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By the Chimney With Care: Adorn your holiday mantel with style and cheer

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Mantel with Garland Christmas Decor

Decorating for the holidays doesn’t end with a tree. Your mantel is the perfect place to let your seasonal style shine. From snowy winter whites that last through the new year to traditional accents that set the tone for December gatherings, your fireplace can become the heart of your holiday home décor.

Mantel Must-Haves

Paula DeOre, Interior Decorator at In House Living, notes that this season’s top trend is the organic look. “Natural greens, neutral colours, magnolia, birch sticks, and pinecones are timeless elements,” she says. “You can leave them up even after the holiday season ends.” This year, she’s seeing more ribbons and bows that add texture and a polished touch. DeOre also emphasizes pairing your mantel style with your tree for a cohesive, consistent look throughout the room.


Wondering just how to build a showstopping mantel at home? “Start with your garland,” DeOre advises. “Weave in twinkle lights, then complement with a wreath or greenery around artwork above the mantel,” she says. 

Jennifer Klassen at Centro Garden offers a garden pro’s tip on hanging garlands. While artificial ones can go up at any time, “always remember if you’re using live greenery, don’t bring it inside until a week before Christmas because it will dry out.”Flameless taper candles will add height and visual interest, especially when grouped with three on one side of the mantel and two on the other. Metal stocking holders and stockings complete the layered, seasonal display.

For minimalists, “instead of hanging garland, simply lay a few picks along the mantel for a festive accent,” DeOre says.

Go Green

Part of the magic of the season is visiting a garden centre to take in the scent of fresh-cut greens and discover wintery options like magnolia, eucalyptus, and berries to use in your holiday décor. Catherine Bulow, part of the family business at Bulow Garden Centre, says there are many choices for garland: “There are Ontario-grown cedars and then B.C. cedar, which has longer boughs and is more expensive,” she explains. “You can also use boxwood or a cedar and pine mix as a base.”

Fresh greens need care. Mist them often and keep them cool until you’re ready to decorate or entertain. “Follow the same rules as a cut tree and remember to spritz them,” notes Bulow. While they won’t last long, with a little extra attention, your mantel will stay fragrant and naturally beautiful.

Festive Fun

If a formal mantel isn’t your style, try creating one that reflects your personality. Select a theme inspired by your favourite holiday movie or show. Tyler Schwartz, RetroFestive’s “Chief Cheermeister,” says he’s seeing shoppers mix classic décor with pop culture pieces. “The Grinch is incredibly popular,” he says. “People are adding Grinch ornaments to trees, wreaths, and garlands on their mantels.”

Marnie Warman of Interior Design House points out that not every mantel is deep enough to accommodate a bulky garland. As fun alternatives, she recommends groups of battery operated candles with garland “picks” placed in and around the bases. “You can add decorative balls, floral products and other items for colour and texture,” Warman says, adding that the candles (or mini lights) also look wonderful inside hurricane type glass containers, of either matching or varying widths and heights. “You can then put some stems, or mini ornaments inside the glass with the candles for a great and simple look.” 

Figurines are another playful accent. Schwartz’s favourite? Buddy from Elf, holding a string of snowflakes just like in the movie. “Stocking holders and stockings are essential, but figurines are more fun. They’re real conversation starters,” he says. Including whimsical elements can revive childhood nostalgia while helping families create new holiday memories together.

Finally, it’s more than okay to venture beyond traditional colours. Customers of Centro Garden are getting downright playful with their trimmings. “Bright colours are definitely trending this year,” Klassen says, “so think about adding some pink, peach or coral hues to your Christmas decor.”

Local Links:

In House Living
3485 Fairview Street, Burlington
inhouseliving.ca

Interior Design House
4047 Fairview Street, Burlington
interiordesignhouse.com

Bulow Garden Centre Oakville
370 South Service Road West, Oakville

Centro Garden
437 Brant Street, Burlington
centrogarden.com

RetroFestive
1100 Invicta Drive, Unit 1, Oakville
retrofestive.ca

By: Nicole Hilton

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Illuminating Our Downtown One Last Time: The Final Candlelit Stroll

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The Burlington Downtown Business Association (BDBA) is inviting the community to gather one last time for a truly special evening — the final year of the beloved Candlelit Stroll, set to take place on Friday, November 28th, 2025, in Burlington Downtown.

