Having trouble viewing this email? View as a web page.
April 2022

Eight most instagrammable restaurants in Durham Region
There’s nothing quite like getting dressed in your best and enjoying a meal in an inspiring environment.

We’ve curated a list of eight Instagrammable restaurants in Durham for you to explore. Grab a friend, or two or ten, and make wonderful new memories at ‘gram worthy spots throughout Durham Region. Tag us at #DurhamTourism—pics or it didn’t really happen, right?
Nine places for healthy eats in Durham's downtowns
Did you know that trying new foods, or recipes is good for your health? If you want to relieve stress by getting creative in the kitchen, or you’re looking to support local restaurants and shops, there are lots of downtown takeout spots and grocery stores to be inspired by. Whether you want to eat less meat with plant-based meals, try out some vegan or dairy-free foods, switch to gluten-free pizza and breads, or you’re looking for some organic meats for your keto, ancestral or Paleo meal plan, Durham Region’s downtowns are brimming with finds for every plate and palate.

Here’s a list of nine local Downtown Durham Region shops and spots that offer delicious, healthy eats.
Celebrating 25 years
of sweet tradition
in Sunderland!
Head to historic downtown Sunderland for the 25 anniversary of the Sunderland Maple Syrup Festival on April 2 and 3. The two-day event will include pancake breakfasts, street vendors, live entertainment, horse drawn wagon rides and historic bus tours.

For more information on Durham Region’s maple syrup festivals and events, check out our blog post.
Culinary corner: featured recipe
Durham Tourism, in partnership with local Chef Alex Page, will be sharing seasonal recipes to inspire you to try something different and support local farms.

This month’s recipe is: Lamb Shawarma Poutine

What you’ll need:

  • 2 4S Maple Lane Farm lamb chops 
  • 1 tbsp shawarma spice 
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 3 tbsp olive oil, divided 
  • 1 lb fingerling potatoes, halved lengthwise 
  • 1/2 cup fresh chopped flat leaf parsley 
  • 1 Roma tomato, seeded and finely diced
  • 1 cup crushed pita crackers 
  • 1 1/2 cups cubed Sargent Family Dairy Chive Farmstead cheese 
  • 1 cup Pingle’s Farm Market demi-glace 
  • 1/4 cup diced pickled beets 
  • 1/4 cup Lebanese style garlic sauce 
  • 1 fresh green chili, thinly sliced into rounds

Cooking instructions:

  • Preheat oven to 450°F 
  • Pat lamb chops dry with paper towel and season with shawarma spice, salt and pepper. Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a cast iron skillet over high heat until shimmering, add lamb chops and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, then transfer to a rimmed plate and set aside to rest. 
  • Meanwhile, toss potatoes with 1 tbsp of olive oil and salt and pepper to taste, then place on a parchment lined baking sheet and roast until crispy and fork-tender, about 15 minutes. 
  • To make tabbouleh, toss together parsley, tomato, and pita crumbs in a small mixing bowl with remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and season to taste with salt and pepper. 
  • Warm demi glacé in a small sauce pot until simmering. 
  • Cut rested lamb from the bone into thin strips. 
  • Top roasted potatoes with cheese, hot demi-glace, tabbouleh, beets, lamb and garlic sauce and serve immediately.

Recipe serves two.
2022 Scugog Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony
Mark your calendars for the 2022 Scugog Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony on April 21 at the Scugog Community and Recreation Centre.

The Scugog Sports Hall of Fame Committee celebrates and preserves the rich sporting history in Scugog and recognizes those individuals who have contributed to our sport legacy.

Learn about the inductees.
Scugog Arts announces small town BIG festival
Scugog Arts is excited to announce that small town BIG, will be taking place from April 30 to May 8 at various venues throughout the Township of Scugog. Small town BIG is a multi-disciplinary arts festival with events organized by various presenters including Scugog Arts with a goal to create one big festival by bringing together many different arts practitioners to showcase the vibrant art scene that Scugog has to offer.

The festival will feature 23 events, at 22 venues, with over 75 artists supported, and in collaboration with 14 different arts and culture presenters. The events include live music, visual art, theatre, film, Indigenous culture and more!
Take a stroll on the downtown Oshawa automotive heritage
walking tour
Join the Canadian Automotive Museum for a downtown Oshawa walking tour combined with a tour of the Canadian Automotive Museum's collection of vehicles built in Oshawa. This guided tour will bring to life the people and places that made Oshawa “Canada’s Motor City”.

Tours take place April 2 and 23 and May 7. Purchase tickets at CanadianAutomotiveMuseum.com/tickets.
This month in Clarington!
Spring has sprung and there is plenty to see and do this April in the Municipality of Clarington!

Enjoy a Victorian tea experience at Tea Grannys & Friends opening on April 1.
 
It’s Easter at the Pingle’s Farm Easter event happening April 9, 10, 15, 16 and 17! Treat yourself to Easter inspired and mini egg themed baked goods from the bakery, help the Easter bunny collect all his eggs in the Easter-ific Egg Hunt or enjoy a delicious Easter Bunny Brunch in the Pingle’s greenhouse with friends and family (or do all three!) Book now at PinglesFarmMarket.com/easter-at-the-farm.
 
The Bowmanville Butter Tart Festival returns on April 23 at the Garnet B Rickard Recreation Complex from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
 
Follow Clarington Tourism on Instagram and Facebook for more of what’s happening in Clarington!
Durham Region added to the Ontario barn quilt trail
Follow the story of Durham Region's local history, family traditions and rural heritage along the Durham Region Barn Quilt Trail. Barn quilts are painted replicas of actual fabric quilt blocks installed on barns.

Each one of the eleven barn quilts tell a story. Explore them all and plan your drive through our beautiful countryside.
The Leaskdale Loop returns!
Discover the unique, diverse destinations and scenic countryside of the Leaskdale area, less than an hour from the GTA, and "a little above Uxbridge".

The Leaskdale Loop is a self-guided tour for you to discover artist, creators, farms, markets, a cidery, destinations and historical sites—all located on a short loop within a 10-minute drive. On select loop day’s locations may offer live music, vendor markets, and special events.

Loop days begin April 9 and occurs the second Saturday of the month until December.

Learn more about participating locations and hours of operation at LeaskdaleLoop.ca.
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.