Food For Thought: That’s The Way The Cookie Crumbles

FOOD FOR THOUGHT FOOD FOR THOUGHT

THIS ISSUE FEATURES . . .

Cookie Bar 1598 Wyandotte Street East, Windsor

By David Clark Photos courtesy of staff at Cookie Bar

The aroma emanating from trendy Olde Walkerville could soon bring you to a new one-stop location to find your favourite dessert choices in the area, that’s worthy of your investigation.

Having opened early this year, Cookie Bar joined forces with the neighbouring Klueless Cupcakes, sharing the kitchen with store space, but still two separate businesses.

In particular with the Cookie Bar, this unique business is all about gourmet cookies of every kind.

Owner/Operator, Brent Phillips is the baker and creates all the recipes, initiates deliveries and handles the social media posts with girlfriend Anna Eschuk who also shares in many of the other responsibilities at the shop.

“We make everything we can from scratch, using real ingredients like butter, eggs and lots of sugar,” Phillips indicates. “Each cookie is well over a quarter of a pound. We strive to give our customers the highest quality cookie they have ever had. We try to set ourselves apart by being creative and innovative with every recipe we create.”

It’s like picking a favourite child — and there are a few standout products that keep them coming back.

However, Phillips reveals that one cookie may stand at the forefront, the flavourful E=PBC (squared) or Eat=Peanut Butter Chocolate cookie squared.

“This cookie is loaded with chocolate, homemade peanut butter cups, covered with

Brent Phillips and Anna Eschuk welcome you to come on in and savour some of their baked goodies.

peanuts and Reese’s chips,” according to Phillips. “Even Einstein couldn’t come up with a better equation!”

Eschuk suggests trying the Old Fashion, the classic chocolate chip cookie, the one you loved for years. Also, an honourable mention goes to the Cookie Dough Birthday Cake topped with sprinkles.

The Irish Dream is every kid’s breakfast dream. A milky tasting cookie with white chocolate covered with Lucky Charms cereal.

Regarding The Stach with dark chocolate, toffee and topped with Pistachio, one person said they would give up their first born for it!

And premiering in late June, a Nutella stuffed cookie is now offered!

Individual cookies will run you $5. Also, if you seek variety, check out the cookie six-pack — six gourmet cookies at $25.

For special occasions or family events, look at the 1 1/2 lb cookie cakes, now available in four flavours. They serve one to 10 people, depending on who’s eating it!

As for the future; “We hope to offer cookies that are sensitive to a long list of allergies, but frankly we are not there just yet,” Eschuk states. “The best we can do right now is that some of our cookies do not have nuts and we do our very best to keep them separate and individually bagged for delivery. We are working on solutions to this. Special cookies for demanding diets and/or allergies are what we are looking into.”

On their website: CookieBar.ca, you can view every cookie they currently offer in the “On Tap” section. You pick a date for delivery (Windsor and all of Essex County) or pick up at the store — selecting the correct date you want is important.

After you make the date, you choose all the cookies you desire and submit your order — you should then receive an email confirmation. Then, cookies magically appear at your door!

Regarding delivery and pickup practices during the COVID-19 pandemic, they have the system down pat where all the rules are followed.

Phillips and Eschuk will be masked and gloved going to your location and the store is constantly being disinfected, gloves are worn, hands are washed and face masks utilized.

The prized E=PBC (squared) cookie, front and centre and the Cookie Dough Birthday Cake Cookie are a celebration with every bite.

“We want our cookies to be the best cookie you have ever experienced,” says Phillips. “We do not cut corners and we make everything we can from scratch. We want you to love the cookie as much as you love the experience of getting them. If that is delivery to your door or coming in and seeing us, we offer a COVID-19 safe environment.”

For the kid in all of us, no matter what your age, this is a breakfast dream cookie, covered with Lucky Charms cereal.

Under the same roof as the Cookie Bar, Klueless Cupcakes is the original operator at the location. The cupcake shop celebrated its seven year anniversary on July 20 of this year. With a variety of choices there are plenty of cupcakes to sink your teeth into such as: Turtles (the baker’s fav.), Salted Carmel, Canadian Maple Bacon, Cookies n’ Cream and more! Go to: Facebook.com/ KluelessCupcakes to see photos of what you can order, but try not to lick your computer screen, LOL!

