Best Dog Park

I have done alot of driving between Burlington and Waterdown over the years... A few years ago I found a new route to travel between them... up King Road north of the North Service Road.     It really is pretty drive, especially at this time of year.   The route is tree lined, barely any traffic, wildlife, windy road and such a peaceful route.    Halfway up King Road, I would notice a little park called Bayview Park that was always bustling with lots of dogs running around.   

This week, I was cutting through King Road, enjoying the amazing fall colours and I had a few minutes so I decided to pull off and watch the activity at Bayview Park.     The spot itself is stunning at this time of year.     Beautiful fall foilage, view of the Skyway Bridge and just the amazing peace and quiet.     There is a very large fenced in area where the dogs are free to run around carefree without leash.

Many owners meet there and let their dogs play together.    Some people show up and meet new people and dogs.     One lady there I saw must have either been a dog walker or worked in a kennel as she she had about 6 dogs!    All of them well trained and happily roaming around and the unmistakeable whistle called them all to her side immediately.

I don't have a dog, but I imagine that if I did, this would be an ideal place to bring my dog to have playdates with other dogs.

The park is serviced by the City of Burlington and you can also see areas nearby that cater to model airplane/rocket launching and there is also a ball diamond on the property.

http://cms.burlington.ca/Page421.aspx

Best All Day Breakfast

Nothing I love better than Sunday morning brunch or breakfast out.    My husband loves to have breakfast anytime of the day!    When we find a great all day breakfast menu, then we have a new restaurant to add to our choice of places to go out to eat.

We had the pleasure of eating at AJ's Grill this past Monday.    It was Thanksgiving Monday, and my inlaws were visiting so we decided to go out for late brunch/early dinner.      They have such a great selection on the menu you can get everything from Breakfast items (all day), to sandwiches, burgers, wraps plus full dinner entrees!    A bonus for our family was they also offer a children's menu AND a Senior's Menu!!!

Since it was Thanksgiving, my husband and his mom had the Turkey Dinner special which was excellent.    My father in law had the Steak Dinner which he enjoyed very much.    I had the Chicken Parmigian which was very good and my daughters both had the Chocolate Chip Pancakes.    The portions were huge for all meals.     You will not leave here hungry.    

The staff were absolutely lovely.     We had great service from our server and could not have had a better experience overall.      Everyone's food was tasty, hot, freshly made and the prices were very reasonable.     The restaurant itself had contemporary upscale diner decor.    Great atmosphere!

If it is breakfast items you are looking for, you will not want for anything... they have everything from pancakes/waffles/french toast, eggs, bacon/sausage, homefries, eggs benedict and omelettes.

You can check out AJ's menu on-line at   www.ajsgrill.ca  or visit their restaurant at 94 Dundas Street East in Waterdown (in the plaza just east of Walmart beside Pita Pit)

Best Office Supplies Store

I love the small town merchants of Waterdown.   They give the town character, and many of the local shops are a destination place for shopping, bringing in people from outside of our lovely town.

With the quick growth of the town, there has also been growth of big retailers to town as well.     As a business person working in Waterdown, I am so happy that I no longer have to drive into Burlington or Ancaster anymore to pick up supplies for my office that weren't carried at any of the shops in town.    Staples has arrived in Watedown (like a month ago!!!) and I finally made it in there this week to check them out.

I have been saving my money, and decided to jump in and get an iPad.    My first Mac product!      Not long after going into the store on a quiet Tuesday afternoon, I was being helped.    I learned all there was to know about the different versions, costs and how they could operate the way I wanted within my budget.     I was helped by "Pedro" who was so fantastic.     He knew the product inside and out, knew what each version could offer me exactly what I needed and hooked up all my technology (blackberry, emails accounts and set up my Apple id and accounts).      Setting those things up can be so frustrating, so to have the friendly, helpful services of Pedro guiding me through the process, it really brought home the Staples slogan to me "that was easy".

I've always been a Staples shopper, but the staff at the Waterdown store are so fantastic....  I will only shop that Staples store and support them in our community.     I'm so grateful to Pedro and recommend you seek him out if you are looking for Technical Sales and Support.     He knows it all!

I also really love that you can take your used printer ink cartridges, batteries and old electronic office equipment in to be recycled or disposed of.     

Best Dundas Festival

36 years ago, the Hamilton District Chamber of Commerce and the Dundas Jaycees began looking for a focus around which to build a community festival.

Dundas, already internationally recognized for the Cacti produced by the local Ben Veldhuis Cactus Greenhouses, the group received Ben’s approval of the name, “Cactus Festival”.  The first festival lasted 9 days, and began with a parade.   It featured sports events, a film night, a casino night, a dance at the community center, and midway rides in Dundas driving park.    Over the years, it grew and in 1979, the downtown merchants agreed to hold their sidewalk sale as part
of the Festival.  Other craft vendors and exhibitors were invited too.

The festival moved to King St. and the reputation of the festival grew, year by year. For the sum of $1.00, the Jaycees sold the rights to the Town. Since 1979, the festival has been tirelessly organized by local volunteers; The Cactus Festival Committee.

Occurring every 3rd weekend in August, ‘Cactus’ attracts visitors from across the nation and is the unofficial ‘homecoming’ event for any and all who have lived in the community.   

