Explore & Discover York Region at no cost!  Download our free guide to 50 FREE things to do in Newmarket, Aurora, Markham, Stouffville, Vaughan, Georgina and East Gwillimbury.

Here are just a few  tidbits…

• Be rewarded on your birthday! Find out where to receive free goodies on your bday
• Did you know we have a free petting zoo in York Region?
• Antique lovers will truly appreciate this gem with over 16,000 sq feet of antiques

To receive your guide please visit our Facebook Page HERE  to download.

Enjoy

2. For one of the cleanest indoor playgrounds, The Play Cube offers three rooms, or 1 super large room with tons of play space. With slides, tube crawl mazes, trampolines, soft play zone for toddlers and younger children, costume corner, and more .  Ages 6 months -12 , Peanut Free

3. Teach your kids how to BAKE and have fun decorating at Oh So Sweet ! This 100% NUT FREE cupcake place offers a great package with no worries about allergies or ordering food! Lootbags, and cooking attire included in packages too!  Ages 3-12, Nut Free

4. Jump sky high at Airborne Trampoline Club flying Birthday Parties. 3 Party rooms available for your guests while your children play and learn from Airborne’s Gymnastics Canada Certified coaches who will teach your guests trampoline skills & games.

5. Thumbprint Adventures will take your imagination to a whole new level. These one of a kind birthday parties are similar to a theatre production – but instead, the audience (the kids) are part of the performance. Ages 2-9

6. Have a TWEEN? Glama Gals party package comes with robe and slipper service, food, drinks, and cake. So many great  themes to choose from that include ice-cream, mani & pedi,  makeover, photo shoot,  creating your own lip gloss and/or nail polish, facials, and more.

7. Have your party at Reptilia and enjoy an unforgettable experience without any work! All you have to do is relax and enjoy the real life animals! Their package includes a variety of options and a lot of extras! A show your guests don’t want to miss

8. At Vaughan Sportsplex you can give the  girls and boys a variety of entertainment to keep them having fun the whole time. Packages offer a variety of options with sports themes, nerf themes and character rentals. A definite must for children ages 6-12.

9. Plan a great and exciting party at any participating Cineplex Entertainment Theatre. Make it a memorable experience by booking a Popcorn Parties, Ciné-Spatiales or play Xbox 360™ on the big screen and have the best party on the planet.

10. Boyd Conversation Area is a great place to let your creativity come to life. In the summer enjoy a BBQ themed party with lots of water toys and in the Winter take the kids on a nature walk in the snow! Lots of great themes to plan in the open nature.

Business: Petits Chefs Academy

Owner: Denise K. Livotti

Tell us a bit about your business?  PETITS CHEFS ACADEMY INC. is an educational cooking school specifically designed for children, the culinary newbie and enthusiast. A fun, interactive and safe environment where children will discover the value and joy of healthy nutritional cooking, a life skill that not only will enrich their academics such as math, science, reading, social studies and much more but one that will empower them to make wise, healthy food choices now and for a lifetime.

What inspired you to start your business: My chronic health issues due to a very stressful work environment and my daughter being diagnosed with ADD was the inspiration to my business.  I realized something had to give and that I had to become more focused on healthier cooking and natural gardening so that I may help myself and her through difficult times.  I did not want to go through the conventional method of medications and chose the holistic, natural approach.  Food can be our worst enemy or our best ally and healer.

How long have you lived in the area: I lived and grew up in Mississauga and had my first child there.  However, Vaughan has become our home as we’ve been here for the past 5 years and where I decided to start my business.

What’s your insider tip on a local hidden treasure or favorite spots? One of our favourite spots is Pine Farms Orchard where we go many times throughout the year if it’s not for its apples just a great place to go for walks and enjoy a slice of pie at their bakeshop.

What job would you love to do if you never had to worry about money again? I’d love to be a marine biologist and study/swim with the whales.  I’d also love to go to Africa and walk with the elephants and adopt a child.  Not necessarily in that order but those are some of the things I’d like to do if I didn’t have to worry about money.

How do you spend your free time? When I do have any free time I like to do yoga and read.  I also enjoy surfing the net and the occasional chat on Twitter and Facebook for some social downtime.  Mostly I love spending any free time with my family – my children.

People may be surprised to know that? Was fortunate enough to travel and live abroad for a few years after I graduated from university and where I met my wonderful husband.

Favorite Quotes:  Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.
– Mark Twain

EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFERING: I would love to offer ThingsToDoYorkRegion readers the chance to win ONE FREE COOKING WORKSHOP by liking our page and posting a comment. Offer is valid until December 31, 2012 good for kids 6+ or an adult and child under 6.