According to Tim Klue, Owner, “We have adequate space for both of us at the shop. Their flourishing cookie business started here and they have helped me a lot, in many aspects, in moving along with my business. Between the two of us, we will always have your freshest dessert available.”

So what are you waiting for! For further information regarding hours, menu items and more, see their social media page: Facebook.com/CookieBarCookieBar.

Richard Peddie Turns The Page To Open Independent Bookshop As Community Hub In Amherstburg

The River Bookshop will offer over 6,000 book titles on a wide range of subjects when it opens in August 2020. The storefront at 67 Richmond Street in Amherstburg dates back to 1885, which in itself has many construction challenges. The plan is for the Fortis Construction Group Inc. to restore the exterior to how it would have looked in the 19th century, while creating a “Victorian new and now design” interior. Photo by Rod Denis.

Almost a decade removed from overseeing a $1.5 billion sporting behemoth, Amherstburg’s Richard Peddie is now a small business owner with a new bookshop in the heart of small town Ontario.

The former President and Chief Executive Officer of Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment (MLSE), which oversaw operations of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, Toronto FC, Toronto Marlies, Scotiabank Place, BMO Field, Ricoh Coliseum, two hotels, six restaurants and three television channels, Peddie is now looking forward to operating the River Bookshop in Amherstburg.

“I believe small towns and communities deserve great libraries and great bookshops,” says Peddie. “I’m investing in the community and if it happens to cost me a bit of money that’s fine.”

The shop was scheduled to open in mid-June after renovations began in March, but that had to be pushed back by two months because of COVID-19, explains Peddie.

The building at 67 Richmond Street dates back to 1885 and has housed a drug store, a clothing store and a number of lunch places over the years.

The exterior is being restored to its original glory, but the interior is getting a complete facelift with the exception of bricks taken from a former chimney, which are being used for a fireplace.

Fortis Construction Group Inc., 3070 Jefferson Boulevard in Windsor (FortisGroup.ca) is the general contractor in charge of the project.

This unique building is getting some well needed TLC while making it look “Victorian new and now”. Among the many renovations include: the company’s skilled carpenters have completely gutted the interior of the building down to the bare bones; a stucco cornice is added over the front of the building; a muralist

Former President and Chief Executive Officer of Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment, Richard Peddie is looking forward to creating a bookworm paradise in the ’Berg. He is pictured in the middle in this shot, during construction in June, with local workers from the Fortis Construction Group Inc: Denis Durette, Nathan Merritt, Duane Storie, David Brockman and Jamie Casey. Photo by Rod Denis.

is completing artwork to the east side of the building with quotes from famous authors; and there is all new electrical, plumbing, HVAC, windows, doors and flooring.

However, despite Amazon filling the role of the elephant in every retailer’s living room, Peddie truly feels independent bookshops are making a comeback because consumers are interested in a personal touch.

And with many people vowing to support local in the aftermath of COVID-19, his investment seems to be timed perfectly.

“Independent bookshops are making a comeback in the U.S. and while it’s taking a little longer in Canada, I think it will happen,” he believes. “Our advantage over many small bookshops is that we own the building so we’re not beholden to any landlords.”

Beyond being a champion for small businesses, Peddie has been active at the University of Windsor for more than 20 years and has received numerous awards and citations from his alma mater.

In 2012, the university and MLSE established the “Richard Peddie Leadership Initiative,” which is aimed at projects that will assess and develop leadership potential in students as well as across the wider community. And while this year’s program was cancelled because of the pandemic, Peddie is still enthusiastic about its future.

“It is one of the largest leadership symposiums in southern Ontario and our intent is to bring it back next year,” Peddie comments.

Peddie is also heavily involved in a business case competition by the Odette School of Business, scheduled for January, which brings in teams from across Ontario to compete in a pre-set competition.