For over 10 years, the Candlelit Stroll has marked the start of the holiday season, filling our downtown streets with the warm glow of candles, festive music, and the joyful spirit of community connection. This year’s event will honour that legacy while celebrating the memories, partnerships, and generations of families who have made the stroll part of their annual tradition.

“The Candlelit Stroll has been such a magical part of Burlington’s holiday experience,” says Brian Dean, Executive Director of the Burlington Downtown Business Association. “As we bring this cherished event to a close, we want to say thank you to everyone who has joined us over the years — our local businesses, performers, volunteers, and of course, the thousands of residents who made it so special.”

The evening begins at 6:00 PM in Civic Square / City Hall, where visitors can pick up a complimentary candle and enjoy live entertainment before embarking on the stroll through Burlington’s beautifully decorated downtown streets. Festive shop windows, hot cocoa, and live performances will fill the area with holiday cheer, offering a picture-perfect sendoff to this signature community event.

The BDBA will also be looking to the future to highlight new and evolving holiday programming for 2026, ensuring that the downtown continues to shine brightly with new traditions in the years to come.

“While we’re saying goodbye to the Candlelit Stroll, we’re also looking ahead to the next chapter of downtown celebrations,” adds Dean. “We can’t wait to share what’s next.”

We warmly welcome residents, visitors, guests and everyone in between to come celebrate the final Candlelit Stroll — one last magical evening of light, laughter, and community in the heart of Burlington Downtown.

For more information and updates to the event animations and activities please visit burlingtondowntown.ca/candlelit25/

Press information

For media inquiries, please contact:
Alison Policicchio, Marketing Director
Burlington Downtown Business Association
marketing@burlingtondowntown.ca

For inquiries pertaining to the BDBA, please contact:
Brian Dean, Executive Director
Burlington Downtown Business Association
brian@burlingtondowntown.ca

The BDBA is a not–for-profit association responsible for the vitalization and promotion of our vibrant Downtown business community. A special levy constitutes the organization’s budget and allows the Board and their sub committees to execute programs and events with great volunteer support of the membership on behalf of all of the members within our boundaries.

The BDBA promotes our dense commercial area as a vibrant business and shopping district. Through the use of promotional activities such as special events, advertising, and beautification programs, we aim to keep the area foremost in the public’s mind as an attractive, pleasant place to shop, to be entertained, to work, and to live. We want to make the quality of life for our Downtown businesses and services better.

Our efforts are dedicated to ensuring a healthy economic environment for our community and making our Downtown a better place to shop, dine, live, work, invest, visit and play.

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Shop Local

Shop Local: Autumn Essentials

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Embrace the autumn spirit and transform your home with warm, seasonal touches from some of our favourite local businesses!

Centro Garden
BURLINGTON


Find festive planters in Centro’s gorgeous courtyard, whether you’re looking for a last punch of fall colour, or getting ready for the holiday season, Centro has you covered.
centrogarden.com

Interior Design House
Burlington

Grounded in pumpkin spice, with a heart of birchwood, and kissed with maple cinnamon. Both the Illume Midnight Pumpkin candle and diffuser will leave your home smelling like our favourite season.
interiordesignhouse.com

For Living,
Oakville

If you’re looking for a conversation starter on your dining table, look no further. These solid, handmade candlesticks are stunning and exclusive to FOR Living.
for-living.ca

Lakeside Livin’,
Oakville

Uyuni Candles are traditional in their aesthetic, luxurious to the touch, and innovative in their mechanics. Not only is the 3D flame a first-of- its-kind, but Uyuni Candles offer a practicality that sets them apart; with remote control functionality allowing the user to turn each candle on and off from a distance or dim to their desire. Available in 30″ and 22″ tapered candles.
lakesidelivin.com

ELIZABETH INTERIORS,
BURLINGTON


Add a pop of fall flair with this gorgeous throw from Elizabeth Interiors.
elizabethinteriors.com

YEARN TO URN,
OAKVILLE


Bring a little colour and character to your front porch with help from Yearn to Urn! Customize your urn with help from their design team, and find inspiration at their Instagram account @yearntourn
thefloralcollectiveinc.com

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Downtown Burlington’s Feet To The Street: Explorer Pass

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Downtown Burlington Explorer Pass

Don’t let the cold weather stop you from getting out and getting local!

