Choosing to shop Pickering Village and buy local is a great way to support the fantastic small businesses that keep the Village strong.
After a year that has seemed exhausting since it began, it’s time to get back to what we know and enjoy: the lovely things that surround us in Durham Region. For me, holiday shopping in Pickering Village is a holiday tradition my family has long enjoyed.
Established in 1862, historic Pickering Village has cultivated old-world charm while remaining grounded in the present. Historic plaques adorn the building fronts that dot Old Kingston road, harkening back to the Village’s Quaker roots.
The first stop in my Village #HolidayShopping tour is to The Courtyard – a fantastic collection of boutiques and restaurants all arranged around, you got it, a courtyard. Fitting in nicely with the traditional Tudor style of The Courtyard is Sauter’s Inn Restaurant. A delicious array of standard German fare is served, currently by reservation only due to limited seating restrictions, 6 days a week, including a special Sunday breakfast. Reservations can be placed by calling 905-427-6760 to confirm availability.
A newer resident to the Courtyard is Village Laine Yarn Café. Opened in the fall of 2019, owners Carolynn & Cheryl focus on ethically sourced products and Canadian small-batch dyers. Full of yarn-y goodness, Village Laine offers knitting classes, a full complement of gifts, including a knit your own “The Child,” aka Baby Yoda. There is even a special limited edition “12 Days of Winter treat box” to help you get your knit on. Gift certificates are available. Call 905-686-WOOL (9665) for more information on how to get your own Baby Yoda before he’s gone. Get #InspiredWhereYouLive.
A little piece of heaven can also be found in the Courtyard – literally. Heaven’s Hair studio, located in Unit 8 of the Courtyard, is a full-service braiding, hair extensions, barbershop, and more. Be #Glamourous by booking a consultation through their Facebook page or by calling 905-683-9194.
What winter season would be complete without a wardrobe update? Spiro’s Fashion & Furs carries the latest trends in women’s fashion from decadent fur-trimmed winter coats to chic casual wear, fit for #holidayathome attire with your family.
The smell of freshly baked delights greets my nose as I wander down Old Kingston road in search of the perfect cupcake. With #holiday inspired flavours such as Peppermint Bark and Chocolate Celebration, entrepreneur cousins Carol Anne & Amy are the creators of Cupcakes Canada. Offering gourmet cookies, cake pops, cupcakes, and custom cakes, with vegan and gluten-free options, they have something to tempt everyone’s taste buds. Holiday ordering is available by calling 905-427-4500. Did I mention the Tuesday Toonie special? Walk in and grab a cup of joe to go with your $2.00 cupcake every Tuesday. Walk-in only, and don’t forget your mask!
In search of that special, “where did you find THAT” gift? Look no further than the bright and cheery Bean & Basket. Dedicated to showcasing talent in and around our community, owners Tanya & Elaine have lovingly curated the finest collection of eco-conscious locally made décor, pottery, jewelry, natural home cleaning, bath & body products (Bonus: Soap maker @Momtazsoap lives in Pickering Village!) & even live plants. I could not pass up a potted Syngonium from I Wet My Plants because, c’mon, I wet my plants! #Brilliant. Online shopping is available with detailed product descriptions and images. I recommend ordering the Christmas Tree soy candle from maker Café Candle Co. before they are sold out. Coming soon: the opening of a café onsite for great coffee to go with your fabulous new finds.
With your gifting needs sorted, what about the food? Gift-giving is only half the story of holiday shopping in Pickering Village! The #Holidays mean indulgence, and what could be more indulgent than having someone else do the cooking for you? Pickering Village is home to many delectable restaurants, all ready to provide take-out and pre-ordered catering needs. (Note: We have it on decent authority that all calories consumed during December don’t count.)
My brother & I have a long-standing #ChristmasEve tradition – Chinese food, and LOTS of it. This year we may be celebrating from afar, in our own separate family bubbles, but that doesn’t mean we can’t feast like we always do (then have a nap while the kids watch The Grinch).
Heralded on TripAdvisor as the best Chinese Food in Durham Region, the Oriental Kitchen at 44 Old Kingston Road serves up the best in fresh hot Chinese food for take-out. Hours are limited due to current COVID-19 restrictions. To order your family feast, call 905-683-5600.
Suppose you’re not as crazy for Chinese food as we are. In that case, the incredible Mount Everest Restaurant delivers the best in fragrant, delicious Indian dishes. Enjoy fresh homemade Naan bread with your Fish Masala or some excellent and delicate butter chicken. Catering for your special event is available by calling the Mount Everest Catering Team at 905-683-5553. Contactless delivery is available through Skip The Dishes.
A traditional Christmas feast with all the trimmings (including a Christmas pudding) is now available for order from Heritage House Catering. Also featuring Gourmet-to-Go meals and grocery, Heritage House provides safe doorstep contactless delivery or drive-thru pick-up in their circular cobblestone driveway. The best part is delivery is free in Ajax! Call 289-314-9870.
As we all ride the waves of the fluctuating physical distancing rules, you may be seeking a more refined experience in an actual dining room. Personally, I like to follow my joy of food all the way to the green building that Casa Verde calls home. Established in 1991 by Head Chef & Owner Robert Scagliotti and his wife Joanne, this charming authentic Italian eatery has witnessed its share of magic and history. This landmark building was once home to the very first hospital in Pickering. Legend also has it that late one night in the dead of winter, a policeman arrived at the door carrying an expectant mother on a toboggan. Happily, both mother & child arrived safely. To experience a special night out, and indulge in Casa Verde’s extensive wine list, make your reservation by calling 905-428-6243.
These are the stories that of Pickering Village. Stories that inspire. Cousins, friends, and neighbours following their dream to build a community that thrives together. #LovePickeringVillage
Choosing to do your holiday shopping in Pickering Village and #BuyLocal is a great way to support the fantastic #SmallBusiness that keep the Village strong. #DurhamProud Please remember to check business websites for updated COVID protocols and hours of operation as we navigate this ever-changing situation.