Commercial • Industrial • Recreational Institutional Construction

WINDSOR

TORONTO LONDON

info@fortisgroup.ca fortisgroup.ca

Along with his wife Colleen, the couple live on Boblo Island and as a proud supporter of his hometown, Peddie is President of the Amherstburg Community Foundation, which, according to its mission statement, seeks to make Amherstburg the best small town in Ontario to live, to visit and to enjoy, as judged by its economy, quality of life, environment and inclusiveness.

“It was established over a decade ago and had largely gone dormant in recent years,” explains Peddie who was asked to take over the foundation by Town of Amherstburg Mayor Aldo DiCarlo about a year ago. “We put together a Board of Directors made up of community supporters and our first year of fundraising went extremely well.”

The foundation raised $240,000, which will be distributed among 14 local organizations. For further details and to see a list of their “Community Builders” (leaders who step up and declare they believe in Amherstburg and donate to help build a better town) please refer to: AmherstburgFoundation.org.

As for his love of books, Peddie comes by it honestly after becoming an avid reader throughout college and university.

“I never really had a mentor so I turned to books in both high school and university and I continued to do so during my career,” he states. “So, for me a bookshop is a natural progression of my lifelong interests.”

Peddie expects customers are going to find him working behind the counter on occasion.

There are also plans to use the shop’s second floor as a meeting place where authors can read from their works or simply where people can gather and talk about books and even the long history of Amherstburg.

Books will span a number of genres from urban studies to climate change and from racial equality to politics and everything in between.

The shop will be set-up in the manner of an old-fashioned store with comfortable chairs, a fireplace and sliding ladders to help customers retrieve items from higher shelves.

And visitors to the store can expect to see Peddie wearing an apron behind the counter or helping customers find that special book.

“I intend to be hands-on as much as possible as I have been throughout my working life,” Peddie expresses.

Peddie and Colleen (who is a Partner and Chief Financial Officer of three Toronto-based firms: Bensimon Byrne,

Narrative PR and OneMethod) are strong supporters of their hometown and he sees the bookshop as an investment in Amherstburg.

“Not everyone can run a bookshop as a philanthropic endeavour, but I can and I’m looking forward to opening,” he says.

But, while looking to the future, Peddie also casts a glance back at sports and what the sector is going through during this pandemic.

Prior to taking over MLSE in 1998, Peddie spent more than two decades as a high-level executive with a number of groups and organizations, including SkyDome, the Palestra Group, Labatt Communications, which is a subsidiary of Labatt Brewing Company, and the Toronto Raptors of the National

Basketball Association.

Peddie was running MLSE in 2003 when the SARS crisis hit Toronto in the middle of the National Hockey League playoffs.

“We were scheduled to play Philadelphia and we were worried we would have to shut the building down,” Peddie recalls. “With 20,000 people sitting in 21-inch wide seats, it was a definite concern, but we got clearance to play and we did.”

Richard Peddie (left) was a speaker at the“Top Employer Summit” held in Torontoin 2015 and had an opportunity to pose with former U.S. President Bill Clinton who gave the keynote address. Photo courtesy of Richard Peddie.

Peddie admits COVID-19 is a much more serious pandemic and that certain sectors including small businesses, sports and hospitality will have a more difficult time recovering.

“This is a game-changer,” Peddie believes. “Not only are owners losing ticket revenue, but they are also losing revenue from all the ancillary areas such as concessions, souvenirs, programs and parking.

Hockey is in a particularly difficult situation because so much of its revenues are derived from attendance and that will hit teams extremely hard with no fans in the seats.”

Peddie acknowledges he has no regrets about retiring and concludes with: “All in all, that experience was wonderful, but I’m glad I am now running a bookstore and not MLSE.”

For more information on the bookshop, visit the website: RiverBookshop.com or see their new social media page: Facebook.com/RiverBookshop.

uwindsor.ca

I am a registered nurse, registered pharmacist and local business owner. My journey to becoming a successful healthcare professional started at the University of Windsor’s Faculty of Nursing. The University provided me with a first-class education, stimulated a lifelong commitment to learning, and inspired me to pursue a career path that is focused on building a healthier and more compassionate community. I am proud to be part of the University’s exceptional alumni. We are all WINDSOR PROUD.”

