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 Ways To Bring The Outdoors Into Your Condo
This time of the year always tends to be faster paced, with school quickly approaching and our weekends filling up with plans to see friends and family. Scheduling outdoor picnics, going on long bike rides, and trips to the cottage are some of our favourite summer pastimes. While we have many activities to do in Burlington, there are also other ways to keep the season going by turning our living space into a summer paradise. Here are a few ways we’re bringing the outdoors into our condos this season: Greenery and Fresh Flowers One of the easiest ways to spruce up your condo is with fresh flowers! When choosing florals, stick with Dahlias, Sunflowers and Peonies, which are all reminiscent of the summer. Set up your arrangements in the high traffic areas of your condo, such as the entryway and on the kitchen island, so you always have a small reminder of this beautiful season. Treat yourself to a little luxury and change out your flowers every few weeks! In additional to florals, you can also add extra plants to your home. Greenery has a way of making us feel like we’re on a tropical vacation. Invest in a few nice pots and planters, and head over to Terra Greenhouses garden in Burlington for all your gardening needs. Fill your space with Boston ferns and Monstera plants to create an indoor oasis in your condo. Summer Décor Summer is all about lightening your space. Arrange anybohemian pieces you may have, such as a jute rug or woven baskets or bring out any cane or wicker accessories and put them up on display! Boho accessories in any room instantly remind us of summertime. Another summer staple is citrus fruit, so why not use it as part of your décor? Use a bowl or large vase, fill it with lemons, limes and oranges to create a functional, aesthetically pleasing piece in your kitchen. Spend Time on The Balcony With the balcony as an extension of your condo, it’s time to make use out of it for the summer months! Try keeping the screen door open when you’re cooking or eating dinner inside and enjoy the warm summer breeze. Another option is to do some of your regular indoor activities outside. Take your favourite book outside, do a workout, or jump on a call all from the comfort of your balcony. Finally, order in from your favourite Burlington restaurant and experience dinner al fresco. Summer Food + Drinks We all have our favourite foods we love to eat in the summer! Try adding fruit to your salads to give it a sweeter flavour. For the main course, enjoy sliders with a side of corn on the cobb, and a summer essential such as watermelon is the perfect lightweight dessert. Finally, nothing quite says ‘summertime’ like a pitcher of white sangria to enjoy with the whole meal. How are you bringing summer into your condo this season?
5 Activities to Do In Burlington This Summer
With Summer in full swing, we’re ready to get outside and enjoy the warmer months. The season tends to fly by, so let’s make the most of it and relish every minute of being by the lake, eating lunch on the patio and hiking through picture-perfect trails. Here are some of our favourite activities to do in Burlington this summer: Explore Downtown Burlington Take a stroll in the heart of downtown Burlington, and discover all the unique shops, delicious restaurants, and local attractions. With the lake close by, make it a family outing with ice cream and a gorgeous stroll along the water. If you’re looking for new date night options, Burlington has plenty of great spots to experience patio dining. There’s Boon Burger Café specializing in vegan burgers, Pintoh Cuisine for authentic Thai food or La Crème de la Crème Creamery for delicious treats! For more local restaurant recommendations, check out this blog post! Boat Ride One activity Burlington residents look forward to every year is finally getting out on the water. Take your boat out for the day and experience the breathtaking views of the Burlington skyline. Head over to LaSalle Marina, in Hamilton Harbour and spend time under the sun, enjoying the lake. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen, snacks and a few cold drinks! Picnic One of the best things about a suburb such as Burlington is the number of parks and green space the city has to offer! One of the best summer activities is having a picnic at the park. From Spencer Smith Park to Laselle Park and Loweville, there are so many options to choose from, all with lush greenery and beautiful surroundings. Round up the family and make a whole day of it! Prep your picnic basket with your choice of fruit, sandwiches and sparkling water and enjoy the day at the park. Hike Summer months mean more hiking! While this activity can be done in all seasons, there is something special about hiking during the summer, with a slight breeze, surrounded by all the beautiful greenery. One of our beloved trails to hike is the Mount Nemo Conservation Area, with stunning views of the escarpment and five kilometres of trails to discover. If you’ve already hiked Mount Nemo, there are so many other trails to explore, including Crawford Lake, Hilton Falls, Kelso Summit and Rattlesnake Point! These parks require a small fee and reservations, which you can make here. Golfing Nothing says Summer quite like a round of golf! Try the Burlington Golf and Country Club, overlooking the Burlington Bay. This top-rated golf course has incredible views, a beautiful clubhouse and 18 holes designed by Stanley Thompson. To make it a family-friendly activity, take the kids for a round of mini-golf! What are you looking forward to doing this summer?
