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MAYOR’S MESSAGE
We’re IN THIS TOGETHER I am happy to introduce you to the 2020/2021 Winter Guide for the City of Owen Sound. As winter arrives, we welcome the cooler temperatures and beautiful landscapes that come with the falling of snow. Owen Sound is a City that provides opportunities for active and passive year-round enjoyment, a City where you want to be involved, and a City where you want to live! This year has been like no other as we continue to work through COVID-19. I would like to take this opportunity to thank and applaud our front-line workers for making sacrifices in order to protect our families, friends and entire community. I encourage you to please remain diligent to stop the spread. This winter we continue to offer an abundance of recreational, cultural and leisure activities, and this informative publication offers insight into what is occurring in our beautiful City over the winter months. To those who are visiting from out of town, I encourage you to enjoy this year’s Festival of Northern Lights, now celebrating its 33rd anniversary, as well as our wonderful arts, culture, and music scene. There is something for everyone! Visit the City Events Calendar at www.owensound.ca/eventscalendar to see what is up and coming. On behalf of members of Council and staff, I hope you enjoy the activities running this winter in Owen Sound. Check on our website www.owensound.ca for the latest COVID-19 updates that affect our region. Stay active, and involved, but most of all, stay healthy.
Owen Sound Mayor, Ian Boddy
Jakob Owen photo.
PUBLISHER & PRODUCTION DESIGNER Nelson Phillips
EDITOR Jesse Wilkinson
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Sarah Goldman, Andy Elliott, Zak Erb, Emma Bell, Russ Walsh, John Fearnall, Ian Boddy
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Zak Erb, Sarah Goldman, John Fearnall, Nelson Phillips, Dan Cook, Paul Gilmore, Spring Morris, Isaac Quesada, John White, Jakob Owens
ADVERTISING ACCOUNT MANAGER Steve Harron
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PUBLISHED ON BEHALF OF THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF OWEN SOUND BY RRAMPT CO, LTD. Copyright 2020/21. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Views expressed herein are those of the respective author(s) exclusively. All content is intended for entertainment purposes only. Sound Outlook is published twice annually, in early summer and early winter.
To learn more about all the great opportunites to explore the great outdoors, build a family, open a business, or invest in Grey County’s regional cultural hub, visit the City of Owen Sound in person, or online at owensound.ca or owensoundtourism.ca. To learn more about Rrampt, visit Rrampt.com. For feedback, contact feedback@owensound.ca The City of Owen Sound lies on the shores of Georgian Bay, just two and a half hours northwest of Toronto at the base of the beautiful Bruce Peninsula. She’s also known as the Scenic City, Corkscrew City, and the Chicago of the North - but you’ll have to spend some quality time here to learn why. *wink* This publication was lovingly written, photographed and designed with in Owen Sound, ON, Canada. @cityowensound
facebook.com/owensoundtourism
IN THIS ISSUE
Table of Contents Business Abound in the Sound
Lighting That Creative Flame
The City From Above
Checking in on how local business owners are coping through the weirdest year ever. Pg 4
Keeping creative is going to help many of us this winter. OS organziations can help. Pg 6
Local photographer, John Fearnall, shares his new perspective on the region. Pg 10
The Unsung Heroes of Snow
Good, Clean, Cold Fun
Scenic City Grub Crawl
We’re #1 in the province for annual snowfall. These folks remove it for us. Pg 14
Tobogganing, snowshoeing, hiking, cross-country skiing, you name it - you can do it here. Pg 16
A deep-dive on the world-class dining establishments around town. Pg 20
LOCAL BUSINESS
Business Abound in the Sound Story by Russ Walsh
2020 has been a strange year, but we’ve faced it head-on with a sense of resilience, and few are more resilient than the small business owners of Owen Sound. These passionate hardworking individuals are, without a doubt, the cornerstone of our community, and, of course, our downtown. It goes without saying that starting a new business is a difficult endeavor to take on, but starting a business in 2020 came with a whole other set of challenges, like the reconstruction of a bridge and a global pandemic to name a few; luckily, there were a few individuals who were more than willing to step up to the task. Birgit’s Pastry Cafe has been a local staple for years. If you’ve been to the Artists’ Co-op in Owen Sound, you’ve undoubtedly 4 | SOUND OUTLOOK WINTER 2021
seen the cozy cafe tucked away in the back of the building or if you’ve been to the Owen Sound Farmers’ Market in the past, you’ve surely been greeted by the heavenly aroma of their fresh baked goods. In February Birgit Wright decided to move out of the Artist’s Co-op and set up shop next door. Unfortunately, two weeks after opening she was forced to temporarily close the bakery and reassess. “I worked for about 3 weeks by myself,” Wright says. “Luckily we had lots of pastries both pre-made and frozen so it took a lot off of my workload. I brought back my staff and things really picked up when we announced we’d be doing the market sandwiches.” The staff was working on a phone-in system
