINARY
friends, family and co-workers for an evening of fun, learn- Learn about many herbs that we use everyday. What are
ing and delectable eats! their health benefits and how can we use them to get the
Cost: $75/session | Time: 6:30pm (12 guest limit) best results from each one. Pre-registration required.
The Arts and Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne Cost: $10 | Time: 1:30pm
519-768-9986 | www.theartsandcookerybank.com Heritage Line Herbs, 53443 Heritage Ln, RR#1 Aylmer
519-866-5577 | www.heritagelineherbs.com
OCT 6-20
PHOTO CLASS: BOLDLY GO CREATIVE OCT 29
WITH PHOTOSHOP CS4 HALLOWEEN DART TOURNAMENT
Adobe Photoshop CS4 is sophisticated, complex software Time: 11am | Rodney Legion, 177 Victoria St | 519-785-2111
which redefines digital imaging with powerful new
photography tools and breakthrough capabilities. Learn how OCT 29-30
to express your wildest creative ideas across print, and web PUMPKIN FEST
platforms. Come out to celebrate the Pumpkin Harvest. Pick your own
Cost: $155 for 3 week course (includes software & materials) pumpkin, have some pumpkin treats and have fun getting
Time: 6:30-9:30pm Thurs your face painted, decorating a pumpkins, bobbing for
The Arts and Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne apples on a string and more.
519-768-9986 | www.theartsandcookerybank.com Time: 10am-5pm | Great Lakes Farms
www.greatlakesfarms.ca
OCT 14-15, 21-22 & 28-29
HAUNTED CORN MAZE
Scream, shriek and howl your way through our haunted corn
maze. A popular tradition featuring live actors, sounds and
special effects to get you in the Hallowe’en spirit!
Belmont Corn Maze, 46614 Crossley-Hunter Ln, Belmont
belmontcornmaze@hotmail.com | www.belmontcornmaze.net

OCT 15
COOKING WITH HERBS
Learn how to incorporate all of your favourite herbs, both
fresh and dried in your cooking. Tips, suggestions, good
samples and lots of handouts. Pre-registration is required.
Cost $25.00 | Time: 1:30pm
Heritage Line Herbs, 53443 Heritage Ln, RR#1 Aylmer
519-866-5577 | www.heritagelineherbs.com

OCT 15-29
PHOTO CLASS: THE DIGITAL POINT & SHOOT
FUN-DAMENTALS
This entry level class is geared to the “point & shoot” digital
camera owner who wants to make better images of friends
and family and take better pictures when on holidays. Be
prepared for some “home play” photo assignments. PUMPKIN FEST AT GREAT LAKES FARMS