Petits Chefs Academy

9661 Jane St., Unit #1

Vaughan, ON

289-553-4445

www.PetitsChefsAcademy.com

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MARKHAM

Mother’s Day DIY Gift Workshop at Paintlounge. Make mom something special this Mother’s Day. You will be guided to make your own mixed media piece. Price $30+HST includes all paints, materials and supplies.

• Tuesday May 8, Wednesday May 9 & Friday May 11, 2012
• 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
• Paintlounge, 3603 Highway 7 East, Unit 106, Markham
• $30

Take your mom to Paintlounge this weekend for a special paint date for their special Paint Party with Mom. Price $30+HST per person includes an XS canvas session, a choice of premium teas, and a bag of chocolate pretzels by Awesome in a Box.

• Saturday May 12 12pm-11pm
• Sunday May 13th 2pm-7pm
• Paintlounge, 3603 Highway 7 East, Unit 106, Markham
• $30

Mother’s Day Buffet at the Hilton Suites Markham

Sunday, May 13, 2012  11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

8500 Warden Ave (at Highway 7)

Spoil your “supermom” with a scrumptious brunch buffet or 3 course gourmet table d’hôte dinner.

Reserve early for these sellout family celebrations.

Featuring live entertainment, a gift for mom including MAC Cosmetics, $25 off aesthetics at the spa
and a free 7 day trial membership at Club Markham.

Champagne Brunch Buffet
2 Seatings • 11:00 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.
$48/adult • $25/children (6-12 yrs)

3 Course Table D’hôte Dinner
Essence of Unionville Restaurant
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm • $46/person

Prices are subject to taxes and gratuity.

For reservations, call 905-470-8500 x 2067 to avoid disappointment.

NEWMARKET

Victorian Mother’s Day Tea – Bring your Mother and enjoy an old-fashioned afternoon in a historical setting! Presented by the Friends of the Museum

Date:  Saturday, May 12th

Two Sittings:  1:30-2:30p.m. and 3-4p.m.

Tickets:  $10.00

Cost includes a variety of teas, old-fashioned sandwiches and sweets served on vintage china.

RICHMOND HILL

The Heritage Centre offers a “Traditional Afternoon Tea“.

Treat your mom to a full-service tea that is the equivalent of a light lunch - consists of a selection of dainty sandwiches, Victorian style cookies and scones served with clotted cream and preserves.

Beverages include their private blend teas, coffee and/or ice cold lemonade.

Sittings: 12 pm, 1:30 pm and 3 pm

Cost: $10 per person

Reservations are strongly encouraged, but drop ins will be accepted if space allows.

Call the Heritage Centre at 905 780-3802 for more information and to reserve your space.

VAUGHAN

Riviera Parque Banquet Hall Mother’s Day Brunch Sunday May 13 featuring:

Deluxe Antipasto Bar
Seafood Station
Pasta Station
Entrée Station
Fun Times Station
Fruit & Dessert Station
Open Premium bar

Seating times : 12/12.30/1/1.30pm
Adult Ticket Price: $55 (Including Taxes)
Children Ticket Price: (3-12 Years Old) $30 (Including Taxes)

Senior Ticket Price: $50 (Including Taxes)
Children under 3 Years Old: No Charge

Order tickets HERE

If you would Prefer to speak with their representatives to purchase tickets, you can call them at 416.987.4400

KESWICK 

Mother’s Day Brunch at the ROC Chalet Sunday, May 13, 2012  10:00 a.m. Seating

Breakfast Bar Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Sausage, Potatoes O’Brian, French Toast, Bagels, Muffins, Croissants
Antipasto Bar Fresh selection of Deli & Cheese, Oven Roasted Tomatoes, Bruschetta, Assorted Canapés, Sausage rolls, Spanakopita
Salad Bar Mixed Baby Greens, Caesar, French Potato, Greek, Tomato Bocconcini, Pasta Florentine, Mushroom a la Grecque
Pasta Bar Tomato Basil, Alfredo, Bolognese, Rose Soup de Jour Garden Minestrone
Hot Entrees Roast Beef Carving Station with Gravy, Grilled Salmon, Chicken Blanquette, Roasted Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables
Dessert Bar Assortment of Pastries, Cookies & Parfaits

$22.50* Adults
$10.00* Children (10 and under)
Children 3 & under are FREE
(*Prices do not include taxes, gratuity or alcoholic beverages)

Call for reservations (905) 476-4301 ext. 240

On Saturday May 5^th, Energy Exchange Organic Salon will open its doors as York Regions’ very first holistic loving concept salon. The boutique is a clean air salon using no sulfates, parabens or ammonia. All of their products are infused with organic ingredients and are never tested on animals.

