Have you ever watched a Hallmark Movie and fallen in love with the scenery and small-town vibe? This month, we’re focusing on an area of Hamilton that will give you just that – a few of those movies were filmed there! Dundas is one of the most charming areas you’ll come across, full of beautiful nature-filled spots, a lovely 19th-century downtown area and gorgeous Victorian homes. When lockdown is over, plan a day in Dundas and get ready to fall in love – you just might find your new home in this friendly, breathtaking community.

Take a Stroll

Take a small step back in time as you discover historic downtown Dundas. The charming area is full of fun boutiques and specialty shops to visit when you’re in the mood to shop. Afterwards, enjoy a bite at a nearby spot, like The Thirsty Cactus or Detour Cafe, before taking a walk to enjoy the beautiful historic buildings. On Thursdays, you’ll also enjoy visits to the Dundas Farmers Market, which features goods from local farmers and other vendors.

Get brewing

One of the highlights during your visit to Dundas will be a stop at Shawn & Ed. Brewing Co., a local favourite. This microbrewery + pub, housed in the old Dundas Curling and Skating Rink, pays homage to the history of the building throughout. Drop by for a fresh, cold pint of their flagship brew, Lagershed Original, or give one of their seasonal beers a try. Make sure you enjoy one of their new Beer Pies, delicious wood-fired pizzas that pair perfectly with a pint!

Stay Out and About

Looking for a little excitement? Dundas is home to two great festivals in the summer months that you and your family will enjoy. In June, the downtown area plays host to international acts during the Dundas International Buskerfest. You’ll get to take in a very wide variety of street performers, showing off their different talents and can stop by vendors throughout the area. 

After that, you can close out summer with a day at the Dundas Cactus Festival, one of the top 100 Festivals in Ontario. Save the third weekend of August for this annual event, where you’ll see the community come alive as you check out the entertainment on one of the four stages, event zones and over 100 street vendors.

Become a Master Chef If working on your cooking skills and impressing your family is a personal goal, you’re in the right spot! Make stops at some foodie-fave local businesses to find everything you need to up your cooking game. Start off with a visit to Cumbrae’s of Dundas for locally-sourced, small farm-raised meat, then pick up some delicious cheeses at Mickey McGuire’s Cheese. You’ll find everything else you need for a fantastic meal at Picone FineFoods. Kitchen supplies? Visit The Keeping Room to stock up on tools and other essentials – or take part in a cooking class!

Fall in Love with Nature

Nature lovers, rejoice! Dundas is a community that gives you ample opportunity to get outside and enjoy all of the beauty around it. The Dundas Valley Conservation area is popular with locals looking to hike, cycle, or bird and wildlife watch. With a 40 km trail system, plenty of picnic space, and The Hermitage Ruins to explore, you’ll find something new with every visit.

Another great spot to discover is the Christie Lake Conservation Area, which is popular for a casual hike (with 10 km of trails). This is a great place to spend the day during the summer; you’ll find plenty of people canoeing, fishing, and swimming along its sandy beach.

Make sure you don’t miss two of Hamilton’s waterfalls while you explore! Webster Falls is one of the area’s most popular spots, with its beautiful scenery and 22 metre falls; be sure to check it out in different seasons to fully appreciate its beauty. Nearby, you’ll also find Tews Falls, one of the tallest in the area with a 41-metre drop!

Add a Splash of Colour

Take in some culture with visits to The Carnegie Gallery, an artist-run gallery located downtown. Although visits are currently unavailable due to COVID, the gallery normally holds rotating monthly exhibitions that feature art created by contemporary Canadian artists.

You’ll find no shortage of things to do and places to explore when it comes to the charming community of Dundas. Visit once and you’ll learn exactly why so many people have decided to call it home! 

—————————

Take a look at our current listings and discover all of the other communities that we’ve featured here – you just might find your next destination.

Well, December has finally arrived and we’re coming to the end of a year that has been anything but normal. We’re going to finish off 2020 by sharing a community that is rapidly expanding, plays host to some amazing businesses and has an incredible history behind it. Stoney Creek is an area that shouldn’t be missed right now; with its close proximity to neighbouring locales, easy access to Hamilton’s arts & culture scene and strong growth potential, this might be the perfect place to call home. There’s never been a better time to get out of the city and check out The Creek!

Enjoy Some Time Outdoors

If you’re looking for a space to settle down that provides lots of outdoor activity options, you’re in luck. Stoney Creek – located along both Lake Ontario and the escarpment – has many different opportunities when it comes to getting outside.

