Windsor, Ontario

Returning ‘Home'
Life in Windsor, Ontario during the 1950’s and 60’s left me wanting more than it had to offer me. So, once I reached adulthood, I packed my bags and headed north – to London, Ontario.

Just over two years passed, however, before I returned to my hometown, yet felt something was still missing. Off I went again, this time to California, where all the deities, a.k.a. celebrities hung out. It lasted three years, then back again to...you guessed it, Windsor.

Several more years passed before I decided to literally head for the hills. For fifteen years now I have resided in Penticton, BC. The area is breathtaking, even on a gloomy day, the people are warm and sincere. But something still keeps pulling at me.

Over the past several years, I have been fortunate enough to experience several trips back ‘home’. This past Christmas, I spent with my family back there – the first such celebration in fifteen years. And on that particular trip, I realized a number of things...especially about Windsor.

First, it really was a place where you could enjoy yourself, have fun and do a variety of things. Activities were virtually limitless. The humungous casino, with its two restaurants was an awesome first-time experience for me, and quite fun!

I had the distinct pleasure of walking along the Detroit River with an old friend, during the summer. They have an incredible Peace Fountain there that spews water skyrocketing in the air, while multi-colored lights cause the water droplets to dance amid their projected rainbow.

Basically walking distance from Detroit and endless entertainment genres, one could spend eternity there simply exploring all the area establishments and concerts. Windsor is actually south of Detroit, a detail of which many aren’t aware. In fact, Windsor is in an area that is part of Canada’s southernmost portion and a mere hop skip and jump from Pelee Island – parallel with northern California!

For the race fans, there is the track. It has been there for some years now and is still going strong. Nightlife is nothing short of magic in Windsor, with all of the clubs, the bars and concerts...and their theatres make ours look like they are home entertainment centres in someone’s living room.

With restaurants galore, you have mind-boggling choices – right from veggie burgers to International cuisine. There’s even the M. V. "Borealis", Windsor's only cruise/dining ship, whereby you can dine whilst taking a leisurely cruise along the Detroit River, taking in the vast, jagged Detroit skyline, in stark contrast to Windsor’s display of greenery.

Everything from that incredible, unique Detroit skyline, to the casino, the track, the theatres and live plays...all contribute to what I finally determined was not such a bad place after all. In fact, Windsor is a fun place, a “happenin’” place where tourists and visitors, relatives and friends can all take the time to enjoy. And the entertainment offerings are so diversified that this town will end up pleasing even the most skeptical.

For the nature lovers – like me – there is the Ojibway Nature Centre, with guided nature hikes, snow sculpting and cross country skiing. There are countless walking/hiking trails and conservation areas filled with wildlife – all within a short drive of downtown. The summer months abound with activities and those visitors who are into fitness are able to partake in numerous 10k runs.

I remember Jackson Park from my childhood; it’s still there, still just as vast and even more beautiful now than ever!

Looking for a place where you can kick up your heels...or perhaps just get away from the humdrum of everyday life? Then give Windsor a try...you’ll love it!

Dave D

Submitted: Friday 30th January 2004, 12:00 PM

Privacy - Submit - Prizes - Conditions - Contact Us - HOME