Dorothy Leung, BScN 2008 Registered Nurse, Registered Pharmacist, Owner of Shoppers Drug Mart at Lauzon and Menard in Windsor

SPECIAL COUNTY SECTION The Summer Of Staycation

Feature Story By Dave Hall

The effects of COVID-19 are still reverberating throughout Windsor and Essex County’s tourism and hospitality sector.

Yet, there was a bit of good news on government funding to help deal with the fallout from the mandated shutdowns.

In late June it was announced that Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island (TWEPI) was awarded $629,788.40 through the Regional Relief and Recover Fund (RRRF), part of the $30 million issued by FedDev Ontario and administered by the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO).

“Tourism is a key driver of our regional economy in Windsor Essex, and this timely funding from our federal government allows organizations like TWEPI to help our tourism sector and the many businesses that depend on it, recover from COVID-19 and stand strong in our region,” states Irek Kusmierczyk, Member of Parliament for Windsor-Tecumseh and Parliamentary Secretary for the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion.

The RRRF was created to provide financial support to Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) across southern Ontario, like TWEPI, that have experienced significant revenue shortfalls since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

DMOs are an integral part of local tourism economies and will help drive visitors back into local communities as our provincial economy re-opens safely. This influx of visitors will help generate new revenues for tourism dependent operators and will be the catalyst for economic recovery across the province.

For now, it appears many area residents are staying close to home this summer instead of making extensive travel plans.

Luckily, there’s still plenty to see and do in our own backyard.

Day trips and short overnight jaunts can still be a great deal of fun, especially when they are taken so close to home in one of our many attractive and interesting nearby communities.

Even though our area awaits the move to Stage 3 of Ontario’s re-opening plan restaurants are back in business for patio dining, hotels and bed and breakfasts are in full swing, golf courses have re-opened and while most special events have been cancelled, communities are trying to fill the void with other inventive ideas.

Get those bags packed and ready for a few days of adventure right here in Essex County! In your travels, perhaps you will stay at The Grove Hotel in Kingsville, where upon check-in to one of their 18 rooms, you’ll see this creative display of suitcases as their front desk. Photo courtesy of Kerry Trepanier Photography.

Given the ever-changing landscape caused by the uncertainties of the virus, many restaurants can only offer curbside pickup, delivery or patio-only dining (at the time of writing in early July) could be open for full service (with possibly limited seating) by the time this issue is delivered to our region by Canada Post and is posted on: BizXmagazine.com.

Since the situation with the pandemic changes daily pertaining to openings and closings, please be sure to call ahead to confirm your destination is open the day you wish to visit and to also to learn of any COVID-19 measures required to enter.

Entrepreneurs in Amherstburg, Essex, Kingsville, Leamington and Pelee Island are eager to welcome new guests and old friends, so check out our suggestions in this feature story under the headers of STAY, PLAY & EAT . . . and don’t forget as well to do a little browsing at all the quaint shops in the region you come across on your travels.

AMHERSTBURG

STAY At the Bondy House Bed & Breakfast at 199 Dalhousie Street (BondyHouse.com), hosts Carolyn Davies and Merv Richards are ready to greet their guests in one of three themed rooms — all designed to reflect the history of our region.

“We have a Magnolia room, which recognizes our town’s contributions to the Underground Railroad; a Victorian and European room, which reflects our French and English heritage and a Dreamcatcher room to recognize the contributions to the region by our First Nations people,” Davies lists.

Richards and Davies are currently working on some adjustments such as offering a continental breakfast instead of a full breakfast at a communal table.

“Having breakfast together is one of the many great attractions to a Bed and Breakfast, but we have to adjust as we go,” Richards states.

The owners have also put a rigorous cleaning and sanitizing plan in place and certain common-area amenities have been removed to reduce the incidences of contact between guests.

“We’re in a great location in the middle of town and reservations are picking up again,” says Davies. “This is a historic moment in time and our guests understand what we have to do.” PLAY If you’re looking for something strenuous, yet relaxing or fun,

Amherstburg businesses feature open-air patios and retail shopping every weekend this summer, all in accordance with the Government of Ontario’s guidelines for physical distancing during COVID-19. Pictured is a couple toasting each other before ordering their meals from Artisan Grill, to be served on its extended patio across the street at the Gordon House.

but educational, you might want to try River Canard Canoe Co. (RiverCanardCanoe.ca) at 9350 Malden Road.

