Better in Burlington – One of Ontario’s Best Kept Secrets
Burlington Ontario continues to be one of Ontario’s best kept secrets. Despite its breathtaking waterfront, abundant cultural and culinary delights, and ideal location between Toronto and Niagara, Burlington is off the radar for most. In this video, the Molinaro Group Team presents just a few of the many reasons Burlington is easy to love.
Burlington in the Fall Beckons One and All
Burlington in the Fall Beckons One and All You’ll have to forgive us. We never get tired of trumpeting the virtues of this city we call (our corporate) home and the change of seasons is one more opportunity to blow our horn. Burlington’s ideal location in the sweet spot of the Golden Horseshoe pays dividends year-round but never more so than in the Fall. Sorry, deniers, the cooler breeze and shorter days of autumn are almost upon us though rest assured it’s no cause for gloom. On the contrary, Burlington shines at this time of the year when it celebrates many of its best features. Whether you’re into the food/wine harvest scene, changing colours, music, festivals or fitness, there is something for everyone. This abundance of cultural riches is one of the qualities that attracted the Molinaro family to the area long before Paradigm Grand was even a glint in anyone’s eye. As company President Vince Molinaro says, the city combines small-town appeal with a growing urban sophistication. He’s believes the two can comfortably co-exist because of deep roots. “Burlington has a strong character; people love living here. There’s a lot of large festivals, a lot of good restaurants, a lot of mom-and-pop shops people love to see.” It also means that you can sample all of these attractions without venturing far from your door. Allow us to curate what might be your fall itinerary of events and destinations in the weeks ahead. Some Suggestions to Help Plan Your Autumn Adventure Burlington’s waterfront jewel and focal point, Spencer Smith Park, gets top billing for convenience and accessibility. You can make a day of it to explore; pack a picnic lunch and cycle or simply enjoy the trails on foot. It’s an ideal spot for kids and families with plenty of room to spread out and relax or play. It’s also home to the unofficial start of Fall, the Labour Day Weekend Ribfest, an all-ages outdoor event billed as the largest in Canada, marking its 25th anniversary this year. In addition to the aromatic smoked meat delicacies, you’ll find a tantalizing selection of traditional carnival treats guaranteed to leave a mustard or ketchup stain. It’s never too early or late in the season for ice cream and Burlington punches above its weight in the frozen treat department. You can map out of a tour of the city’s dozen-or-so top-notch purveyors and sample one or more of these establishments every weekend. Whether you prefer a cone or cup, full-dairy or vegan alternatives, you’ll find a shop to satisfy your personal craving. Head for the Hills and Valleys Gardening enthusiasts come from all over the region to visit the Royal Botanical Gardens. Typically ablaze with vivid blooms throughout the summer, the grounds project a more melancholy mood in fall that holds its own charm. The tree canopy transitions to a multi-coloured riot and the well-defined trails are ideal for walking, outdoor dining or finding a remote corner for quiet contemplation in a beautiful natural setting. Don’t miss the Hendrie Valley Trails in the Grindstone Creek Valley in mid-to-late September. You’re always within easy driving distance of one of Ontario’s most popular attractions, the Niagara wine region. Just minutes south on the QEW, September and October are peak harvest season. Most local winemakers are pleased to host tasting/information sessions during this exciting time of year, and post visiting hours and directions on their websites. The Burlington Performing Arts Centre will be humming right through October. Fans of Seventies’ rock radio can catch former chart-topper Air Supply (Sept. 15), vintage Canadian rocker Tom Cochrane and his band Red Rider at the same venue on the 20th while the October calendar includes performances by local favorite Glass Tiger (Oct. 14), the Vienna Boys Choir (Oct. 15) and the Canadian Jazz All-Stars on the 29th. The Burlington Terry Fox Run/Walk for Cancer Research (Sept. 18), and the Applefest Fall Fair (hosted by Museums of Burlington – Oct. 1) are also on the list of autumn highlights. You’ll find a complete day-by-day list for September and October on the city’s own website. Fall in Burlington. Life doesn’t get much grander.
Burlington Mural Tour
Burlington is a lovely city but even it has some areas that need “a little love.” That’s what Molinaro Group President Vince Molinaro says motivated his team to support the creation of four original murals in Burlington’s downtown area. In this brief walk about, Vince takes us to the four locations and talks about the artwork, including the most recent installation by @KelseyMontague Art @ChrisPPerez, @kane.ism, @steampaints, @poser.abm Vince also makes the point that supporting the creation of wall art is an extension of the Molinaro Group’s decades long track record of building beautiful condos all across the Burlington area.
