Posted : February 2, 2023
Our blog is chock full of great ideas for fun things to see and do in York Durham and Headwaters. We are always adding new content and updating old posts, but sometimes you might stumble upon something from our vault. If this article has inspired you to hit the road, be sure to double-check that the featured stops in this post are still welcoming visitors.
Are you craving a day out with which to make some wonderful memories? GO Transit will take you there. If you don’t mind a little walking, then take the Stouffville GO Train line to Old Elm station, and then hop on the GO Bus for two short stops to find yourself in charming Downtown Uxbridge. Spend the day shopping, eating and experiencing all that this picturesque historic town has to offer. The best part is that you don’t have to wrestle with traffic to get there. You can spend your time on the GO with a book, with craftwork, or with conversation and good friends.
Give yourself, your vehicle, and the environment a break. Here are some of the top places to visit in Downtown Uxbridge that you can get to on foot from the GO Bus.
Explore and experience
Step back in time with the York-Durham Heritage Railway at 19 Railway St. Your journey begins at the historic Uxbridge Station, built in 1904 and lovingly preserved. Ride the vintage railway cars, refurbished and heated for your comfort, from Uxbridge to Stouffville, and take in the breathtaking countryside of Durham Region. If you are planning your trip in advance, check out YDHR’s range of themed rides for kids, families and adults. Past popular events have included A Day Out with Thomas, the Polar Express, the Harry Potter-inspired Wizards’ Festival, Escape Trains and Murder Mystery Trains. Or, you can experience the Maud in Uxbridge Tour, which explores the life of beloved Canadian Author Lucy Maud Montgomery and her time in Uxbridge. Tour the Leaskdale Manse where she lived, raised her family and wrote her stories over 15 years, visit the Uxbridge Historical Society for the Lucy Maud Montgomery Tour, and visit local businesses who have created Maud-inspired items just for you.
If music and entertainment is what you’re after, make your way to the Roxy Theatres of Uxbridge at 46 Brock St. West. This is not your run-of-the-mill movie theatre. This is an authentic experience that hearkens to a time when “going to the movies” was the ultimate event with friends and family. This restored building holds all the charm of the first half of the twentieth century, but offers state-of-the-art digital projection and sound so you can have the best of both worlds in cinema entertainment. If you’re planning your GO visit in advance, book your tickets to a live performance at the Uxbridge Music Hall at 16 Main St. South. Known for its superior acoustics, the Music Hall is a thriving cultural centre that preserves local heritage and supports both local and national theatre groups and performing artists.
Of course, any visit to Uxbridge is the perfect time for some wholesome bowling at Parish Lanes. After your experience with any (or all!) of the above opportunities, head over to 69 Brock St. West for the best in five-pin, regular and cosmic bowling. Leave your hectic life at the door, and indulge in this time-tested favourite activity that continues to entertain bowlers of all ages.
Eat, taste and indulge
If you’re in Uxbridge, you’re in the heart of the farm-fresh revolution. At 4 Toronto St. North, Urban Pantry delivers excellence in seasonal, farm-to-table fare. This is an eatery worth travelling for. You will be greeted by friendly hosts, and served locally-sourced, sustainable dishes in a mix of casual and fine dining. Urban Pantry regularly collaborates with not only the local farmers, but the local breweries, wineries and cideries as well, to bring you the unique taste of Ontario. Urban Pantry is a FeastON™ restaurant, which is a provincial certification recognizing their commitment to sourcing local food and beverage. So, you know you’re getting nothing but the best that our region has to offer.
A short stroll away, at 1 Main St. South, is Navarra’s Eatery. You’ll taste the passion for food and the culinary arts in this friendly, warm restaurant. Navarra’s offers incredible breakfast, lunch and dinner for both dine-in and take-out customers. Come with the family to sit down and relax with a comforting, home-cooked meal, or take your meal to go… or should we say, to GO?
At 58 Brock St. West is TIN Restaurant. Discover upscale and globally-inflected fare in a rustic, refurbished mill. Talk about atmosphere! Choose from options like delicious artisan pizzas, tacos, homemade burgers, fresh stir fries, steak and pasta. TIN also offers a full take-out menu and a selection of homemade freezer dinners. If you enjoy your meal (and we’re sure you will), you can recreate your experience at TIN in your own kitchen.
Small-town shops with big hearts
If you’re enamoured with the written word, then Blue Heron Books at 62 Brock St. West is your go-to spot for all things literature. Indulge in comfy chairs, wooden shelves and creaky floors as you browse an unparalleled selection of fiction and non-fiction books. The vibe at Blue Heron Books is up-tempo, and there is always something happening. From events with literary greats to the legendary Book Drunkard Festival, Blue Heron Books is so much more than just a book store—it’s a community. A short walk away, at 77 Brock St. West, is Preston Gallery. With a focus on Canadian art, this gallery is dedicated to helping people find new artwork for their space, and to helping new artists find an audience and showcase their pieces.
After your ideal day spent with books and art, relax at The Bridge Social at 64 Brock St. West. Your neighbourhood organic café and clean body care store is proud to feature a variety of local and Canadian products. From loose-leaf tea to organic coffee, from eco-friendly products to delicious treats, there is always something new in store. Don’t forget to stop by The Lemonade Stand at 26 Brock St. West. This vintage lifestyle boutique specializes in vintage farmhouse décor, furniture paint, unique pieces from Canadian artists, and one-of-a-kind gifts. Choose a piece for your home that tells a story—and give it a new story that reminds you of your memorable visit to Downtown Uxbridge.
Story by Katherine Ryalen
