The Burlington Downtown Business Association (BDBA) is excited to launch a new season of Movies by the Lake.
Set against the beautiful backdrop of Lake Ontario, Movies by the Lake invites moviegoers to Spencer Smith Park for a truly unforgettable cinematic experience. Audiences can enjoy a free, outdoor film select Tuesday nights July through August. Films are chosen with all audiences in mind, with genres ranging from comedies to dramas to adventure films.
Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets for optimal comfort during the films. There will be snacks available for purchase from both The North Coal (credit cards accepted) and Cine Starz Burlington (cash only).
“The signs of summer are all around us and Spencer Smith Park is no exception!” said Brian Dean, Executive Director of the BDBA.
Dean went on to say, “Every Tuesday at dusk Spencer Smith Park will come alive. You can bundle your own “dinner and a show” experience or plan an extended shopping spree before each performance. It’s something quite special really and we’re thrilled to welcome it back.”
This year’s Presenting Sponsor is Creature Comforts Hvac Inc. Owners Dale & Grant Gray have been proudly keeping Burlington comfortable since 2010.
“With the past couple of years being challenging it’s so great to see some fun events taking place in our city once again. You can actually feel the “buzz” of energy and excitement for upcoming festivals and events just like Movies by the Lake” says Grant Gray, Presenting Sponsor, adding: “Being long-time residents of Burlington it means so much to our family that we are able to present such a fun event! We love Burlington and supporting local businesses! Thank you for your referrals of family and friends Burlington! Enjoy the show!”
Movies by the Lake is presented by Creature Comforts Hvac Inc, and proudly sponsored by BENCHMARK Fitness, Bubbles & Blow Beauty Bar, Exhale Pilates, Kelly’s Bake Shoppe & The North Coal. The program runs July 12th through July 26th and August 9th through August 23rd at Spencer Smith Park at dusk.
Skip the planes and trains and stick with the automobile this summer to take advantage of your Ontario Staycation Tax Credit. The Ontario government introduced the temporary tax credit with the hopes of providing a much-needed boost to the tourism and hospitality industry that was deeply impacted by the pandemic.
Ontario residents can claim 20% of eligible accommodation expenses up to $1,000 as an individual or $2,000 as a family, for vacations taken in 2022. That’s up to $200 back in your pocket as an individual or $400 for a family!
With this cash savings, it’s time to take a look at all the region has to offer. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of options within driving distance.
Mississauga
The Hilton Mississauga Meadowvale is your place to go if you’re traveling with kids in tow. “The Big Blue Slide”, an over two-story-tall waterslide, is sure to be a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
If you can pry your kids away to explore more of Mississauga, check out the downtown. Here you will find City Hall (Civic Centre), the award-winning outdoor Mississauga Celebration Square, Central Library, the Living Arts Centre (the premier hub for arts, culture, and performance in Mississauga), the province’s largest shopping mall (and second-largest in Canada) – Square One Shopping Centre, The Food District, and the Art Gallery of Mississauga. If a small-town vibe is your thing, be sure to visit the Village of Streetsville for cute local shops and delicious foods.
Burlington
Looking to pamper yourself? The Pearle Hotel & Spa features luxury accommodation overlooking Burlington’s waterfront. There’s an onsite restaurant with an outdoor patio, and a spa featuring a traditional Hammam sauna, private massage rooms, and a relaxation pool. You’ll be sure to come away from your staycation relaxed and refreshed, without the jetlag.
After your spa treatment, hit Burlington’s beautiful waterfront for a stroll. Grab an ice cream at La Crème de La Crème or a drink on a waterfront patio – Spencer’s at the Waterfront and the Port House Social Bar and Kitchen are great options.
Niagara
Niagara Falls is one of Canada’s most popular tourist destinations for good reason. There’s so much to do and see here.
Traveling with kids? Check out The Americana. With over 300,000 square feet, this family-friendly resort features Niagara’s only indoor waterpark with a retractable roof. The grounds also have an arcade for the older kids. Great Wolf Lodge is also a popular choice for families. You could have an entire staycation right here and never leave the lodge.
