Orono

Calling all ‘Foodys’ visiting Orono Ontario!

Article and Photographs by: Trina Astor-Stewart

When you visit Durham Region Museums this summer and fall you are in for a treat at the local eateries. Get ready for home cooking and a 'gastronomical experience' on your travels. Sophia Mintram is a local lady in Orono Ontario who comes in to Di’s Pizzeria to make the very best Pierogis! Di’s Pizzeria
5304 Main Street, Orono, 905 983 5159

A local secret, Sophia was just making up this batch when I happened to arrive on my scouting tour of Orono. As soon as I mentioned I was looking for places for people visiting the area to eat, I was immediately ushered into the kitchen at the back to see Sophia in action.

Clarke Museum is just a short drive north of Orono on the 115 hwy. Have a look at the museum, and then head into town!  Orono is a quiet town in the middle of Durham Region Ontario farm country, it has the flavour of an early Canadian village and that is the way the friendly locals like it. Orono opens its whole village main street a couple of times a year to people from near and far looking to escape to a place away, somewhere a that is different and unique.

Walking down Main Street Orono you will be greeted with a smile. “After all every one knows each other here and if you are new, we want to make sure you know you are welcome,” says Gerry Ehrentraud who just happened to be outside one of the shops as I walked along with camera in hand.

The 2nd Annual Antiques & Art Street Festival -Orono will take place this year on Saturday August 15th, 2009. The whole downtown is getting into the act from 10am to 4pm. Antique appraisers will be on hand to adjudicate your precious antiques and collectibles and the three Antique Stores representing 34 Vendors will have some fine things to buy if you just happen to be looking to add a few things to your collections. The Jessie Parsons Band will be providing some festive music to liven up the street festival atmosphere so come along and enjoy yourself.

“Museums are a great place to visit, and we are looking to show visitors a good time,” says Annette Gray, owner of Patriot Antiques & Collectibles, and organizer of the Festival, if they like antiques, they will love what we have to offer.”

The Second big Orono event which draws tourists from all over is the Orono Chili Cook-Off September 19th 2009 also to take place on Main Street. Get your $2.00 Taste Kit and go to it. There will be Chili tasting, a pie contest, an auction, live band, and kids games.

Just a short drive down the road you can pick-your-own blueberries and enjoy a cool treat at Appleberries Cafe
(in Season -late July through August) at Wilmot Orchards.

On your way to the cottage
stop by and pick up a basket of blueberries, and some fresh blueberry cheese cake on your way.

5324 Main Street., Orono L0B 1M0
905 983 9683
Open daily 10 to 5
www.patriotantiques.net
 

Orono Café

Katie, a local girl, is seen here bringing me a coffee and a butter tart, just the energy boost to keep me going. 

The Village Bake Shop
European Grocery & Dutch Giftware
Wedding Cakes and all occasions
Pastries, Donuts, Pies  & Specialty Breads (I hear people come from miles around for this baking!)

5340 Main Street
Orono, ON L0B 1M0
905 983 9779
 

Not Just Chocolate

5314 Main Street
Orono, ON L0B 1M0
905 983 5205
 

Terrens Wellness Centre
Holistic Healing Specialists
Karen Lowery
Natural Health Product Advisor
www.terrenswellnesscentre.ca  
5324 Main Street
Orono, Ontario
L0B 1M0
Phone: 905-983-5000  email Terrens

Other places in Orono - just not on the Main Street

Audette Antiques
8080 Carscadden Rd. Orono
905 983 8241

Lots to do in small town Ontario.

Why not have a walk down Main Street and see what treasures and experiences you will have.

Orono businesses support the Durham Region Museums Tour - please visit Orono Businesses along the way and say you found them in Astoria Magazine