2012 Holiday Gift Guide

I love Christmas. To me, it really is the most wonderful time of the year; people are smiling, connecting with loved ones, and celebrating the season, together. It’s fitting then, that to continue the merriment – many would scour for a special gift to give their loved ones.

Being that I’m an image consultant – based and raised in Burlington, I can attest to the fact that I spend most of my days inside of stores; seeing a wide variety of special treats that many shops here have to offer. While the malls inside of the city have great things to offer, the real charm and hidden treasures lay within the boutiques and small businesses of Burlington.

In the spirit of making the holiday shopping season a little bit easier – I’ve highlighted some of my favourite gifts for the holiday season that will be found in some of Burlington’s most treasured stores.

Centro Garden (Brant St)

For me, the holidays begin in your home – hanging stockings, wreaths, and decorating the tree. One destination that had me consistently gasping over the stunning array of decorations and ornaments is, Centro. Filled with one-of-a-kind pieces to fill any tree or adorn any home – this store can keep you captivated for hours (I would know, I’m often tempted). Being that I’m sucker for Christmas ornaments, I was instantly drawn to some of the beautiful glass and metallic pieces. The best part about Centro? The pricing is extremely reasonable with pieces beginning as low as $4.00. There are also a wide variety of decorations and fun pieces for kids, too. My favourites for the holidays were a silver 3D snowflake and gold glass ornament for the tree.

Looney Tunes (Brant St.)

 While decorating your home – you always want to dance around to some great music and make the experience fun! For music lovers in your life, head to Loony Tunes on Brant Street. This small cove has a vast array of music that carries new and old – both in songs and in the media it is played on. If you like cds – they have you covered -- or, if you are a vintage lover like myself, vinyl records may be more your speed.  Whether you’re looking for single discs, records, tapes or full collections – this is one music destination you want to check out. My gift of choice for the holiday season? The full DOORS or Beatles collection in vinyl. In my books, nothing beats that sound.

Christy’s Gourmet Gifts (Mainway Dr.)

I have to admit, I have a terrible sweet tooth. If there is sugar or chocolate nearby, I’ll be sure to find it. Knowing that there are are many self confessed chocoholics like myself out there – I know sweets can often be a great gift giving idea. Christy’s Gourmet Gifts has numerous things I’d like to take home with me. If the aroma of the store alone doesn’t have you weak in the knees, the homemade chocolates and sweets will. Two goodies that stood out and needed mention in this guide are the Beer and Chardonnay wine brittle. Booze and chocolate mixed into one mouth watering dessert? Who can resist that this time of year?

A Different Drummer Books (Locust St.)

During the cold winter months, there is nothing I enjoy better than curling up on the couch and reading a great book. While there are many major chains you could go to, to me, the experience of losing yourself in a cozy book nook while browsing for that next great read is much more appealing. A Different Drummer is somewhere every bookworm (or those looking on behalf of one) needs to venture.  Cozy, peaceful, and full of hundreds of books – this 3-storey boutique has not only every genre of book available (including a floor dedicated to kids) – but a massive selection, also. My holiday gift choice from there? The Last Lion by William Manchester and Paul Reid – the last book in a series chronicling the life of Winston Churchill.

Joelle’s (Brant St.)

One of my favourite places to go shopping for myself or with clients is Joelle’s boutique. It’s always filled with gorgeous clothing, great staff, and fun trinkets. While I could make an entire list dedicated to their clothing alone for gift ideas, two accessories caught my eye were: 

1) The slim clutch – they ‘re not only practical for your cards while out, but, come in beautiful patterns -- making them a beautiful statement accessory (and only $22!) that will match any outfit.




2) Booty Shapers –- they are the perfect stocking stuffers for any woman that has boots in her closet. Easy to inflate, these inflatable shapers will slip into any boot and not only contour to fit your footwear properly, but will help maintain the integrity of it, also. Perfect for leather knee high boots!

Jeff’s Guy Shop (Brant St.)

If you walk to the back of Joelle’s, you’ll walk directly into a stylish store designed just for men. Filled with clothing appropriate for business or play, watches, cufflinks, hats, and more– this store is a one stop shop for the men folk. There is even a flat screen up on the wall to ensure the boys don’t miss out on their favourite sport while shopping -- does it get any better for them? For 2012, my holiday gift choice in Jeff’s shop were the Echo Touch gloves. Coming in a sleek black and grey, these gloves keep your hands warm while also allowing you to play on your smartphone. Have an iPhone or any touch sensitive product? No, problem. These Echo Touch gloves are also compatible with them all.