The Burlington Downtown Business Association (BDBA) is excited to announce the launch of the Feet to the Street: Explorer Pass. This interactive itinerary pass officially debuted on November 1, 2025, inviting residents and visitors alike to explore Burlington Downtown this winter season through a series of curated walking routes.

Developed to encourage off-season exploration and engagement, the Feet to the Street: Explorer Pass offers a fresh way to experience Burlington’s vibrant downtown. Participants can choose from several pre-built routes, each mapped by distance from one to six kilometers. At every one-kilometer marker,  users can check in via GPS and discover nearby businesses and services, making each walk both active  and informative.

To add to the excitement there are 14 participating businesses participating in the pass. All 14 locations  have their own GPS guided check in. While you’re checking in with the pass, make sure to them out! 

The BDBA is proud to feature Craigs Cookies Burlington, Culaccino Bar & Kitchen, Joseph Brant  Museum, Kinetic Physiotherapy, Megs Octopus Garden, Minty Gold & Silver Exchange, The Mule, Off  the Runway, Paradiso Burlington, radius, The Rocca Sisters Team, Simply Gifted Burlington, Village Cigar  Company & Barbershop & Woven Clothing Boutique + Styling.

Thirsty after your first route? Our restaurant menu’s will have you covered! Chilly on your walk? Our retailers incredibly cozy’s will warm you right up! Perhaps you’re a bit sore after all those steps. Not to  fear, our professional service members will be there to count on.

To make the experience even more rewarding, the BDBA has added a gamified element to the pass.  Each check-in earns participants points, which can be accumulated and redeemed for a $50 Burlington  Downtown Gift Card. Accepted at more than 85 local businesses, the gift card provides an opportunity  to support Burlington’s small business community while exploring all that downtown has to offer.

“The Feet to the Street: Explorer Pass is an exciting way to stay active, shop local, and discover  Burlington Downtown in a new light,” said Alison Policicchio, Marketing Director, Burlington Downtown  Business Association. “By combining outdoor exploration with local discovery, this initiative brings our community together even in the colder months.”

The Feet to the Street: Explorer Pass is free and available to all. To learn more and register, visit burlingtondowntown.ca/explorerpass/ for more info.

Press information:

For media inquiries, please contact:

Alison Policicchio, Marketing Director
Burlington Downtown Business Association
marketing@burlingtondowntown.ca

For inquiries pertaining to the BDBA, please contact:

Brian Dean, Executive Director
Burlington Downtown Business Association
brian@burlingtondowntown.ca

The BDBA is a not–for-profit association responsible for the vitalization and promotion of our vibrant  Downtown business community. A special levy constitutes the organization’s budget and allows the  Board and their sub committees to execute programs and events with great volunteer support of the  membership on behalf of all of the members within our boundaries. 

The BDBA promotes our dense commercial area as a vibrant business and shopping district. Through the  use of promotional activities such as special events, advertising, and beautification programs, we aim to  keep the area foremost in the public’s mind as an attractive, pleasant place to shop, to be entertained,  to work, and to live. We want to make the quality of life for our Downtown businesses and services  better. 

Their efforts are dedicated to ensuring a healthy economic environment for our community and making  our Downtown a better place to shop, dine, live, work, invest, visit and play.

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Nectar from the Gods: In Praise Of Niagara’s Late Harvest Wines

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Golden in colour and sweet on the palette, late harvest wines coat the tongue with complex layers of floral and fruity undertones. Niagara wineries excel at creating these liquid crown jewels of autumn. Anyone in search of the perfect host gift or a special addition to their own table simply must try one.

What is a late harvest wine?

Late harvest wines are made from grapes that are left on the vine well past the typical harvest period. Over time, the grapes naturally dehydrate, and this loss of water creates a greater concentration of sugars and flavours. According to VQA Ontario standards, wines are categorized based on the grape’s sugar level (measured in degrees Brix) at harvest, with late harvest wines starting at 22° Brix and Icewines topping 35°.