One of Stoney Creek’s best attractions is the Devil’s Punchbowl. This deep gorge is home to two waterfalls, Upper and Lower Punch Bowl Falls, and features layers of colourful rock formations. From the lookout, you’ll have an incredible view of Stoney Creek and Hamilton Harbour. You’ll also find the beginning of The Dofasco 2000 Trail, a beautiful 11.5 km hiking route. Afterwards, visit the Punch Bowl Market & Bakery and pick up something fresh to bring home!

If you enjoy spending time by the lake, you’ll take solace in the many beautiful lakeside parks and will quickly become familiar with 50 Point Conservation Area. This 80-hectare park is the perfect place to spend time with the family, explore with your spouse or to enjoy some alone time with nature. With picnic, camping, fishing + boating options available, along with a beautiful, clean beach and a 3.4 km recreational trail loop for hiking, you’ll have no trouble filling up a day of fun.

Those who really want to get their blood pumping will enjoy use of the Heritage Green Community Sports Park. This new 80.5 acre park includes 2 baseball diamonds, 4 natural + 1 artificial turf soccer pitches, a playground, and a spray pad for you and the family to enjoy. It’s also located next to the Heritage Green Community Trust Dog Park so even your furry friends can join in on the fun!

Take a Trip to Downtown Stoney Creek

Though the Stoney Creek community is rapidly growing, the downtown area, or Olde Town Stoney Creek, still has the same charm it always has! Take a stroll downtown and you’ll come across a wide variety of boutiques and personal services to enjoy along with a selection of delicious spots to grab a bite to eat.

Though currently on hold, the downtown area is also home to some great special events that the whole family will enjoy. Annual events like Art in the Parking Lot, the Strawberry Fold Festival, the Apple Festival, Jazz in the Creek, Pumpkinfest and the Stoney Creek Santa Claus Parade are great ways to get out and about while enjoying the community spirit. The Downtown Stoney Creek Market is always a hit as well, bringing fresh local produce, food trucks and baked goods to the downtown core.

Take a walk further down the street to enjoy a little bit of Stoney Creek history – pop by the Amica Stoney Creek Dairy, which is serving up memories of the old Stoney Creek Dairy. When the dairy closed in 2012, it signified the end of an era after 83 years of business as one of the largest ice cream retailers in North America. Now Amica, which was built on the land that the dairy used to occupy, is keeping those memories alive with their ice cream parlour.

Grab a Bite

Stoney Creek is home to some incredible restaurants – there’s no shortage when it comes to dining options! If you’re in the mood for something casual, become familiar with some of the community’s favourite spots, like The Powerhouse (which takes up residence in an historic power station), The Attic Pizza Parlour (give their appropriately-local “Devil’s Punchbowl Pizza” a try!), Mustangs Big Ol’ Grill, The Innsville and Memphis Fire Barbeque Company. Of course, you’ll also have to stop by the legendary Roma Bakery & Deli to try the original slab pizza – it’s their claim to fame!

If you’re in the mood for something more upscale, Edgewater Manor might be more your speed. The restaurant, located inside a stunning 1920’s castle, has incredible views thanks to its beautiful lakeside setting. It’s a popular destination for private events and has an incredible menu which features local ingredients. It’s no surprise that this restaurant is a popular date night spot, too!

Have Some Fun

Looking to stay entertained? Stoney Creek always has something fun to check out! For an easy date night or family outing, a visit to the Starlite Drive-In is sure to please! Load up the car, stock up on snacks and enjoy a couple of movies in the open air.

If you’re in the mood to imbibe a little, one of the area’s wineries will be a worthwhile stop! Enjoy a glass of locally made wine at stops like Leaning Post, Ridge Road and Puddicombe Farms. The latter is a great place to visit with the family, too; onsite, you’ll also find pick-your-own fruits/veggies, farm animals and a train ride to tour around the property.

Learn Something New (or Should We Say Old?)

You can’t visit The Creek without learning a little bit about its history; did you know that Stoney Creek was the site of a major battle during the War of 1812? Plan a visit to Battlefield House + Monument, located at the intersections of Centennial Parkway and King Street West, to learn more about the Battle of Stoney Creek. This historic defense (June 6, 1813) was a major turning point in the war between British and American forces. Stop by Battlefield House & Museum for a tour of the early 19th century house and experience history first-hand during the yearly re-enactment of the Battle of Stoney Creek (held in June, though held off this year due to COVID).