They offer canoe, kayak and paddleboard rentals, as well as overnight camping, along River Canard, plus special outings for corporate events, girls’ night out tours and ecology tours.

Floating serenely along the river, you will have a chance to see birds, butterflies, deer, ducks and waterfowl.

They also offer guided historical tours and a Moonfloat outing, which leaves before sunset and returns after midnight. EAT Visitors to Amherstburg can enjoy “Open Air Weekends” this summer (Friday through Sunday) which sees a three-block area along Dalhousie Street set up as a pedestrian-friendly area, allowing retail shops to set up and restaurants to open extended patios.

“It was a remarkable first weekend (June 26) and a great example of collaboration between all our businesses that recognize they are in this situation together and will get through it together,” says Anne Rota, The Town of Amherstburg’s Manager of Tourism and Culture (VisitAmherstburg.ca).

The designated area runs from Rankin Street to the Royal Canadian Legion building with King’s Navy Yard Park at its centre. Outdoor vendors can also operate in the designated area.

“We’ve been considering trying something like this for a few years and the current pandemic gave us a great opportunity to think outside the box and do it,” adds Rota.

Among the participating restaurants are: Chicano’s Tacos and Tequila, 219 Dalhousie; Waterfront Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt, 229 Dalhousie; Beacon Ale House, 239 Dalhousie; Riccardo’s

Dalhousie Street in Amherstburg is always a great spot to hang out as shown by this trio of customers who enjoy a drink and time together on the patio of the Beacon Ale House. Amherstburg photos courtesy of the Town of Amherstburg Tourism Department.

Italian Restaurant, 238 Dalhousie; Rosa’s Restaurant and Pizza, 61 Murray Street; Nuccelli’s Frozen Yogurt, 63 Richmond Street; and Lot 10 Brewing Company, 263 Dalhousie.

Others include Artisan Grill, 269 Dalhousie; Lord Amherst Public House, 273 Dalhousie; Legion #157, 281 Dalhousie; The Salty Dog, 237 Dalhousie; Burger 67, 67 Murray Street; and Caffeine & Co., 238 Dalhousie.

Discover an underwater paradise with Drexler Diving Systems in lower Lake Huron and the St. Clair River as seen in this photo taken June 28, 2020 capturing Bass and a school of Walleye. Photo courtesy of Mike Drexler and Drexler Diving Systems.

ESSEX, HARROW, COLCHESTER, MCGREGOR

STAY Business partners Gloria Cavenago and Linda Jeffery have owned the Magnolia Ranch in Harrow, at 178 County Road 50, since August 2019 and they’re looking forward to an uninterrupted summer and fall season.

“We opened in December last year and were just getting going when COVID-19 shut everything down,” explains Cavenago. “Over the past two weeks, we have been getting a lot of bookings and we’re filling up because people are looking for something fresh and interesting after being cooped up for so long.”

Situated on 10.5 acres of land with three rooms in the main house and another with a private entrance, Cavenago says guests have plenty of room to stay socially-distanced from each other.

“We’re within a few minutes of walking to three wineries and we’re getting reservations from groups who want to do winery tours combined with dinners and an overnight stay,” she says.

The B&B (MagnoliaRanch.ca) includes a stunning bridal suite, which Cavenago mentions is still getting booked even though many weddings have been delayed or scaleddown for the moment.

Both Cavenago and Jeffery work fulltime in addition to running their business. They spent hours painting and making changes to the 30-year-old house and fortunately, according to Cavenago, “We have identical tastes in decorating, which has made the transition very easy.”

Michael and Roberta Pillon have taken a holistic approach at their Cedar Circle Bed and Breakfast/Holistic Retreat where, in addition to four uniquely decorated rooms, guests can get a Reiki treatment and wander 10 acres of property replete with wild turkeys and deer.

A master Sunrise suite features wall inserts with glass bottles, which reflect the morning sun; the Star room uses the same technique and is decorated with whisky bottles while the Blue Moon room uses blue bottles to create a unique ambiance. There’s another room in the lower level, which includes an ensuite bathroom. (See the website: CedarCirclebnb.com)

“We’re also in the process of building an outdoor kitchen, which will feature a fireplace and pizza oven on one of our two expansive patios,” explains Michael.