This event began tonight... Friday August 17th, and runs until Sunday August 19th.     Some of the activities you can enjoy this weekend are:   Cactus Family Fun Zone, Cactus Fun Zone Stage (children's acts, entertainment & artists), Cactus Red Carpet Meet & Greet (with animated/cartoon characters), Cactus Express Train, and the Fortino's 8th Annual Baby Cactus Contest (happening Sat. August 18th for babies 3-18 months old... every baby entered is recognized and receives and official Cactus Tumbleweed Certificate).    For a list of the activities in the Family Fun Zone and times for the judging of the baby contest, check out  http://www.dundascactusfest.ca/Family_Fun_Zone_DundasCactusFestival.html

While this is a great event for families, there is lots to do for everyone.     Maybe you'd enjoy Art in the Alley, shopping with over 100 vendors, the midway/amusements or take in many of the great acts that will be on the 3 main stages.     Big name acts that will be performing on Saturday evening are "The Spoons" at 630pm and "Honeymoon Suite" at 8pm.    For a list of all acts on the three stages, all weekend long, please visit http://www.dundascactusfest.ca/Events_and_Entertainment_at_The_Festival.html

Admission is FREE to this great Dundas event.

Best Ice Cream Festival

Gosh, need I say more!   You had me at Ice Cream....  This year marks the 8th Annual Westfield Heritage Ice Cream Festival.

Westfield is the perfect setting for families and friends to spend the day not only learning about the history of ice cream, but tasting it too!    There are various demonstrations of historical methods of making ice cream throughout the village... whether it be shaken, hand cranked or motor churned.    You will find ice cream samples in many of the different buildings.

Patrons can also purchase Breyers Ice Cream Cones or Top-Your-Own Sundaes in the Ironwood Ice Cream Parlour.   Those wishing to have more filling food can purchase hotdogs, hamburgers, french fries plus soft serve ice cream in the picnic area.    Also in the picnic area will be DJ Rock'n Ray Michaels, Cartoon Bob and some special performances.

Visitors to this years festival will be treated to a step back in time to an Edwardian Carnival.    There will be carnival games, visit animals in the barn,  free horse and wagon rides and even listen to the pitch of an old fashioned travelling salesman.  

On Sunday, at the Bandstand location will be early Canadian music from 1 til 4 with a couple of 15 minute presentations at 1pm and 330pm called "Looking back to 1912".   From noon til 4pm in the Mountsberg Church will be Babette Puppet Theatre.

On Monday, from 1 til 2pm in the Bandstand will be the Royal Scottish Country Dancers, from 2 til 3pm in the Bandstand will be the Dundas Concert Band, and again from noon til 4pm in the Mountsberg Church will be Babette Puppet Theatre.

The festival takes place Sunday August 5th, 2012 and Monday August 6th, 2012 from 10am to 4pm.   For more information please visit www.westfieldheritage.ca

Best Unique Accessories

I love shopping local and I love to browse unique shops where you can find merchandise that is makes a community a destination place to shop.      My mom, grandmother and I were shopping on Concession Street in Hamilton last week and came across a really great shop for ladies.

Linseed's, is a wonderful shop that has all kinds of unique accessories and items.     You can find co-ordinating jewelery sets (earrings, necklace... maybe a ring or bracelet), shoes and purses, scarves, watches, one of a kind jewelery, fascinators, headbands, jeweled combs/barretts and even some wall art.  I found lots of beautiful and different Breast Cancer accessories too. 

The greatest part about the store is everything is already grouped for you by colour.      They had everything you'd need grouped for you in green, orange, yellow, red, blue, black, pink or purple etc....    At Linseed's you will find special occasion jewelery that has a little more bling, or you can find lots of great everyday costume jewelery that is great to accessorize with outfits for work.   You can also find some lovely bridal accessories too.

They even carry name brands like Nine West, and I found the prices to be really really good.    So the next time you have a special occasion coming up or have a specific colour of accessory that you are having trouble finding to go with your outfit, check out Linseed's in Hamilton at 542 Concession Street (just east of Upper Wentworth) near the Zarky's.    Just look for the red awning and enjoy shopping at Linseed's!

   

Best Liquidation Sale

As much as I am looking forward to seeing Target come to town next spring, I am sad to see another Canadian store going out of business.    Our local Zellers will close it's doors on September 15th.     Total liquidation of the store has begun.     Even the fixtures of the store and cart corrals in the parking lot are for sale!      Currently, promotions say that there are "up to 40%" selected items.     I have been to the store several times over the last couple of weeks looking for bargains, and yes there is a clearance area where things are 40% off, but mostly everything is 20% off.     Still a great discount and great to go in now while there is still some selection available.     

Right now they are having their mid-summer blowout.    So in additional to the the sale prices, SAVE an EXTRA 50% off all Previously Reduced Fashion & Footwear and SAVE 40% off all Yellow ticket Bedding. PLUS Clearance coupon Savings! Ends July 19th.     To get your clearance coupon please visit....     https://www.facebook.com/ZellersCanada/app_190322544333196

To stay informed on all their sales and get on-line coupons, make sure you "Like"  Zellers Canada on Facebook.