While traditional late harvest wines achieve their sweetness through this natural desiccation, wineries like Pillitteri Estates take a unique approach. “We make our late harvest wines from the second pressing of icewine grapes,” says Jeff Letvenuk, Director of Marketing at Pillitteri. “This method retains much of the flavour intensity and complexity that people love in icewine, but with a lighter sweetness and more approachable profile.”

The Late Harvest Riesling 2019 from 13th Street Winery results from a similar process, as described in the company’s winemaking notes: “Following the pressing of the juice for icewine, the frozen grapes were allowed to slightly warm resulting in the perfect juice for Late Harvest Riesling.”

Because the grapes hang longer, sometimes through freeze-thaw cycles, late harvest wines develop a range of flavours — from bright citrus and stone fruit to more decadent notes of caramel and dried apricot. Popular grapes used in Pilliteri’s late harvest wines include vidal, riesling, and cabernet. Vidal offers lush tropical fruit, Riesling brings vibrant citrus and minerality, and Cabernet provides a striking red fruit expression that’s rare in sweet wines.

Over at Malivoire Wine Company, Shiraz Mottiar, General Manager and Winemaker, champions gewürztraminer when producing late harvest wines. “It really showcases the floral, spicy, and exotic fruit characteristics found in the variety,” he says.

Icewine vs. Late Harvest

Some people taste similarities between late harvest wine and icewine, for good reason. “Think of late harvest as the little brother of icewine,” says Letvenuk. “It’s more widely approachable, with a lower price point, but lacks the intense finish Icewine aficionados crave.”

Still, both styles must be made with naturally sweetened juice. Icewine requires a minimum residual sugar of 100g/L (often much more), whereas late harvest wines can vary widely, with some as low as 30g/L.

Dessert and beyond

Late harvest wines are surprisingly versatile. Though often labelled as dessert wines, they have a natural acidity and balance and pair well with a range of dishes, especially when on the drier side. “They’re especially popular in Asian cuisine pairings,” Letvenuk adds, “where the wines’ fruit and aromatics complement heat and bold flavours beautifully.”

Mottiar agrees: “Our 2023 late harvest gewürztraminer at 30g/L can work with sweeter dishes in Filipino or Cantonese cuisines, or alongside cheeses and pâtés.”Whether you’re enjoying a bottle of Pillitteri’s Canada Collection Vidal Late Harvest or a Gewürztraminer from Malivoire, Niagara’s late harvest wines showcase the region and its winemaking artistry, one sweet, satisfying sip at a time.

The next time you scan the wine aisles, expand your taste horizons by reaching for this hidden gem of the Niagara wine scene.

Because the grapes hang longer, sometimes through freeze-thaw cycles, late harvest wines develop a range of flavours — from bright citrus and stone fruit to more decadent notes of caramel and dried apricot.

Local Links:

Malivoire Wine Company
4260 King Street, Beamsville
malivoire.com

Pillitteri Estates Winery
1696 Niagara Stone Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake
pillitteri.com

13th Street Winery
1776 Fourth Avenue, St. Catharines
13thstreetwinery.com

By: Michelle Morra

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Food & Drink

Sláinte! Cheers !Chin Chin! A Toast To Our Neighbourhood Pubs

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Everyone remembers their first time…visiting a pub, that is! I certainly do because a pub was the location of my first date with my future husband. With its welcoming plush and wooden interior, delicious food and many beverage choices, our conversation soon flowed as smoothly as the imported beer! 

Years later pubs are even more popular in Halton. They are not a new concept, but they have remained relevant in a fickle hospitality landscape. Pubs and taverns have dotted Southern Ontario as a stopping point for travellers since the late 18th century. More recently, pubs gained popularity as craft beers and brewpubs burst on to the scene in the late 1980s and early 1990s. 

High energy bars have their place, but if you are looking to carry on a conversation over a plate of nourishing food and a drink (or two), exploring one of the many pubs in our area is a great option.

In an era where many people are more connected to their phone than to each other, the sense of well-being that you feel at a pub is priceless. Much of that has to do with nourishing, “stick to your ribs” meals (steak and kidney pie, anyone?). Over the years pub cuisine has evolved, with most offering more comprehensive menus. As the public’s tastes and needs have changed, so have pubs.

