In Articles

Up To The Guilds – Mixing Creativity and Socialization Through Art

January 26, 2018 No Comments

Guilds were originally formed in the Middle Ages in order to oversee the practice of their craft in a certain locale. The earliest guilds were like a brotherhood of tradesmen. Today they function more as social and creative outlets.

You might think you’d have to be an expert in a guild’s craft in order to join. Has anyone become a member without any experience whatsoever? “Yes, me,” kids Murray MacDougall, president of the Burlington Sculptors and Woodcarvers Guild. Just prior to retirement, MacDougall says he was worried he would have nothing to do. He was invited to come and give it a try. That was four years ago. He says the best aspect has been “Keeping the brain going. That was my goal.”

Richard Darjes, president of the Oakville Sculptors & Woodcarvers Guild, is also a retiree and a hobbyist woodcarver who’s also interested in stone carving. One of the benefits about being a member, he says, is that everyone’s more than happy to share their talent. “I’ve watched people doing stone carving and they’ve shared their tips. It’s actually a great group of people to be a part of.” He also enjoys the deliberate 3pm coffee break when anyone present can sit in the senior’s centre and enjoy a chat. “We have a great time sharing with one another. That’s made it a very social organization. Carving (or maybe any art) can be a little solitary when you’re not part of a group.”

Oakville Sculptors & Woodcarvers Guild

The Guild was formed in 2002, and currently has 24 members who meet every Thursday at Queen Elizabeth Park Community & Cultural Centre. Members meet in the woodshop to enjoy socializing with like-minded individuals, and they exchange ideas and techniques. The Oakville guilds have a full compliment of power tools for use, though most people own their own tools. The Guild participates in wood shows and exhibitions, including Oakville’s annual Art in the Park.

Burlington Sculptors & Woodcarvers Guild

The Guild operates out of the Art Gallery of Burlington. Woodcarvers meet weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays; sculptors meet every Friday. Members whittle away their time crafting many different kinds of work: folk art, stone, spoons, birds and wildlife, intarsia, bowls, stylistic interpretations and many others. Ages of the members cover a wide range: there are a few teenagers mixed in with the older members – from about age 15 to 80, according to MacDougall. There are also some ladies involved, and some people who both carve and sculpt. The Burlington Guild runs juried exhibitions, participates in various gallery sales and area woodcarving competitions, and they also perform carving demonstrations for local schools and charitable organizations.

The objectives of both guilds are essentially the same: to bring people together who share a common interest, to provide opportunities for them to share ideas and their love of art, and to promote appreciation for carving and sculpting in the community. For example, the Burlington Guild makes canes for local veterans. “We carve the handle in the shape of a beaver. Everyone does it differently so they’re all unique. On the staff the person’s name and rank is carved,” says MacDougall.

On any given meeting day you’ll find people working on different projects and with different tools. “Carving is a great deal of fun actually,” says Darjes. “Learning to think in three dimensions has taken a little time. Being able to think about the object I’m going to make and how to represent that in wood is part of the learning curve that makes it interesting.”

By Becky Dumais

Local Links

Burlington Sculptors & Woodcarvers Guild
burlingtonsculptorsandwoodcarvers.com

Oakville Sculptors & Woodcarvers Guild
oswguild.org

In Articles

The Christmas Spirit – Ideas and Inspiration To Get Everyone Feeling Festive

November 27, 2017 No Comments

There are so many wonderful ways to make memories and embrace tradition during the holidays with loved ones. While the selection of a fresh Christmas tree signifies the start of the holiday season for some, what are some other ways to make the most of this merry time? We’ve lined up some ideas on how to spend time with friends and family over the holidays. In most cases no snow is required, though it always makes things more magical.

Ultra-Conservative

Halton’s conservation areas are always a great place to visit with activities and scenery that changes each season. Whether you want to hike through the woods at Mount Nemo, tour a replica Iroquois village at Crawford Lake, take a sleigh ride to the campfire where stories and hot chocolate are shared, or visit with various animals at Mountsberg, one never needs an excuse to experience the wonders of nature. We’re blessed with a range of opportunities here.