New Mural Brings World Renowned Artist’s Work to Downtown Burlington
Artist Kelsey Montague’s work has been commissioned by Taylor Swift and featured in Forbes, the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, and the Smithsonian Institute. Now, her work is gracing a building in downtown Burlington. Thanks, in part, to the Molinaro Group. “This is an exciting moment for Burlington,” says Molinaro Group president Vince Molinaro. “Kelsey’s work is so energetic and fun, just like Burlington, and we’re delighted to have helped make this happen!” Located at Elizabeth St. and Lakeshore Rd., the artwork was commissioned by tourism Burlington, and was made possible with the generous support of the Burlington Downtown Business Association and the Molinaro Group. Kelsey’s work is about demonstrating how art weaves itself into our daily lives. Burlington’s rich cultural footprint, defined by its art gallery, museums, music festivals and its performing arts centre, means this original artwork is a perfect fit for the City. For Vince and the Molinaro Group, contributing to street art is a natural extension of their corporate mission. “We have always built more than just condos here – we’ve built the community, too. And we think our condos have a distinctive artistic merit to their look and lifestyle that’s added real value to Burlington.”
Great Real Estate is BURLINGTON, BURLINGTON, BURLINGTON!
Great Real Estate is BURLINGTON, BURLINGTON, BURLINGTON! We’ve all heard the adage “Location, Location, Location”, but what does it really mean? In Burlington, it means having great Community, Lifestyle, and every modern Amenity at your doorstep. That’s what the city of Burlington and the exquisite Molinaro Group Paradigm Grand condominium offers. Your thoroughly enjoyable life by the lake awaits in a growing and picturesque landscape filled year-round with festivals, theatre, nature, history, and plenty of other attraction waiting to be discovered. Established as a village in 1873, sleepy, lakeside Burlington has grown to a population of just over two thousand residents that is frequently cited as one of Canada’s best cities. Its most recent accolades include the nod from Macleans’ in 2019 as Best in Canada for Culture and Community, and Canada’s #7 Best Small City overall in 2022 by Resonance. Burlington is an Outdoor Lover’s Dream A city of parks, Burlington boasts almost 1,500 acres of park land, including a thriving waterfront. It borders Bronte Creek Provincial Park on the West and is home to the largest botanical gardens in Canada at it’s Eastern most point. Those Gardens have been designated a national historic site and are home to thousands of plants representing over 2,800 species. Best of all the Gardens offer 27 kilometers of walking trails. And when you’re back from a day in the fresh air, there’s fine dining, music and dance at the Performing Arts Centre, live theatre at Theatre Burlington, and Canada’s Largest Ribfest held every year at Spencer Smith Park. Of course, every kind of Southwestern Ontario adventure is only a short drive from Burlington. It’s only minutes to Toronto or Niagara Falls Wine Country, the dynamic and growing city of Hamilton. And the Shaw Festival and the Bruce Trail on the Niagara Escarpment are on your doorstep. For commuters, Burlington is a dream come true. It’s only a sixty-second walk from Paradigm Grand to a major GO transit hub (buses and trains), and there are two other stations in the Burlington area. Everything You Want in a Big City, with Small Town Charm Professional services abound in Burlington to support residents of all ages. Joseph Brant Hospital is a 450-bed facility with a 24hr Emergency and McMaster Hospital in Hamilton is only a short drive away. Dentists, massage therapists, personal trainers and more can be found across the city. And excellent schools and adult learning centres are available for the young and curious alike. It’s easy to get excited about all Burlington has to offer. So, check out the Burlington Community Calendar for up-coming festivals and events, and plan a day (or two) trip of discovery to one of Southern Ontario’s most pleasant and welcoming cities.
Molinaro Grows Community with Urban Farm
The Molinaro Group’s bountiful collaboration with Bunchberry Connections netted over 800lbs of fresh produce last year (2021) for the Burlington Foodbank. With a new growing season well underway, Vince Molinaro recently toured the farm with Bunchberry CEO Adria Cehovin. On land provided by the Molinaro Group, Adria and her team are growing fresh food, and growing greater opportunities for a healthier more engaged community.
Taste of Burlington is Here!
