Fun things to do in Windsor

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About 30 minutes South East of Windsor, in a small village called Kinsgsville, you will find an amazing place called 'Colasanti's, surprisingly full of the most exotic flowers, birds and plants under a huge green house! You would never expect to find such an attraction in an area known for its harsh and cold winters, but it really does exist! I think the residents of Windsor must like going here especially in the winter, just to remind them that somewhere on the planet, there are tropical gardens and sunshine! Whatever the reason, anytime of the year is a good time to visit.

Here you will find more than just flowers and plants. You will also find the largest retail assortment of tripical plants in Southwestern Ontario. Above all, this is a place where children will enjoy while their parents are looking for plants...There is a petting zoo, indoor playground and special rides for children. There is also a nice gift shop with collectables.

Windsor and the surrounding areas are ideal for growing plants due to the mild climate created by the proximity of the Great Lakes, Lake Erie to the South and Lake Huron to the North, with the Detroit River and Lake St. Claire between. Colasanti's has taken full advantage of these elements to create a place for the entire family to enjoy year round. Oh, and did I mention that there is even an indoor Golf course where you can practice your putting!

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Over 40 of the area's finest heritage buildings open their doors for FREE public tours.
Explore national historic sites, private homes, commercial buildings, places of worship and places of work, many of which are not normally open to the public.

Windsor - Sunday, September 28
Hours 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Pictured here is Willistead Manor. It was featured in last year's Doors Open and will be one of the sites open to the public again this year. Hans and I really enjoyed the different sites last year and plan on going again for this year's DOORS OPEN 2008
Among other sites open to the public will be:
All Saints' Anglican Church
330 City Hall Square
Noon to 4 p.m.

St. Mary's Anglican Church (pic #3)

Canadian Club Brand Centre (pic #2)
2072 Riverside Drive East
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Frank Joyce House - Holy Rosary Convent (pic # 4)
3975 Riverside Drive East
Noon to 4 p.m.

McGregor - Cowan House
3118 Sandwich Street
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Shaar Hashomayn Synagogue
115 Giles Blvd. East
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Gurdwara Khalaa Parkash Temple (Pic # 5)
7955 County Road 42
Noon to 4 p.m.

The first ever international public art display CARTUNES ON PARADE will be hitting the streets of Windsor and Detroit in 2005. One hundred and fifty whimsical sculptures designed by local artists will feature the shared musical and automotive histories of the two cities.

With its elegant and traditional ambiance MACKENZIE HALL offers a flexible venue for receptions, arts and cultural events, professional seminars and other special events. Built in 1855 by Alexander Mackenzie, Canada's second Prime Minister, the Hall features the Court Auditorium with 20-foot ceilings and grand mullion windows, and the MacDonald Room, a refurbished turn-of-the-century courtroom. Group tours available on request.

Located in the Greater Drouillard Area Ford City Discovery Centre and business district boasts 36 murals on twenty sites depicting both important and interesting past events as well as to the works of people who have dedicated themselves to this community. Visit the Ford City Parkette on Whelpton where the unique "Generations" sculpture is located. All works of art have been produced by local Windsor artists.

Situated alongside Lake St. Clair, Ruscom Shores Conservation Area is an attractive natural marshland area with a well-managed trail ideal for some outdoor enjoyment and tranquility.

This quaint 120 acre Conservation Area, designated an Environmentally Significant Area, is great for peaceful walks and nature viewing. Ruscom Shores is a perfect for spotting shorebirds, waterfowl and other spring migrants, as well as many prairie plants.

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After 10 years of work, the members of the Sikh Cultural Society completed their 26,000 square foot GURDWAARA KHALSA PARKASH TEMPLE in 2000. Designed by local architect Surendra Bagge, it copies traditional Sikh architecture of 600 years ago. The onion-shaped dome, designed to look like a lotus flower, rises 70 feet.
The Temple was part of the DOORS OPEN WINDSOR 2008. I have always wanted to visit the Temple as I pass it occasionally when I drive on County Road 42 and always wondered what it was like inside.
On entering GURDWAARA, we were asked to remove our shoes and cover our head. Hans and I had a white scarf tied around our head. We were then put into a small group with a guide who would show us and tell us about the Temple, which was huge with special effects around the windows and four doors of the main hall, which signifies that everyone is welcome to Gurdwaara irrespective of caste, colour, religion or nationality.
A Sikh told us a little of himself and the fundamental principles of Sikhism.
We were then offered to have a little snack. Traditional dishes were served (no meat of any kind). There were honey balls, a dish with fried dough & spinach, a very spicy dish with tomato sauce & chick peas and a fried dough stuffed with potatoes, peas and spices. We were also offered tea or water to drink. And , oh yes, you must sit on the floor to eat. I sat in a squat position.
All in all a wonderful experience.

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One of the few remaining mansions of east Windsor's "millionaire's row", the Tudor Revival FRANK JOYCE HOUSE was designed by Sheppard & Masson and built 1915 - 1916, for Detroit industrialist Frank Joyce. It is typical of the fine homes that were being built for prominent citizens along Riverside Drive during this period.
The Sisters of St. Joseph used the building as a convent for 55 years ( 1953 -2006). It was recently purchased by Academie Ste. Cecile International School, for use as a school and retreat centre.