Roberta anticipates accepting bookings in the near future when the re-opening process moves along a bit more.

“We’re close to area wineries, especially Oxley Estate Winery, and we’ll be helping our guests arrange winery tours to enhance their experience,” she adds.

The main building is constructed from cordwood with a unique grass roof. The property at 1270 Snake Lane in Harrow also has a number of bee hives, which guests are able to view with Michael’s guidance. PLAY There are any number of activities to fill a weekend or a mid-week getaway, including Sutton Creek Golf Club where play exploded once the go-ahead was announced by the provincial government.

Situated at 2135 County Road 12 in Essex, the scenic 18-hole layout is booked solid most mornings before it eases off in the afternoon, according to General Manager

Cory LaJeunesse.

“We had to scramble to get ready because the guidelines either kept changing or were not announced,” explains LaJeunesse. “For now, we require masks to enter the pro shop or clubhouse and we’ve adapted measures for our flags and removed common items such as ball washers and rakes.”

He continues, “We have a great patio for a post-round beer and burger, but we can’t use our pavilion yet. Business has been crazy because we’re picking up a lot of golfers who in past years would have crossed the border to play.”

Even with a long list of new rules, LaJeunesse says golfers understand the situation and are just happy to be back playing.

For information on new guidelines, green fees and tee-off times, visit their website: SuttonCreekGolf.com.

With the temporary closure of Colchester Beach because of social distancing infractions, Mike Drexler, Chief Instructor and Owner of Drexler Diving Tours,

is pivoting and conducting diving tours in the Sarnia-Lambton area.

“We had about nine people last weekend (in June) who registered with us and then met us for the tours near Sarnia,” explains Drexler. “We’d love to be doing it off Colchester, but until the beach re-opens we’re restricted in what we can do.”

Wearing regulators and masks underwater, divers have virtually no chance of becoming infected, Drexler claims.

His store remains open for sales of marine products and can be found at Unit 2, 470 Jackson Street in Colchester and on the web you can refer to: Drexler.ca.

And for those looking to step back in time, a tour of the Essex County Steam and Gas Engine Museum in Co-An Park at 11071 Concession 11 in McGregor, might be just the tonic for a leisurely afternoon. As of press time, the museum was temporarily closed, but potential visitors are asked to check: EssexSteamAndGasEngine.com for updates.

EAT The Wreck at Colchester Harbour

at 220 Jackson Street offers fish dishes, salads, burgers, wraps and tacos. For menu and hours for outdoor dining check out: TheWreck.ca.

On The Docks Bar & Grill, 103 King Street West also offers a variety of salads, fish dishes and burgers. Get more details at: Facebook.com/onthedocksharrow.

And the Essex location of Kabobgy is another popular spot at 58 Talbot Street North (Kabobgy.ca). Stop by for exceptional Mediterranean cuisine!

To see even more of their attractions, accommodations and places to dine in this area view: TourismEssex.ca.

KINGSVILLE

STAY The Grove Hotel and The Grove Brew House suffered through more than 500 cancellations when COVID-19 shut down the economy and while Kingsville only recently just moved to Stage 2 on July 7, a small amount of business is returning.

“We were starting to see it pick up again, but when it was announced we were staying in Stage 1, the cancellations started again,” comments Operations Manager Jennifer Flynn of the hotel located at 12 Main Street East (on the web: MyGroveHotel.com). “We’re not at zero when it comes to guests, but we are way off where we would normally be.”

Flynn, who has a health care background, says the hotel has implemented strict cleaning and sanitizing protocols to help

The Grove Hotel is a small boutique hotel, in an 1854 building, that’s giant on personality . . . as you can tell by the fun employees (from left) Lora Lecocq, Erika Brody, Terri Durand and Jennifer Flynn (front) had when taking this shot! Photo courtesy of Kerry Trepanier Photography.

make guests and staff feel as comfortable and safe as possible. All staff wear aprons, gloves and masks and there are longer gaps between bookings to enable staff to fully clean vacant rooms.

