Proud Program Of:

Arts & Entertainment


  • Best Art Gallery or Art Space or Artist:

    Art Windsor-Essex

    From boutique art stores to expansive art galleries, there are plenty of places showcasing Windsor Essex artwork. Which is your favourite?

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  • Best Museum or Heritage Space:

    Fort Malden National Historic Site

    Our roots of Windsor Essex are entrenched in Canadian history – from Prohibition to the War of 1812 to the Underground Railroad and beyond. What…

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  • Best Tour Experience:

    WindsorEats

    Outdoor adventure. Food & drink. History & arts. Entertainment & shopping. There are plenty of companies offering tours in the region – which one is…

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  • Best Virtual Performance Group or Show:

    Windsor Symphony Orchestra

    They couldn’t welcome you in a theatre space – but they welcomed you through tablets, phones & computers to see them live! Which productions do…

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Attractions & Events


  • Regularly in person with thousands of guests, these events pivoted to provide unique and entertaining options while still reflecting their roots.

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  • Best Attraction - Family Friendly:

    Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens

    There is lots to do indoors & out – outdoor fun, mini golf, arts & crafts & more. What is your favourite place to take…

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  • Best Attraction - Historical:

    John R. Park Homestead

    Our roots of Windsor Essex are entrenched in Canadian history – from Prohibition to the War of 1812 to the Underground Railroad and beyond. What…

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  • Best Attraction - Outdoor:

    Point Pelee National Park

    Two-wheeled adventures, the power of the paddle, the swing of the club and so much more. Where did you explore outdoors this year to escape…

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  • Best In-Person Event:

    Downtown Windsor Farmers Market

    This year we celebrated – but with six feet in mind. Drive-ins, shopping adventures, crafty pints & outdoor adventures were all part of the fun….

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  • You couldn’t be in person – but you could join in live from your phone, tablet, or computer. What event did you attend this year…

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Drink


  • Best Art of a Cocktail:

    Wolfhead Distillery

    We’re talking hand shaken, meticulously crafted works of art poured into a glass. Where do you go for your favourite cocktail or martini – or…

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  • Best Brewery Experience:

    Walkerville Brewery

    The craft beer scene is booming in Windsor Essex. Where is your favourite craft pint brewed?

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  • Best Coffee House or Coffee Roaster:

    Anchor Coffee House

    Fresh ground, hand pressed, slow drip, fresh froth, artisanal blends, roasted in house. Coffee is a work of art. Which coffee house makes the best…

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  • Best Winery Experience:

    Oxley Estate Winery

    Dining al fresco has never been better in Windsor Essex with the patios, alleyways and more that our restaurants have turned into unique dining spaces….

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Food


  • Best Breakfast:

    The Twisted Apron

    From the greasy spoon offering bacon and eggs to stacks of fluffy pancakes and maple syrup, there are great breakfast bites in Windsor Essex. Where…

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  • Best Burger Joint:

    Jack’s Gastropub

    From grilled to pan fried, classic format to topped with your favourite guilty pleasures, where do you go for your favourite burger?

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  • Best Farmers Market or Shop:

    Downtown Windsor Farmers Market

    Windsor Essex is known for farm fresh – producing fresh produce all year long, and brimming road side stands at almost every corner in the…

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  • Best Pasta House:

    Spago

    Gnocchi. Spaghetti. Ravioli. Lasagna. Tagliatelle. The Windsor Essex pasta game is strong – where do you go for our favourite dish of pasta?