Heritage Holiday

Keep calm and tradition on: embrace the holidays of yore as they were celebrated back in the Victorian era. Both Bronte Creek and Ireland House run spectacular holiday-themed programs annually.

Bronte Creek’s Victorian Christmas Festival is an annual event that brings the magic of an old-fashioned holiday to life. The year is 1900 and the Spruce Lane Farmhouse is decorated in Victorian holiday splendor with tours available, seasonal stories and songs in the parlour, holiday treats and cider, crafting, and activities that everyone will enjoy. December 27 – 31 and January 1 – 8.

Ireland House Museum offers two special holiday-themed events – one for families and another licensed event for those over the age of 19. On November 19 families will be treated to holiday tours of the house, which is specially decorated throughout the holiday season in traditional Victorian décor, treats made on the 1830’s hearth, photos with Santa and Mrs. Clause, plus reindeer and other activities. On December 1, A Night at Ireland House will be an evening to enjoy tastings of foods the Ireland family enjoyed during the holidays, Niagara wine tastings, craft beer and specialty coffee. Complete the night with a tour of the home and listen to the “High Five” quartet sing Christmas songs. Of course, tours of the home and grounds will still take place during regular hours.

The Royal Botanical Gardens is another great destination the community can count on for keeping the kids busy with various heritage and environmental programs, crafts, opportunities to walk the grounds and view the RBG Botanical Train Show, as well as a signature Santa experience. Additional details will be posted on their web site.

Farmhouse Festivities

Springridge Farm’s annual Christmas activities begin November 25 and will run every weekend until December 10. The whole family will enjoy painting a glass ornament, decorating a freshly baked gingerbread cookie, and visiting with Santa in the barn. Fraser fir Christmas trees will also be for sale, and lots of Christmas baking and gourmet foods will be available at the gift shop.

Rally on the Rails

Have you witnessed the annual Canadian Pacific Holiday Train roll down the tracks in all its glory? On it’s 19th annual tour to raise money, food and awareness for local food banks, the train will pass through Hamilton’s Kinnear Yard on November 28, 2017, with live entertainment courtesy of Jim Cuddy (of Blue Rodeo), his son Devin Cuddy and Kelly Prescott.

If you book your tickets in time, you can ride the Polar Express! The Waterloo Central Railway is providing service to the North Pole onboard THE POLAR EXPRESS™. The magical story comes to life when the train departs the St. Jacobs Museum platform for a one-hour round-trip journey.

Winter Wonderland … on Horseback

Picture a trail ride on horseback. The Ranch in Oakville invites riders ages 10 and up to experience a one-hour, guided trail ride through the tree-lined fields and forests surrounding the farm. Other wildlife may be curious to see you – see if you can spot dear, coyote, birds and other wildlife for a magical and memorable experience.

Local Links

Bronte Creek, Oakville
brontecreek.org

Conservation Halton
conservationhalton.ca

Canadian Pacific Holiday Train
cpr.ca/holiday-train

The Ranch, Oakville
ridetheranch.com

Ireland House Museum
museumsofburlington.ca

Royal Botanical Gardens, Burlington
rbg.ca/holidaytraditions

Waterloo Central Railway
waterloocentralrailway.com/the-polar-express

In Articles

Rogers Hometown Hockey Tour Comes To Oakville!

November 21, 2017 No Comments

Just about everyone will want to lace up their skates and join in the fun this winter, as Rogers Hometown Hockey visits 24 communities coast to coast between October 2017 and March 2018. Dubbed the ultimate NHL fan experience, the tour will celebrate local hockey stories and the game’s biggest stars. And, as an early Christmas gift for local hockey fans, on November 25 and 26 The Rogers Hometown Hockey Tour visits Oakville for a fun-filled weekend festival of hockey.