The menu at King’s Arms in Oakville, for instance, features indulgences like Lobster Grilled Cheese and Korean BBQ Steak bowl, in addition to wings and other traditional pub fare. The venue has regular “Pour & Pair” social hours, and periodically hosts upscale theme nights (Greek Night, Valentines Day) that it promotes via slick social media posts geared to a young crowd.

The Dickens in Burlington, while retaining many of its traditions in terms of cozy ambiance and hearty food, hosts live bands, karaoke, trivia nights… and their well-stocked bar also offers non-alcoholic options like zero-proof beer, passionfruit juice, or milk.

Ye Olde Squire has been operating in Aldershot for close to seven years, and prides itself on being a home away from home for its customers. As Jenn Maguire, General Manager, explains, “Our signature dishes are British influenced but we also offer classic pub fare as well to make sure we cover all of our bases for those walking through the doors. Especially now with a growing demand for gluten free dishes, vegetarian and sometimes vegan, we always want to make sure everyone that is coming into our pub can find something they like.”

The Royal Coachman in Waterdown celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, and is housed in a Victorian manse, circa 1868, which recently received historical status.  

As Leigh Dinenn, General Manager shares, “In the British sense, a pub is the hub of the community, a meeting place for everyone to get together and, in the past, to share the tales of the day. It’s also a restaurant and a meeting point. It’s all encompassing. You can take your family to a pub, or you can have a business meeting, or a date.”

While Canadians often associate pubs with a British style of food, the Royal Coachman strives for “comfort food, hearty and wholesome,” Dinenn says.

With fall nipping at our heels, it’s time to get comfortable and raise a glass! Now is the perfect time to meet friends in the warm glow of your friendly neighbourhood pub.

“It’s all encompassing. You can take your family to a pub, or you can have a business meeting, or a date.” – Leigh Dinenn, General Manager, The Royal Coachman

Local Links:

The Dickens
423 Elizabeth Street, Burlington
thedickens.ca

The Kings Arms
323 Church Street, Oakville
kingsarmsoakville.com

The Royal Coachman
1 Main Street North, Waterdown
royalcoachmanpub.com

Ye Olde Squire, Aldershot
127 Plains Road West, Burlington
yeoldesquire.ca/aldershot

BY CYNDI INGLE

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Positive Notes: Join A Choir And Sing Your Way To Spring

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Singing feels great, whether you’re in the shower, at a karaoke bar, or in the car. Imagine that feeling magnified tenfold or even a hundredfold. That’s how it feels to sing in a choir. You open your mouth and hear the kind of music – big music – that’s only possible with a room full of voices.

As winter approaches, people all over the region are meeting in halls, basements and churches to learn and practise choral arrangements. Many do this year after year because they’re hooked on the result: performing at a concert, where their beautifully blended voices will fill the air and thrill an audience.

Choirs are not just for music prodigies. While some audition their members to ensure a certain level of competency, others are open to anyone who loves to sing. Tempus Choral Society is a non-auditioned community SATB (soprano, alto, tenor, bass) choir whose repertoire consists of “songs from different genres including Broadway classics, folk tunes, jazz hits, and classic pieces,” says member Catherine Ross. “We aim for a light, lively style that is fun to sing and engaging for all audience members.”

Although the ability to read music will make practice easier, Ross explains, many choristers just listen to the recorded parts for their voice and learn by listening and singing along. After a few rehearsals, all singers get to know the songs regardless of whether or not they can read the notes.

At Circle of Harmony, potential new members commit to a nine-week program that involves getting to know the chorus, understanding which part best suits their voice, and learning a song along with existing members. After the nine weeks, there’s an audition for which they are well prepared. 

Circle of Harmony is an award-winning choir that sings a capella (unaccompanied by instruments). “We are part of the Sweet Adelines International organization and sing in a barbershop style,” says Susan Vaz, proud member and PR Chair. ‘This means that the four parts create ringing chords and amazing harmonies. The works we perform span the decades from standards, to musical theatre, and even Queen!”

The members of Circle of Harmony, ranging in age from 20s to 80s, form friendships that last a lifetime. Their performances engage audiences with their “passionate singing” and “energetic choreography,” Vaz says. 

