In collaboration with romance novelist Veronica Bale, bestselling author of The Ghosts of Tullybrae House, we at YDH bring you a Hallmark-worthy holiday romance set right here in our region of York, Durham and Headwaters. Follow along with Noelle Cane and Nick Snowdon as they meet the wonderful people behind our YDH shops and attractions, and discover the warmth and memories that Christmas in a small town has to offer.
Join Nick and Noelle and plan a trip to visit all of the businesses you read about in A Holiday Romance!
Adamo Estate Winery – Caledon
A small-batch boutique winery with 23,000 vines, focusing on organic and biodynamic practices. Starting with the best fruit from their estate, and from some of the top growers in Ontario. Adamo offer a beautiful retail space and tasting bar, as well as event and meeting spaces overlooking the vines, tanks or the cellar.
Beyond Tartan – Port Perry
Beyond Tartan carries forward the 27-year legacy of the Wee Tartan Shop, celebrating the spirit of the British Isles in the heart of Port Perry. Owners Paul and Tara share deep cultural roots, from Paul’s English upbringing and service in the British Army to Tara’s lifelong Highland dance traditions. Together, they offer clothing, accessories, giftware, groceries, jewellery, and Guinness-branded items. Warm and welcoming, they invite you to stop in, share stories, and enjoy a true taste of home.
Blue Heron Books – Uxbridge
The down-to-earth ambiance of Blue Heron Books, complete with cozy chairs, wooden shelves, and creaky floors, invites leisurely browsing. Despite its relaxed setting, the store exudes a lively energy, maintaining a quaint, old-fashioned appearance with a spirited vibe. Blue Heron Books has been a hub for the literary elite, hosting and showcasing a notable array of the world’s literary figures.
Brock’s On Foot – Port Perry
Three stores under one roof: Womens fashions, Men’s fashions, footwear for the whole family. Specialists in Birkenstock and Blundstone fittings and wide selection of styles and sizes. Located in a beautifully restored Victorian streetfront building in historic downtown Port Perry.
Elliott Tree Farm – Hillsburgh
A family tree farm located in Hillsburgh ON. Elliott Tree Farm specializes in fresh natural Christmas trees and wholesale landscaping trees serving the Erin-Hillsburgh, Orangeville, Caledon, Georgetown, Guelph and surrounding GTA regions.
Elpida Café and Roastery – Georgina
Elpida’s coffee is roasted fresh in small batches & ethically sourced from Organic & Fairtrade farms that provide women empowerment. Over 80% of their products are locally sourced and every drink is made with care – you will taste the difference!
Erin Hill Acres – Hillsburgh
Erin Hill Acres is a 90 acre farm that specializes in fresh trees, pumpkin & sunflower farm fresh air experiences. Bring the whole family and spend the day!
Granny Taught Us How – Mono
Perfect gifts, décor treasures and one-of-a-kind finds. With a keen eye for style, setting trends for home décor and gifts at Granny Taught Us How and Heidi’s Room! A shopper’s paradise offering the practical, the unusual and the hard to find, they have been delivering a superior shopping experience.
Hockley Valley Resort – Caledon
From the moment you arrive, you’ll be treated with genuine hospitality and surrounded by comfort and elegance. Whether you visit for a weekend getaway, a romantic dinner, an afternoon of golf at our 18-hole championship links, a day of skiing, a conference or for a special event, Hockley will make your stay enjoyable, and memorable long after you leave. You don’t have to go far for a real escape!
Hope’s Christmas Tree Farm – Enniskillen
Family owned and operated, Hope’s is a scenic and charming farm that offers a little bit of everything so you can enjoy some quality time with your loved ones on the days leading up to Christmas.
Marwan’s Global Bistro – Port Perry
Authentic tastes from far away places. High quality ingredients cooked in-house from scratch located downtown Port Perry.
Mount Alverno Luxury Resort – Caledon
Dive into an experience of luxury surrounding the scenic romantic rolling hills of Caledon at Mount Alverno Luxury Resorts. Capturing a distinct sense of place, each room style captures the language of rustic elegance.
Mrs. Mitchell’s Restaurant – Mono
Award winning Mrs. Mitchell’s Restaurant is located in the beautiful country hamlet of Violet Hill specializing in fine food and expert service. Dishes are prepared using the freshest ingredients and are prepared simply, combined harmoniously and presented beautifully. You are sure to enjoy a superior dining experience in a casually upscale and welcoming atmosphere.