Oakville was one of the 24 Canadian communities chosen as a stop for the tour. Join the hosts Tara Slone and Oakville’s own Ron MacLean, plus NHL alumni, and enjoy free activities, games, interactive experiences and live entertainment for the whole community. The festival will end with an outdoor viewing party on Sunday where Ron MacLean and Tara Slone will broadcast live from the Sportsnet™ Mobile Studio as the Vancouver Canucks take on the New York Rangers.

Paint the Town Red

Residents, businesses and community groups downtown and across Oakville are encouraged to Paint the Town Red in preparation for the arrival of Rogers Hometown Hockey. There are lots of ways to participate; all Oakvillians are encouraged to get involved in the celebration by decorating their local homes, businesses and/or community organizations leading up to the festival weekend.

How to get involved and help Oakville ‘Paint the Town Red’?

Have kids draw creative Canadian and hockey-themed designs on their local sidewalk and driveway
Hang a Canada flag, red and white pendants or other Canadian and hockey-themed decorations on your store window or garage door
Swap out your regular white light bulbs for red ones, indoors and out!

Rogers Hometown Hockey Tour Schedule:

184 Church St, Downtown Oakville

Saturday, November 25: 12 – 6 pm

Sunday, November 26: 11 a.m. – 6 pm

Pre-Game: 1:30 pm

Game Starts at 2 pm

Free Oakville Transit Shuttle
The Town of Oakville will be providing a free Oakville Transit shuttle service from the Oakville GO Station to the two-day event in downtown Oakville.

In Articles

Happier Trails – Elevate Your Mood Through Exercise

October 30, 2017 No Comments

Michael McDonald has always had a passion for getting outdoors and enjoying the beauty of our many hiking trails. A certified hike leader in Ontario, he often used social media as a means of sharing his love of walking in the woods. He noticed, however, that his most popular posts, the ones most widely shared and discussed, always dealt with the positive effects of hiking on alleviating depression. As someone who has watched friends and family members grapple with its sometimes devastating effects, McDonald decided to tackle the painful subject head on by writing about it.

About a year ago he wrote “Walking Away from Depression: A Guide to Fighting Depression with the Gentle Exercise of Walks.” It’s a 29-page guide that offers simple suggestions to help motivate people to get up, go outside and walk, written especially for those who might find it difficult due to mental illness. “I feel great when I walk,” McDonald says. “When I’m down, I like to walk, and physiologically good things happen when you hike. I wanted to share that with other people, to let them know that walking really helps elevate your mood.”

His guide briefly discusses depression and its symptoms, and although he stresses he is not an expert in this field, he does have personal experience. “Hiking is affordable for everyone,” says McDonald. “You don’t need a lot of money or special equipment. Just get out there and have fun.” It’s also a great outdoor activity for families, who may desire to disconnect from the busy digital world that engulfs all of us these days. “Kids especially can benefit from hiking,” he says. “Social media causes a lot of anxiety and depression in people of all ages, and Nature Deficit Disorder affects kids who aren’t outside as much, who don’t play outside, and are missing out on so much that nature has to give.”

As for McDonald’s guide, numerous readers have connected with the author, stating they wished they’d found it earlier in life. “It’s so rewarding to know it’s helped people,” he says. “One in five people suffer from mental illness, and although talking openly about it is still a stigma, it’s a stigma that’s going away and it’s so important to talk about it without judgment.”

While the entire book is full of helpful tips and positive methods and useful resources, perhaps the most poignant line regarding mental illness and the importance of reaching out to help or be helped can be found in his foreword: “Always remember, you are loved, and things will get better.”

Michael’s Favourite Trails

The Bruce Trail — Stretching along 890 km through southern and central Ontario, from the Niagara River to Tobermory, this renowned and very popular hiking trail boasts numerous waterfalls and side trails and a wide range of plants and wildlife.

Dundas Valley Conservation Area — Located in Hamilton and part of a large glacial valley, this 1,200-hectare conservation area features Carolinian forests, amazing geological formations, cold-water streams, rare plants, birds and wildlife.

Rattlesnake Point — Situated atop the Niagara escarpment, there are lots of activities to keep you occupied here, from geocaching to rock climbing, viewing the glorious autumn colours or watching turkey vultures soar above the cliffs.