where customers would organize a scheduled pickup time while still dealing with walk-ins. “People just kept ordering and ordering and then started asking ‘what else do you have?’” Birgit says excitedly. As restrictions have lifted, Birgit has since expanded her staff and opened a beautiful patio space in the summer. In the fall she started safely seating inside. Before the pandemic hit, Laurie Boycott of Wildflowers Consignment lost her job in the pharmacy industry due to government cutbacks and decided to take the opportunity to pursue another passion: up-cycled clothing. “I started an online store in January and I put a lot of effort into online selling,” she says. “I was doing well but not enough to support myself.” Unfortunately with COVID, the idea of opening a retail location didn’t seem like the right move at the time. “I started doing research on how to improve what I was doing but when other consignment clothing stores started to open again, I visited them and learned their businesses were doing okay. And locally, our COVID numbers were low so that’s when I made the decision to open the store.” And she hasn’t looked back. It’s been nerve-wracking but overall, it’s been embraced by community members looking to acquire fashionable items at reasonable prices. “Consignment benefits a community of women,” Boycott says. “If you sell or buy here, you’re helping lots of women. It’s women helping women, and buying consignment clothing is better for the environment, as well. I want people to feel comfortable to browse and pop in.” Wild Flowers Consignment carries a wide range of fashions including popular brands like Lululemon Athletica, Aritzia, and Converse. Consignors also have the option of picking up their pieces that didn’t sell or they can be donated locally. Another new business in Owen Sound is bringing an activity that many didn’t realize they were missing out on. After facing some early obstacles prepping their location, the staff at Daisy’s Clay House, a paint your own pottery studio owned and operated by Angela Tilly and family, persevered and hustled to be open for the week of March break. After a successful opening day March 16th they were forced to close their doors the following day due to the government-mandated shutdown. In the true entrepreneurial spirit, they were quick to adapt and started to offer take-home packages and uploaded pictures of all their inventory online.
Although they got off to a rough start, word-of-mouth got around, and when it came time to re-open they were booked months out for birthday parties and other events. “This mom talked to this mom, and then talked to this mom, everyone knows each other here and that has spread the word, and then of course with Facebook and Instagram that really helped us in the beginning, actually about 70-80% of our reservations came from Facebook Messenger,” says Tilly. Another key to a successful re-opening has been the store’s holiday promotions. Father’s Day allowed kids to create a oneof-a-kind craft for all the #1 dads out there; Halloween allowed guests to create the perfect spooky piece for the big day or to keep up all year; but their big Christmas plan will be sure to bring customers of all ages in! “We’re going to sell a cup and plate set,” Tilly explains. “The idea is that kids will paint it for Santa’s milk and cookies they leave out on Christmas Eve. We’ll have 3 designated nights in December for this craft and then another set of three nights for kids, or anyone, to come in and paint ornaments for their trees.” Most readers will already be familiar with The Rocking Horse, the longest-running independently owned toy store in Canada, but some might not be aware of the HUGE changes they’ve undergone recently. Longtime owners, Dianne Mattice and Deb Haswell have retired (a happy one, not COVID related) and sold the business to Melanie Middlebro and her family. “I looked at it and looked at it (the sale listing) and I struggled because with COVID I wondered if this was the right time,” says Middlebro. “It was scary. It was getting down to the wire and it was either the business was going to close or someone was going to buy it, so I thought I’m not going to let it close, the store has a 43year history and that’s too much of a legacy to let go.” To go along with their new owners the store also has a fantastic new location, after a rocky (pun absolutely intended) start, it’s going to be exciting to see how Melanie and her family build on this incredible local legacy. These are just some of the examples of local businesses adapting and thriving in the year of 2020. There are dozens of others in our beautiful city that have rolled with the punches and could certainly use your patronage. This Holiday season let’s invest in our community by shopping local!