Mountain EquipmentCo-op (Brant St.)

For the active individual on your gift list, Mountain Equipment Co-op is the place you need to visit. Filled with goodies for biking, camping, running, canoeing, and more – this store will allow anyone heading outdoors to check off everything on their ‘to-do list’.  What caught my eye in this store was the Chaos Tubular Headware. Useful for men or women, this piece (found in an array of colours), can be used in a variety of ways such as; a balaclava, headband, mask, wristband, scarf, cap, necktube, hair tie…and the list goes on. It’s a great gift – that can be used in any activity to keep you warm.

Rattle &Stroll (Appleby & Dundas)

Rattle & Stroll – a boutique dedicated to baby essentials, had me on ‘cuteness overload’. Filled with toys, clothing, décor, and furniture – you’ll be surprised at the amount of, “Ooooo’s” and “awes” that will escape your lips whilst browsing the store. Since it’s important to keep the little munchkins in your life bundled up during the winter months (while making them look adorable, of course, at the same time) – I had no choice but to showcase these handmade daisy baby hats. Priced at only $28.99, how can you resist the urge to put these on any infant’s head?

Bark & Fitz (Appleby Line)

For the four-legged furry friends in our life – there is only one store that I go to; Bark and Fitz. Filled with wholesome food, treats, clothing, bedding, and toys – this boutique is perfect for any cat or dog lover out there.  If your furry best friend likes to head outdoors and is in need of a jacket, the Canadian pooch coats are a great choice. Offered in several colours and of great quality to keep your pet warm – you can be sure the gift recipient will receive a slobbery, happy smile when being taken for a walk. If toys for your pet or someone else’s are what you’d prefer – there are numerous holiday stuffed toys for cats and dogs available, also.

So, after you’ve written your gift list, and checked it twice – head out to Burlington’s boutiques. Grab a coffee to sip on and browse the charming stores. This will not only ensure continued sanity throughout the season, but will also have everyone raving about the gifts you gave them. Everyone will not only be inquiring where you picked up the fabulous goodies, but will also be secretly hoping to be picked by you for Secret Santa next year.

Happy Holidays!

Warmest wishes,

Christie Ressel

Christie is an International Image Consultant, Editor, and expert shopper that helps women find their own signature style. She is the Editor­in-Chief for FashionTranslated.com. She and her company, PersonalPower Image are regularly featured in the media and press such as CosmoTV, Chatelaine Magaine, Huffington Post, Lucky Magazine, and more. Having delivered hundreds of lectures and interviews across North America on style and fashion, and seen even more closets --  she is the go to fashion and style expert.

What to do in Burlington on Thanksgiving Weekend

It’s the long weekend and you have three days to fill with family, fun and food…here are some of the great events happening this weekend:

ZimSculpt, Royal Botanical Gardens

Stone sculptures of Zimbabwe created right before your eyes.  The award-winning Zimbabwean stone sculpture exhibit, ZimSculpt at Royal Botanical Gardens runs to Monday October 8th. Mining the richness of Zimbabwe’s geology, featured artists Patrick Stephani and Passmore Mupindiko have created powerful works of art that depict the stories of the natural world and the culture and traditions of their home land, as well as abstract forms that are powerfully evocative. 

ZimSculpt, a non-political company based in Harare, Zimbabwe, represents over 100 sculptors from across the country. Royal Botanical Gardens is the exclusive Canadian host of this award-winning Zimbabwean stone art exhibit. Over 300 hand-made sculptures will accentuate the blooms of Hendrie Park, creating a unique outdoor gallery where visitors can view sculpture, meet the artists and purchase one of these remarkable works.

"Wrong for Each Other", Drama Centre – Oct 4-6     

A comedy by Norm Foster - Directed by Tom Mackan, Produced by Peter Malysewich

Widely praised, this terrific play comes with all of life's reality enough to keep audiences totally involved, laughing and deeply moved at the same time. When Foster gets his genius working on a relationship between a man and woman, the exploration grabs us and keeps us fully engaged. Rudy and Norah meet quite accidentally after over three years of divorce and they set off on a memory trip of discovery that is classic in its telling. This is a near masterpiece of writing with dialogue astounding in its understanding of people and how they cope. And don't forget, ever so funny and moving for all that. Ticket information available here

Saturdays in the Square, Civic Square

Walk, shop, and dine in our city's beautiful Downtown.  Playing Live in Civic Square, on Saturday October 6th - Aaron Griggs & Special Guest plus food from Downtown Bistro.