Good for the soul

Oakville, Burlington and surrounding areas boast an impressive number and variety of choirs that perform everything from pop to jazz to classical. These choirs welcome members from all walks of life. 

Masterworks of Oakville is an auditioned choir that performs the great works of the Western choral tradition. Members pride themselves on performing challenging works that are rarely performed outside of metropolitan centres.

Virginia Barsenbach, a member of Masterworks of Oakville, sings the praises of her choir: “I love the music that we sing, and I’ve formed a lot of friendships,” she says. “It’s so wonderful to finally sing the concerts for our community after all the hard work that we do to learn the pieces.”

Aside from camaraderie and the unbridled joy of making music, singing in a choir is scientifically proven to be good for you. “Learning new songs stimulates memory and cognition while the deeper, controlled breathing is good for the lungs and heart,” says Ross from Tempus Choral Society. “Did I mention the high one gets when performing? It is really hard to be unhappy when you sing harmony with others!”

LOCAL LINKS

Circle of Harmony
circleofharmony.ca

Masterworks of Oakville Chorus & Orchestra
masterworksofoakville.ca

Tempus Choral Society
tempuschoralsociety.com

BY MICHELLE MORRA

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Community

Forever In Their Debt: The Meaning Of Remembrance Day in 2025

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Every November 11th at 11:00 a.m., Canadians pause to remember those who have served our country in times of war, conflict, and peace.

2025 is a particularly important milestone, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. As generations pass, fewer veterans from the two World Wars are still living — Burlington’s last living WWII veteran is 101 years old — making Remembrance Day even more important to ensure their stories and sacrifices aren’t lost.

For Barry Moore, Remembrance Day is a time to honour not only those who served in the Great Wars, but recent veterans as well. Moore reminds us that Canada has over 465,000 veterans alive today who have served in global conflicts including Rwanda, Desert Storm and Afghanistan.

Moore has been a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 60 in Burlington for 40 years and now runs the branch’s poppy campaign. To him, wearing the poppy is a display of gratitude. “It’s our way of saying thank you for something we could never really repay.”

Veteran Robert Thomas, who served in Cyprus, the Sinai Desert, Gaza and Beirut, says Remembrance Day is particularly important for youth to understand that the freedoms we enjoy today came at a cost. “We owe a lot to the men and women who have served our country, and those who are presently serving our country,” says Thomas, a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 551 in Waterdown.

Remembrance Day offers an opportunity to parents and educators to teach children about Canada’s military history in global conflict. A visit to the Waterdown Museum of Hope provides an opportunity to learn about the Holocaust, the two World Wars, Afghanistan and Korea. The museum is free to enter and is open during Waterdown Legion hours.

Wear a poppy. “It’s our way of saying thank you for something we could never really repay.”
BARRY MOORE, ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION BRANCH 60, BURLINGTON

 

Remembrance Day also offers an opportunity to display Canadian pride. “As Canadians, we’ve got a lot of respect around the world,” says Thomas. “We don’t take a lot of baggage with us, and we’re not there to take people’s country. We’re there to be honest brokers to try to prevent war,” he says.

Moore says he has seen a surge in Remembrance Day participation from newcomers. “New Canadians from countries who have seen war and know what it’s about, and really appreciate the freedom that we have here, understand the sacrifice it took for us to have that,” he says.

How to Participate in Remembrance Day

While Remembrance Day isn’t a full statutory holiday in Ontario, there are many ways you can participate and honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Wear a Poppy

The poppy has been a symbol of remembrance in Canada since 1921. Poppy sales help to support veterans and their families.

Observe Two Minutes of Silence

The end of the First World War was announced at 11:00 am on November 11, 1918. It’s in remembrance of this important moment in history that Canadians pause at exactly 11:00 am on November 11th for two minutes of silence to recognize the sacrifices of all who served.

Attend a Local Ceremony

Several Remembrance Day ceremonies take place in our community. A notable one is the Burlington Remembrance Day Parade. Starting at Central High School, the parade of armoured jeeps, marching veterans and the Burlington Teen Tour Band concludes with a ceremony beside City Hall. Planes fly overhead, making this a spectacular show of Remembrance.

Lest we forget.