Your public art gallery
840 1st Avenue West, Owen Sound, ON / 519-376-1932 / tomthomson.org / @tomthomsonartgallery
ARTS & CULTURE
Stoking the Creative Fire Story by Sarah Goldman
Owen Sound has inviting outdoor spaces where we can enjoy a breath of fresh air, and a downtown core that always looks postcard-picturesque under a soft blanket of snow. But let’s face it: once holiday cheer and the novelty of the season’s first flakes wear off, we can sometimes fall out of love with winter. Fortunately, our city has a vibrant cultural arts community to fan your creative flame and keep your love affair with winter going. Read on to see a selection of art and crafting opportunities that are waiting for you right in the heart of downtown. Georgian Bay Centre for the Arts Since its opening in January 2019, the Georgian Bay Centre for the Arts has quickly become a cornerstone for artists and makers of all skills levels in Owen Sound. The Centre boasts an expansive studio space dedicated to a multitude of media: clay, textiles, printmaking, stained glass, paint, jewellery making, and more. With a dynamic selection of workshops offered year-round by artists, you can be sure to find inspiration at GB Arts. Why not get your hands good and dirty on the pottery wheel, or challenge yourself to try out copper etching? There are even monthly Bring Your Kid to Art Day classes for budding young makers (ages 7 and up) and their grown-ups. If you’re looking for a less structured option 6 | SOUND OUTLOOK WINTER 2021
for working on your craft, then weekly open studio times just might be for you. This is a time for GB Arts members to rent studio space. And if you’re feeling the need to hibernate all winter but still want to tap into your creative side, then pick up one of the Curbside Crafts kits that come with everything you need to create a work of art while staying cozy at home. Workshop registration and Curbside Craft orders can be done through the GB Arts website (https://gbarts.ca/), and you can pop in to the Centre to inquire about membership and view the studio space. Make sure to follow GB Arts on Instagram (@gbartscentre) and Facebook as well for updates and inspiration! Intersections Wood Gallery and Studio Owner Stephen Hogbin has created a venue where people can not only learn and hone the art of fine woodworking, but where their finished pieces can also be displayed and appreciated. Whether you’re just beginning to explore a new skillset, or you’re a seasoned craftsperson searching for inspiration and access to a fully equipped workshop, you will no doubt find what you need at Intersections. Members are able to rent the woodworking studio for their own projects and are given access to the resource library, while regular workshops and classes offer opportunities to explore new techniques.
TITLE PAGE, Top CW: Stephen Hogbin uses a lathe at Instersections Wood Gallery & Studio. A stained glass workshop at the Georgian Bay Centre for the Arts. Learning to make pottery at the GBCA. ABOVE: The staff at the TOM display historical hand-drawn stamps depicting the various industries and marketing campaigns that helped to put the Scenic City on the map all those years ago. John Laughlin Anne Dondertman, co-owners of Grey Gallery and Grey Garden stand in front of the stunning new mural at Grey Gallery on 2nd Ave East, painted in summer of 2020 by Raquell Yang. John White photo.