74 1-877-GO-ELGIN | WWW.ELGINTOURIST.COM


OCT 31 NOV 11
HALLOWEEN REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICE
Visit the Olde Jail and receive Halloween treats. Time: 11am | West Lorne Cenotaph, Arena, Graham Rd
Time: 6pm | Olde Rodney Jail, 135 Queen St, Rodney Contact: Robert White, 519-768-2795
www.westelgin.net
NOV 11
OCT 31 REMEMBRANCE DAY CEREMONIES
HALLOWEEN Time: 10:30am | Cenotaph, Talbot St, Aylmer
Free hotdogs sponsored by Rodney Lions Club. NOV 12
Time: 6pm | Rodney Town Hall, 217 Furnival Rd, Rodney APPETIZERS AND DIPS - USING HERBS
Simplify your holiday season with these simple but tasty
NOVEMBER EVENTS appetizers and dips. Sample what is made. Recipes handed
out. Pre-registration required.
NOV 4 Cost: $20 | Time: 1:30pm
ANNUAL ART AUCTION Heritage Line Herbs, 53443 Heritage Ln RR#1, Aylmer
The Annual Art Auction includes a silent and live auction, 519-866-5577 | www.heritagelineherbs.com
it’s a fast moving, fun event featuring fine art from our local NOV 12-13
artists and artisans. CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE
Time: 6:30pm-11pm | 519-631-4040 | www.stepac.ca Christmas at Canadale! Celebrate the season with decorating
St. Thomas- Elgin Public Art Centre, 301 Talbot St. St. Thomas demos & workshops. Free photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus &
see his live reindeer. Charity lunch.
NOV 5
Time: 8am-5pm Sat, 10am- 5pm Sun
THE GREAT PUMPKIN SMASH
Canadale Nurseries, 269 Sunset Dr, St. Thomas
Come toss, throw, catapult or smash your jack-o-lanterns,
519-631-7264 | www.canadale.com
and visit the maze one last time before harvest. Extra
‘smashing’ pumpkins available for purchase. NOV 17
Time: 1-4pm | belmontcornmaze@hotmail.com 6TH ANNUAL CEDARHURST OPEN HOUSE
Belmont Corn Maze, 46614 Crossley-Hunter Ln, Belmont Join us for draws, demos, 25% off all our products, compli-
www.belmontcornmaze.net mentary consultations, refreshments and snacks, Guinot
Skin Care, Jane Wedale Mineral Makeup and much more.
NOV 5 Time: 3-8pm | Cedarhurst Salon and Spa | 519-631-7629
COOKING WITH HERBS 76 Talbot St, St. Thomas | www.cedarhurstsalonandspa.com
Learn how to incorporate all of your favourite herbs, both
fresh and dried in your cooking. Tips, Suggestions, food NOV 18-26
samples and lots of handouts. Pre-registration required. HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
Cost: $25 | Time: 1:30pm Fabulous holiday finds close to home in West Elgin and
Heritage Line Herbs, 53443 Heritage Line RR#1, Aylmer Dutton/Dunwich. Visit local businesses for ideas, inspiration,
519-866-5577 | www.heritagelineherbs.com gifts, certificates & more. Bring your passport for a chance to
win great prizes.
NOV 6 519-762-2965 or 1-866-401-2965
PORT BURWELL ARMISTICE DAY PARADE
From the Legion in Port Burwell, westerly on Wellington St, NOV 19
turning left on Robinson St and left on Pitt St to Cenotaph. HARVEST DINNER
Contact: Port Burwell-Bayham Royal Canadian Legion, The Tyrconnell Heritage Society hosts this evening of fine
519-874-4308 dining and entertainment in support of operations and
programming at the Backus-Page House.
NOV 10 Time: 6:30-10pm | Lakeview Gardens, Eagle
REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICE www.backuspagehouse.ca
Time: 7pm | Dutton, Municipal Office WEDS Theatre
Contact: Hilda Tuffin, 519-762-2204 NOV 19-20
CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE
NOV 11 Sample our herb products and other gourmet foods, as well
REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICE as many stocking stuffer sales. Gift baskets and gift samples
Remembrance Day Service at the Boy Soldier at St. Thomas are available. Other vendors will join us both days.
Elgin General Hospital. Time: 10am-4pm Sat, 11am-4pm Sun
Time: 10:45am Heritage Line Herbs, 53443 Heritage Line RR#1, Aylmer
St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital, 189 Elm St, St. Thomas 519-866-5577 | www.heritagelineherbs.com
1-877-GO-ELGIN | WWW.ELGINTOURIST.COM  75
NOV 20
WINDOWS OF CHRISTMAS COOKIE BAKE AT
THE ARTS & COOKERY BANK
Canada Southern Railway Station, Talbot St, St. Thomas
www.narhf.org

NOV 24
IT’S TIME TO HANG IT UP EVENING
Part of 7 Days of Celebration at The Arts and Cookery Bank.
The Arts and Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne
519-768-9986 | www.theartsandcookerybank.com

NOV 25
LIGHT IT UP - GINGERBREAD HOUSE MAKING
Part of 7 Days of Celebration at The Arts and Cookery Bank.
The Arts and Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne
519-768-9986 | www.theartsandcookerybank.com

