I grew up in the city of Windsor, Ontario, Canada and from the time I was somewhere between twelve and fourteen years old I was intent on getting out. Windsor was a dusty, grey hole – its only redeeming factor was that it bordered Detroit, Michigan, USA. That says a lot, as at that time in history I believe Detroit was the murder capital of the U.S. Back then, I thought, “Well, at least Detroit’s interesting. And has great bands”. Windsor had air that tasted like fertilizer and various Tim Horton’s littered throughout the city.
It took a decade or two for me to realize the incredible in Windsor. I grasped this mostly while away. For a city of a little over 200,000 people at any given time, Windsor has spawned some of the most interesting people I’ve ever met. We’re a rare breed, us Windsorites. We’re neither fully Canadian nor fully American*. Hybrid babies raised on noxious fumes of petrol, rock-n-roll and lager soaked defiance.
There’s a lot of heart in Windsor. Driving into the city you may miss this. Nondescript buildings and strip malls give the impression it’s a dull town. It isn’t always. It has its gems. Here’s your primer.
Artist Collectives + Galleries
Artcite Inc. – 109 University Ave. West, Windsor, ON, Tel. 519 977 6564
Arts Council Windsor & Region – 1942 Wyandotte St. East, Windsor, ON, Tel. 519 252 ARTS (2787)
Art Gallery of Windsor – 401 Riverside Drive West, Windsor, ON, Tel. 519 977 0013
Common Ground – Mackenzie Hall, 3277 Sandwich St., Windsor, ON, Tel. 519 252 6380
Nancy Johns Gallery & Framing – 475 Wyandotte St. East, Windsor, ON, Tel. 519 945 2222
SB Contemporary Art – 1017 Church St., Windsor, ON, Tel. 519 819 0536
Bars
Coach & Horses – 156 Chatham St. (Lower), Windsor, ON, Tel. 519 253 3494
O’Maggio’s Kildare House – Pub – 1880 Wyandotte St. East, Windsor, ON, Tel. 519 915 1066
The Loop – 156 Chatham St. (Upper), Windsor, ON, Tel. 519 256 9844
Milk Coffee Bar – 68 University Ave. West, Windsor, ON, Tel. 519 256 1414
Phog Lounge – 157 University Ave. West, Windsor, ON, Tel. 519 253 1605
Walkerville Tavern – 1850 Wyandotte St. East, Windsor, ON, Tel. 519 252 9661
Villains Beastro – 256 Pelissier Ave., Windsor, ON, Tel. 519 915 5215
Books + Music
Biblioasis – Books & Literary Press – 1520 Wyandotte St. East, Windsor, ON, Tel. 519 968 2206
The Book Room – New & Used Books – 2161 Wyandotte St. West, Windsor, ON, Tel. 519 258 2726
Juniper Books – New & Used Books – 1990 Ottawa St., Windsor, ON Tel. 519 258 4111
Dr. Disc – Music (Including Vinyl) – 471 Ouelette Ave., Windsor ON, Tel. 519 253 9744
Vintage & Vinyl – Records, Turntables, Antiques & Collectibles – 891 Front Rd., LaSalle, ON Tel. 519 980 SAVE (7283)
Restaurants
Acapulco Delight – Mexican (downtown and open after the bars close) – 656 Pitt St. West, Windsor, ON, Tel. 519 977 1881
El Mayor – Middle Eastern – 936 Wyandotte St. East, Windsor, ON, Tel. 519 258 7645
Mi Casita – El Salvadorian – 429 Wyandotte St. East, Windsor, ON, Tel. 519 253 2274
O’Maggio’s Kildare House – Pub – 1880 Wyandotte St. East, Windsor, ON, Tel. 519 915 1066
Palenque Fresh Mexican Cuisine – 4736 Wyandotte St. East, Windsor, ON, Tel. 519 945 2688
PHO XIC-LO – Vietnamese – 1750 Wyandotte St. West, Windsor, ON, Tel. 519 971 8288
Rino’s Kitchen – Local Meats – 131 Elliot St. West, Windsor, ON, Tel. 519 962 8843
Taloola Cafe – 396 Devonshire Rd., Windsor, ON, Tel. 519 254 6652
Tunnel BBQ – 58 Park St., Windsor, ON, Tel. 519 258 3663
Twisted Apron – Seasonal & Local, 1833 Wyandotte St. East, Windsor, ON, Tel. 519 256 2665
The Willistead – 1840 Wyandotte St. East, Windsor, ON, Tel. 519 253 8226
Organic + Local Markets
Downtown Farmers Market – Saturdays from 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM, June – October. The market is located at Charles Clark Square between Chatham St. East and University St. East, east of Goyeau Street. Map.
Enchie Organic & Japanese Food Market – 2001 Provincial Rd., Windsor, ON, Tel. 519 250 3566
Essex County Federation Of Agriculture – Free Downloadable Buy Local Map shows where to buy local fruits, vegetables, meat, etc.
Ottawa Street Market – 2109 Ottawa Street, Windsor, ON, Tel. 519 253 7374
Breweries + Wineries
Colio Estates Wines – 1 Colio Drive, Harrow, ON, Tel. 519 738 2241
Wagner Orchards & Estate Winery – 1222 Concession 8 W., Lakeshore, ON, Tel. 519 723 4807
Walkerville Brewery – 525 Argyle Road, Windsor, ON, Tel. 519 254 6067
Wine Trail Ride – Visit up to three wineries and indulge in a meal made with local products.
Antiques + Vintage
Aquarius Vintage – Clothing & Jewellery – 1755 Wyandotte St. East (in alley), Windsor, ON, Tel. 519 252 3232
Jones & Co. Vintage – Fine Clothing & Jewellery – 1755 Wyandotte St. East, Windsor, ON, Tel. 519 252 6448
Penny Jane’s Vintage – Clothing, Jewellery & Gifts – 1648 Wyandotte St. East, Windsor, ON, Tel. 519 971 8734
Tango – Antiques to Retro – 4661 Wyandotte St. East, Windsor, ON, Tel. 519 945 5889
Timeless Treasures – Consignment Furniture – 1747 Wyandotte St. East, Windsor, ON, Tel. 519 977 1042
The Vintage House – Eclectic Vintage – 4667 Wyandotee St. East, Windsor, ON, Tel. 519 944 9685
Events
Carrousel of Nations – Windsor’s ethnocultural groups open their cultural centres over two weekends in June. Visitors can indulge in a variety of food, music and traditions throughout the city.
Media City Film Festival – An annual international festival for film and video art.
Windsor International Film Festival – Showcasing Canadian and international films and filmmakers.
Windsor Tweed Ride – Cyclists hit the streets in traditional English garb and vintage bikes.
*Perfect observation courtesy of Tim McCready.
Awesome list. Thanks for mentioning the Wine Trail Rides! We also have Bikes & Beers cycling tour and Drinks of Walkerville walking tour in the city. There’s never a lack of great things to do in Windsor!