—————————————–

Stoney Creek has something for everyone to enjoy – young or old, whether you’re single or have a family, you’ll love getting to know this area. Full of community spirit, outdoor experiences, dining options and recreational opportunities, you just might fall in love with an area that locals have been enjoying for years. 

Learn more about our current listings in Stoney Creek here – your forever-home could be waiting for you in this beautiful community.

Ready to escape from the city? This month we’re featuring Grimsby, a place known for its beautiful green spaces, close proximity to larger cities and its involved community. Ranked second in Maclean’s list of best communities in Canada last year, it’s no surprise that the town and its population are growing quickly.

Known as “the Gateway between Hamilton and Niagara,” Grimsby has become a vibrant, dynamic town perfect for families, commuters and retirees ready to put down roots in a safe, community-oriented area on the lake. With beautiful homes and condos available – plus many new developments – there’s never been a better time to move to the area that’s bridging the gap between city and country. 

Go Downtown

At the heart of Grimsby is Main Street, the downtown area punctuated with local shops, restaurants and amenities. There’s no better way to support local businesses, especially in this current time, than by taking a walk down the street and stopping by! The town approved an expanded patio program over the last few months to allow local restaurants and businesses more space to operate and allow residents safe, comfortable access to them.

While downtown, you’ll find a number of great spots to discover. Enjoy a glass of wine and freshly made Italian food (plus pick up some delicious imported goodies) at Casa Toscana or get your caffeine buzz at the Station One Coffeehouse, located in the old Firehouse. Find the perfect gift while you browse at Copper + Twine and then stop by Simply Moto to check out their motorcycle-inspired goods. Need a quick cut? Book an appointment at one of the area’s salons, like Charlie’s Barber Shop or Sylvia’s Studio of Hair.   

You’ll also find one of the pillars of the Grimsby community, GBF Community Services, which works hard to provide assistance to community members in need. This year, they were needed more than ever due to the pandemic, with their food, housing and other services helping out families who required assistance. They were able to distribute 403,000 COVID-19 Emergency Food Boxes thanks to individuals and businesses who came together to provide support when it was needed the most.

Eat Fresh

One great aspect of living in Grimsby? Access to the freshest produce available from local farms. One of the most popular spots in the area is the Grimsby Farmers Market, which takes place every Thursday from May until Thanksgiving. The Market usually takes over Main Street, closing a portion of the downtown sector to make room for local vendors + entertainment, however this year they’ve had to adjust with the weekly market taking place at the Grimsby Peach King Arena with safety protocols put in place. They’ve also gone online, making it easy to order and pick up goods from local farmers, wineries (another perk of living in the area!), meat + cheese sellers and more.

Can’t wait for the market? Follow Main Street out of the central area and you’ll find vendors along the side of the road every couple of blocks; all full of fresh, local produce. There’s no shortage of fruits, veggies and other homemade goods in the area, making it perfect for those who want to support local while eating healthy.

Get Active

If you’re looking to get your blood pumping, you’ll love living in Grimsby. The town has several recreation facilities available, like the Grimsby Lions Community Pool and Grimsby Peach Kings Arena, in addition to other businesses that also offer space to exercise and learn. Whether you want to skate, swim or lift, you’ll be able to find a spot nearby that fits the bill.

In addition to indoor rec areas, Grimsby is home to an incredible array of parks and trails that make it easy to get moving while outdoors. The Bruce Trail and Waterfront Trail, along with other beautiful spots, make for picturesque hikes and bike rides, while the town’s numerous parks provide ample space for outdoor activities.

Take in the Views

Grimsby is home to some incredible spots to visit and relax, especially if you want to enjoy nature. Take in the stunning views from the escarpment and enjoy the beautiful shades of the leaves as they turn to their fall colours. Beamer Falls boasts incredible views of the town and surrounding area along with two waterfalls to enjoy.

Another fun point of interest that everyone in the family will enjoy is the Grimsby Painted Ladies, a series of cottages located near Grimsby Beach. These colourful homes are a sight to see, with each one taking on its own colour scheme or theme. Take a walk through the neighbourhood and you’ll discover something new to see at every turn!

If you’re ready to move out of the city and into a town that is focused on its community, supporting local business and experiencing a little more of the beautiful outdoors that our province has to offer, Grimsby might be just what you’re looking for. Come discover a town that has so much to offer for families, young couples looking to settle down and retirees who are ready to embrace a growing, thriving community and active lifestyle.