JUST FOR FUN

•Hobby• Stores Galore

THE PERFECT PASTIME

by JOANNE BLOUIN-DAFOE

tep into a hobby shop and you’re stepping into a

Scollector’s dream world. Model cars, miniatures, comic books, games, toys – you collect it, and it’s there. Barrie, Orillia, and Innisfil have many specialty hobby shops carrying everything from comic books and gaming needs to military miniatures. With their wide range of products and specialties, you’ll want to visit them all!

BIG B COMICS, BARRIE

BIGBBARRIE.COM

If you want to add to your comic collection or part with your treasured collectibles (think comics, vintage toys, video games and systems), then this is the store for you. Every Wednesday, new items and books hit the floor (for avid collectors, this is the perfect day to pop in). And what makes this store even more lovable? They have loads of promotional events, including their free comic book day.

IDEAL HOBBIES, BARRIE

IDEALHOBBIES.COM

Established in 1987, Ideal Hobbies located at 12 Commerce Park Drive stocks over 10,000 different radio control and general hobby items. Peek in their 2,200 square feet showroom and you’ll find a large selection of popular items for radio control enthusiasts – kits for aircrafts, powerboats, cars, trucks, crawlers, model railroads, rockets, plastic models…the list goes on.

NORTHERN STAMP & COIN CO, BARRIE

NORTHERNSTAMPCOIN.CA

With over 40 years of experience, Northern Stamp and Coin Co. has been buying and selling stamps, coins, banknotes, and related supplies since 1973. The collection of coins runs the gambit from early Greek and Roman times through the Middle Ages, and right up until recent issues. With a full selection of albums, catalogues, and other collectibles, Northern Stamp is perfect for both beginner collectors as well as seasoned specialists.

LAHAY’S HOBBY & CRAFT, ORILLIA | LAHAYS.COM

In the heart of Downtown Orillia at 21 Mississaga Street East, you’ll find Lahay’s Hobby & Craft. With over 30-years in business, Lahay's have established an impressive collection of arts, crafts, toys and collectibles (along with the expertise to guide you through your visit). While they cater to collectors of model cars, trains, and trucks, they also have a large section of puzzles, games, and arts and crafts supplies. Drop-in and discover fun for the entire family.

ORILLIA DIECAST | ORILLIADIECAST.COM Established in 2019, Orillia Diecast is a miniature car collector's dream. With a mix of new, old, and hard-to-find pieces, more than one million diecast cars can be found behind the doors of the 438 West Street North location. Discover sought-after Hot Wheels products such as the Redline and Black Walls, as well as M2 Machines, Johnny Lightning, GreenLight Collectibles, Matchbox, and Jada products. The friendly, knowledgeable staff are more than happy to order specific pieces for their customers. They also often run silent auctions via their Facebook page.

DR. COMICS, ORILLIA

DRCOMICS.CA

If you’re craving pop-culture, you’ll find it at Dr. Comics in Orillia. Established in 1993, this comic and pop-culture specialty shop specializes in comic books, vintage toys, cards, and pop-culture items including action figures and even vintage gaming systems. Boasting the largest display of pop culture items in the province, you can easily find over 1,000 comic books on their walls and well over 10,000 vintage toys in their displays. They also purchase comic books, toys, and video games.

A hobby can add a sense of fulfillment and joy to your life, bring people together, or even help you discover new things about yourself. Grow your current collection or start something new at one of these unique local shops. (And as the saying goes, if you can’t find it at a hobby store, you can’t find it anywhere). LL

Here to help with federal programs

Doug Shipley, MP Orillia Diecast

GOOGLE: ORILLIA DIECAST 438 West St N, Unit #1, Orillia

BARRIE - SPRINGWATER - ORO-MEDONTE