You can even round up a few people in your social bubble and take part in a customized workshop that is geared toward your group’s skills, ages, and interest. The Intersections website (https://intersectionsstudio.com/) has all of the information you’ll need to register for workshops and inquire about membership, and you can follow their Facebook and Instagram (@intersection_gallery) platforms for news and events. Tom Thomson Art Gallery Of course, we can’t talk about creative spaces without mentioning the TOM, one of Owen Sound’s cornerstones for art and culture. It’s the place to go when you want to soak up beauty in a reflective atmosphere. The gallery is home to permanent collections of the works of Tom Thomson and other members of the Group of Seven, as well as works by local and national artists, while dynamic contemporary
exhibitions offer fresh perspectives. Until February 5th you can enjoy Alan Glicksman’s The Process of Becoming, Drawn In: Works from the Collection, and The View from Here, a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the formation of the Group of Seven. Then, on February 12th, get ready for Kristine Moran’s bold and intriguing show, Swimming on the Edge of Utopia, and Facing It, a collection that reflects the solitude and interconnectedness we have experienced over the past year. Gallery information, including membership inquiries, can be found on the website (https://www.owensound.ca/ en/tomthomson.aspx), and follow along on Facebook and Instagram (@tomthomsonartgallery) to get news and updates. Grey Gallery This intimate gallery has been making big waves in the community. Local painter Raquell Yang has recently created an
expansive mural overlooking the adjacent Grey Garden. Inside the gallery, along with an eclectic library of books on art, you will find intriguing shows by guest artists. The shows change regularly, so you can keep coming back for new inspiration. While you’re there, pick up a copy of the Artists’ Kitchen Table Cookbook – compiled by Grey Gallery and printed by The Ginger Press – and get creative in your kitchen with illustrated recipes from local artists. The Gallery also holds weekly life drawing sessions on Wednesday evenings for a small fee. Reserve a spot and bring along your supplies for these opportunities to hone your skills. You can find more information and access to the monthly newsletter on their website (https:// greygallery.ca/) and get updates through Facebook and Instagram (@ggowensound). Daisy’s Clay House Owen Sounders of all ages were thrilled when we got a paint-your-own-pottery studio. This is a perfect option for artists of any skill level. Choose a piece of pottery from the wide selection of dishes, figurines, and more, and just let your imagination run wild as you decorate it until your heart’s content. Daisy’s Clay House then glazes and fires your piece to turn it into a finished and functional work of art. Individuals, families, or social bubble friends can book a time to work in
the studio, or you can take a kit home with you and bring your painted piece back to Daisy’s for the finishing process. Your hot cocoa will taste even better in a mug that is uniquely yours. Pop over to their website at https://www.daisysclayhouse. com/ for more information on how to access the studio and follow their Facebook and Instagram (@daisysclayhouse) pages to get updates. The Library The Owen Sound and North Grey Union Public Library is a staple for community members of all ages. Yes, you can do the classic book borrowing to fill your need for creative escape, but that’s only the start. The Library has a vast collection of eBooks and eAudiobooks that can be accessed remotely, and their website offers links to a whole list of online resources for anything from children’s literature to online movie and music borrowing to learning a new language. Crafts are also available for people to make on-site or at home, with a new item each month. And children can let their imaginations run wild with virtual Lego Club challenges and kid-friendly craft kits, as well as virtual story times and more. Explore the website for the full range of services you can access this winter and follow on Facebook and Instagram (@osngupl) to keep an eye out on special events and program updates.