Holistic Nutritionist & Natural Hair Technician Amanda Siragusa has created an organic full service boutique salon specializing in ammonia free hair coloring and organic styling in an eco friendly venue that is as healthy as it is beautiful.

The Grand Opening Ceremony will begin at 11am. Enjoy organic refreshments, tour the salon, and meet the stylists. Gifts from local Newmarket businesses and complimentary snacks and beverages will make the celebration complete.

Special offer:  Amanda is offering a complimentary scalp treatment ($25 value) with the purchase of any service. Offer expires June 1st, 2012. This is your opportunity to experience the holistic way in a serene environment.

Thank you Amanda for the generous gift!

16635 Yonge St., Unit 16, Newmarket

905.830.9100

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Let me introduce you to our two beautiful felines available right now for adoption…..

Mikey (Male, Born – July 4, 2011): What a handsome cat Mikey is! He is a long haired cat with the most amazing thick furry tail!  He has a lovely nature and is quite a laid back cat. He is friendly and likes to be with people but he needs a little time to get used to his surroundings before you see the really friendly cat emerge. He enjoys being with other cats but would be equally happy to be a single cat getting all the love and attention which he adores.

THELMA HAS BEEN ADOPTED!  ENJOY YOUR NEW HOME

Thelma (Female, Born – August 9, 2011): Look at these gorgeous eyes – they will melt your heart! Thelma is a bundle of activity, she seems to be always on the go. She likes to explore and dashes from one place to another. If you want a high energy kitten – Thelma is your girl! Her antics will keep you amused until she eventually settles down on your lap for a nap and a purr.

If you are interested in adopting a cat and would like to meet Mikey or Thelma you may arrange to do so at the Thornhill Shelter by calling 905-940-CATS (2287). You may also go to their web site HERE to see other cats waiting for adoption at the shelter.

NTCR is also looking for volunteers and would greatly appreciate your support. Please share with family and friends that may be interested.

Business: Pretty As Can Be

Owners: Rosa Zupo-Pertosa & Nina Zupo

Tell us a bit about your business?  “Pretty as Can Be” provides a fun-filled spa. Located at 6349 Main Street Stouffville, “Pretty as Can Be” will make your party the talk of the town.  Our primary reason for starting this venture was to have loads of fun with your little princesses.  Our goal is to bring you flexibility, hassle free service, personal attention, creativity and most importantly, superb quality and satisfaction.

What inspired you to start your business:  Being mothers of little girls, we found it difficult to find Party places for our girls to have the Spa treatments to feel like little Divas.  We started to think about what Little girls would like, and came up with Pretty As Can Be, spa parties for girls.  We put alot of thought and detail into our packages.  We want them to feel like Princesses when they come to our shop they get the full Diva treatment.

How long have you lived in the area:  Rosa and I have been in Stouffville for 6 years, and love it!

What’s your insider tip on a local hidden treasure or favorite spots?  Our favorite spot at the moment is walking into Pretty As Can Be, feeling nothing but sure joy and accomplishment, that we are fufilling our dream and dreams of the little girls that walk into our shop!

What job would you love to do if you never had to worry about money again?  If Rosa and I had to never think about money, we would spend our days putting smiles on the little girls that walk through our shop.  And know that at the end of the day we succeeded in what we set out to do.

How do you spend your free time?  With the little amount of free time we have, we enjoy travelling with our families and spending quality time with our loved ones.

People may be surprised to know that? Rosa and I are successful in the business world, as well as being Owner’s of Pretty As Can Be.  Rosa having two children(Saverio 6 months, and Cinzia 2 yrs old) and I having four girls (Franca 17 yrs old, Bianca 12 yrs old, Ava 7 yrs old, and Sofia 4 yrs old)  Which at times could be challenging, but it’s what we thrive on!

Favorite Quotes:  Live life everyday, as if it were your last.  Enjoy every moment to your fullest, with no regrets!

EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFERING:  We would like to offer your readers 10% off a package if a party is booked Monday – Wednesday. Please contact us for details.

Pretty As Can Be

6349 Main Street, Stouffville

905-591-DIVA (3482)

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the Loft by Longos offers a large selection of cooking classes at these locations:  Aurora, Bathurst, Boxgrove, Burloak, Maple Leaf Square and Richmond Hill. Here are a few cooking classes happening in May. Be sure to check online for classes available at each location. Happy Cooking!