Crawford Lake — This unique Iroquoian village includes recreated longhouses and a “bottomless” meromictic lake bordered by a stunning boardwalk perfect for hikers of all ages, and their pets. Festivals take place on a regular basis, including the popular Sweet Water Season in the spring.

Hamilton Harbour Waterfront Trail — This 3.4 km multi-use trail stretches along the shore from Bayfront Park to Princess Point, through the Desjardins Canal, and connects to the Trans Canada Trail, the Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail in Burlington and the Desjardins Canal bordering Cootes Paradise.

by Allison Dempsey

Local Links

Bruce Trail Conservancy
brucetrail.org

Michael McDonald
michaelmcdonald.ca

In Articles

Trail Retreats – Hike, Boat, Bike and Vacation Along The Bruce Trail.

October 28, 2017 No Comments

When you’re traveling, one of the rewards at the end of a day is to head back to your hotel and talk about the day’s experiences over a relaxing meal. It’s no different on a hiking holiday, except you’ll want to unlace the hiking boots before dinner. There are many local options for a weekend getaway where you can stay overnight at a hotel or at a B&B right on the Bruce Trail. Some places also offer a bit of canoeing or kayaking thrown in for extra fun – all near the Bruce Trail and other established trails.

According to the Bruce Trail Conservancy, depending on your fitness level, you could complete the trail end-to-end in 30 days if you hiked eight hours a day – all 855 kms worth! What could you accomplish over two days? How about a two-day Bruce Trail waterfall walking tour? Grand Experiences offers a guided six-hour per day trip to experience some of the 120 waterfalls along the Hamilton/Halton/Iroquois section of the trail. Guides lead you on an adventure through some stunning scenery and waterfall views, and will also tell an historic tale or two of the area. They offer custom dates for groups of five people or more. The package includes two night’s accommodations in Brantford, a detailed itinerary, all meals at the area’s best restaurants, and transportation to and from the trailheads. Everything is in close proximity to the tour operator’s outfitting shop in pretty Paris.

Paris, you say? Another popular getaway is Grand Experiences’ Weekend in Paris Adventure. Spend two days and one night in one of Canada’s prettiest towns (cobblestone streets included). On this adventure, you’re not limited to your own two feet; you can grab a paddle to canoe down the Grand River or choose to go biking through this historic region that includes rare Carolinian forest. After some wildlife spotting and listening to your guides regale you with stories, the historic Arlington Hotel (circa 1851) awaits you. You’ll have plenty of time to stroll up and down main street Paris. All necessary equipment is supplied, as well as riverside lunches and breakfast, and dinner at your choice of four Paris restaurants, shuttle service, and the opportunity to be lead by experienced Paddle Canada Certified guides.

If a quiet B&B suits your trail tastes, the Bruce Manor in Niagara-on-the-Lake backs right onto the Niagara Region’s portion of the Bruce Trail. Go for a hike, head back to the manor and listen to the birds sing at dawn and watch the sun set against the backdrop of the trees. Each of the three suites have their own sitting area, a TV, bar fridge, coffee and tea service, ensuite bath to rest tired muscles, and a balcony made for reading a book or instituting happy hour. Of course, after you’ve explored the trail you might also want to make time for a wine tasting or two at the lengthy list of nearby wineries.

Speaking of Wineries – Vinifera, The Inn on Winery Row, could be the getaway that blends grapes into the mix. It’s approximately three kilometers from the Bruce Trail, and this astonishingly beautiful 1846 historic home features uniquely vintage-themed rooms and has been described as a “fun and fanciful” place by travellers. There are four distinctly different rooms: Rustic Tuscany, Vintage Garden, Allan Suite and the alluring Victorian Safari. Hosts Barb and Ron van Pelt will offer you a gourmet four-course breakfast to start your day.

This is just a small selection of the options available to you. So lace up those hiking boots and get out and enjoy the spectacular scenery along the Bruce Trail this fall!