NOV 26 Photo courtesy of Grace McGartland


COOKIE BAKE
We are going to double our count for this year and bake 5,000! DECEMBER EVENTS
Part of 7 Days of Celebration at The Arts and Cookery Bank.
The Arts and Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne DEC (DATE TBA)
519-768-9986 | www.theartsandcookerybank.com SHOPPING SPREE RAFFLE
Proceeds for Community Projects. Sponsored by the West
NOV 26-27 Lorne Kiwanis Club.
SANTA VISITS SPARTA FOR AN OLD FASHIONED 519-768-1224
COUNTRY CHRISTMAS
Come and visit Santa and have your picture taken. Enjoy DEC (DATE TBA)
draws, gift baskets and goodies at all of the stores. Dona- “ANNE OF GREEN GABLES”
tions to Caring Cupboard would be greatly appreciated. A play by Lucy Maude Montgomery.
Time: 11am-3pm Sat, 12-3pm Sun | 519-775-2312 The Princess Ave Playhouse, 40 Princess Ave, St. Thomas
Side room at Sparta Tea Room | www.spartacandles.com 519-633-8530 or info@elgintheatreguild.ca
Contact: Mary Muscat, 519-775-0054 or Norma Roberts www.elgintheatreguild.ca
NOV 26-27 DEC 1
RUSH CREEK CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE FEST-A-MONTH: GERMANY
Time: 10am-5pm | Rush Creek Wines, Jamestown Ln, Aylmer We celebrate the culinary traditions from around the world
www.rushcreekwines.com and around the corner. Our guest chef brings the aromas
and flavours of traditional foods to our spectacular studio
NOV 27 kitchen and we serve you in our elegant Heritage Hall. The
YULETIDE BRUNCH year ends with a traditional German holiday culinary feast as
Part of 7 Days of Celebration at The Arts and Cookery Bank. a fundraiser for the Bank’s Culinary Arts Programs.
The Arts and Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne Cost: $130/diner | Time: 6:30pm
519-768-9986 | www.theartsandcookerybank.com The Arts and Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne
519-768-9986 | www.theartsandcookerybank.com

DEC 2-31
HOLIDAY FANTASY OF LIGHTS
Fantasy of lights is a Christmas light display located through-
out Pinafore Park. Entertainment is provided in the Main
Pavilion on Weekends from 6:30-9:30pm; hot chocolate, cof-
fee and popcorn available. On weekends the people mover
will take your family through the light displays at the park. A
free will donation is accepted at the gate.
Time: 5-10pm nightly | Pinafore Park, Elm St, St. Thomas
Contact: Ross Whalls, 519-782-3942 or hfolights@gmail.com
WINDOWS OF CHRISTMAS www.fantasylights.org
76 1-877-GO-ELGIN | WWW.ELGINTOURIST.COM
DEC 3 DEC 3
PORT BURWELL SANTA CLAUS PARADE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT WALK
Community parade. All floats and entries welcome. Goodies Stroll along a candle lit path through the Springwater Forest
and hot drinks. and join local performers as they celebrate the spirit of
Time: 6:30pm Christmas. Sip on a hot beverage and see who awaits you at
From Legion on Wellington St to the Library the end of the trail! Purchase tickets at the gate.
Contact: Deb, 519-874-4450 Springwater Conservation Area
www.bayham.on.ca www.catfishcreek.ca