OS FROM ABOVE
Story & Photos by John Fearnall/Good Noise
If I was ever asked to come up with a list of my favourite things, Owen Sound and photography would definitely both be on the list. 40 years of wonderful living in the area made me think I knew it well. Traveling its roads for 20 of those years photographing local places and events, I was sure I had seen most of what the area had to offer. How wrong I was. In my photography, I enjoy the challenge of finding an angle that I’ve never seen before. But I was always limited by gravity. When I was gifted a drone to use a few years ago, that changed. Suddenly, I was able to capture images that were once only imaginable in my head. But the images were even better than I imagined as they
10 | SOUND OUTLOOK WINTER 2021
allowed me to see the area in new ways - new patterns, new shapes, new connections. And seeing our home from above reminded me why I started taking photos of the area in the first place - why it’s so special. Autumn’s changing colours are stunning from the ground, but above the tree-line is an even better way to see Fall’s show. Just last week my dog, Ozzy, and I drove through Owen Sound on our way to Kemble Mountain. Last year around this time, I took two early experimental photos that made me realize how special it was to see things from above. This year, even though the colours were just starting to change - the seasons within the season - it provided me the chance to capture the stellar view to Owen Sound you get every time you come down Kemble Mountain.
TITLE PAGE: Kemble Mountain just before the first snow, looking south to Owen Sound. OPPOSITE TOP: The Harrison Park Good Cheer Rink offers a unique shot of locals playing shinny. BOTTOM: The Chi Cheemaun in her winter home, Owen Sound harbour. ABOVE: Owen Sound Bay, looking north. John Fearnall / Good Noise photos.
These newfound angles have only increased my appreciation for trees. A lone tree casting its long shadow in a field. A giant canopy with a single road cutting its way through to the water. Something else I have noticed is that water is everywhere. It is almost impossible to take a drone photo that does not include some water. The bay narrowing to the grain elevators. The stone and sand tracing the shoreline. The river snaking its way through the downtown core on its way to the glass bay. It reminds me of the intimate connection Owen Sound has with the water and the land. It might sound silly, but seeing Owen Sound from the air reminded me that it is in a valley. It also allowed me to see the clear connection people and the land share. The grids we’ve created and buildings we’ve erected. Patterns driven by unseen forces. Graceful movement through
the landscapes. Hidden bays. Well-worn paths and trails. Even the odd shipwreck. Every time I fly my drone, I’m never sure what I am going to see. But I have learned that no matter what it is, it will be something unique and interesting. Just like the land I am flying above. Note from the author: It is the responsibility of drone owners/remote pilots to follow Transport Canada laws and regulations and the laws and regulations applicable where the flight is taking place. It is also the responsibility of the entire crew to fly safely and responsibly at all times and to follow manufacturer’s recommended protocols and maintenance.
SNOWEN SOUND
Snow Kings Story by Andy Elliott
Owen Sound is the snow capital of Ontario. Go ahead and fact check me on that. No one else gets more of the fluffy stuff than good ol’ Scenic City. Yup, we sure do get a heck of a lot of it, and it doesn’t seem to serve much purpose except to hinder us on our way to work or school in the morning. You could almost say it’s a blessing that we only need to concern ourselves with the snow in our driveway, and not all that’s accumulated on the kilometers of roadway between our homes and the places we need to go. Except it’s not a blessing. It’s the work of a few individuals who get up even earlier than we do every morning to ensure that we can get to where we need to be safely and on time. Too often overlooked, Owen Sound’s snow removal crew 14 | SOUND OUTLOOK WINTER 2021
truly are everyday heroes. The city is twenty-four square kilometers, with hundreds of kilometers of road to be cleared. But by the time you’re out your front door, all the major roads in town are bare. That’s no small feat! So how do they do it, you ask? Well, I spoke with Owen Sound’s Public Works superintendent, Jeff Follis, who told me all about Owen Sound’s snow routes (and no, your street is not last on the route, no matter how much you think your neighbour’s roads get plowed first). Owen Sound is broken up into seven different plow routes, each handled by a single operator.
The plows go out starting at 3 AM, and barring any unforeseen breakdowns, all the roads can be plowed by 2 in the afternoon at the latest, though they’re usually bare by noon. Their number one priority is to keep the hills open as well as the major thoroughfares, with residential areas as a secondary concern. Oftentimes, the drivers may find themselves having to return to the hills and major roads because it’s snowed since they’ve cleared those parts. If there are any breakdowns, another operator will have to finish off the route while the broken down truck gets serviced.