By Becky Dumais

Local Links

Grand Experiences Outdoor Adventure Co.
grand-experiences.com

Arlington Hotel, Paris
arlingtonhotel.ca

Bruce Manor B&B, Niagara-on-the-lake
brucemanor.ca

Vinifera Inn, Grimsby
viniferainn.ca

In Articles

Keep Calm and Throw Axes

September 22, 2017 No Comments

Have an axe you’d like to grind? How about one to throw, then? The puns are endless, but if you think you might enjoy hurling a sharp, heavy object at an inanimate, wooden target, Burlington’s Bad Axe Throwing is an axe-cellent outing for you plus a group of your friends, family, co-workers … and even your kids.

Founded in Burlington by CEO Mario Zelaya in 2014, Bad Axe Throwing now boasts 16 locations across Canada and the US, all with the same purpose: to have fun throwing axes. “It’s like the sport of darts with a target, but with an assigned lane,” says Melanie St-Amour of the marketing and development team at Bad Axe Throwing. “Participants can throw at the same time to make it more challenging, and there’s a bullseye to track points and lots of games you can play during a session.”

Pre-scheduled sessions with a minimum of eight participants take approximately 2.5 hours or so to complete, while weekly walk-in sessions can last as long as you want, at $20 an hour.

But how did this decidedly different pastime find its way into the mainstream? It all started when Zelaya and his brother-in-law were at a cottage casually tossing some axes and thought it would be great fun to develop for the public to enjoy as well. “It’s something different and unique,” says St-Amour. “Kind of a lumberjack thing, a Canadian thing. Something totally unique.” And St-Amour can vouch for the unique part: she tried it herself and loved it.

“I was nervous at first,” she says. “It does take a little bit to perfect your aim, but it’s so satisfying to hear the thud when it hits the wood and then you really want to continue to get better. Women are really good at it and actually make up 60 percent of the participants.”

Never thrown an axe in your life? Never even considered picking one up? No worries. Experienced hosts are on hand to help you heave your supplied weapon effectively and, most importantly, safely. “It’s very popular with young adults,” says Morgan Rutledge, a host at the Burlington location, “but kids can also participate with a little practice and assistance. Everyone can certainly improve even after a few attempts.”

And it’s also popular for a wide variety of outings, including bachelor and bachelorette parties, birthdays, corporate events, fun get-togethers with friends, or even the occasional divorce celebration. St-Amour recalls a woman hanging her wedding dress over the target and she and her friends went at it.

Remember to dress casually and comfortably (you could even put on some plaid if you like), and if you’re still unsure, feel free to come, watch and cheer on your axe-wielding mates until you’re ready to hurl one yourself.

If you can’t gather together a group of eight friends or more, there are always walk-in axe throwing sessions, a first-come, first-serve open axe throwing experience in a communal throwing lane open to the public several times a week. It’s fun, safe, different and a definite ice-breaking topic for your next social event. And as Rutledge points out, “Well, who wouldn’t want to throw axes at walls?” Axe-actly.

by Allison Dempsey

Local Link

Bad Axe Throwing
badaxethrowing.com

In Articles

WORK(shop) IT – Step into the Mind of a Maker and Create Your Own Piece

August 30, 2017 No Comments

There’s definite satisfaction in saying, “I made that!” Whether it’s a bath bomb, a piece of pottery, a barn board clock or a pillow, there are plenty of opportunities to tap into some of your creativity during a workshop.

If you’re in the market for some made-by-you pieces as gifts or for your own home, here is a selection of local workshops to attend. Where specific time or date information isn’t yet available, keep checking each location’s website or social media for further details.

AGB, Burlington

The Art Gallery of Burlington welcomes creative people of all skill levels and abilities. Here’s your chance to experience some studio time like a true artiste.