Nexus Coffee Company – Port Perry
Committed to quality, Nexus source locally for a diverse range of specialty coffees, teas, baked goods, desserts, gelato, and premium brewing equipment. With a warm ambiance and knowledgeable staff, continuous training is a priority, ensuring an evolving menu and educating patrons about the world of coffee and tea.
Niemi Family Farm – Mount Albert
Discover Niemi family farm in Mount Albert, Ontario, where they cultivate a range of products and celebrate many holidays throughout the year including their famous Christmas Market! Indulge in farm-baked bread and delectable old-fashioned donuts.
Old Flame Brewery – Port Perry
Tucked in the Historic Downtown of Port Perry,Old Flame is a spot for locals to gather and travellers to discover. The brewery was originally built in 1874, operating as the Ontario Carriage works, changing hands throughout its lifetime and being converted to a variety of uses. Visit the brewery so you can witness the magic of local traditional and modern décor come together.
Piano Inn and Café – Port Perry
The Piano Cafe offers the finest coffees, excellent lunches, catering, evening venue rentals and features an historic 1884 Inn offering comfort and luxury in upscale suites.
Pingle’s Farm Market – Hampton
Come out to the farm for Canadian-made products at our artisan farm market, pick-your-own, cafe, bakery, play in the playland or take a wagon ride! Experience the farm and breathe in the fresh, country air!
Sharon Museum and Gardens – East Gwillimbury
Sharon Museum & Gardens is proud to have nine heritage buildings on our grounds. Each unique building has its own history that contributes to the narrative of the Museum and plays a role in interpreting the story of the Children of Peace, its members and their community. The attraction offers heritage tours as well as several events throughout the year – check it out!
That Place On Queen/Mad’s Cafe – Port Perry
A cafe serving specialty coffees, teas and baked goods. There is also a retail section that carries eco friendly home decor, bath and beauty & clothing.
The Chef Upstairs – Vaughan
Virtual interactive and in studio cooking classes for kids, teens, adults, private events and catering. The Chef Upstairs features an intimate dining experience with celebrated chefs & spectacular food. Whether it’s a cooking class or special event, you’ll find our chefs’ passion for food and fun makes every occasion memorable.
The Handlebar Grill – Uxbridge
Indulge in culinary excellence at the HandleBar Grill, where Chef Jordan Richardson’s creative flair shines. Enjoy mouthwatering handheld, cold, and hot dishes crafted with locally sourced ingredients. Our inviting atmosphere and scenic views create the ideal setting for savoring these delights. Explore our array of local craft beverages to quench your thirst. Whether it’s a weekday treat or a weekend escape, the HandleBar Grill is your go-to spot.
The Nest – Uxbridge
Indulge in upscale farm-to-table dining at Nest Restaurant in the heart of Durham. Chef Jordan Richardson’s visionary approach celebrates the flavors of the region, featuring a menu of Durham’s finest locally sourced ingredients. Join us at the culinary haven within The Trail Hub for a gastronomic journey like no other.
The Port Cheese Company – Port Perry
Find perfect pairings and reveal some of the best local products their community has to offer. Always ready to dish out samples and share the stories behind their selections.
The Richmond Green Skate Trail – Richmond Hill
Lace up your skates and set out for an enjoyable glide through the 250 metre looped trail’s natural setting! The trees surrounding the trail are native to the area and many were transplanted from other areas of the park during the park’s redesign. With the twinkling lights in the trees and music in the air, this is an outdoor winter tradition you’ll want to experience!
Trail Hub – Uxbridge
In the heart of the Greater Toronto Area, Trail Hub stands as the top spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Boasting 240km of local trails for mountain biking, hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, Trail Hub promises the ultimate adventure. Indulge in farm-to-table cuisine in our post-and-beam chalet with breathtaking views. Whether it’s unforgettable events or corporate gatherings and private weddings, experience the natural beauty of Durham Region at Trail Hub.
Vivian Plantation – Whitchurch-Stouffville
Operated by three generations of the Grose family since 1947, Vivian Plantation has transformed twenty acres of non-arable land into a thriving space. Currently, 30 acres are dedicated to wooded areas. Originally sold wholesale, in 1965, we introduced the “harvest your own” program, offering customers a choice from pre-harvested trees. Enjoy the same delightful country experience.
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