And just because the snow has stopped does not mean that the snow plow operators get to stop. There is no rest for these folks when the white flakes fall. When there’s no fresh snow, the drivers are handling built-up snow in parking lots and cul-de-sacs. There are three snow removal shifts a day, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week for the whole winter. Our snow plowers really are the unsung heroes of Owen Sound. So the next time you’re woken up in the very early morning by a snow plow going past your house, you should view it the way citizens of Metropolis view a Superman sighting. What you’re witnessing is a person whose job it is to keep the city safe!
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Get outside, people. Story & Photos by Zak Erb
Winter is here in the Scenic City, which means one thing:
good, clean, cold fun can be had all over town. With the right equipment Owen Sound becomes a winter playground, so wax up your skis, dust off your snowshoes, or throw the toboggan in the trunk - it’s time to play.
Once you’ve skied the loop once or twice be sure to check out the Falls from the nearby viewing platform. For skate skiers, or those who prefer an actively groomed trail, The Sawmill Trails in nearby Hepworth or Massie Trails south-east of town will keep you plenty busy!
Cross country skiing
Snowshoeing
Easy outing Skiers of all ages will enjoy the 1.5km ungroomed loop at Harrison Park. It begins at the entrance to the park just off 2nd Avenue East. Park the car, strap on your skis, and follow the trail beside the snowy Sydenham River into the park. Bear left, or east, at the parking lot, and once you’ve crossed the bridge, take a right and follow the blue blazed side trail through the woods. Soon you’ll cross a second bridge and find yourself skiing through the campground back in the direction you came from.
Easy outing Stoney Orchard Park is the place for a quick snowshoeing adventure. It features several short overlapping trails through a mixed growth forest and connects to a kilometer-long stretch of wide open parkland. Sitting on top of the Niagara Escarpment on the east side of town, the park offers high, stunning views across the icy opening of Georgian Bay. Take a look, and a memorable selfie, but don’t get too close to the edge, as overhanging snow can be hazardous. Access the trail from the north end of 5th Avenue East. If visiting with kids, be sure to check out the brand new playground at Timber McArthur park, also on 5th Ave. Looking to get your steps in? With connections to the Tom Thomson Trail and the Harbourfront Trail, Stoney Orchard offers die-hard trail warriors the chance to cover some serious ground.
Intermediate If you’re after a few more kilometers of ungroomed fun, drive up to the Inglis Falls Conservation Area. The 3.9 km Pine Loop Trail begins just across the bridge beside the parking area. 16 | SOUND OUTLOOK WINTER 2021
Intermediate Up your snowshoe game at the Jones Falls & Pottawatomi Conservation Area. This location boasts 6.5 km of trails meandering through dense wood and open meadows. Featuring multiple loops, variable elevation, and a stunning frozen waterfall to boot - Jones is one of the premier treks in the County. Access the trailhead at the Owen Sound Transportation Company parking lot just off Highway 6. Local’s tip: There’s an awesome 3 km romp that starts beneath the escarpment, stops at the waterfall, and loops back via the top of the escarpment - those views! Access it by parking at the end of Young’s Drive. Follow the Memorial Forest side trail to the south (head left). After the falls, take the main Bruce Trail to the north (turn right), then descend the escarpment via the Memorial Forest side trail which brings you right back to your car.
Tobogganing Easy outing Ryerson Park, at the bottom of the 8th Street East hill, is purpose-built for kids and kids at heart. The short sleddin’ hill descends to the north, but the hill itself tapers from east to west,
offering a nice gradient for all levels of bravery, from “Don’t let go of my hand, mommy!” to “Again! Again! Again!” The playground equipment, approachable slope, and easy access to the downtown core with promise of hot cocoa, make Ryerson a must stop for young families. Intermediate The biggest, baddest hill around can be found at Harrison Park. Boasting 80 feet of gnarly vertical, this monster slope is so big there used to be a ski lift operating on it. It’s so fast it’ll blow your toque off, so steep you may want to pack an extra pair of snow pants. In a word, this hill is glorious. It’s also tiered, with a nice landing area for a short slope about halfway up the mountainous main drag. Perfect for a couple introductory runs before hauling the toboggan right to the top in pursuit of immortal glory. To tackle this legendary slope, head east from the park restaurant, cross the bridge and turn left. You can’t miss it. The only question is, can you handle it? With an average of 130 inches of snowfall a year (the most in the province!), we’re never short on the fluffy white stuff here, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Suit up, grab your gear, and make the most of it. Get outside in OS this winter. We’ll see you out there.