DEC 3 DEC 3
1850 S CHRISTMAS DINNER RODNEY CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS
A limited number of seats are being offered to enjoy a 19th 3pm Snake Lady Show, wagon rides plus other activities;
century Christmas Dinner. To be served at the Backus-Page 5:30pm evening parade downtown; Santa Claus at Rodney
House. Legion after parade.
Time: 7pm Time: 3-6:30pm | 519-785-0560
29424 Lakeview Ln, Wallacetown www.westelgin.net
www.backuspagehouse.ca
DEC 4
DEC 3 ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CAROL SING
CUSTOMER APPRECIATION Annual Carol Sing featuring the Salvation Army Band.
10% off everything in the store this Saturday. Enjoy a cup of Church shaped cookies, hot cider and mince tarts served.
tea or coffee while you browse through the store and taste Free will offering to Salvation Army. Dress warmly.
some food samples. Enter a draw for a gift basket. Have your Time: 3pm
own gifts wrapped while you wait. 519-633-2610 (messages monitored weekly)
Heritage Line Herbs The Old St. Thomas Church
53443 Heritage Ln, RR#1 Aylmer 55 Walnut St, St. Thomas
519-866-5577 www.oldstthomaschurch.com
www.heritagelineherbs.com

19th Annual
Holiday Fantasy of Lights
December 2nd to December 31st, 2011
Pinafore Park, Elm St., St. Thomas, Ontario
Lights on Nightly from 5-10pm
Free Admission
Freewill Donations Welcome
Free Entertainment
On Weekends in the Dance Pavilion
Free Rides Through the Park
On the People Mover Every Weekend, 7-9pm
For information, email HFofLights@gmail.com or visit
www.fantasylights.org
1-877-GO-ELGIN | WWW.ELGINTOURIST.COM  77
DEC 7-23 DEC 10
CHRISTMAS SALE AT HERITAGE LINE HERBS STRAFFORDVILLE SANTA CLAUS PARADE
Many items on sale just in time for Christmas, up to 50% off. Santa Claus community parade. All floats and entries wel-
Let us help you pick the perfect gift or fill a gift basket to suit come. Straffordville Public School to Community Centre.
that special someone. Gift certificates available. Time: 10:30am | www.bayham.on.ca
Heritage Line Herbs, 53443 Heritage Ln, RR#1 Aylmer Contact: 519-866-5521 or bayham@bayham.on.ca
519-866-5577 | www.heritagelineherbs.com
DEC 10-11
DEC 10 RUSH CREEK CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE
APPETIZERS AND DIPS Time: 10am-5pm | Rush Creek Wines, Jamestown Ln, Aylmer
Sample a variety of appetizers and dips, made with our www.rushcreekwines.com
dried herbs and blends and other gourmet food items.
Heritage Line Herbs, 53443 Heritage Ln, RR#1 Aylmer DEC 17
519-866-5577 | www.heritagelineherbs.com CUSTOMER APPRECIATION
10% off everything in the store this Saturday (does not
include reduced items). Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee while
you browse through the store and taste some food samples.
Enter a draw for a gift basket.
Heritage Line Herbs, 53443 Heritage Ln, RR#1 Aylmer
519-866-5577 | www.heritagelineherbs.com

DEC 27-31
HERITAGE LINE HERBS BOXING WEEK SALE
10-50% off many items in the store. Our biggest sale of the
year.
Heritage Line Herbs, 53443 Heritage Ln, RR#1 Aylmer
519-866-5577 | www.heritagelineherbs.com

DETAILS MAY CHANGE BETWEEN THE PRINTING


CAROL SING AT OF THIS GUIDE AND THE TIME OF THE EVENT -
THE OLD ST. THOMAS CHURCH PLEASE CALL AHEAD TO CONFIRM.

SAVOUR ELGIN RECIPE DIRECTIONS:


1. Preheat oven to 350˚F.
SWEET POTATO SCONES 2. In a bowl mix all dry ingredients (flour, baking
These are a very cake-like biscuit and the powder, cinnamon, salt). Cut in butter pieces with
dough is quite sticky—but it sure is tasty! pastry cutter or two knives (or your fingers) until
The recipe is from Kim Saunders of The the mixture is a rough and crumbly texture (like
Windjammer Inn in Port Stanley. For more coarse sand).
recipes from Savour Elgin members, or more 3. In a separate bowl mix together sweet potato
information on the program, visit and sugar.
www.savourelgin.ca. 4. Combine the wet with the dry, stirring until the
dough comes together. You may need to add
INGREDIENTS: more flour, depending on how juicy the sweet
2 cups all purpose flour potatoes are.
2 Tbsp baking powder 5. On a lightly floured surface, roll or pat out the
1 tsp ground cinnamon dough to roughly ¾” in thickness. Cut into desired
1 tsp salt shapes and place on a parchment lined or greased
½ cup chilled unsalted butter, cut into pieces baking sheet. Brush the tops with the cream.
2 cups mashed cooked sweet potato 6. Bake for 18-20 minutes until lightly browned
½ cup sugar around the edges. Cool for 10 minutes before
2 Tbsp whipping cream eating (if you can!).

78 1-877-GO-ELGIN | WWW.ELGINTOURIST.COM


SAVOUR ELGIN
MEMBERS
Clovermead Bees & Honey
www.clovermead.com
Empire Valley
Farm Market & Greenhouses
Elgin County has an abundance of www.empirevalleyfarms.com
great culinary destinations, Farmgate Markets
and we’re ready to show them off. Deli & Fresh Meat
www.farmgatemarket.com
From fine dining, quaint bistros Heritage Line Herbs
and unique tea rooms to casual diners & Silver Birch Tearoom
www.heritagelineherbs.com
and delis, Elgin County’s restaurants
will satisfy every taste. Horton Farmers’ Market
hortonfarmersmarket.blogspot.com

Travel our culinary trail and visit Kettle Creek Inn


www.kettlecreekinn.com
award-winning wineries, pick-up the
Killer Desserts
freshest produce at roadside markets, www.killerdesserts.com
and take a stroll through a field of lavender.
Lavender Blue Lavender Farm
www.lavenderblue.ca
You can also visit Elgin’s own microbrewery,
Mad Hatters Tea Room /
take a cooking class in a historic bank, Quaker Barrel
experience adventure at a bee farm, www.quakerbarrel.com
and so much more. Pinecroft Pottery
& Green Frog Tearoom
www.pinecroft.ca
Savour the tastes of Elgin County. Quai du Vin Estate Winery
www.quaiduvin.com

Railway City Brewing Co.


For information on the www.railwaycitybrewing.com
Savour Elgin Program, call Ruby’s Cookhouse
www.rubyscookhouse.com

1-877-GO ELGIN x137 Rush Creek Wines


www.rushcreekwines.com
or visit The Arts & Cookery Bank
www.theartsandcookerybank.com
www.savourelgin.ca The Windjammer Inn
www.thewindjammerinn.com
Elgin County... A place like no other, where sky meets water
Elgin
meets County
land. and St. unite
Where neighbours Thomas...
and contribute, building
A placecommunities.
welcoming like no other, where sky meets
water
This meets
is a place whereland. Where
families live and neighbours
prosper for generations.
Where real people progress with nature, fostering dynamic new
unite and contribute, building
futures for innovative businesses in the energy and environment,
welcoming
agribusiness, communities.
manufacturing, tourism, transportation and
logistics sectors. www.elgintourist.com
County of Elgin
Community and Cultural Services
This is a place where families live and Economic Development and Tourism
Elgin County. We welcome and invite you to visit and meet us. www.progressivebynature.com
prosper
We truly are...for generations.
Progressive by Nature. Where real
450 Sunset Drive,
St. Thomas, Ontario N5R 5V1
Phone: 519 631-1460 ext. 168
people progress with nature, fostering Fax: 519 631-4549
Email: info@elgin-county.on.ca
dynamic new futures for innovative QU
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IT

Y
SO

Website: www.progressivebynature.com
PE N
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businesses in the energy and environment,


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agribusiness, manufacturing, tourism,


transportation and logistics sectors.
ST. THOMAS
Elgin County and St. Thomas. We welcome
and invite you to visit and meet us. www.city.st-thomas.on.ca

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