There are lots of things my family and I love about living in Bowmanville, including fall! Trees are ablaze with glorious reds, yellows and golds, and the excitement of harvest can be felt everywhere. There is the apple festival in our historic and charming downtown, the local pumpkin patches and our very own estate winery and apple orchard.
Whether you’re new to our community, thinking about moving here or just looking for ways to enjoy the season’s splendour, you’re sure to appreciate the many activities and attractions Bowmanville and neighbouring communities have to offer. Here’s a sampling of some of my family’s favourites:
APPLE FESTIVAL & CRAFT SALE
Saturday, Oct. 14, 9am to 5pm
Discover why this annual street festival is the apple of our community’s eye! Here you will find four city blocks in historic downtown Bowmanville are closed to traffic. This allows you to stop and say ‘hi’ to neighbours as you discover fresh-picked apples and decadent treats like apple fritters, fresh-pressed apple cider, homemade apple pies and crisps, candy and caramel apples, and cider donuts. Craft vendors, local musicians, carnival rides and jumping castles round out the fun.
http://bowmanville.com/events/apple-festival-craft-sale
SPIRIT WALKS WITH CLARINGTON MUSEUMS
Tuesday, Oct. 17 to Saturday, Oct. 21
Tuesday, Oct. 24 to Saturday, Oct. 28
Hear tales of hauntings and history, stories and spirits, ghosts and genealogy on this lantern-lit tour through our local streets. The tour begins at 7pm at the Sarah Jane Williams Heritage Centre at 62 Temperance St. and ends there around 8:30pm with refreshments. Advanced tickets ($10 each) are required.
http://www.claringtonmuseums.com/spirit-walks-2017/
FIREHOUSE FRIGHT NIGHT
Friday, Oct. 20, 6 to 10pm
Saturday, Oct. 21, 5 to 9pm
This interactive haunted house promises ‘three floors of terror’ so get ready to scream! Tickets are $10/person, $35 for a family of four and $45 for a family of five. Repeat the tour on the same night for $2 per person. Tickets can be purchased at the door with cash or debit and are also available online. The firehouse is located at 132 Church St., Bowmanville.
https://thefirehouse.ca/?page_id=129
ARCHIBALD ORCHARDS & ESTATE WINERY
The apple harvest may have come to an end for another year but this popular destination is open until New Year’s Eve. Drop by for wine, cider, gift baskets, gourmet foods and cheese. It’s located at 6275 Liberty St. N., Bowmanville.
www.archibaldswinery.com
FUN FARMS AND PUMPKIN PATCHES
Visit a local farm to enjoy fall activities like corn mazes, wagon rides, pumpkin cannon shows, scarecrow making and, of course, pumpkin patches! Choices include Knox Pumpkin Farm (www.knoxpumpkinfarm.com), which is located just north of Courtice, and Pingles Farm Market (www.pinglesfarmmarket.com) in east Oshawa.
DURHAM TRAILS
Fall is a great time to hike in Durham Region, which boasts more than 350km of recreational trails and conservation areas that are particularly gorgeous in fall. You can download the Durham Trails Guide to find the trail right for you. Do you prefer to experience Mother Nature on two wheels? Check out the Durham Cycle Tours map.
HALLOWEEN TRAIN RIDE
Saturday, Oct. 21 and 28
Sunday, Oct. 22 and 29
Climb aboard the York-Durham Heritage Railway train for a breathtaking journey through the scenic Oak Ridges Moraine from nearby Uxbridge to Stouffville and back. Enjoy entertainment and Halloween-themed activities aboard the decorated train. Children 12 and under in costume ride for $1. Children will receive a goody bag upon departing the train. Book your tickets at www.ydhr.ca
BOWMANVILLE’S GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT
Thursday, Nov. 9, 6 to 10pm
Grab your favourite ladies and get ready to shop till you drop in historic downtown Bowmanville.
http://bowmanville.com/events/girls-night-out
I hope you and your family enjoy exploring everything Bowmanville and Durham Region have to offer this fall. Like me, I’m sure you’ll fall in love with our community all over again!