Spring Morris photo.
20 | SOUND OUTLOOK WINTER 2021
DINING
Story by Emma Bell
Whether you’re on the east side, west side, downtown or around town, Owen Sound’s world-class hospitality establishments are ready to serve you. If you’re taking the family out, meeting friends, or getting take-out for a cozy night in this winter, choose from an array of dining options to satisfy every craving. From classic, down-home cooking to gourmet favourites as well as healthy options or international cuisine, try one of these local hot-spots for a meal you won’t soon forget.
The Bleeding Carrot The Bleeding Carrot is downtown Owen Sound’s vegan restaurant and juice bar. For a satisfying lunch, try their Tempeh Wrap, Grilled “Cheeze” Sandwich or the Naanwich. Fresh gluten free baked goods and locally roasted fairtrade coffees make the perfect morning pick-me-up. Closed Sundays and Mondays. 945 2nd Ave. E. Birgit’s Pastry Café After moving next door to a bigger location in spring 2020, Birgit’s Pastry Café is ready to meet your breakfast, lunch or coffee break needs. Birgit makes her bread and pastries from scratch using organic flours and sugars. The café also
offers dozens of sandwich options, coffee roasted on-site, potpies to go, and organic bulk baking ingredients for sale. Catch Birgit in her second home at the Owen Sound Farmers’ Market on Saturdays for spectacular breakfast sandwiches. 942 2nd Ave. E. Casero Kitchen Table Starting out as a seasonal taco bus at Sauble Beach in 2015, Casero Kitchen Table has become a focal point in Owen Sound’s downtown. For Mexican favourites from tacos to nachos to burritos, Casero is sure to satisfy any craving for omnivores and vegans alike. Wash everything down with a terrific cocktail or craft beer. Be sure to call ahead for take out, or go online to order an in-house smoked Ontario brisket to eat at home. 946 3rd Ave E. The Curry House Known for its fine Indian Cuisine, The Curry House boasts
a detailed lunch and dinner menu with vegetarian and gluten free options. Not sure what to choose? Go with one of their combos to get a taste of the restaurant’s most popular Indian dishes. Home delivery within Owen Sound is available. 994 2nd Ave. E. Europa Restaurant If you like homemade pizza, then this family-run Greek restaurant on 8th St E is your spot. Once a busy dine-in restaurant, it’s now a busy take-out restaurant with gyros, souvlaki, Greek salad, and baklava on the menu for pick up. You’ll leave with a tasty meal and a smile on your face. Open Monday to Saturday. 282 8th St E European Bakery Café The European Bakery Café has been serving Owen Sound for more than 30 years. With an extensive menu of salads, sandwiches, breads, desserts and fresh baking, you definitely won’t leave hungry. The establishment also offers a large catering menu and a special line of ready-made, kid-friendly “Mammas Meals” for busy families to enjoy at home. 806 16th St. E. and 1415 1st Ave. W. Frog Ponds Café Located in the heart of downtown, Frog Ponds brews up a wide assortment of coffees, teas and specialty beverages. They also prepare wraps, sandwiches, smoothies, salads and desserts. Don’t miss out on their freshly baked scones (think flavours like Cranberry Brie or White Chocolate Lavender). Be sure to ask them about their catering options and gluten-free offerings as well. 209 8th St. E. Harrison Park Inn Restaurant Located in the heart of Owen Sound’s picturesque Harrison Park, the restaurant is open year-round. It’s a great spot for family dining or those visiting from out-of-town. Stop by after exploring the park for panoramic nature views, and enjoy a cozy atmosphere (fireplace included). Open daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks. 137 2nd Ave. E. Jazzmyn’s Restaurant The hidden gem of downtown Owen Sound! With a motto like, “Where there are no strangers, just people you haven’t met yet,” you know the service will be friendly. Stop by or take out generous portions of fish and chips or hand-carved steak, or choose from an array of loaded burgers, sandwiches and salads. Also, catch some tunes on one of the restaurant’s musical open mic nights. 261 9th St. E.