Looking for something romantic? The Red Coach Inn has been a romantic destination since 1923. This hotel features a warm traditional English atmosphere and is so close to the Falls you can hear the roar.
While in Niagara, there are the famous Falls, of course, with plenty of viewing options. Get up close with the Maid of the Mist boat ride or take the Journey Behind the Falls and travel through a tunnel to an outdoor observation deck. Or go up high and see the falls from the Niagara Skywheel, Canada’s largest Ferris Wheel.
Clifton Hill is a popular viewing site perfect for photos and the strip has plenty of dining options and attractions as well.
For nature enthusiasts, the Butterfly Conservatory and the Bird Kingdom make a great excursion.
Be sure to stop at Hershey’s Chocolate World for a sugar boost on the way home!
Ontario Staycation Tax Credit Details:
Eligible Staycation Tax Credit expenses include accommodation expenses for leisure stays of less than one month at a hotel, resort, lodge, cottage, bed and breakfast or campground taken between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022.
Only one individual per family can claim the credit.
The credit only covers accommodation, not tours, gas, or food.
Happy staycation-ing!
Local Links
Mississauga
The Hilton Mississauga Meadowvale Hilton.com 905-821-1981
Mississauga Living Arts Centre Livingartscentre.ca 905-306-6000
Square One Shopping Centre Shopsquareone.com
The Food District Shopfooddistrict.com
Art Gallery of Mississauga Artgalleryofmississauga.com 905-896-5088
Village of Streetsville Villageofstreetsville.com
Burlington
The Pearle Hotel & Spa Marriot.com 905-340-0590
La Crème de La Crème Lacremedelacremecreamery.ca 905-333-8833
Spencer’s at the Waterfront Spencers.ca 905-633-7494
The Port House Social Bar and Kitchen Theporthouse.ca 905-271-0016
Niagara
Americana Americananiagara.com 1-866-707-0030
Great Wolf Lodge Greatwolf.com 905-354-4888
The Red Coach Inn Redcoach.com 716-282-1459
Maid of the Mist Maidofthemist.com 716-284-8897
Journey Behind the Falls Niagarafallstourism.com 1-877-642-7275
One of the most positive spinoffs of the pandemic has been the increase in the number of people hitting the trails. There’s a fun activity identified as the world’s most giant scavenger hunt for those who want to add another dimension to their hikes. It’s called geocaching.
What is geocaching?
Geocaching is an outdoor treasure-hunting activity that uses GPS-enabled devices to find a particular spot. Those spots can be in parks, on trails, or anywhere around your town or city.
The goal is to lead you to a spot where one of three things can happen; you may come upon a beautiful view or a special happening or find something special hidden in the cache. Not knowing what you’ll find is part of the fun.
There are more than three million caches situated worldwide and an estimated 6,438 geocaches hidden around the Hamilton area alone. There are only three rules to geocaching; take something from the cache, leave something in the cache, and write about it in a logbook.
How do you start?
You can start your scavenger hunt by creating an account through a geocaching website like Geocaching.com or Conservation Halton. There is also an app called Geocaching®, where you can see a map of geocaches near where you live.
You then use the app to locate the cache. Caches should not be placed in an area that could put the person searching in danger.
Conservation Halton has some great spots for geocaching enthusiasts. You can also visit Geocaching.com to track caches in Oakville and Burlington, including some in Bronte Creek and even your own neighbourhood.
What is in a typical cache?
The most common items in caches are toy soldiers, coins, jewelry, keychains, maps, books, CDs, and rain ponchos. The cache itself can be a waterproof bucket that’s big enough to hold the logbook and other objects. Caches range in size from tiny to multi-caches and can include mystery caches that involve puzzle solutions. This is what turns the experience into a treasure hunt.
What do I do when I find a cache?
Hidden inside the cache is a logbook and sometimes a pen or pencil. It’s essential to bring your own pen in case there isn’t one. Once you find it, sign in (with your established code name), date the logbook, then put the geocache back where you found it and log your experience online. You can also include information on nearby attractions, coordinates to other caches, or even a funny joke in the logbook.
How do I place my own cache?