         

Fall into Nature, 6 Conservation Halton Parks

Conservation Halton's Fall into Nature festival celebrates the spectacular landscapes and colours of the Niagara Escarpment. It takes place over five days on two weekends in October – Thanksgiving weekend (October 6 to 8) and the weekend of October 13 and 14. Festival events run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at all six of Conservation Halton's main parks: Crawford Lake, Hilton Falls, Kelso, Mountsberg, Mount Nemo and Rattlesnake Point Conservation Areas.   
Residents and visitors alike are invited to join us in celebrating autumn at this fun filled festival great for people of all ages.  Fall into Nature festival activities include:

·         Chairlift rides to the top of the escarpment with spectacular views

·         Self-guided and interpreter led tours through our many trails and landscapes

·         Wagon/tractor rides through the parks

·         Educational and interactive programs (visit an Iroquoian Village, learn about the science of nature)

·         Live performances (music, First Nations dancers)

·         Demonstrations (Bird of Prey shows, Reptile shows, mountain biking)

·         Various other activities (children's activities, BBQs, pumpkin picture patches)

·         And more!

Harvest Festival, Springridge Farm   

Weekends including Thanksgiving Monday. Harvest Festival activities are 10am until 4pm.  Admission: $10. per person, ages 2-92 (includes HST)

Springridge Harvest Festival is Great Fun for the whole family!  There is no charge to visit the farm market, bakery, gift shop.  

Climb to the escarpment lookout to view the fall colours too!

Families will enjoy:

A Professional Puppet Show "The Great Pumpkin Mix-Up"

·         Wagon ride to the 5-acre Corn Trail

·         Spooky Boo Barn

·         Spiderweb Climber

·         Farm Yard Pipe Slide

·         Access to the Fun Farm Yard: Farm Animal Barn, Escarpment Educational Lookout, Giant Sandbox, Plywood Milking Cow, Witches Mouth Corn Trail, Tricky Trails Corn Maze, Straw Bale Jumping & Pyramids

·         Optional Pony Rides $3 a child

·         Weekend BBQ

For more ideas on what to see and do visit us at our Visitor Centre open this weekend Saturday (10am-3pm), Sunday (10am-2pm) and Monday (10am-3pm) or on our website, twitter or facebook

Burlington - what we are thankful for

It seems like just yesterday that summer ended and we bid adieu to our student travel counselors but now I look at the calendar and realize that Thanksgiving is just around the corner.  By the nature of the name of Thanksgiving you know what to expect and I am no different, taking some time to reflect and be grateful for all that I have both in a physical and emotional sense.  And while I am thankful for the obvious things (health, family, friends…) I am also aware that there is a lot we can be thankful for living in a country like Canada and in the city of Burlington.

Here are some of the things we at Tourism Burlington are thankful for (in no particular order)

photo courtesy Dan Banko

Our walkable downtown - There are not a great deal of cities that boast such a beautiful and vibrant downtown and while that might seem somewhat trivial, I think it is one of the most appealing things about our city.  Our downtown is ripe with amazing eateries, one of a kind boutiques and shops, and plays host to many events throughout the year.

 

Our fabulous Performing Arts Centre – In only its second season the Burlington Performing Arts Centre has already had over 30,000 people come through its doors to experience a wide range of music, dance and theatre.  The upcoming year will be no exception with a terrific line-up of performers and new programming such as the “Classically Yours…” and Theatre series that will engage and entice visitors both new and returning.

Our sports community – Burlington is home to an active sporting community at all levels of sport.  Our city is host to hundreds of tournaments, runs and competitions throughout the year including the annual Santa 5k, Shoe hockey tournament, Spring Cup Gymnastics Invitational and more.

Our festivals and events – with Lake Ontario as a backdrop, Spencer Smith Park is home to many events such as the ever popular Sound of Music Festival and Ribfest but it doesn’t end there, Burlington has great events throughout the year.  You can explore fall colours at Fall in Nature, welcome Santa at the Holiday Parade, stroll through the gardens during the spring bloom celebratons at the Royal Botanical Gardens and during the summer there are always lots of events to choose from.  We would also be remiss if we didn’t thank all the hard-working volunteers that make these festivals and events happen.  

