Visit & Tour 2008 - (Page 3) Tourism Services & St. Thomas Times-Journal, February 2008 • www.elgintourist.com 3 When we started to define just what was available to tourists, it dawned on us what a truly great treasure we have here. Some of the most enthusiastic tourists in Elgin County are the people who live right here. For nature, history, heritage, leisure, sports or just simple peace and quiet, we really have a lot to offer. We want St. Thomas and Elgin County to be your travel destination and we can promise you everything from serene country vistas to exciting events and attractions to delightful ports and harbours. Trains have played a big part in St. Thomas’ development. It is known as the Railway Capital of Canada. This claim is obvious as you pass through the city. Railway memorabilia, beautiful hand-painted murals and parkettes add to the beauty of the downtown area. Also, look for the St. Thomas Art Centre, the Elgin County Museum, the Railway Museum and the Elgin Military Museum. And don’t forget to drop by the Tourist Information Centre next to the giant 38-ton statue of Jumbo, the famous elephant, located at the entrance to St. Thomas. It’s a short drive from St. Thomas to the shores of Lake Erie where you can enjoy clean sand beaches, fresh perch and pickerel and charming lakeside communities. Port Burwell features one of Canada’s oldest wooden lighthouses. Port Bruce is known for its excellent fishing and Port Glasgow for its refurbished beach. Port Stanley has an historic King George VI lift bridge, a working harbour with freighters and pleasure craft, a summer theatre and many unique specialty shops. Nearby is Hawk Cliff where birders gather in the fall to watch the birds of prey migrate. Inland, a visitor will find places to appease their appetites. Take a tour through one our three local wineries, visit one of the other museums throughout the county or look for roadside stands selling locally grown fresh fruit and vegetables. As well, seek out the organic and pick-your-own farms. Elgin County offers an abundant agri-tourism industry. Visit Sparta, a charming village settled by Quakers, with historic buildings, art studios and shops. Or, visit Aylmer, where every Tuesday, hundreds of vendors gather at Aylmer Sales Arena Farmers Market and Flea Market. Many vendors are part of the large Mennonite community in Malahide. Or, delve into the pioneer history behind the BackusPage Museum and the Old Anglican Church in Tyrconnell near Wallacetown. Elgin County’s numerous other villages and hamlets have what it takes to steal your heart away. Make Elgin County and St. Thomas your destination this year. To learn more about this beautiful area, visit us on-line at: www. elgintourist.com or call toll free- 1-877-GO ELGIN, ext. 168. Come and join us in Incredible Elgin, Ontario’s South Coast and enjoy! http://www.elgintourist.com http://www.elgintourist.com http://www.elgintourist.com
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