This year, 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!
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.
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.
Niemi Family Farm – Mount Albert
Discover Niemi family farm in Mount Albert, Ontario, where they cultivate a range of products without pesticides—annuals, perennials, herbs, vegetables, shrubs, and trees. Indulge in farm-baked bread and delectable old-fashioned donuts. Plus, find seeds and gardening supplies at the farm market—your go-to for freshness and garden essentials!
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!
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.
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.
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 out to the pumpkin patch in the fall! Experience the farm and breathe in the fresh, country air!
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.
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.
The Handlebar Grill – Uxbridge
Indulge in culinary excellence at the HandleBar Grill, where Chef Brian Macaskill’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 Brian MacAskill’s visionary approach celebrates the flavors of the region, featuring a limited 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.
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.
Marwan’s Global Bistro – Port Perry
Authentic tastes from far away places. High quality ingredients cooked in-house from scratch located downtown Port Perry.
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 a rotating Art Gallery displaying the works of local artists.
Luke’s Country Store – Port Perry
A warm, inviting space with the old shopping country store but in a light, airy comfortable environment. From modern iron & leather mixes, to comfy down swivel chairs that make you long for a cup of tea and a good book; Luke’s has furniture to suit all tastes.
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.
Sharon Temple – East Gwillimbury
The Sharon Temple National Historic Site and Museum is the perfect place to take the family for a picnic or park play day! Bring your dogs and picnic lunch and enjoy the 6.5 acres of Parkland under 200 year old sugar-maple trees. The site offers guided and self-guided tours of eight heritage buildings from the early 1800s, in addition to the architectural masterpiece, the Sharon Temple.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Wee Tartan Shop – Port Perry
Stewart Bennett, the proprietor, truly loves his Scotland and it shows in the selection and the quality of products on sale in the shop. From Scottish clans, to Irish county items and of course Guinness products, to Welsh family name products to England and the one and only Coronation Street products…you’ll find all of these items in the shop and more. Grocery items and frozen foods are also available. Year round kilt rentals too.
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!