Our great outdoors – Burlington is fortunate to be just a stone throw away from some of the prettiest natural areas in Ontario.  With a beautiful waterfront, hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails, six conservation areas and a Provincial Park there is ample opportunity to get out and enjoy the great outdoors.  From the weekend explorer to the avid adventurer, there is something for everyone.  

Our heritage – Burlington has a rich history and is home to two museums that reflect our unique heritage.  You can pick up a copy of the heritage walking tours at our Visitor Centre then stroll the downtown or art centre neighbourhood on a self-guided tour (outside only) of the many historic properties in our core. 

Photo courtesy of Rolly Astrom

Our arts community – not many people know but the Burlington Art Centre is home to the world’s largest collection of contemporary Canadian ceramics and is home to seven guilds. They regularly features exhibitions in various mediums in addition to their permanent collection.  In addition to The BAC, Burlington has a large arts community of working artists and studios.  Art in Action has a studio tour in November each year which gives residents and visitors to get up close and personal with local artists.  There are also several other studios, galleries and shops that are open to the public and operate year round including Artists Walk in historic Village Sqaure.

Our culinary scene – Burlington is becoming known as a dining destination with the variety and unique offerings of larger metropolitan cities combined with the accessibility and service of a small town.  We have amazing chefs working magic in their kitchens and offering up gourmet fare.  From the culinary stylings of Chef Matteo at Blacktree to the local fare from Chef Tobias at Red Canoe Bistro and Chef Andrew at Spencers on the Waterfont you are sure to find something to suit your tastes at any budget.

We want to wish you a happy Thanksgiving from all of us here at Tourism and if you need assistance finding great things to see and do in Burlington drop by our Visitor Centre, give us a call or visit our website.

Tourism Burlington celebrates National Tourism Week with 2 contests!

Every day the staff at Tourism Burlington are busy working to promote our great city to visitors and residents.  Once a year Canada takes a week to celebrate tourism and we couldn’t be more excited!  National Tourism Week runs from Monday May 14th to Sunday May 20th and we are going to be promoting the “hidden gems” of Burlington.

At tourism we love to have fun and what is more fun than a contest with a chance to win great prizes?  We’ll tell you – it’s two contests!

The first contest is our Attractions “Hidden Gems” contest.  Each day a member of our tourism team will become a hidden gem at our local attractions.  Follow us on Twitter with hashtag #HiddenGemsBurl for hints to help you be the first person to find us on location* and win a gift valued at $50.00 compliments of the attraction we are visiting. *you must find us in person to win

Once we are found we will tweet our exact location at the attraction so you can meet up with us and pick up your free Tourism souvenir and our 2012-13 visitor guide. We will give you a hint now…we’ll be the ones wearing the green tourism golf shirt or jacket. Plus we’re giving you a schedule of where we will be so you just need to follow us on Twitter and head to the location(s) of the day to find us.

Monday May 14th we will be heading to Bronte Creek Provincial Park** and Springridge Farm.  At Bronte Creek you will be challenged to find us in the park that includes over 10km of trails, an 1800’s farmhouse, a children’s play barn and a campground.  The first person to find us at this location will win Ontario Parks gift certificates and a 500ml bottle of Bronte Creek Maple Syrup. What a delicious prize! With so many great hiding places we don’t know where to pick.  Next we will head to Springridge Farm and while we would like to just sit in the bakery all day and enjoy their delicious baked goods we might be a bit too obvious.  However, there are lots of nooks and crannies within the gift shop and bakery/café or maybe we’ll head outside and spend our time in the family fun yard or a top the escarpment lookout.  One thing is for sure, we never leave the farm empty handed and neither will you.

Tuesday May 15th you can find us at the Royal Botanical Gardens** and The Crossroads Centre.  The Royal Botanical Gardens is a great location to explore and you might find us inside the RBG Centre hiding amongst the indoor blooms or checking out the gift shop.  Maybe we’ll tuck ourselves away somewhere in the 400 acres of display gardens. Our choices include the Rose Garden/Hendrie Park Gardens, the Laking Garden or with the tulips (which are in bloom) at the Rock Garden.  Be sure to leave some extra time to visit the RBG after you find us, you won’t be disappointed. We are looking forward to heading to Crossroads Centre for the afternoon.  This hidden gem is celebrating it's 50th anniversary this year with many excitingevents.  We are excited about with all the unique hiding spots we have to choose from. Will we be in the studio where 100 Huntley Street is telecast live daily. Maybe we will be at one of the stops along the way during a tour of their state-of-the-art facilities. (Conducted every Monday through Friday at 8:30 am - 1:00 pm).  We could be enjoying a bite at the Towne Square Cafe or maybe relaxing somewhere along the Walk Of Faith. If you have not had the chance to visit Crossroads Centre, we would encourage you to make this one of your stops.  The first person to find us at this location will win a gift bag with some goodies inside, a free lunch at the Towne Square (for that day) and a $50 donation in your name to one of the various humanitarian projects Crossroads has partnered with this year (Wells for clean water in Uganda, Children in Cambodia who are victims of human trafficking, an orphanage in Ukraine, or slums of Calcutta).  Wow something for you and something to give back!

