Downtowns of Durham: Take Another Look at Bowmanville

By Will McGuirk

Downtown Bowmanville bridges the liveliness of a city with the loveliness of a village. The main thoroughfare is often shut down for community events and celebrations. The downtown is the gathering place for the town, and wandering around the side streets and neighbourhoods is a peek into the lives in one of Durham Region’s best-kept secrets.

At one of those community events in the late 1800s, a boy named William Hunt witnessed his first circus. He would grow up to become the Great Farini, an internationally known showman and explorer and one of the first to cross Niagara Falls on a tightrope. 

Read more at DowntownsofDurham.ca

Downtowns of Durham: Listen Up; Oshawa is the Music City

By Will McGuirk

t’s the bells that ring out over Downtown Oshawa that set the tone for the city. The sonorous peals are a joy to hear, and one’s mood is lifted by such a musical soundtrack. Music can be found throughout the city’s core, and not just on the many stages the entertainment district of Durham Region is home to. From large to small, Oshawa has plenty of venues, and they cater to all types and tastes. 

The 6,000 capacity Tribute Community Centre serves as the place to see the international big-name acts. It is also home to the Oshawa Generals and their boisterous fans. Goals by the 2015 Memorial Cup winners are met by a roof rattling roar. The enthusiastic and vocal support of game day fans is the inspiration for Noel Harding’s sculpture ‘Reverb’ which is situated in the central plaza outside the main doors of the area. This metal piece is curved to amplify the sound back out and is covered in half-cut out speech bubbles to represent the diverse voices of the Region’s biggest city.

Read more at DowntownsofDurham.ca

Downtowns of Durham: Feeling the Vintage Vibes in Orono

By Will McGuirk

The fanciful village of Orono, tucked in away off the 115, is the dream destination in Durham Region for a day of antique hunting. One could spend hours digging through all the fabulous vintage finds at one of scores of market stores in the downtown but, of course, those dreams are on hold for now. 

However, if one was dreaming, the suggestion is to start the day at the Buttercup Hollow Pantry at the north end of Main Street, mulling over one’s antiquing plan of attack. The shop operates in a way like an indoor farmers market, showcasing local produce such as wines, honeys, syrups, and pottery. There is a seating area next to the fireplace, perfect for enjoying the silky taste of their butter tarts.

Read more at DowntownsofDurham.ca

Downtowns of Durham: Newcastle Has a Nose for Cooking

By Will McGuirk

There are over 100 places all over the world named Newcastle, including one right here in Durham Region. The historic town of Newcastle, located in the south-east corner of Clarington, was once home to the influential Massey family, of manufacturing and philanthropic fame, and is now home to a growing community of young makers and diverse food options.

While the neo-Georgian Newcastle Community Hall, built in 1923 and gifted to the town by Chester Massey, anchors the centre of the downtown on King Street, many of the buildings around the hall and along the main street are former family homes and are now home to family-run restaurants.  

Read more at DowntownsofDurham.ca

#StayAtHome - Carey Nicholson of Theatre On the Ridge

By Joe Szek

How are you and your family doing during this time of worldwide upheaval? Have your lives been changed or transformed on account of COVID-19?

“Our lives haven’t changed dramatically on the outside with no real shifts. Like everyone, we’re shifting inwardly. My husband, Andy, and I live in a rural area so social distancing has not been a problem. My family unit (which also includes my mother) has been involved in a regular routine. We’re doing more walks, eating healthier and we are more mindful of what we practice daily. We’re being reminded that we don’t need as much as we thought.  I’m also baking more which, while being personally stress reducing, makes everyone happy.”

READ MORE AT ONSTAGE BLOG