With March break in the air, pandemic restrictions easing, and people more eager than ever to get “out and about,” the timing for this year’s Taste of Burlington might seem beyond serendipitous. But that only makes it more welcomed! So, tune up your taste buds and get out there now to sample some delicious delights from participating venues who are offering a host of Prix Fixe meals. And hurry! The program ends on March 20th. Visit the Taste of Burlington website for a full list of participating restaurants. Sign up for Passports With so many great restaurants, pubs and cafes to explore, event organizers are excited to showcase Burlington food & drink all year round. What started as a prix-fixe dining program twice a year now features Burlington restaurants and eats all year long with event updates, a directory of restaurants and more! The prix-fixe dining program will continue twice each year. A Tasty Success Story that Began in 2008 This Prix Fixe Dining Program has seen great success in Toronto (Winterlicious & Summerlicious), Oakville (part of Fabulous February – Taste of Downtown Oakville), and Bronte (Brontelicious). And it’s a simply sumptuous opportunity to return to your favourite haunts or discover a new place in Burlington, which is quickly becoming a culinary destination. The program began in the Summer of 2008 with 12 restaurants participating. It has grown with each successive program with 43 restaurants that participated in the 2019 pre-pandemic winter program. Support from our community, our partners and our restaurateurs has been impressive and enduring Okay, enough reading and more eating, right. Bon appetite! CHCH TV’s Tim Bolan Tours his Top Four picks
Where To Shop Local This Holiday Season
This time of year is one of the busiest, with holiday get-togethers, winter activities, and all the shopping! While it’s easy to order gifts online, there’s something special about walking into a local shop, looking around at the handmade items, and selecting a thoughtful present for your loved one. We’ve rounded up the best local stores in Burlington so you can cross those last items off your shopping list! Centro Garden Centro Garden came to life because of Jason Pepetone’s love for gardening and his expertise in the garden center business. Those who are passionate about design, art, style, and gardening will enjoy shopping at this local store. From adorable Christmas ornaments to home décor to locally made cleaning supplies, there are so many wonderful items to choose from! Visitors can wander through the indoor and outdoor areas of the store, admiring the garden shop and beautiful Christmas decorations while checking off every person on their holiday shopping list. The Artisanville Much like its name, The Artisanville is a small shop full of unique, handcrafted products, and located in both Burlington Centre and Lime Ridge Mall. Canadian designers and artisans create original home décor pieces, clothing, fun jewellery, paper goods and more! With a vast assortment of handmade pieces, you’ll find memorable gifts for your parents, siblings, friends, and little ones! ODDSPOT Located in Downton Burlington, ODDSPOT is a great store to browse vintage items and old records. There are also handcrafted pieces, décor objects, clothing, and other unique items. Find the perfect gift for the vintage lover in your life! The Little Pop-Up Shoppe This adorable pop-up shop, located in Village Square, is Burlington’s only monthly rotating shop! Every 30 days, they feature new products from Canadian artists, designers, and entrepreneurs. With adorable Christmas décor pieces, winter accessories, and handcrafted kitchen items, there’s something for everyone! The Block Co If you’re looking for a truly unique gift, look no further! Give a beautiful charcuterie board, full of delicious meats, cheeses, and fruits. The Block Co. will work with your food preferences and budget to create a custom charcuterie board for you to give your loved ones. Bring one of their gorgeous charcuterie boards over to your next holiday party or set up a grazing table at your own gathering. This is a treat everyone can enjoy! Pure Boutique With the latest trends in home décor, Pure Boutique is an ideal shop to find gifts for the homebody in your life. They carry stunning candles, skincare items, and beauty accessories, which all make amazing stocking stuffers. With lovely décor items, beautiful stationary, and endless bath and body products, you’ll find the perfect gift in no time! The Handmade House With a wonderful selection of sustainable products, homemade Christmas décor pieces, and one-of-a kind clothing items, The Handmade House is a one stop shop for all gifting this season. All these delightful pieces are handmade with care, and purchases support local businesses and keep the city of Burlington thriving! Find amazing gifts for your closest friends and family at The Handmade House! Have you started your holiday shopping yet?