LOCAL LINKS

Visit a branch of the Royal Canadian Legion to meet and support your local veterans.

Branch 36
280 King Street West, Dundas
br36dundas.org

Branch 60
828 Legion Road, Burlington
burlingtonlegion.com

Branch 114
36 Upper Middle Road East,
Oakville
oakvillelegion114.ca

Branch 486
79 Jones Street, Oakville
(Bronte)
brontelegion.com

Branch 551
79 Hamilton Street North, Waterdown
waterdownlegion.ca

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Just for Fun

Seeing Colours: Five Fabulous Fall Getaways

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If you live in Southern Ontario, fall is basically showing off just for you. The air turns crisp (but not yet freeze-your-nose-off cold), the trees are bursting with colour, and every latte is spiced within an inch of its life. Want to get away for a weekend to soak it all in? Whether you’re travelling with kids, your partner, a group of friends, or hitting the road solo, there’s a destination with your name on it!

Here are five fall getaway options, each with its own vibe.

  1. Family Fun

If you’ve got kids, you know vacation really means “same chaos, different location.” However, family-friendly resorts like Fern Resort on Lake Couchiching and Elmhirst’s Resort on Rice Lake make relaxation doable for everyone. Both spots offer activities for all ages: campfires, archery, spa services, and plenty of space for little legs to run wild while you sneak in a hot tub soak. Elmhirst’s even has a working farm on-site, while Fern Resort is known for its all-inclusive family programming.

  1. Glamping

Not into huddling in a flimsy nylon tent and fighting raccoons for your trail mix? Enter glamping. At Camp Adelaide in Muskoka, you’ll get wilderness views from your “dome sweet home”. Birchwood Luxury Camping in Haliburton offers sturdy yet stylish canvas tents with firepits and fairy lights straight out of a Pinterest pic. And if you want to go full “eco-chic influencer,” book Glen Oro Farm near Orillia where you can stargaze, enjoy a cedar barrel sauna, or take a scenic trail ride. Glamping has the perks of camping, but without the sore back and soggy sleeping bag. 

  1. Luxury Resorts

Langdon Hall

For those who think “roughing it” means forgetting your charger, Southern Ontario has no shortage of swoon-worthy stays. Ste. Anne’s Spa “is giving Downton Abbey vibes,” as the kids say, with its sprawling gardens and spa treatments galore. Langdon Hall near Cambridge offers pickle ball, yoga, wine tastings, and decadent dining in a countryside estate. And for breathtaking lake views, check out Stone Cove, Tobermory’s luxury adults only Bed & Breakfast.

  1. Kitsch & Romance

Looking for something a little more… unique? Consider Casino Rama Resort where you can gamble, catch a concert, and enjoy a buffet all under one roof. If your idea of romance is more offbeat, The Arlington Hotel has the character and charm you’d expect from a hotel that’s older than Canada. Every room is themed, from Edgar Allan Poe to Monty Python. Or, for a retro feel and an Aperol spritz, head to The June Motel in Sauble Beach, Prince Edward County, or Beaver Valley. Be sure to watch the June Motel makeover show on Netflix before your visit.

  1. The Big Smoke 

Sometimes the best getaway is right under our noses. Toronto in fall dazzles with a sparkling skyline and endless things to do. Stay at the Broadview Hotel with its rooftop patio overlooking the Don Valley, or go big at the Ritz-Carlton (yes, the sheets are as smooth as you’d imagine). Spend your days browsing Queen West boutiques, grabbing dumplings in Chinatown, or wandering Kensington Market. Hop the ferry to the Toronto Islands for a quiet fall stroll, then catch a Mirvish show or a concert at Massey Hall. Whether you’re kid-free or bringing the family, the T-dot always delivers.

Grab a sweater, toss some snacks in the car, and hit the road. Autumn in Southern Ontario doesn’t last long, but it sure knows how to impress while it’s here.
St Annes Spa

Local links:

Fern Resort
Fernresort.com

Elmhirst’s Resort
Elmhirst.ca

Camp Adelaide
Campadelaide.com

Birchwood Luxury Camping
Birchwoodluxurycamping.com

Glen Oro Farm
Glenoro.com

Ste Anne’s Inn & Spa
Steannes.com 

BY LISA THORNBURY

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Home & Garden

Autumnal Glow: Interior Designs For A Warm and Plush Season

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There’s just something about a crisp fall morning, with a cool breeze and colourful leaves that make you want to cozy up indoors. Fall is the season of layered textures, lush colours, and scents that wrap you in a warm hug. With a few smart swaps, you can turn your home’s interior into a snug retreat that embraces the season. Hot cider is optional but highly encouraged.