Mr Khan’s Gyro and Fish Corner If you’re taking a walk along the Northern Lights this winter, make sure to stop in at Mr Khan’s for a gyro, burrito, chicken dish or fish and chips. The friendly staff will make sure you walk out with something delicious. A quick, casual restaurant, Mr Khan’s also boasts a great falafel for lunch for when you’re on the go. 132 9th St E. Mudtown Station As Owen Sound’s craft beer central, Mudtown Station is located in a former CPR train station. With 12 rotating taps brewed both in-house and from other craft breweries across the province, the offerings are sure to please any palate. The menu changes with the seasons and features local produce and meats. The Whip Burger, a menu mainstay, is not to be missed. 1198 1st Ave. E. The Palette Café Whether you’ve worked up a hunger during one of the many classes at the Georgian Bay Centre for the Arts, or just want to sit down for a bite after shopping around town, The Palette Café has a beautifully restored Kresge’s lunch counter where they offer a delicious new menu and a great view of 2nd Ave E. Nestled at the front of the GB Arts, you’ll find daily specials dreamed up by the folks at Red Hot Catering and include soups and feature dishes. Along with baked goods, they also serve local beer, cider and wine. 938 2nd Ave E. Sabitri’s Global Cuisine For great tasting Nepalese and Indian style food in the heart of downtown Owen Sound, pop into Sabitri’s for a dine-in meal or something to take out. If you’re in the mood for a plentiful curry platter, or some smaller dishes like momo dumplings or samosas, you’ll experience a taste of Nepal customized to your spice level. Open seven days a week. 941 2nd Ave E Shorty’s Grill Since 1996, Shorty’s has been Owen Sound’s go-to bar and grill. An extensive drinks menu featuring cocktails, wine and draft beer pairs perfectly with one of their many appetizers or a steak or seafood dish. A specialty kids menu will keep everyone in the family happy. Open for dinner Wednesday – Saturday. 967 3rd Ave. E.
TITLE PAGE: Casero Kitchen Table always wows with its local take on authentic Mexican cuisine. Spring Morris photo. ABOVE L to R: Comfort Food 101: Crispy Fish n Chips from Sizzlin in downtown Owen Sound. Fancy an afternoon tea, coffee, or something sweet? The Palette Cafe in the newly opened Georgian Bay Centre for the Arts is sure to satisfy. Photos provided.
Sizzlin Restaurant Combining old school home cooking with modern flare at affordable prices, Sizzlin is a great place for meeting friends or taking the family. Grilled salmon steaks and pulled pork tacos are a few of the new menu additions this year, but classics like smoked stuffed chicken breast, fajitas, and BLTs are always there for you. Wing night starts Wednesdays at 4 p.m. 229 9th St. E. Sprout Smoothies Co. Sprout is your grab-and-go destination for healthy breakfast, snacks and drinks. Everything on their menu is gluten-free,
dairy-free and refined sugar-free. While you’re in, take a look at some of their healthy and eco-friendly giftware. Order online for easy pick-up in store. 158 9th St. E. Yummy Yummy When a craving for Japanese or Thai food strikes, Yummy Yummy has you covered. From sashimi to curries to ramen noodles, you won’t be disappointed. Having people over? Their sushi platters are great to feed a crowd. Plus, you can phone in or order online for both take out and home delivery. 251 10th St. E.