Richmond Hill:

Thursday, May 31, 2012 – 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Bento Sushi Making (Hands on)

Learn how to make fresh sushi with Bento’s highly trained expert chefs. Enjoy soothing green tea as you master the art of sushi preparation with recipes for the perfect rice and tricks for creating and forming your favourite sushi rolls. You will also get a chance to see an exciting demonstration on how to prepare the more advanced nigiri sushi. You will not want to miss it!

Aurora:

Tuesday, May 22, 2012 – 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Four Dishes Everyone Needs to Know

Forget “takeout” and pre-packaged dinners! Join Chef Mike as he teaches you how to prepare a day’s worth of tasty dishes, without ever breaking a sweat. Start the day off right with a fluffy omelet for breakfast, leek and potato soup for lunch, tender roast chicken with seasonal vegetables for dinner and chocolate pot de crème for dessert. You’ll learn all the tricks to recreating these quick and healthful meals in your very own kitchen. $30

Markham:

Thursday, May 17, 2012 – 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Mexican Night

It’s a fiesta with specialist Paula Zavala who will be showing
you how to make simple and easy Mexican dishes. To start she
will make a comforting bean and tomato soup tossed with fried
tortilla chips, followed by a delicious chili con carne and guacamole.
She will finish off the evening with a to-die-for truffle
chocolate cake and vanilla ice cream. $30

Vaughan:

Tuesday, May 22, 2012 – 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
All the Best of Prince Edward Island

Christian Pritchard, TV’s “Gastrotainer,” is back with island
hospitality…Canadian style! Prince Edward Island, the jewel of
Eastern Canada, has some of the best ingredients, which are
now making their way to the Longo’s Loft! Tonight’s class starts
with PEI-style gnocchi with a luscious lobster sauce and chantrelles.
Next up — mussels two ways: New London style and
beer braised. For your sweet tooth, a cranberry panna cotta is
guaranteed to whisk you off to this Eastern paradise! $30

Calling all book lovers, Giant Used Book Sale at Mount Albert Library  $5.00 Admission, $10 Per family. Bring your own bag. Book sale is on Friday & Saturday. Friday Hours: .7pm – 8:30 pm  Saturday: 9am-4pm.

Newmarket Theatre now featuring Hairspray the Broadway Musical, showtimes 7:30pm and Saturday & Sunday 2pm.

Just for Laughs Road Show is coming to Markham Theatre! Tickets start at $54.oo. Showtime 8pm.

Saturday, April 21

Woodbridge Mom 2 Mom Sale 150 Moms selling their kids gently used things. FREE WITH COUPON. Join their email list at woodbridgemom2mom@yahoo.com for more info. Parking is available in the two parking lots located on Davos Road (St. Jean de Brebeuf High School) and Villa Royal Avenue (Vellore Village Community Centre). 9:30am – 1:30pm

Mamma Mia Concert ABBA Tribute by The ABsalute Gold at the Markham Theatre  Tickets start at $58.00. Showtime 8pm.

Love the 70′s? you need to check out Timeless Band at the Aurora Legion playing your favourite 70′s from classics like Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles and Boston to name a few. Begins at 8pm.

Sunday, April 22

The Richmond Hill Group of Artists present Mill Pond Gallery Exhibition and Sale with original paintings by local artists Alexandra Conrad, Lilian Gazarian and Maryam Ebrahimi. No admission fee, refreshments served and plenty of free parking. Mill Pond Gallery 314 Mill Street. 11am-5pm

The Briars holds a special place in my heart since it’s also where hubby and I had our wedding reception a few years back. Since then we’ve tried to visit once a year and we’ve always had a great time.

The resort is owned and operated by the Sibbald family and has a rich history spaning more than 150 years. The Briars offers guests a charming and relaxing escape in a country cottage like setting. It also happens to be one of the most beautiful resorts in Ontario, overlooking the south end of Lake Simcoe.

On our most recent trip we spent the night in one of the charming cottages off the main property.

Our two bedroom cottage was cute, clean and roomy.  After a call to maintenance to address some heating issues we were surprised to have one of the owners Hugh Sibbald come fix the problem. Throughout our stay we really noticed the personal attention from the guest services staff and even Mr. Sibbald himself. Their attention and accomodating service is one of the things I absolutely love about this resort!

Dining at The Briars is always scrumtous!  I’ve never had a less than fantastic meal there and even my very picky, meat and potatoes type husband is a fan. My favourite course is desert and the creme brule is worth all the guilt!

Also be sure to check out the spa and golf course if you’re visiting. The spa offers a full range of esthetic and massage options, and the golf course is a Stanley Thompson/Robbie Robinson design.  For more information go to www.thebriars.ca

The Briars 

55 Hedge Road, RR 1,  Jackson’s Point

416-493-2173