UBC Day Four: Odd + Niche Places & Things to do in Windsor!
July 4th? But, I’m Canadian…
Happy Fourth of July to my American neighbours across the border! I was meaning to post this separately but since I’m doing the Ultimate Blog Challenge and the prompt for Day Four (July 4th) is a patriotic one, I decided to post this one instead. I’m not American so I thought this was timely and fit well. As you can see in the title, this post is all about the interesting, odd and niche things in my hometown – Windsor, Ontario. My friend Cathie had originally requested this post after reading my other post about Windsor called: 10 Reasons Why I Love Windsor! Enjoy!
Zombie Scavenger Hunt Adventure?!
That’s right – this is an actual thing… Go on a Zombie Scavenger Hunt Adventure – explore the city of Windsor and see if you’re cut out for a Zombie Apocalypse… Experience Windsor with new eyes. It’s a great way to combine sightseeing with some fun revelry! It’s an app-based game and is perfect for groups of up to ten people. Just open the app and get started when you’re ready to begin your zombie-themed adventure. The adventure includes exploring the streets and landmarks of Windsor searching for survival gear and completing zombie-based challenges.
Read more about it – Windsor City Scavenger Hunt by Zombie Scavengers
Go to a Poutinery
Okay, okay. If you’re Canadian you might be thinking why is this odd?! How dare she! This one’s for those outside of Canada! Silly goose.
If you haven’t had a poutine – you must try it!! Fries, cheese curds, and gravy! How can you not?! This is such an iconic snack! Also, how can you be Canadian and not have tried it OR not like it? That’s right… I said it. I may or not be kidding. Sorry, eh? Finding the tastiest poutine is most definitely one of the top things to do in Windsor!
Are you a locomotive fan?
Go and marvel at the decommissioned steam locomotive, Spirit of Windsor. It’s a Pacific Type 4-6-2 Steam Locomotive which is dedicated to the memory of glorious Steam Train Canadian Railroading and to the citizens of Windsor. No. 5588 was built in the Montreal Locomotive Works in 1911 for the Canadian National Railways and saw many years of freight and passenger service in Southern Ontario before being retired in 1961. In 1962 the Historic Vehicle Society of Ontario (Windsor) launched a public campaign to save old 5588 from the scrap heap and to bring it to Windsor for the edification of future generations. Christened the “Spirit of Windsor,” No. 5588 was dedicated to the Community on May 6, 1965. Such a historical and neat landmark to visit.
Sculpture Park Alongside the Riverfront
The Windsor Sculpture park features 31 large scale internationally recognized works of contemporary sculptures by various artists. Each of the sculptures are so unique that you’re bound to love them. Feel free to take interactive photos with them – I’ve taken some gems in the past myself. There’s an app called “Monumente” if you wish to get a bit of background on each of the pieces it’ll give you a self guided option with info! The walk may take about an hour roundtrip which is a great activity to do on a nice summer day down by the riverfront. Maybe you’ll even catch a gorgeous sunset? Plus a bonus is that this is 100% free! (and, yes – that’s me trying to take a bite out of the apple!)
Go to Point Pelee National Park!
If you love being outside and partaking in hiking through nature trails, fishing, biking, bird watching, marsh views and more then Point Pelee National Park is the place for you! I’ve gone at least once every year and it’s new each time – clean and quiet and basically untouched. Definitely a great option for the itinerary!
It’s situated at the southern extreme of mainland Canada, Point Pelee National Park is a tiny sanctuary supporting a mosaic of habitats from jungle-like forest to lush wetlands to open savannah.
Explore Willistead Manor
Willistead Manor is a 36-room mansion that sits within a 15-acre park in Olde Walkerville. Built in 1906, the Manor was briefly the home of Edward Chandler Walker and his wife, Mary. Today, this cultural gem in the City of Windsor is a perfect location for weddings, receptions, meetings and other special events. I love touring the Manor during the holidays as they go all out with Christmas decorations in each and every room! I’m in my element there for sure!
See a Performance at the Capitol Theatre
The Capitol Theatre is both an intimate and spacious; accessible and grand theatre. It first opened on Dec 30, 1920, with screenings of William S. Hart’s “The Testing Block”, “Buster” Keaton’s “One Week” and Lieut. Fernand Theiton “Remarkable Sharpshooting” (featuring a real live Sharpshooter on the Capitol Stage)! Designed by Thomas Lamb (architect of the Pantages and Wintergarden/Elgin in Toronto), the original theatre was the largest single floor theatre built at the time and seated 1,995. Buy a ticket or two and watch a performance – such a classy way to ingest historical knowledge, and have a good time too!
Explore Street Art and Murals!
I especially love walking/driving around town looking for new murals – or even just “new to me” ones. I love seeing how the various muralists express themselves. The blue door with the girls face on it is one of my absolute favourites, but I recently found it again and someone had ruined it (or added to it in their warped thinking!!) Ugh. If you’re ever in Windsor across from Detroit – take a moment to stop and look at the murals… I think there’s even an app that gives you an interactive exploring experience so you don’t miss any!
And, that’s all for now folks. If you want to check out my other UBC posts, check them out here.
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I have only been to Windsor as a pass through to get to the border (which is not happening these days – Elbows Up!)
This post has made me want to come explore this summer or Fall. Now to find a free weekend …
BTW – where is the best Poutine in Windsor?
Oh, wow!! How long has it been since you’ve been here? I’ve lived here my whole life (35 years!)
That’s always a difficult thing to do – finding the time. Hopefully you’re able to, I’d love to show you around too – or at least give you some more ideas as to what to do, and what to see! I’m glad this made you want to come visit!!
Hmmmm… that’s a tough one – I’d say Frenchies – as the portions are huge but there’s way too many places, and I haven’t tried them all! Haha!
Hope you’re doing well!
Heh, I see you’ve offered to show people around. Any good place to stay for a family with three boys…? 😉 My sister lives in Michigan somewhere, so maybe this is next on our travel bucket list. (Though it’s a long way for volunteer missionaries in Africa.) Keep up the good work!
Hahaha! Yes, I did. I guess blogging is sort of like having penpals? I’ve met a couple penpals but have yet to meet some of my blogging friends. I hope it’ll happen one day – when I first started blogging I wanted to organize a blogger meet up here in Canada.
Anyways… Hmmm, I’m sure there’s lots of places! Oh? Really? I’ve been to Michigan – I haven’t been over the border in a while now though. You should tell her you’d like to travel here sometime! (I have a bucket list on here too!) Oh wow!!! That’s so neat!! How is being a missionary? One of my friends went to Africa as well for missionary work. Thanks! You too! 🙂
WOW thanks for the great tour of Windsor! I may have to grab a passport and make a trip up! I love the old steam locomotive and what a cool scavenger hunt! Now here’s the interesting part, I’ve actually heard of Poutine but never had it. One of the restaurants in Myrtle Beach SC is known for the best Poutine outside of Canada!
Wow!! Thank you for such an enthusiastic and kind comment!! You totally should!! I have another post about Windsor here too! Where do you live? If you don’t mind me asking! Poutine is the absolute best. I’m glad you’ve heard of it! Haha. Oh wow!!! I should definitely go sometime. You should try it – I think you’d love it!! 🙂