“Your accents are what’s going to make you transition (a space),” says Rose Luxton, owner of Lakeside Livin’. But you don’t need to overhaul your home with reds and oranges. Luxton notes that while burnt orange will always be in season, moody purples and earthy mushroom shades have grown in popularity, evoking a feeling of being grounded.

Fabulous FALL FADS
Contributed by FOR Living, Oakville

While autumn can be a homey and nostalgic season, decor can go far beyond the traditional. Traditional elements still have value, especially for their familiarity and comfort (think pumpkins, leaves, rich autumn tones), but designers are definitely experimenting — updating, refreshing, and reinterpreting the ‘look’ of fall each season. These may include…

Earthy, nature-inspired hues: Warm clay, terracotta, olive, honeyed ochre, moss — even smoky plums — are being used more intentionally, often in muted or mid-tone versions rather than oversaturated brights.

Mixed textures and layered materials: Combining velvet, boucle, raw wood, rattan, and stone, to bring visual interest and tactile warmth.

Patina, vintage accents, and finds with history: Instead of brand-new decorations that feel seasonal-only, mixing in thrifted or aged pieces gives character. Think antique rug pillows, found objects or historic art paintings.

Marnie Warman, Owner, and lead designer at InteriorDesign House, recommends decorating in “tones that reflect your current home colours.” Interior Designer Sarah Gunn of Gunn & Co. is also a fan of “layering in patterns that introduce richer shades of your home’s existing colours.”

Layering textiles for cozy comfort

From chunky knit throws to heavy quilts, throw pillows and textured area rugs, textiles can bring depth and coziness to a room, transforming your home into a warm autumn oasis. Don’t stop at the living room. Textiles can play a role in the bedroom, too. “Swap bed linens for flannel sheets (and) layer a quilt or blanket across the foot of the bed,” Gunn says.

Nature is your centrepiece

Welcome fall at the front door and beyond. Create a welcoming autumn entry by swapping summer container pots for colourful mums or hanging a seasonal wreath.

And don’t forget to give your house plants a seasonal update. Luxton likes to add a fall vibe by re-potting her existing house plants in fall containers.

Lighting is an important detail in creating your autumn ambiance. Softer light instantly activates snuggle mode. Luxton’s simple tip for making a room feel cozier is to swap lamp shades for darker, textured fabric shades.

Finally, aromas such as apple pie and cinnamon are so happy-making, scientific studies have confirmed their link to feelings of warmth, comfort, and nostalgia in the brain’s emotion and memory centres. Choose scented candles, fragrant mists, diffusers, or a simmer pot of cloves, orange peel and cinnamon on the stove, for a true experience of home-sweet-home.

Go big. Luxton reminds us that fall is not the season to be minimalist with decor. “People just love to add extra layers in their home (in fall),” she says. So, bring in the soft throws, pile on the plump pillows and let every corner of your home wrap you in fall’s embrace.

Inside the home, Warman uses her dining room table as a year-round stage for seasonal change. Using a container that suits the size and scale of the table, she begins with good quality artificial greens as the base and adds something new each season to reflect the time of year. Acorns, pinecones, gourds and branches are great natural elements for fall.

Faux florals are also a great way to add seasonality to your decor. “I have an oversized vintage basket filled with faux leaves that I set out each season,” Gunn says.

Local Links:

Anderson’s Interiors
686 Guelph Line, Burlington
andersonsinteriors.ca

FOR Living
75 Navy Street, Oakville
for-living.ca

Gunn & Co.
gunnandco.ca

House Warmings
550 Speers Road
Unit #3, Oakville
housewarmings.ca

Interior Design House
4047 Fairview Street, Burlington
interiordesignhouse.com

Lakeside Livin’
100 Bronte Road, Oakville
lakesidelivin.com

BY: Lisa Evans

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