As tempting as it is to hunker down indoors in January, even streaming bingers need to come up for air once in a while. With so much natural beauty on our doorstep, it would be a shame not to venture out and see what’s happening in and around Burlington.
Forgoing certain foods (and beverages) and recommitting to fitness goals is a virtuous New Year’s tradition. So is abandoning all those promises within a few weeks and returning to the comfort of life’s regular programming. Luckily for us, living in Burlington means we can have our post-holiday cake and eat it, too, in the form of outdoor recreation and takeaway culinary treats.
You can make positive lifestyle changes without depriving yourself of joy.
If you’re a resident of Paradigm you already know about the spectacular outdoor spaces that offering the opportunity to step outdoors, mingle with fellow residents and visitors, and enjoy unfettered access to natural light all winter long. The floor-to-ceiling windows in our condo units deliver plenty of the limited seasonal sunshine indoors when it’s too cold or windy to venture out.
This winter, pledge to try skiing on the escarpment at Glen Eden , taking a winter walk along the lakeshore, or a tranquil nature hike on the trails at Mount Nemo, or The Royal Botanical Gardens to make the most of everything our area offers.
I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Cocoa Bean!
Reward yourself for time spent outdoors with a steaming cup of hot chocolate (or whatever your pleasure). Burlington offers plenty of options; most of these shops are west of James St., within a marshmallow toss of Spencer Smith Park and the Brant Street Pier:
- Lola Choco Bar And Sweet House, 423 Elizabeth St Unit 13
- Lakeshore Coffee House, 2007 Lakeshore Rd.
- Demetres Burlington, 1250 Brant St.
- Tamp Coffee Co., 480 Brant St. & Village Square
- La Creme de la Creme Creamery Inc., 389 John St.
- I Love Gelato, Bunton’s Wharf (facing Spencer Smith Park)
- Spencer’s At The Waterfront
- The Sunshine Doughnut Co., 439 Brock Ave.
- Kelly’s Bake Shoppe, 401 Brant St.
- Coffee Culture Cafe & Eatery, 390 Brant St.
- Alia’s Gelato & Cafe, Harbourview Residences, Locust St.
- Second Cup Café, 901 Brant St.
Great Sounds at BPAC
For live music enthusiasts, classic rock is on the agenda at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre. Native son, David Wilcox lights up the stage (Fri. Jan. 19, 8:00 p.m.) with a set list of time-tested favourites that always sound fresh. The Montreal-born singer-guitarist-songwriter debuted during the folk-rock era with the iconic Canadian band Great Speckled Bird and released his first solo album, Out of the Woods, in 1977. He’ll be sampling hits from that and 1983’s My Eyes Keep Me in Trouble, featuring one of his signature tunes, Riverboat Fantasy.
Legendary Detroit rocker Bob Seger has stopped touring but that live performance void is filled by Against the Wind: The Ultimate Bob Seger Experience (Sat. Jan. 20, 7:30 p.m.).
Even More to Enjoy in January
- Bounty Enterprises Inc.: Abbamania Night Fever/The Bee Gees: 5, 7:30 p.m.
- Emm Gryner: Jan. 26, 7:30 p.m.
- Toronto All-Star Big Band Concert: Benefitting Carpenter Hospice, Burlington Food Bank, Knights of Columbus charitable works, Sun. Jan. 28, 2:00 p.m.
- LIVE & LOCAL Featuring Thom Anthony & James Oliver, and Sophie Kathe – with Special Guest Kevin Fox, Sun. Jan. 28, 4:00 p.m.
The Land Acknowledgement or As You Like It is a hit theatrical production coming to BPAC at the end of January for seven performances over five days. Young, Indigenous playwright Cliff Cardinal is behind this re-crafting of Shakespeare’s play, As You Like It, in the context of our present day reconciliation process. Click here for dates and times.
The Royal Botanical Gardens is open all winter but check the website for seasonal hours of operation (the popular Rock Chapel lookout trail is closed until spring).
Winter Wonders: Thursdays to Sundays through Jan. 7, Hendrie Park. Described on the RBG website as “A unique outdoor evening experience, guides visitors along Hendrie Park’s picturesque pathways adorned with charming festive lights, interactive installations and magical displays that tell the stories of unique winter wonders. Stroll through our breathtaking garden to the rhythm of festive music while indulging in the warm tastes and fragrances of the holiday season.”
Be sure to catch a ride on the RBG Express, a round-trip train ride through the park. Admission charges apply.
- Oaks and Acorns Nature Play: Winter Session: a program designed to introduce 2-5 year-olds to the natural world and inspire a lifelong appreciation of the outdoors. Sessions are held behind the Nature Centre in the Natural Play Space, morning from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Four sessions to choose from, beginning Jan. 16. Register now.
January is better in Burlington!