Wednesday May 16th we head mid-town to Burlington Mall & the Burlington Mall Farmers’ Market.  We’ll start our day outdoors at the Burlington Farmers’ Market (open 8am-2pm). You will find everything from apples to zucchini at the market and I know we will be loading up on delicious local food while we are here. Will you find us munching on Shriner's Creek Kettle Popcorn, buying some spring annuals from  Hutchinson Farm or noshing on some yummy produce from one of the many vendors here at the market…you’ll have to wait and see.  Next we head indoors to the Burlington Mall. You will need to stay focused which is challenging when there are so many great stores to shop in.  From department stores to specialty shops we have a lot of choices if we decide to go “in-store” or we might hunker down in the food court and enjoy a bite to eat. We’d probably stand out on the kids rides in the mall but there are lots of spots for us to sit and people watch while we wait for you to find us. 

Thursday May 17th we take on Downtown Burlington and because there are a plethora of locations to choose from we’ve decided to hide twice!  We love hunting for unique items at the downtown shops that feature everything from fashion to furnishings which would be perfect for multi-tasking – who says you can’t shop and be a “hidden gem” at the same time?  There is always the chance we will hide out at one of the great eateries - do we slip into a cosy bistro or chill out on a patio, so many choices.  Maybe we’ll park ourselves in Village Square in the heart of downtown or relax at an outdoor locale.  We know that we will find the perfect spots and we hope you have fun finding us.

Friday May 18th is going to be a great day.  We visit the Joseph Brant Museum** and the Burlington Art Centre.  Joseph Brant Museum is not only a big part of Burlington history, it’s also home to many collections and historical information and this year they celebrate their 70th anniversary! So the question is where will you find us? Will we be checking out The Gilded Age: In Pursuit of Pleasure - Fashion in Edwardian Times exhibit in the Eileen Collard Gallery or soaking up some history in the Burlington History Gallery. Even if you are not the first to find us your trip to the museum will be worth it. But if you are the first person to find us at this location you will win a prize pack of goodies from the Museums of Burlington gift shop!  After our visit to the museum we will be heading across the street to the Burlington Art Centre.  For those that haven’t been, we can tell you that it’s home to seven guilds and the world’s largest collection of contemporary Canadian ceramics.  But what you want to know is where to find us.  We could be viewing one of the many exhibits on display including High and Low, the work of Sour Cherry Pottery artists Tony and Sheila Clennell, Immigrant: New Works by Rosemary Sloot  or the Burlington Guild of Handweavers and Spinners - Juried Exhibition.  However, we do enjoy shopping as you have probably guessed by now so we might be found in the Art Etc. Gallery Shop wandering the aisles trying to decide which one of a kind piece we’d like to add to our collection.

Saturday May 19th we take on the great outdoors with a visit to Crawford Lake Conservation Area**.  Conservation Halton has six amazing parks and Crawford Lake is one of our favourites.  The 15th century Iroquoian Village would make a perfect hide-out with its rustic longhouses. Did you know that Crawford Lake is a rare meromictic lake? Perhaps we’ll spend our time cruising the surrounding boardwalk or find a spot along the 19km of trails (which connect to the Bruce Trail!).  Plan to spend the day at this location, there is so much to see and do!

Sunday May 20th we continue our visits to Conservation Halton parks with a trip to Mount Nemo** and we will also be heading to Ireland House at Oakridge Farm**. Mount Nemo has one of the best cliff ecosystems on Ontario’s Niagara Escarpment and your challenge will be to find us somewhere in the midst of the boulders and cedars along the trails.  Visiting Ireland House is like stepping back in time as you tour the house that reflects the life and times of three generations of the Ireland family. This means that we will probably be easy to spot in our modern garb – maybe they will lend us a period piece to wear.  Of course at Ireland House we also have the option to head outdoors and pick a spot somewhere on the 4 acres of woodland, gardens, outbuildings and picnic areas.  If you want to get a head start scoping out this location be sure to visit the Queen's Jubilee Mother's Day Royal Tea on Sunday May 13th. If you are the first person to find us at this location you will win a prize pack of goodies from the Museums of Burlington gift shop!

