Around Town

Things to do, eat, cheer and dance around about.

How Much Cultural Clout Does Canada Actually Have?

It seems someone’s always trying to rank things, doesn’t it? From the best poutine in Barrie – a hotly contested local debate, I assure you – to which nation holds the most sway over the global imagination. Recently, attention turned to the latter, with a global culture index attempting to quantify that most slippery of […]

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Is European Meat Actually Better or Just Better Marketed?

The romantic notion persists: food across the Atlantic, particularly in Europe, simply tastes better, feels healthier. Tales abound of travellers returning leaner, extolling the virtues of croissants and pasta. But beneath the veneer of anecdotal evidence and cultural adoration lies a more complex reality, particularly when considering meat production. Is the perceived superiority of European

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Cheers to Local: Brūd Bar and Bottle Shop Opens Soon in Barrie

There’s a fresh energy brewing in Barrie’s city centre, a palpable sense of anticipation for something new and authentically local. It speaks to the heart of the community, the desire for connection, and, perhaps just as importantly, the love for finely crafted beverages. Soon, residents and visitors will have a dedicated space to explore this

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Excitement Builds as Barrie Marina Kicks Off 2025 Operations

The familiar sight of sailboats gracing the waters signals a much-anticipated return; indeed, Tis the season once again in Barrie as the local marina prepares to officially welcome boaters this Saturday. Following the launch of vessels on Friday, April 25th, city officials and the community are brimming with excitement for what promises to be a

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Barrie ComiCon is the Essential 2025 Pop Culture Gathering

There’s a unique energy that crackles in the air when enthusiasts gather, a shared language spoken through colourful costumes, treasured collectibles, and the sheer joy of celebrating beloved stories. Barrie is set to capture this very magic once again. Mark your calendars for May 3rd, 2025, because Barrie ComiCon is preparing to transform the Eastview

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The Rise of the Politically-Prompted Barrie Staycation

Isn’t it peculiar how the grand tapestry of global events can influence whether Mrs. Higgins next door decides to finally visit Penetanguishene instead of Florida this winter? It seems the winds of political change and a generally unsettled world are subtly nudging folks right here in Barrie, and indeed across Canada, to reconsider their holiday

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Culinary Tourism: Will Barrie Foodies Travel to Explore Asian Cuisine?

It seems the world has developed an insatiable appetite for adventure, not just for the eyes, but thrillingly, for the palate. A recent glimpse into the crystal ball of gastronomy, courtesy of the Luxury Group by Marriott International’s ‘Future of Luxury Food Travel 2025’ report, reveals that culinary tourism isn’t just simmering; it’s positively bubbling

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Why Barrie Wine Lovers Are Raising a Glass to Local VQA Bottles

It seems almost serendipitous, doesn’t it? How moments of global friction can ripple outwards, creating unexpected opportunities right in our own neighbourhoods. For Barrie residents with a fondness for a well-crafted glass of wine, recent trade shifts have unveiled a delightful silver lining: a burgeoning chance to explore the exquisite world of Ontario VQA wines,

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