“The adjoining restaurant is a separate business and they’re able to offer takeout and delivery including beer,” Flynn points out. “They’ve adjusted their menu to include items that travel well and a lot of people are picking up food and heading out to one of the wineries for a picnic, which is a great idea.”

Also situated in Kingsville, Adams Golden Acres Motel has been in business since 1956 and it’s ready to welcome visitors to stay in one of its 27 rooms.

Experience fore yourself Kingsville Golf & Country Club, a championship quality course, offering 27 holes inundated with trees, traps, hills, water and wildlife. Photo courtesy of Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island.

Heather Adams, who co-owns the motel with husband Robert and father in law Bernard, informs Biz X the motel has lost some business due to local festival cancellations so there are vacancies and now is the time to call and book a room for a night or two while exploring the area.

“We’re getting a few bookings and we expect to get some more as people become restless to do something and begin to feel more comfortable venturing out,” says Heather. “We’ve always prided ourselves on the cleanliness of our rooms of course, but we’re now doing deep cleaning and sanitizing between guests.”

The motel is located at 438 Main Street West. For further information and to make reservations, go to: AdamsGoldenAcres.com. PLAY Kingsville Golf & Country Club is back in business offering challenging rounds of golf over its 27-hole layout. However, there are strict protocols in place to keep golfers safe and healthy, including the removal of rakes and ball washers and the use of customized flags and plastic screens in golf carts. The dining room and snack bar are open only for takeout, at the moment.

“It’s a different world, but people understand what we have to do and there has been nothing but co-operation from everyone,” states General Manager Doug Quick. “People are willing to grin and bear it so they can get back to playing golf.”

Quick adds that the weather has been perfect and the golf course is in great shape. The club is located at 640 Essex County Rd. 20. To learn more about tee-off times, log on to: KingsvilleGolf.com. EAT Grab a tasty meal at one of the town’s many great restaurants and head for a scenic spot on the lake or a nearby park and enjoy the view and the beautiful sunny weather.

Among the restaurants offering takeout and patio dining (if available) are: Jack’s GastroPub, 31 Division Street South; Wineology, 19 Main Street East; Mettawas Station Italian Mediterranean Grill, 169 Lansdowne Street; The Grove Brew House, 12 Main Street East; Beach House Grill, 70 Park Street; and The Main Grill and Ale House, 24 Main Street West.

For more information on menu and hours, visit: JacksGastroPub.com; WineologyBar.ca; MettawasStation.com; MyGroveBrewHouse.com; BeachHouseGrillKingsville.com; and social media page Facebook.com/themaingrill.

As well as of July 11 the town presents “Open Streets in Downtown Kingsville” (restaurants and retail shops) during specific hours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Further details found on: Kingsville.ca.

LEAMINGTON

STAY The Quality Inn at 279 Erie Street South (QiLeamington.com) has remained open as an essential business since COVID-19 shuttered many area businesses, but some amenities have not yet returned, according to Manager Dharmesh Patel.

“We had to close our dining room and discontinue our complimentary hot breakfast, but in mid-June we introduced a Breakfast 2 Go option for our guests,” explains Patel. “It’s offered at whatever time a guest needs it and it can be enjoyed either in their room or to go.”

Rooms occupied by returning guests are left vacant until such time as the guest returns, while other rooms are sanitized once they become vacant and they remain vacant for 24 hours.

A new sanitization and cleaning process has been implemented and access to the hotel is by key card only so that management has more control over who enters thus ensuring the safety of staff and guests. PLAY Whereas many businesses in Leamington are slowly re-opening, adjacent amenities open include: Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens, Jack Miner Bird Sanctuary, Seacliff Park, and Erie Shores Golf and

Country Club.

And for those seeking a strenuous, yet also relaxing afternoon, try visiting the Pelee

Wings Nature Store and Paddlesports

Shop where birders, kayakers, canoeists and naturalists can find everything they could possibly need for a trip into nature.

