Tourism - Blog

Chef Alex Page teamed up with the Durham College Barrett Centre in Ajax to use some of the fall harvest to make a delicious Thai inspired carrot soup. As the winter months approach, it’s always great to have a go-to soup recipe on hand. Carrots are one ingredient that are under utilized, and yet they are so widely available during the winter months. This soup packs some heat with the addition of fresh chilies grown on the urban farm, but why not crank the heat up even more with a few drops of your favourite hot sauce from Hurt Berry Farm? This one will definitely keep you warm this winter!

Whether you are looking to treat yourself or doing a little gift giving, purchasing digital gift cards is a fantastic way to support local businesses. Durham Region is home to endless delicious food and drink destinations, many of which offer online gift cards. Check out our round up so you can shop ‘til you drop, from your couch! Each location in Durham Region listed below offers digital gift cards for your shopping convenience.

There’s no better time to get baking than during the fall apple season! After all, who can resist the aroma of apples and spices in the oven? One of Chef Alex Page’s favourite nostalgic fall recipes is baked apple cider doughnuts using fresh pressed cider from Geissberger Farmhouse Cider, and the “icing-on-the-doughnut”—a deliciously creamy maple frosting using bourbon barrel aged maple syrup from Pefferlaw Creek Farms. Apples + maple + bourbon = hello fall!

One of the first ingredients Chef Alex Page reaches for in the harvest season is corn—and one of his favourite places to shop fresh local produce is at Tindall Farm Market. Bursting with sweet flavour, it’s delicious grilled or boiled, and I especially love to use it in risotto! Creamy, sweet and full of corn flavour, this risotto benefits from a drizzle of freshly made sunflower seed pesto for an extra pop of flavour. This dish works well as a starter to any of your fall harvest meals, and presents beautifully on a hand made platter from Greenmantle Pottery.

Written by Erin Horrocks-Pope

After a humid summer in the city, I decided to take a break and head north for a day trip. I packed up my car and drove about an hour north to Beaverton—a charming town on the eastern shore of Lake Simcoe.

• Tourism - Blog

There’s nothing more refreshing on a hot summer day than a delicious cocktail or mocktail made with locally sourced ingredients. With summer in full swing, it’s the perfect time to visit some of the amazing local growers and producers in Durham Region! Chef Alex Page recently went for a little day trip to gather ingredients for a refreshing new beverage.

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Brat summer has taken over the internet and businesses across Durham Region have embraced this viral trend. This aesthetic, inspired by Charli XCX’s latest album, is made up of Y2K fashion and a carefree attitude.

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Don't let soaring temperatures keep you and your family from enjoying summer! Put on some sunscreen, grab a hat, and get outside to live it up on the longest days of the year. Check out our guide below on all the ways you can keep cool while exploring Durham Region.

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Photos supplied by Erin Horrocks-Pope

By: Erin Horrocks-Pope

As a writer and mother inspired by Lucy Maud Montgomery—who is best known for her novel “Anne of Green Gables ”—my visit to Leaskdale, Ontario, was a deeply personal journey. Leaskdale, a small village 10 minutes outside Uxbridge, holds a significant place in Montgomery's life and work.

• Tourism - Blog

As the days grow longer, so do our summer bucket lists. With summer on the horizon and the weather heating up, it’s time to ditch the couch and get outside to explore Durham Region. To help you make the most of this beautiful weather, we’ve created this list of must-try experiences—with your wallets in mind—so that you can enjoy the best of what the season has to offer, without having to break the bank.