Sip & Paint Social
Uncork your creativity with a painting class that includes an evening of light-hearted socializing. Follow the host (an AGB studio instructor and practicing artist) as you are guided with entertaining demonstrations to recreate a selected painting. Join for a drink and a few laughs; bring a friend or meet new friends.
Friday, September 29, or November 3, 7 – 9pm
$55/per person
Friends & Couples Clay Date
Looking for something different to do with your friends or on date night? Enjoy a night of creativity and fun! You’ll learn to shape an object (mug, bowl, etc.) out of clay and decorate it with coloured slips.
Friday, September 15, October 20 or November 17, 7 – 9:30pm
$45/per person

agb.life

Dove + Arrow, Oakville

One of Downtown Oakville’s newest retail spaces that carries a unique collection of artisan, small batch, Canadian made goods. Create your own personalized items, such as family name trays, name signs, pillows, bracelets, trendy blanket ladders and welcome signs.
Cost: $49 – $149 depending on workshop
@DoveandArrowShop

Nuworld Botanicals, Oakville

Make your own fresh, all-natural skincare products in these DIY workshops. Craft personalized skincare products including body scrubs, clay masks, face oils, body butters, lip balms and more. Workshops run three to four times per month. Private blending parties can also be arranged for groups of six to 15 people.
Fee: $30 – $50
nuworldbotanicals.com

The Millionaire’s Daughter, Oakville

DIY workshops by Brenda of “Image of xprshn”. Workshops are based on the current trends in home decorating and design and customers’ interests. Workshop fee includes all materials and a light snack.
Workshop Fee: $60
Footstool Make & Take: September 27
(Oakville store 427 Speers Road), 5 – 9pm
Sign up by emailing Brenda at brenbradica@gmail.com

Reverie Gardens, Oakville

Perfect for younger makers. Create an Enchanted Lantern or Outdoor Garden to attract the magic of fairies, gnomes and more. Little artists can dream up their own magical scene. Workshop includes everything needed to build an illuminated Enchanted Lantern featuring fairies, gnomes, mermaids, pirates and more.
Cost: $45 per child
@reveriegardens

Centro Garden, Burlington

The team at Centro Garden are true pioneers of the artisanal workshop. These garden and décor experts continually offer fresh greenery display classes perfect for inside and outside the home. Try your hand at making fall planters for the porch or a perfect centerpiece for Thanksgiving.

Apple Crate Planter: September 19, 7-8pm / $100
Fall Planter Workshop: September 18 & 20, 7–8pm / $25
Succulent Bowl: September 25, 7-8pm / $50
Terrarium Workshop: September 26, 7-8pm / $80
Mini Succulent Log: September 27, 7-8pm / $55
Thanksgiving Centrepiece: October 4, 7-8pm / $60

centrogarden.com

Perfectly Natural, Burlington

All-natural bath and beauty products made with fair-trade, responsibly harvested and renewable ingredients. Some workshops – such as the Bath Bomb nights – are modeled after the popular paint and sip outings. Each person gets a glass of wine and basic instruction, and is then encouraged to use scent and colour to create their own masterpieces. Maximum four people per class.
Friday evening, Saturday evening, and Sundays are open to requests as well as one on one instruction.

Soap Making: Saturdays, 10:30am – 2:30pm / $175
Bath Bombs: Thursdays, 7:30 to 9:30pm / $50
Lotion Making: Sundays, Noon – 3pm / $150
Soy Candles: Mondays & Wednesdays, 7 – 8:30pm / $75

perfectlynatural.ca

Pure Boutique, Burlington

Whether it’s an old piece of furniture you want to refresh with new colour and a coat of paint, or you want to create décor pieces for your home, Lori and her team will show you how. These workshops give you the tools and materials you need to transform, craft and create.