If you want to put a cache somewhere on land that is part of Conservation Halton, there are some basic rules. You must first obtain approval from Geocaching.com and have a permit granted by Conservation Halton. Then you must include an explanation of the Geocaching activity in the cache container.
Putting your items in a clear plastic bag is recommended to protect them. When deciding where to place the cache, it’s important to note that no digging is allowed. That means you cannot disturb any wildlife habitat or hammer any screws or nails into trees.
The cache owner must monitor the site monthly and make sure the contents are still there. No webcams are allowed as it impedes an individual’s right to privacy.
Geocaching can be a fun way to learn about the environment, and it can teach your kids about nature and add a surprise element to your hikes.
There is never a time quite like the present to try something new, especially coming into a new year where collectively, we are more than ready for change! If the world isn’t quite ready to give us that change, maybe it’s time to shake things up in our own lives.
Thinking about starting a new year with a new commitment to health is nothing new. But what if our workouts could look different this year? Working out doesn’t have to be monotonous or routine, and it doesn’t even have to feel like working out. It can be new, vibrant, exciting, and fun, all while transforming your health and confidence. These local studios offer a variety of unique exercise classes for all ages, abilities, and interests. The only thing you need is a willingness to try something new and make a change.
Aerial Yoga
You may be familiar with yoga, but this takes traditional yoga to new heights, literally! Be Yoga and Wellness in Burlington offers a zero-gravity yoga experience with the help of a silk hammock attached to the ceiling. You don’t need to be experienced in yoga or a Cirque du Soleil performer to attend these classes where you will learn, improve, have fun, and develop incredible strength. Are you ready to fly?
Pole Classes
There are many stereotypes associated with pole “dancing”, but have you ever considered that it could actually be a full-body workout that combines resistance training, cardio, strength, and flexibility? This is an incredibly fun and active way to build your confidence in a way that doesn’t feel like you are working. Check out Yoga and Pole in Oakville for a complete schedule of all level classes.
Belly Dancing
Dance can be a great way to work out, and Egyptian Belly Dance is no exception. Located in beautiful downtown Burlington, BellyUp offers classes for curious beginners to those with higher levels of experience. Belly dancing is perfect for recreation, fitness, self-transformation, and artistry, and BellyUp is a non-judgmental and safe space to explore and try new things.
Kickboxing and Martial Arts
If dancing and yoga aren’t your thing, Inner Warrior Fitness in Oakville has other forms of modern workouts for you to try. Their large variety of classes include martial arts, kickboxing, and more, and are available to all experience levels. You will sweat, learn, improve, and have fun in a way that is sure to bring out your inner warrior!
Barre
There is a new dance workout raising the “barre” and it brings new life and energy to traditional ballet. Barre Life in Oakville combines ballet, pilates, and yoga in a unique class that utilizes a ballet barre and resistance bands. Several varieties of classes exist, each targeting slightly different things, available for all levels of experience.
Capoeira
Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance, acrobatics, and music. Capoeira Bamba Mississauga is the perfect authentic local studio for you to experience this new art form. Be prepared to try putting your body in positions that you may have never thought possible as you learn this art form and immerse yourself in a different culture, all while becoming a stronger version of yourself.
We continue to face a world that is unknown, so with a new year upon us, perhaps embracing the unknown with newfound confidence could be empowering. These studios are unique, but they share a few things in common; they are locally owned, inspiring places ready to welcome you as you try something new, focus on your health, have fun and make a change!
Step into a hobby shop and you’re stepping into a collector’s dream world. Model cars, miniatures, comic books, games, toys – you collect it, and it’s there. Oakville and Burlington have many specialty hobby shops carrying everything from comic books and gaming needs to military miniatures. With their wide range of products and specialties, you’ll want to visit them all!
With more than 30 years in the comic book business, it’s easy to see why Comic Connection calls itself the most experienced comic book store in Halton.
Their location on Speers Road in Oakville is a one-stop-shop for comic books and gaming needs. Love superheroes? They have a huge collection of DC, Marvel, and Indie comics from every era with stock that goes beyond the floor. If they don’t have a certain issue in-store, their team is happy to order it for you.
They also have a massive collection of figures and statues, including Pop figures of popular shows, movies, and books. For added fun, they offer gaming nights.
