Toronto Tourism Magazine 2009 - (Page 15) Cityscapes around town Unionville (northeast of Toronto) Then and Now: Historic Main Street in Unionville reveals a 200-year-old heritage. Now, visitors may wander through the charming shops housed in heritage buildings or enjoy other offerings, including the Double Decker Bus, and oldfashioned horse and carriage ride. Or book a walking tour to enjoy its history. Why go? The heritage train ride travels from Unionville Train Station (founded in 1871) to Mount Joy and, in December, is accompanied by some special guests — Santa and his elves (reservations required). www.unionvilleinfo.com Streetsville (west of Toronto) Then and Now: When the area became known as Streetsville in 1824 (it was named after one of its residents), it was home to five major mill sites along a stretch of the fast-flowing Credit River. These days, the town boasts specialized shops like Credit Valley Railway Company (a model railway supplies store) and a host of other personalized retailers, from arts and crafts stores to body and skin-care spas. Enjoy international cuisine from Italian and Greek, to Mexican and Mediterranean. Why go? The candlelight walking tour. You’ll view the Abigail Street House built in 1850, an early 1900 milk truck shed and a cenotaph erected in 1926 — all by the glow of candles. — Fina Scroppo Boutique Towns Just a short, 30-minute drive outside the city centre are boutique towns that sport an almost painterly character. In fact, the quaint, picturesque villages of Kleinburg, Unionville and Streetsville are rich in history and story. Each hearkens back to an era gone by with a host of beautifully restored buildings, personalized boutique-style shops, and breathtaking vistas. Visit a few of these historic gems. Kleinburg (northwest of Toronto) Then and Now: In the mid-1800s, this riverside village was built around its mills. It was also a popular resting stop for farmers and merchants travelling to and from Toronto. Today, you can enjoy an exquisite buffet at the famed Doctor’s House (it was resided in by doctors since 1867), take home a unique floral design from Violets & Dahlias, or shop at Femme for fashion-forward clothing. In September, don’t miss the Binder Twine Festival, where you can purchase a host of artisanal ware or enjoy family entertainment. Why go? The McMichael Canadian Art Collection, a gallery renowned for collecting and exhibiting only Canadian art. www.kleinburgvillage.com On Stage, On the Mark Canada’s largest city is a cultural hotbed. While big-budget theatre companies such as Mirvish Productions and Dancap Productions bring successful shows like The Sound Of Music, The Color Purple and Jersey Boys to the city’s larger stages, the Canadian Opera Company operated at 99 percent capacity last year, proving opera is also alive and loved in Toronto. There are also many alternatives to main-stage productions. Famous PEOPLE Players extraordinary black-light Dine and Dream Theatre leaves kids and adults stagestruck. The Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People is the largest Photo: (bottom) Cylla von Tiedemann theatre for young audiences in Canada. The StageWest AllSuite Hotel Theatre Restaurant means you don’t even have to go outside to enjoy a romantic dinner, show and night away from the kids. And Mississauga’s Living Arts Centre is home to two main venues, as well as arts and crafts studios. There’s something for everyone at The Fringe, Toronto’s largest theatre festival (www.fringetoronto.com). Hosting more than 135 unique productions in dozens of venues, theatre buffs can catch a drama, musical show, improv and even a children’s plays. — Brenda Hampton TORONTO 2009 | 15 http://www.unionvilleinfo.com http://www.kleinburgvillage.com http://www.fringetoronto.com
Contributors
Welcome
Cityscapes
Toast of the Town
In the Night Garden
Gooooal!
Take a Moment
Faces of Toronto
Red Rocket
Past Perfection
Water Lust
The Artist’s City
Living the Green Dream
York Region and North Toronto
Mississauga Marvels
Vine Country
Discovery Walks
Neighbourhoods of Greater Toronto
Listings
Visitor Resources
2009 Event Calendar
Parting Shot
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