Drab to Fab: September 17, October 15, November 12 – bring your own piece and paint, distress, and finish your furniture (light lunch, coffee/tea and dessert included). 11am – 3pm / $125
Farmhouse Clock: September 21, 5:30 – 7:30pm / $150
Blanket Ladders: October 5, 5:30 – 7:30pm / $150
Barnboard Market Sign: October 19, 5:30 – 7:30pm / $90
Stenciled Pillow: November 2, 5:30 – 7:30pm / $90

pureboutique.ca

by Becky Dumais

Local Links

Art Gallery of Burlington
agb.life

Dove+Arrow, Oakville
@DoveandArrowShop

NuWorld Botanicals, Oakville
nuworldbotanicals.com

The Millionaire’s Daughter, Oakville
themillionairesdaughter.com

Reverie Gardens, Oakville
@reveriegardens

Centro Garden, Burlington
centrogarden.com

Perfectly Natural, Burlington
perfectlynatural.ca

Pure Boutique, Burlington
pureboutique.ca

In Articles

The Best Antique Shops in Burlington and Oakville

July 4, 2017 No Comments

Pieces to be treasured not trashed
by Becky Dumais

You can’t argue with the excitement many people experience when they find a unique item at a bargain price in an antique store or garage sale. That rush may even extend to suddenly stopping the car to pick something up off the side of the road (yes, it happens). One man’s trash is invariably another man’s treasure. With the diverse range of local antique and curiosity shops coupled with the ease with which you can sell unwanted stuff online, it’s easier than ever to find that perfect piece with the perfect patina.

Exploring an antique shop filled with a range of items from different decades or a store with a plethora of kitsch, knickknacks, vinyl records or art provides a great opportunity to learn about the past. Taking younger folks on these outings can lead to conversations about lifestyles during their parent’s era, their grandparent’s time, or even earlier. However we recommend that you do not take young children who may distract you from the relaxing process of browsing, rummaging, and conversing with the local shop owners.

Here are some places to explore in Burlington and Oakville:

Burlington

The Odd Spot
Since opening its doors in the summer of 2015, this downtown destination features everything that matches their slogan, ‘Where unusual is normal’. Those searching for vinyl and vintage items (even oddly-appealing artwork and curious quirky things) will likely find something here.
480 Brant Street, Unit #7 | oddspot.ca

Ryder Antiques
Specializes in Swedish antiques, Swedish Folk Art, Norwegian Folk Art, Scandinavian Folk Art, French antiques, painted furniture and decorative artwork. Also carries Dutch Folk Art, German Folk Art, and French Folk Art. By appointment only.
1460 Ghent Avenue | ryderantiques.com

Fly by Night Books & Antiques
Among the bookshelves are hundreds of timeless tomes and a large selection of vintage items. From floor to ceiling you might be surprised to find reading material on subjects such as travel, history, psychology, children’s literature and best sellers. If you’re a collector you may be able to locate a signed copy of a book you’ve been after.
792 Brant Street

Greystone Fine Furniture
Located inside a beautiful three-story home, shopping here is like shopping at your stylish grandparent’s house, picking out your own future heirlooms. The shop features vintage, mid-century, modern, retro, contemporary and antique pieces – everything from glassware and décor pieces, to impressive Persian rugs and furniture.
514 Guelph Line | greystonefinefurniture.com

The Rustic Rose
While technically in Hamilton, we had to mention this one. After a day at the beach, browse a store filled with barn lanterns, weathered milk crates and other unique peculiarities you’ll want to find a home for.
538 Beach Boulevard | appleroses.com

Oakville

Treasure Antiques
Located in Bronte Village is a quaint shop that’s a haven for hunters of museum quality antiquities. The store carries pieces from around the world, art, silver, rugs and high-end pieces from France, Germany and Russia.
2395 Lakeshore Road West | treasureantique.com

My Back Shed
Vintage treasures are transformed with a new coat of paint or new fabrics and many untouched pieces are also in stock, from dressers and parlour tables to benches and desks.
2359 Lakeshore Road West | mybackshed.com

The Millionaire’s Daughter
A treasure trove of mid-to-high end furniture and decor consignment pieces can be found here. Styles aren’t limited to a certain era; you’ll find a nice mix of modern and vintage, china, crystal and Royal Doulton.
427 Speers Road | themillionairesdaughter.com

Turner Chapel Antiques
Come in to browse the porcelain, paintings, silverware, furniture and art and also learn about the building itself. The chapel was built in 1892 by newcomers to Canada via the Underground Railroad.
37 Lakeshore Road West

In Articles