Located in Mapleview Mall in Burlington, Hobby and Toy Central is stocked with a wide variety of models (ships, aircraft, cars), toys, games, puzzles, and activity items for play and learning.
Founded in 1985, they have four stores in South West Ontario, including Burlington. Their goal is to provide new and experienced hobbyists with a wide selection of models, accessories, services, and supplies. Their model car kits are second-to-none, and customers rave about the Chevy Corvette, Cadillac Sport, and Ford Torino. There’s even the Star Trek USS Enterprise model for Trekkie fans.
For puzzle lovers, Hobby and Toy Central has something for every age and skill level, including 1,000-piece puzzles, and an impressive 3D puzzle of the Eiffel Tower.
In their Science department, there’s a mini solar robot and a large box set of the solar system which includes eight glow-in-the-dark planets (plus Pluto!). They also carry juggling rings and a “make your own” rocket that’s powered by vinegar and baking soda.
Carefree Hobbies, Models, and Collectibles, Oakville
In Oakville, you’ll also find Carefree Hobbies, Models, and Collectibles, carrying a fun supply of trains, planes, and automobiles along with antique military equipment. They specialize in military miniatures, including Thomas Gunn Military Miniatures, which are known for their attention to detail and superior quality. If you’re looking for rare, unusual, or out-of-production items, Carefree Hobbies will source them for you.
Their other specialty is their fun selection of miniature trains and accessories. Local bestselling writer, Linwood Barclay, is known for his impressive miniature train sets that fill his basement; one might wonder if his passion for the hobby started with a visit to this store.
At Skycraft Hobbies on Plains Road East in Burlington, their shelves are filled with remote control racing cars, helicopters, jeeps, airplanes, and monster trucks. They also carry various boats, including a catamaran that’s modeled after offshore race boats, and hydroplanes which are typically for the more advanced RC racer. But likely, the most impressive thing on their shelves is their drones.
Mastermind Toys, located in both Oakville and Burlington, carry classic games like a wooden jigsaw puzzle shaped like a dragon, matchbox puzzles, and a 3D puzzle of the Titanic. They have a huge selection of games, from the fan favourite Catan to classics like Operation, Charades, and Monopoly.
As the saying goes, if you can’t find it at a hobby store, you can’t find it anywhere.
The winter months can feel pretty long – especially if it’s a winter heavy with snow. Thankfully, our landscape allows for endless winter adventure. You can hit the slopes for downhill skiing, snowboarding, and tubing at Kelso Conservation Area, or venture to Bronte Creek Provincial Park to enjoy a pristine cross-country ski. Then, there are our lakes and waterways. When frozen over, they serve as the perfect setting for any angler to drop their line. Fishing doesn’t have to stop when the cold weather rolls in. In fact, ice fishing is perfect for both avid anglers and families alike.
Are you ready to cast into the cold waters? Fifty Point Conservation, Valens Lake Conservation, and Binbrook Conservation in Hamilton all offer ice fishing when the conditions allow. However, the conservation authority doesn’t supply ice huts, equipment, or bait. If you’re looking for a full-service ice fishing experience, you may want to venture just a little bit further from the city.
Sarah Paireo from Simcoe Ice Fishing in Lefroy (Innisfil) says, “Typically, our bay freezes over in January, but the timing is variable. We wait for a solid 4-6 inches of ice before it’s safe to head out.” Generally, you can head out onto the lake as soon as the ice is frozen and thick enough – it all depends on the weather. There are several factors that determine ice thickness—the type of water, location, air temperature, water temperature, water depth, the size of the water body, and the presence of underwater springs or currents.
Summer Dream Ice Fishing in Orillia has been fishing Lake Couchiching for over 38 years. They also have heated ice huts and are conveniently located near Elwood Epps Fishing Store where you can obtain everything for your fishing needs (including a fishing license which is required for everyone between the ages of 18 and 65). While the huts are warm, Summer Dream says, “Ice fishing is a winter sport so you will need to dress accordingly in warm outdoor clothing, including boots, mitts, and a hat.” However, Sarah from Simcoe Ice Fishing adds, “Hut rentals are wonderful to provide a shelter with comfy padded benches, predrilled holes, minnows, and a cooking stove for those who want to prepare food.”
