One of my favourite spots in the Durham Region is Pickering Village Ice Cream Shoppe. With a wide range of flavours – my favourite being Moose Tracks – you’ll definitely find some classic and adventurous tastes.

I’ve been a huge fan of the Village Ice Cream Shoppe for as long as I can remember. During the summer months, their doors are always open and business is always booming – especially during events like the Pickering Village Jazz Festival.

Chocolate Margaret, who’ve I’ve met on a number of occasions while working for a local newspaper, owns this shop. She used to run That Chocolate Shoppe by the Lake – first located out of her home, and eventually moving to the village. Sadly, she’s closed down the store. But what I know about Margaret: she’s an entrepreneur, an advocate for our community, and seems to spearhead a lot of great local events.

Recently, I completed a job for the Town of Ajax which required snapping everyday life in the area. I, of course, stopped by here. It’s always worth the drive – or a bike ride if you’re up for burning those ice cream calories!

If you ever stop by the town, go in. You won’t be disappointed. Check out the Pickering Village Ice Cream Shoppe website for more information.

Ajax’s Pumpkinville is my favourite autumn event. For the past few years, it’s taken place at Greenwood Conservation Area, just off of Westney Road. Not only do they offer a wide array of food, but their Halloween/Fall activities are great. For the children, there’s a hay stack, a haunted house, hayrides, face painting and they also offer guided hikes through the park. This year I tried my first Beaver Tail — just a bite. Now, I wasn’t a huge fan of it, but I’m told it’s a yummy treat for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Unfortunately, there was kind of a downside to the event … it was raining. A lot. However, it didn’t stop hundreds of people from turning out. We stayed for about three hours, before it downpoured. We were given free Halloween pencils (I have the cat one, of course) and we got to walk away with a free pumpkin donated by Loblaws.

Also, be sure to check out my friend Kate-Lynn’s Pumpkinville photos. She had some amazing ones!

The Pickering Farmer’s Market has been one of my favourites this year. It’s smaller than Peterborough’s, but much larger than’s Stoffville’s. It has a great selection; a lot of fresh fruits, veggies, pastries and bread. The market has a number of other booths, as well. Creative Math and Music was on site, and there was a couple of really neat soap vendors, all with hand made and natural products. I ended up buying a fantastic passionfruit bar; it lathers well and is made using essential oils.

The Pickering Farmer’s Market ran in the Pickering Town Centre’s parking lot, but has since wrapped up for the season. But I’d suggest looking up their vendors, and seeing if you can order products online. For example, Carberry Soaps hosts soap making classes year round!

It’s Thanksgiving, today! That means turkey, pumpkin pie and a nice family to share it with. In light of the occassion, I think there is nothing better than to say grace to the tune of Johnny Appleseed. “Oh, the Lord is good to me. And so I thank the Lord for giving me the things I need; the sun, and the rain, and the apple seed. The Lord is good to me.” Happy turkey day, everyone! From my family to yours.