We hope you have an opportunity to get out and visit the attractions in our “Hidden Gems” contest.  Remember to follow us on twitter for exact times and location clues at #HiddenGemsBurl. 

**Entrance fees are applicable at these locations.

If you think you know Burlington then this is the contest for you. Our second and equally awesome contest is the “Hidden Gems” photo contest.  Every day from Monday May 14 – Sunday May 20 we will be posting the “hidden gem” photo on our website, facebook and twitter.  Name the location of the “hidden gem” photo of the day by commenting on the photo via facebook or tweeting the location to us with the hashtag #HiddenGemsBurl.  One correct entry will be chosen at random each day and will receive a prize valued at $50.00.

Last but not least we want to remind everyone that there are lots of ways to celebrate Burlington and be a tourism ambassador.  Send an e-card, enjoy our local sites and attractions with a stay-cation, and encourage your friends and family to come and visit (don’t worry we have the perfect guest suite for them).

Happy National Tourism Week from all of us at Tourism Burlington!

Downtown is Alive with Santas & Lights

Have you ever seen almost 4,000 Santas all in one place?  This Saturday December 10th, Santas of all shapes, sizes and ages will be running amok in the downtown when they participate in Canada’s largest 5k Santa Run.  All race entrants receive a Santa suit which they wear for the duration of the race.  This event is organized by VR Pro and some of the proceeds are donated to St. John’s Ambulance here in Burlington.  This event is so fun and quirky it has been featured on the Canadian Runner Magazine website.  Gotta love that! 

When you see all these red and white Santas laughing and jogging along the waterfront route,  it really gets you in the holiday spirit.  If running is not for you, be a cheerleader by lining the race route and encouraging the racers, it is really something to see!  The race begins at 9 a.m. at Pearl and James St. and the runners head east along scenic Lakeshore Rd., north on Maple Ave., and then cut back through quiet residential streets towards downtown where the race ends on Lakeshore just east of Pearl St.

Check out this video of the 2010 race.

While you are downtown you can also get in a little holiday shopping at the unique boutiques and then enjoy some lunch at one of the fabulous bistros, cafes or restaurants.  Don’t forget to stop in and see us at the visitor information centre and pick up information on things to see and do in Burlington over the holidays or get some great stocking stuffers such as books, t-shirts and other city souvenirs.  If you say you read this blog we will even give you a gift!  You can also enter into a draw brought to you by Burlington Downtown to win 1 of 2 - $500 shopping sprees during the month of December from downtown merchants.  Now that helps with your nice and naughty list!

The downtown is a magical place to visit in December especially after dark with everything decorated for the holidays.  Downtown merchants have enthusiastically decorated their storefront windows with various holiday themes, the lampposts and trees are alight on the major routes and best of all Spencer Smith Park is ablaze with the Lakeside Festival of Lights.

Include visiting the lights as part of your family’s annual traditions.  The holidays would not be the same without a drive past the Burlington Teen Tour Band red coats that line Lakeshore Rd. or a walk through the park on a crisp winter evening surrounded by the many glowing lights from numerous displays.  There is no entrance fee to the Festival of Lights, it is a gift to the community thanks to the efforts of volunteers and the support of many generous sponsors  that make the festival possible every year. The Festival is in its 16th year and glowing and runs nightly until January 12th, 2012.  We suggest that you park in the parking garage, it is free after 6 p.m. and then walk along Lakeshore to Brant St. and down the stairs or roadway into the park.  If the cold weather continues you can bring your skates and test out the rink at the Rotary Centennial Pond at the west end of the park.  As I am writing this I clicked on the waterfront web cam and the mini zamboni is clearing the ice, so it is looking good! Check out the website before you go to make sure the rink is open.

The Tourism elves decorated our window in the theme Holiday at Home this year and we featured various local attractions that you should check out during the holidays, including the RBG, Art Centre, Museums, Performing Art Centre, Conservation Halton parks, Bronte Creek etc.  Although we never seem to win the window competition, we have fun decking the halls and hope that our partners see some increased visitation from this promotion. 

Hope you Holiday at Home this year, bring friends and family to events, attractions and to dine and shop and enjoy everything Burlington has to offer.

tourburlgirl