Elwood Epps in Orillia has everything you need when it comes to fishing gear. If you don’t want to use live bait, their Baby Guppy Ice Fishing bait mimics a live minnow. They also have an ice fishing line – which is actually different from the line you would use in the warmer months. The ice fishing line has a special compound to keep it from freezing to your rod. If you’re completely in the dark about the sport, the experts are ready to help. Debbie Martin from Summer Dream says, “For guests who have never experienced ice fishing we will teach you how to set up your fishing rod and the techniques on how to catch fish. For those who already know how to ice fish, we will guide you to where (hopefully) the best ice fishing spots are.”
As for what you can expect to pull out of the water – think big. Both Sarah and Debbie say ice fishing is the perfect time to pull out giant perch, pike, pickerel, and crappie.
Love it or loathe it, you can’t deny the beauty of fresh fallen snow. And perhaps no other weather element has been romanticized more than the snowflake. The contrast of the warm glow of the holiday season draped in a frosty blanket of winter white has been an iconic image for centuries.
In Canada, it is estimated that each winter, more than a septillion snowflakes fall across the country (for perspective, that is a one followed by 24 zeroes) and the journey of every single one of these minute ice crystals is perhaps even more fascinating than Santa’s magical toy delivery.
It all begins high in the upper atmosphere, when a single droplet of water, hanging out in a cloud, freezes around a microscopic dust particle. From there, water vapour freezes onto the crystal and it grows, and grows and grows, until it becomes so “heavy” that it drops out of the cloud and falls as a snow crystal—that magical snowflake.
Thanks, Snowflake Bentley!
While snowflakes are beautifully varied, there is one characteristic that virtually all snowflakes share: they have six sides, thanks to the basic structure of ice. When water freezes into individual ice crystals, its molecules stack together to form a hexagonal lattice. As the ice crystal grows, water can freeze onto its six corners multiple times, causing the snowflake to develop a completely unique, yet always six-sided shape.
Credit for this finding goes to Wilson Alwyn Bentley, the world’s first person to capture the remarkable images of a single snowflake back in 1885. Bentley was an American meteorologist and amateur photographer who ingeniously adapted a microscope and a bellows camera to capture flakes on black velvet before they melted. Throughout his lifetime, Bentley documented more than 5,000 snowflakes. His images have been shared worldwide and much of what we know about what snowflakes look like today have grown from his work.
Today, researchers believe there are about 35 different types of snowflakes, all dependent on temperature and humidity. Some of the more common snowflake types are thin plates, needles, hollow columns, stellar plates, and dendrites. The dendrites are the type that we learned to cut out of paper in elementary school art class.
Nature’s Art Class
You too can witness nature’s artwork: all you need is a magnifying glass, a piece of dark cardboard and fresh falling snow. As the flakes fall, catch them on the cardboard and have a look at how intricate and beautiful nature’s winter work is—just as Wilson Bentley did more than a century ago. Thank you, Snowflake Bentley!
Say It Isn’t Snow?
Here are some more fun facts about our winter companions:
A typical snowflake may contain one quintillion water molecules. That’s a million times a million times a million!
Most snowflakes fall at roughly a walking pace—between 1.6 and 6.4 kilometers (1 and 4 miles) per hour.
A snowflake can drift anywhere from 10 minutes to more than an hour before reaching the ground.
The majority of the world’s fresh water supply is in ice and snow.
The world’s tallest snowman — snowwoman, actually — was built in Bethel, Maine in 2008. Named Olympia after Maine’s senator Olympia Snowe, the snowwoman towered 122 feet above the ground. She was so tall that they used skis for her eyelashes and wreaths for her eyes!
Anwar Knight is an award-winning broadcaster, whose genuine and warm engaging personality has made him a favourite with audiences nationwide. With an insatiable curiosity, Anwar connects and inspires real-world action through storytelling. He is a passionate steward of nature and is working to propel efforts to preserve our earth.