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  • Best Patio:

    Jack’s Gastropub

    This year we had to be socially distanced while dining in the summer – and our restaurants stepped up with awesome patio experiences. Which did…

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  • Best Perch:

    Birdie’s Perch

    Caught fresh from Lake Erie and perfectly fried or baked, the Essex region is known as a prime source for local perch. Where do you…

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  • Best Pizza Pie:

    Armando’s

    Known for its unique style of pizza – with locally sourced cheese, shredded pepperoni, crispy crust, and toppings that always go on top – where…

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  • Best Pub or Wings:

    Rock Bottom Bar & Grill

    Wings, club houses, broasted chicken, fish & chips and nachos. They’re all pub favourites! Where to you go in Windsor Essex to satisfy your pub-fare…

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  • This covers it all – ice cream, hand made chocolates, cookies & cupcakes and more. Where do you go to satisfy your sweet tooth in…

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  • Best Take Out or Catering:

    Iron Kettle Bread Commissary

    Bakery & Baked Goods: From cakes & pies to cookies & squares. Bakeries. Cupcakeries. And everything in between. Where do you go to satisfy your…

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  • Best Vegan or Vegetarian Bites:

    Healthy Mama

    Some of the worlds top chefs are going vegetarian or vegan – and you can expect veggie-centric head-turners on menus in Windsor Essex. Where do…

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Outdoor Adventure


  • Best Birding Hot-Spot:

    Point Pelee National Park

    DYK every year 40k+ visitors come to Windsor Essex every may to see 300+ species of birds migrate through our region? Where are the best…

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  • Best Fishing Hot-Spot:

    Belle River Pier & Marina

    Cast your reel in Windsor Essex – knowing as the muskie capital of Canada, you can reel in a big one here! Where do you…

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  • Best Golf Course:

    Kingsville Golf & Country Club

    Windsor Essex has one of the longest golf seasons in Canada, running from early April to November. Which is your favourite public course in the…

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  • Best On The Water Activity:

    Urban Surf Co.

    Windsor Essex is a 100 mile peninsula surrounded by water. From canoeing to paddleboarding to jetskiing and more, where do you go for an on-the-water…

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  • Best Park or Garden:

    King’s Navy Yard Park

    Windsor Essex is a garden lover’s paradise with a plethora of flowers, trees and gardens dotting every community in the region. What is your favourite…

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  • Sandy views along our 100 mile coast are the perfect place to bring the family for some on-the-water fun. Sand castle building, volleyball and more….

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Photo Op


  • Best Best Photo Op:

    Windsor Riverfront

    If someone walks up to you on the street and says, “I wanna take a picture which best showcases the essence of Windsor Essex”, where…

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Shopping


  • Best Boutique Shop:

    Cindy’s Home & Garden

    Exploring small town shops and quaint street fronts looking for unique finds, or for planning a day trip to a weekend antique market or auction….

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  • Best Local Artisan or Maker:

    Michael Difazio Reclaim Artistry

    This year was all about buying local! Hand made, unique, and from someone you can get to know! If someone asks where you can buy…

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  • Best Locally Made Store:

    Urban Art Market

    Hand made, unique, and from someone you can get to know! If someone asks where you can buy a Windsor Essex-made product or souvenir, which…

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  • Best Mall:

    Devonshire Mall

    Some of the best designer and brand name fashions and accessories under one roof. Which is your favourite major shopping destination in Windsor Essex?

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  • Best Shopping District:

    Kingsville

    Quaint shops along the sidewalks, artisans selling their fare, and getting to know the local owners and operators. Which is your favourite shopping district?

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  • Best Vintage or Thrift Store:

    Timeless Treasures

    Giving a second life to a unique piece has become more than a trend. Where do you go in Windsor Essex to thrift and find…

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Stay


  • Best Bed & Breakfast:

    Iron Kettle Bed & Breakfast

    With small town hospitality and charm at your finger tips at the 80+ bed and breakfasts in Windsor Essex – where do you go for…

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  • Best Campground or Cottage:

    oTENTiks at Point Pelee

    Whether you want to rough it in the woods or at a site with all the amenities, there are plenty of spots to rest your…

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  • Best Hotel/Motel:

    Caesars Windsor

    DYK Windsor Essex has 4,000+ hotel rooms in the region? Comfy sheets, cozy pillows, beautiful views and great hospitality. Where is your favourite place to…

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