The Best Holiday Events In Burlington
With temperatures dropping and the days getting shorter, the holidays seem to be right around the corner! Though the sun begins to set at 5pm, we love this time of year as there’s a magical feeling in the air. Everyone begins to anticipate the holiday season, and all the fun activities that come with it! We’re getting ready for long winter walks, hot chocolate by the fire, visiting Christmas markets, and admiring the holiday lights. We’ve rounded up 5 fun events happening in Burlington to get you excited for the winter season. The North Coal Christmas Market This year’s North Coal Christmas Market will take place on their patio on the 10th, 11th and 12th of December. Join them for a day of eating, drinking, and shopping local! Guests can also enjoy their firepits, the new Muskoka Lounge, and other holiday activities. Visit their website for a glimpse into their 2019 Christmas Market, and for more details about this year’s event. Burlington Festival of Lights Back for the 26th year in a row, Burlington’s Festival of Lights starts on November 26th and runs all the way to January 8th. Burlington residents will have the opportunity to explore Spencer Smith Park and view all the beautiful displays. Lights will be active from 4pm to midnight every day, and all day on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Orthodox Christmas, and New Year’s Eve! For those who wish to stay warm and toasty, take a drive along Lakeshore Road, beside the waterfront and view the attraction by car. Bring your family and friends to experience the magical light festival and get into the holiday spirit! Santa’s Holiday Magic Trail Santa will be driving an adorable antique firetruck throughout various Burlington neighbourhoods on December 4thand 5th, from 10am to 5pm. For all guests’ safety, this year Santa will not be accepting letters or posing for photos. Check their website for all updates and for a map of Santa’s route. Attendees can also use the hashtag #SpotSantaBurlON on social media to let others know of Santa’s location in the neighbourhood. Victorian Christmas Tour & Treats In a guided tour, travel back in time to the historic Ireland House! At this intimate event, you’ll begin with a toast at the Oakridge Interpretive Centre followed by shortbread, ginger cake, and figgy pudding samples. After the tour, enjoy the outdoor open fire, sip some wassail, and roast chestnuts to truly get into the Christmas spirit. You’ll also go home with a delicious box of treats! This special tour takes place on December 3rd and 4th, get your tickets here. Jingle Bell Race This event is just outside of the Burlington area, taking place at the Royal Hamilton Yacht Club. Come out and celebrate the festive season with an in-person holiday race! Participants will receive a post-race breakfast, medal, and a gift. There is an option to complete the race virtually for those who do not wish to participate in person. The race takes place on November 28th, you can purchase your tickets here! How are you celebrating the holidays this year?
4 Activities To Do For Halloween
Spooky season has crept up on us and is finally here! With the weather getting chillier, the sun setting earlier, and Halloween at the end of the month, we can begin celebrating. It’s time to bring out all our favourite scary décor and experience our favourite fall activities! We’ve rounded up 4 ways to enjoy the Halloween season: Dress Up In Costumes One of the best things about Halloween is the costumes! It’s so exciting to plan out how you’re going to dress up, especially if you’re doing a group or couples’ costume. There are multiple options for family costumes as well, such as characters from The Adams Family, The Wizard Of Oz, or Toy Story. Get creative and try your hand at homemade costumes, use a white dress for an Angel costume or a black cape and funky scarf for a Harry Potter character! If you’d rather purchase a ready-made costume, try visiting Spirit Halloween Burlington, with hundreds of options. This way, you’ll be ready for any Halloween get together, whether you’re hosting family members or going to a small gathering with friends. Halloween Decor Next up, spooky décor! Get into the spirit by making decorating a group activity. Have each family member pick out their favourite Halloween pieces to place around the condo. Grab faux spiderweb material and drape it over the front door, kitchen cupboards, bathroom mirror and balcony railings. It can essentially be placed anywhere, and truly enhances the Halloween ambiance. Fake skulls also make great accents, add them to your bookshelves or nightstands to bring the holidays into your office or bedroom. A themed tablescape full of candles and smaller pumpkins will make every meal ‘spooky’. Fashion a wreath out of branches for your front door or hang witches’ hats from the ceiling to give the entire condo an earie vibe. For a more minimal approach, use black and dark orange accents throughout your condo. Swap out neutral couch pillows, tea towels and throw blankets to set the mood for Halloween. Pumpkin Carving Contest Who doesn’t love carving pumpkins during Halloween? Stop by Centro Garden and pick up a few pumpkins for a carving contest. Gather the whole family and turn the dining table into your workshop and start carving! Create a character from your favourite movie, a painting you love, or go scary and choose your favourite villain as inspiration! After you’ve all carved out your pumpkins, display them on the balcony or by the front door, using fake tealight candles to light them up. Visit A Farm October is one of the most exciting times to visit a farm, with the beautiful weather and all the fall activities available! You can go apple picking at Drummond Farms or pick out your pumpkins at Chudleigh’s Entertainment Farm! Enjoy picking out freshly baked goods, playing with the animals and exploring the farm! There are also fun Halloween activities for kids, such as a Pumpkinfest at Downey’s Farm, wagon rides at Springridge Farm and Andrew’s Scenic Acres for adorable group photo ops. How are you celebrating Halloween this year?