Christmas morning is often a relaxed time with family, opening gifts in front of the tree, and sharing delicious food and drinks with many people still in their pajamas. Nobody wants to be stuck in the kitchen while the rest of the family is having all the fun.
It is so easy to pre-prepare some creative dishes to impress everyone with your culinary prowess while looking totally at ease at the same time.
Brunch on a Casserole
A French toast casserole is a real crowd pleaser with a delicious crunchy cinnamon-sugar top. Just make it ahead and refrigerate overnight. Skipping the need to pan-fry each slice, simply throw it in a dish and let the oven do all the work. Soft and custard-like in the middle, crunchy on the top and outside.
For something savory, a simple breakfast casserole will do the trick. Add all the best breakfast goodies in one dish: sausage, eggs, milk, cheddar cheese, bread, and a little mustard, all baked in the oven to make this the perfect comfort food breakfast. Add bacon and onions as a variation.
Brunch on Poached Eggs
Shakshouka is a favourite in my family. It’s a recipe that hails from North Africa and consists of eggs poached in a sauce of tomatoes, peppers, onion, garlic, and it is often spiced with cayenne pepper, cumin, or paprika. Bacon, ham, or chorizo could also be added to the mix for variation.
The tomato sauce can be prepared in advance and then simply break the eggs into the heated sauce. Put the lid on until they are done to your liking, and an international-style gourmet brunch is served.
Brunch on Crepes
Much lighter than American-style pancakes, crepes have many interesting options available and can be filled with anything sweet or savory. The batter can be made the night before, or you can even cook the crepes and store them in the fridge (they keep for a day or two). Some classic Parisian fillings would be crepe au chocolat (filled with chocolate spread), crepe au fromage (with melted Gruyere cheese), or simply sprinkle them with granulated sugar and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Don’t forget the mimosa!
A great addition to any brunch, especially a celebratory one such as Christmas morning, would be Mimosas: sparkling wine mixed with orange juice. This concoction is also called Buck’s Fizz in Britain, as it was invented at Buck’s Club in London as an excuse for patrons to start drinking early.
Naturally using fresh juice is preferable but any good quality juice would work. Variations can include peach nectar or puree, cranberry or pomegranate juice for a colourful festive twist, pineapple, or strawberry.
There are so many simple options to make Christmas morning extra sweet – and something you’ll certainly savour!
Luckily for us here in Ontario, we have some homegrown sparkling wines that are delicious and will add a beautiful quality to a Mimosa. Try these beauties for a perfect Christmas morning.
16.95 – Malivoire Che Bello Sparkling at LCBO is an off-dry, Italian-style sparkler that is a blend of 3 white varieties.
29.95 – 13th Street Winery Blanc de Blanc from the farm or online is made from 100% Chardonnay and has a refined mineral note.
29.95 – Trius Brut from LCBO and online has notes of apple, honey, and lemon.
17.95 – Lily Sparkling at LCBO is a great value sparkling wine when there is a crowd.
25.95 – Tawse Sparkling Brut at LCBO is a blend of Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay.
While most local restaurants are closed on Christmas morning, there are many worth trying that serve a wonderful brunch:
There’s a land – not too, too far from here – draped in fluffy white snow. It’s a place no one has ever seen before. At least not outside of the movies. The reason? It’s absolutely pure magic.
This whimsical wintery land is home to the man who makes Christmas dreams come true. With the help of his elves and his seven reindeer, children around the world innocently allow their imaginations to take flight with the excitement of Santa Claus.
This year, the elves have been busy preparing toys – but what you may not know is that Santa has called upon the local shops of our community to help fulfill Christmas wishes. Whether you’re shopping for a local charity or someone special on your list, our local toy stores have unique gifts that come Santa-approved. Check them out!
A local favourite, Simply Green Baby is a one-of-a-kind shop in our area. With a wide selection for babies, toddlers, and even bigger kids, they have everything from apparel, toys, books, and bath needs. Simply Green Baby makes shopping green easy and affordable. They follow a strict set of criteria when choosing products for their store, including the materials and packing, as well as the history and background of the manufacturers. Not only are their products adorable and durable, but they’re something you can feel good about purchasing, too.
