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April 2021

Springtime in Durham Region
Happy spring! We're excited to say that warmer weather is on its way! Soon enough, our beaches will be covered in soft sand instead of white snow, and we'll be saying goodbye to our parkas and hello to paradise. Good vibes, good fun and breathtaking views are just around the corner!
 
There’s lots to see and do right here in your own backyard. Check out our events calendar or download the Great Taste of Ontario Durham Region passport to explore some of the fantastic restaurants, markets, farms, bakeries, wineries, cideries and breweries we have to offer.
War on Whiskey launches in Durham Region
Jump in your jalopy and embark on an authentic journey through Durham’s prohibition past, while filling up on some lively libations and tasty food served to you by modern bootleggers.
 
Pickering Museum Village, the Canadian Automotive Museum, Parkwood Estates and the Robert McLaughlin Gallery have partnered with Central Counties Tourism to bring the 1920s alive in Durham Region. Launching this April, the museums are offering unique tours, exhibits, escape rooms and drive-thru tours featuring the 1920s era.

The museums are adding cultural tourism experiences to the existing War on Whisky: Drama in Durham, with self-guided driving tours that encourage locals to visit eight local breweries and wineries under the theme of 1920s prohibition and bootlegging.
 
  • April 17 to May 23: Roaring 1920s Drive-Thru Tour at Pickering Museum Village
  • April 17 to May 23: 1920s Automotive Tour at the Canadian Automotive Museum
  • April 17 to May 23: 1920s AutoBarron Tour at Parkwood Estate
  • April 21 to November 19: Glad Rags and Giggle Juice Guided Tour at Pickering Museum Village
  • June 2 to August 27: Prohibition Escape Room at Pickering Museum Village
 
Due to the impact of COVID-19, the focus for the 2021 season will be on local tourism, encouraging people to explore the scandalous history of bootlegging by exploring the breweries and museums in their local community. The twelve participating businesses will also focus on COVID-19 safe practices, including physical distancing, wearing masks, and encouraging visits by social bubble and small group experiences.
50 years of Art, Stories
and Love
Station Gallery is celebrating 50 years of Art, Stories and Love this year, and they want to hear from YOU! Tell your stories about experiencing art at the Gallery and how it’s made an impact on your life. They’ll be sharing these stories throughout the next few months through their new anniversary campaign.
Host your next celebration at Royal Ashburn's
new outdoor event space
The Royal Ashburn Golf Club opened as an 18-hole golf course in the spring of 1962 and has developed into a world-class facility—not only for golf, but for hosting your events and celebrations too. Many couples have held their dream weddings here, but COVID-19 has put wedding season on pause. To provide couples with an option to move ahead with their plans, while adhering to current public health guidelines, Royal Ashburn has invested in a brand-new outdoor tented event space.
 
Set to open on May 1, this 3,200 square foot' outdoor tented space has an interlock stone dance floor, 1,500 square foot' outdoor patio, and is beautifully landscaped. Full-service meals are available from Executive Chef John Griggs, or couples have the option to hire catering. The space is also an ideal location for celebrations of life, galas, bar mitzvas and more.
 
Stay and play packages:
The Royal Ashburn also has lots to offer avid golfers! Those looking for a unique staycation can book a beautiful on-site cabin with their stay and play golf packages. Enjoy great golf, awesome accommodations and gourmet meals prepared by Executive Chef John Griggs.
 
AIM Golf Academy:
Bring out your inner athlete at the AIM (Athletes in Motion) Golf Academy. Royal Ashburn recently partnered with Brandon McLeod of the AIM Golf Academy to take a holistic approach to the game of golf with a major focus on health and wellness. Learn to play programs are available for men, women and juniors with customized programs and workshops to make you a better overall athlete. 
Enter to win with the "Snap a Selfie" Contest
PineRidge Arts Council (PRAC) is holding a Durham Region wide “Snap a Selfie” with a sculpture contest. Snap a selfie with one of the fabulous sculptures in your neighbourhood and share your photos on the PRAC Facebook group or Instagram account with #SculpturesOfDurham.

At the end of the month, PRAC will select the Instagram post with the most likes and award the photographer a cash prize of $50. Central Counties Tourism has also partnered on this contest to award a $50 gift certificate to a player on Instagram AND a $50 gift certificate to a player on Facebook (to a Durham Region restaurant or retailer of their choice).
Go behind the scenes with Durham Region farmers
Durham Region farmers are offering behind-the-scenes virtual farm tours throughout 2021. Each tour will be hosted by a farmer and will share a beyond the farm gate view of many different types of farms. The Facebook Live tours will be broadcast live from the Durham Farm Connections Facebook page and will be available for on-demand viewing after the broadcast for a period of one week. 
 
Tune in to the next tour on April 8 at 4:30 p.m., featuring an egg farm! Upcoming tours have also been confirmed on many different types of farms including a greenhouse, field crop, dairy, apple orchard, sheep, peas and strawberries, hay, herb (specialty tea), wheat, apple cider, field vegetables and fruits, a flower farm, and more to be added.
 
Have some virtual fun on the farm, and learn about agriculture and food production in Durham Region! 
"March Break" events at Parkwood Estate
Parkwood Estate is one of Canada’s finest National Historic Sites. Despite tours being temporarily suspended due to COVID-19, they are continuing to offer fantastic workshops for kids during “March Break." With the break being moved to April, Parkwood has planned a week full of activities from April 12 to 16. A variety of fun themed take home box lunches and creative take home workshops available for purchase!
Canadian Tire Motorsport Park celebrates 60 years
Congratulations to Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (CTMP) on marking 60 years of racing this year! To celebrate this milestone, CTMP has introduced a 60th anniversary logo that was revealed in a tribute video; tracing the circuit’s history back through the years.
 
As part of the celebration, they have also launched a line of 60th anniversary merchandise and the CTMP60 podcast on YouTube.
 
Here’s to many more years of entertaining Canadians and racing fans from around the world. 
For unique trip ideas or to plan your perfect day, visit DurhamTourism.ca, or call 1-800-413-0017. If this information is required in an accessible format, contact Durham Tourism.