The well-stocked store at 636 Pelee Drive features books, nature art, jewellery, stationery, bird feeders, spotting scopes, binoculars, kayaks, canoes and paddling gear. For more details, view their website: PeleeWings.ca. EAT Leamington is another community waiting to open up and offer inside dining, but in the meantime, there are a number of restaurants offering takeout and delivery for those looking for a picnic in the great and scenic outdoors along Lake Erie.

They include Armando’s Pizza, 154 Erie Street North; Tacos Tony, 52 Erie Street South; Lakeside Bakery Deli Café, 286 Erie Street South; Jose’s Bar & Grill, 221 Talbot Street West; and Birdie’s Perch, 625 Point Pelee Drive.

For information on hours and menu items, visit: ArmandosPizza.com; LakesideBakery.com; JosesBarAndGrill.com; BirdiesPerch.ca; and Tacos Tony on TripAdvisor.ca.

The website: OnThe42.com also has plenty of great suggestions for you to investigate ahead of time on what to visit in Leamington this summer!

PELEE ISLAND

STAY Erika Braithwaite, who owns Driftwood Bed & Bagel at 965 West Shore Road, is only renting one of the inn’s two rooms, at a time, unless it’s for a family and then both rooms are available.

“We’re following all the cleaning and sanitizing protocols and requiring social distancing in common areas,” says Braithwaite. “It’s a challenge, but we will get through it together.”

To see photos of their accommodations and rates, view: PeleeDriftwood.ca.

The Wandering Dog Inn at 1060 East West Road is open for business this summer with cleaning and sanitizing protocols in place to ensure guest and staff safety.

Major touching points throughout the common areas are sanitized daily, masks are required in all common areas and breakfast tables have been moved to the veranda in order to observe social distancing.

For more information and to book your overnight stay, visit the website: TheWanderingDogInn.com. PLAY There are biking and hiking trails throughout the island for the most energetic visitor, even though some of the island’s attractions are closed.

Regardless, Pelee Island is the place to be for physical fitness and quality family time!

Scudder Marina at 361 North Shore Road remains open for boaters interested in fishing, boating, barbecues and picnics. Whereas the docks and gas bar are open, the marina’s small

Driftwood Bed & Bagel on Pelee Island . . . the perfect place to get away from it all! Photos courtesy of Peter and Erika Braithwaite.

concession stand, which sells snacks, t-shirts, beverages and souvenirs, is closed for the time being.

For the latest updates, go to their social media page: Facebook.com/scuddermarina. EAT The Westview Tavern at 1065 West Shore Road opened its patio at the beginning of July and also offers takeout services.

“We’ve kept our tables on the patio far enough apart that everyone can practice social distancing,” explains employee Kyndel Drouillard. “Everyone seems to be excited about finally being able to get out and interact with people and the patio was pretty busy over the July holiday weekend.”

They offer burgers, fish and chips, salads, sandwiches and a variety of appetizers. Refer to: Facebook.com/thewestviewtavern for the hours of the outdoor dining space and takeout.

Be sure to check ferry schedules and safety measures to follow before you visit on: OntarioFerries.com and see the latest updates on the island on: Pelee.org.

GAS UP THE FAMILY VEHICLE AND HIT THE ROAD!

Though limited attractions are open in

the region, local tourist businesses and organizations are preparing for opening and following all of the recommended

WINDSOR ESSEX PELEE ISLAND VISITOR GUIDE 2020 - 2021

VISIT WINDSOR

ESSEX PELEE ISLAND

54

Wi n d s o r- E s s e x County Health Unit

procedures used for welcoming visitors

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Capture unique photos in these

into their venues.

lively neighbourhoods 54

Uncork an EPIC wine experience

20

Experience our vibrant nightlife including Caesars Windsor 62

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Gordon Orr, CEO of Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island (TWEPI) states: “Though we know this tourism season will look different, we do know that people are ready to explore when it is safe to do so, and we want to have Windsor Essex top of mind for them when they plan a road trip in the near future here.”

So as they do each year,TWEPI publishes a directory and recently launched its new 2020/2021 Official Visitor Guide with 90-plus pages of activities, restaurants, places to stay and a variety of other information with quotes from travel writers and influencers who have visited our region in the past year.

To view the guide online or to order a personal copy, log on to their website: VisitWindsorEssex.com.

Safe travels, everyone!