This family-owned toy and bookstore is the perfect place to find gifts for kids ages 0-6. Founded by Lisa Evans after she pivoted her play café during the pandemic, this unique children’s store specializes in toys with a purpose. If you’re looking for a great non-candy advent calendar, this is the place to find it. Chickadee is the only store in Burlington with the Haba wooden advent calendar, filled with beautiful wooden farm animals – truly something to be cherished. Lisa carefully selects all of her toys, inspired by her two children ages 1 and 6. Chickadee offers shipping across Canada, and complimentary gift wrapping.
Owned and operated by passionate local educator, Joni Bowman, The Learning Tree carries high-quality educational toys, puzzles, games, resources, and books. Every employee at The Learning Tree is a certified teacher which really sets their staff apart from the rest. They have a wonderful selection of materials for teachers, special needs resources, and developmental toys and games for all ages. At The Learning Tree, you can be sure that you’re finding a gift that is not only fun but is also educational.
Family-owned, Teachers Supply Outlet has been a community favourite since 1993. Their Oakville location is over 6,000 square feet and supplies over 50,000 toys, books, and educational resources – and owner Ali Shallwani knows the ins and outs of every single one. Looking for the perfect teacher gift? Check out their teaching resources, classroom decorations, or flashcards. They also have a wonderful selection of educational games, puzzles, workbooks, arts and crafts, and building toys for the future engineer in your family.
Serving Oakville for over 20 years, Comic Connection has become the leading spot for comic books, trade paperbacks, hardcovers, and graphic novels in Southern Ontario. With over 100,000 comic book issues available, there is no doubt you’ll be able to find exactly what you’re looking for – and if you don’t, Comic Connection will find it for you. Not only a comic hot-spot, Comic Connection also carries a wide selection of CCG gaming cards including Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh! and Magic The Gathering – with boxes, packs, and singles from many sets available. While you’re shopping for the comic-lover in your family, you’ll also find plenty of toys and action figures for someone else on your list.
Holiday decorations can be just the thing to brighten a chilly winter night, and while many holiday traditions have roots from long ago, some are more recent and have local, European and American influences. Luckily your nearby museums are a great place to learn about our traditions and they may even provide some inspiration for your own holiday celebrations!
Ireland House in Burlington and the Oakville Museum have rich histories which date from the 1830s and span many family generations. Both will be decorated for the holidays in styles from various decades, which makes them great places to learn about the origins and establishment of various holiday traditions, such as greenery, kissing balls, Christmas trees, gifts, food, Christmas cards, and even Christmas lights.
The most popular Christmas decoration in most homes, the Christmas tree, originated in 16th century Germany but began to appear in North America after the example set at the British Court by Queen Victoria’s German husband, Prince Albert. Today, you can view early Victorian trees decked out in fancy paper, glistening angels, gilded apples, silver cornucopias, and wax candles, at both local museums. Trees from the 1890s onward grew larger with hand-cast lead and delicate, hand-blown glass ornaments. American retailer F.W. Woolworth first acquired the glass decorations from a German importer in 1880, and by 1890 was selling more than 200,000 annually! Curiously, a glass pickle would often be hidden somewhere on the tree, and the child who found it would have the honour of opening the first present.
Brighter and safer than candles, the very first electric lights were installed in 1882 by Edward Johnson, VP for Thomas Edison, in his home in New York City. These caused a sensation among the wealthy and by 1901 lights were commercially available, but at a cost of a week’s wages for a working person. The use of electric lights didn’t become more common than candles until after 1925 when they had become more affordable.
Currently, Ireland House is not open to the general public. However, the Museum is hosting a Victorian Christmas Tour & Treats event on December 3 & 4. Participants can tour the historic site to learn about the family and past Christmas traditions, and enjoy period sweets and drinks.
The Oakville Museum will be decorated in grand period style, with decorations extending to the exterior and courtyard, and will include a new exhibit for the courtyard windows featuring charming dollhouses from the Museum’s collections. A special Christmas Tour will be offered on Sunday, December 12, where participants can delight in nostalgic toys and period ornaments. Additionally, a Craft and Tour program will run on December 28 & 30, where visitors are invited to make festive, museum-inspired crafts with their children