Our Favorite Restaurants In Burlington
Calling all foodies! Burlington is home to multiple amazing restaurants, many of which are located in the heart of downtown. Head over to your favourite bistro and pick up some takeout for dinner or make a reservation to have lunch on the patio. From Italian food to Thai options to healthy juice, there’s something for everyone to enjoy! Here are our favourite places to eat in Burlington: PinToh Cuisine Located in downtown Burlington, PinToh Cuisine creates unique dishes by combining authentic Thai ingredients with current food trends. They have a stunning, contemporary atmosphere for everyone to enjoy their delicious meals. Pizzaiolo Gourmet Pizza With multiple locations and a wide variety of pizzas, Pizzaiolo is the perfect choice for a family outing! Pack up the car with a blanket, grab a couple of pizzas for the family and head to the park for a picnic. Pizzaiolo offers gourmet meat, veggie, vegan and gluten free pizzas, with the option to design your own. Check out the Burlington location today! Boon Burger Café If you’re looking for some vegan options, Boon Burger Café is the place to be! With phenomenal food quality, consistency and taste, they specialize in vegan burgers. Their food is not only healthy, but also great for the environment! Bodhi Bar In the mood for a healthy treat? Head to Bodhi Bar for cold-pressed juice, smoothies, juice cleanses and health shots! All their fruits and vegetables are organic and juiced in a cold-press juicer. Bodhi Bar juices are also available to purchase online. Lettuce Love Café Here’s another plant-based option! Lettuce Love Café offers delicious vegan, gluten free meals, smoothies and treats. All their ingredients are sustainably sourced, fair trade, and non-GMO. Every meal is prepared fresh, so grab your favorite bowl for family game night! The North Coal This restaurant is a hybrid lifestyle brand, half restaurant and half general store, they want to inspire you to live life to the fullest. A full kitchen and bar, The North Coal offers great food, drink and apparel, so you can continue ‘Canadian Living’. Grab a seat on their patio starting on June 15th! The Block Co. Looking for an easy date night? Order a beautiful charcuterie board from The Block Co. with unique meats and cheeses. They work with your budget and food preferences to create a custom charcuterie board for you to enjoy at home and are available for pickup. Kelly’s Bake Shoppe Everyone has heard of this adorable bake shop! Everything at Kelly’s Bake Shoppe is made from scratch daily, with high quality plant-based, gluten-free and peanut free ingredients. Take a weekend stroll to their delightful storefront and indulge in their tasty desserts. La Crème de la Crème Creamery With everything from handcrafted artisan chocolate to ice cream to fondue, La Crème de la Crème Creamery is perfect for an after-dinner treat! Pop by their store and indulge in their delicious desserts, and then head to the water and enjoy. Sunshine Doughnuts This iconic spot is a Burlington staple! Visit Sunshine Doughtnuts and treat yourself to some of their delicious, handcrafted doughnuts and tasty coffee. What’s your go-to restaurant in Burlington?
Our Favourite Spots In Burlington For Outdoor Exercise
The weather has finally warmed up and we’re excited to go outside and get some exercise. The city of Burlington is a wonderful, family friendly city and has so many beautiful outdoor areas to discover. Here are some of our favourite spots in Burlington to go for an open-air sweat session: Royal Botanical Gardens This beautiful garden is a Burlington staple, with five cultivated garden areas, 27km of nature trails and 2,400 acres of nature sanctuaries. It’s Canada’s largest botanical garden, with multiple parks and trails which are gorgeous to explore! Round up the family and take them on a day trip for a socially distanced walk around the trails at the Royal Botanical Gardens. Or visit the Arboretum for an English landscape experience. There are a variety of beautiful trees and plants, and this garden is the perfect location for a long walk with your partner. Spencer Smith Park Just a short walk from our Illumina construction site, visit this family friendly park for the ideal outdoor workout. During spring months, the beautiful Japanese cherry blossoms have bloomed, creating an exquisite feature in the area. With a park for the kids to run around, and a stunning promenade to explore, you’re sure to have a great time at Spencer Smith Park! Go for a leisurely stroll by the water and take in the gorgeous view of the lake, or bring out the bikes and enjoy a quick ride in the park. Brant Street Pier Right by Spencer Smith Park is the Brant Street Pier, located at the waterfront in downtown Burlington. The pier extends over Lake Ontario and provides picturesque views of the water and shoreline. Wake up early and go for a morning run along the pier to catch the beautiful sunrise or bring the whole family down for an evening walk to unwind and destress. The Burlington Greenway The Burlington Greenway (Bike Path) is a great spot to visit for a walk or bike ride during all seasons, but especially in spring. With eight miles of paved path, there’s room for cyclists, runners and walkers to enjoy this Burlington gem, so everyone can get their exercise for the day! The Burlington Greenway connects to multiple major parks, residential neighbourhoods and beaches, with stunning views of both the city and shoreline. Grab your cycling buddy and enjoy a long, scenic bike ride together in this beautiful spring weather. Mount Nemo Conservation Area Want an outdoor workout away from the hustle and bustle of the city? Take a long, peaceful hike in Mount Nemo, a small park with five kilometers of trails to explore. There’s also the rock clicking routes for the more adventurous type, and a look out point with beautiful views of the escarpment. You can book your reservation over the phone or by visiting the Conservation Halton website. What are your favourite outdoor places to exercise in Burlington?
