essex county tourism

• Essex Coastal Scenic Byway

The 90-mile roadway links 14 coastal communities from Lynn to Salisbury and features scenic views, period architecture, historic sites and recreational opportunities. With the twin goals of preserving the byway’s intrinsic qualities and spurring investment in its infrastructure, attractions and amenities, Essex Heritage worked to secure state scenic byway designation and federal funding for a comprehensive management plan that is guiding community and regional leaders in their efforts to implement tourism-based economic development.

• National Heritage Area Program
• Essex National Heritage Area Map
• Staff & Board of Trustees
• Commissioners
• E-News Archive
• Trails & Sails
• Border To Boston
• Heritage At Home
• Essex County Black Experience
• Bakers Island Light Station
• Cities and Towns
• Regional Visitor Centers
• Education Programs
• Future Leaders
• Partnership Grants
• Revolution 250
• Photo Contest
• Public Programs

Pelee Island

Pelee is one of Canada’s best kept secrets!

Tourism on Pelee Island

From historical sites to shops, nature walks, and night life, Pelee Island provides visitors with a myriad of opportunities. Whether taking a bike ride, going for a swim, browsing through the local shops or indulging in the food and drink that the Island has to offer, Pelee Island can satisfy your desire for calm and quiet or for new sights and sounds. Come and experience all that the Island has to offer and see why it is one of Canada’s Best Kept Secrets!

Check out the Pelee App! Available for download now!

2023 Pelee Brochure

Still haven’t found what you’re looking for?

Essex County

Lakeplacid.com , adirondackhub.com , lakechamplain.com , whiteface.com, roost efforts in supporting essex county.

As the accredited Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) [view Corporate milestones on the home page for more information] for Essex County, ROOST is responsible for promoting Lake Placid and the High Peaks, the Adirondack Hub (formerly the Schroon Lake Region), the Whiteface Region, and the Lake Champlain region to the traveling public. 

We do this with staff dedicated to both leisure and conference marketing and sales, and by supporting the business associations who provide services to the region’s businesses.

LEISURE MARKETING

In addition to operating a visitors center on Main Street in Lake Placid and at the Lake Champlain bridge, ROOST hosts, manages, maintains, develops content, performs search engine optimization, and executes paid campaigns for the following destination websites, lakeplacid.com , whitefaceregion.com , adirondackhub.com , lakechamplainregion.com . 

The communications team hosts travel writers to secure editorial coverage and maintain several social media accounts including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest boards.

MEETING MARKET / CONFERENCE SALES

The sales strategy for the Conference Center at Lake Placid is conducted cooperatively by the Lake Placid CVB/Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) and the New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA). The strategy includes attracting a combination of regional day business, and multi-day, town-wide conferences, which are typically booked up to four years in advance. 

Our office also maintains the meetings website: MeetingsLakePlacid.com

Ticonderoga and  the Wilmington Region/Jay has completed a Tourism Destination Area workbooks (TDA) in conjunction with our staff. Whilst, Keene/Elizabethtown/Lewis, Newcomb/North Hudson/Minerva, Essex/Westport/Willsboro/Chesterfield, and Schroon Lake are currently undergoing the process of creating a Tourism Destination Area Workbook. Destination Management is currently active in Lake Placid.

Support of Business Associations

Although ROOST has evolved away from Chamber of Commerce-like activities, (see Corporate Milestones on the Home Page ) we still support local business efforts:

Lake Placid Business Association  

Keene valley business association, lake placid/north elba community development board  , funding streams.

Tourism initiatives for Essex County is funded through a variety of resources:

• Essex County Occupancy Tax (no more than 95%)
• Business participation in marketing initiatives
• I Love NY Matching Funds ($102,801 in 2020)
• Commissions on Convention Sales

ESSEX COUNTY CONTRACT

Town of north elba contract, hotel tax law, ironman contract, how to promote your business.

Businesses in Lake Placid and Essex County can take advantage of the following opportunities:

• Enhanced photo listings on lakeplacid.com – LakePlacid.com received 883,862 unique visitors in 2013
• Sponsorship of quarterly contests on lakeplacid.com
• Lodging establishments have access to our FREE reservation system on lakeplacid.com
• Lodging Packages & promotions on lakeplacid.com
• Weekly ‘Adirondacks, USA’ E-Blast sponsorship.
• Take your business ‘for a spin’ on adirondacksusa.com
• Opportunities to host travel writers
• Brochure display in the Lake Placid Visitors Center

for more information visit our Marketing Opportunities Page or contact [email protected] , 518.523.2445 x 115.

Business Resources

If you’re in business in the area or would like to start a business, finding the resources to assist you in the Adirondacks can be complex. We’ve provided a variety of links below that may help in funding and marketing:

WRITING CONTENT FOR THE WEB

Consumer journey to online purchase, travelers road to decision, conference center convention calendar, consumer buying cycle, essex county i.d.a., adirondack park recreational strategy, lake placid brand tool kit files:.

• Tool Kit Ideas
• Colored Logo
• Black and White Logo

Check out the weekly “what to do” event highlights!

• Entertainment Festivals Family Friendly Gaming Shopping LGBTQ+ 🏳️‍🌈 Live Show Venues Nightlife
• Outdoor Adventure Cycling Birding On the Water Golf Tours Parks & Trails Camping Fishing
• Arts & Culture Art Galleries Public Art Performing Arts Heritage Sites & Museums Our History
• Dine Food & Drink Restaurants Farm to Table Tours Wineries Breweries & Distilleries Coffee Culture
• Stay Where to Stay Hotels Motels Bed & Breakfasts Campgrounds Cottages & Short Term Stay
• Experiences
• Blog Maps & Guides Getting Here

Visit Windsor

Visit windsor this summer, search hotels.

Bold Red & Blue Skies. City Streets & Country Getaways. Hidden Trails & Open Waters. W.E. have it all in Windsor Essex!  A diverse, yet highly inclusive destination, here your time is well spent, as you explore an abundance of opportunities in Canada’s southernmost region.  A region which is brimming with breathtaking views and charming districts meant to captivate you as you adventure by pedal, by paddle, by car or by foot. Part of our unique dynamic is just how well we pair so many of our experiences.

READ OUR VISITOR GUIDE

Flip through our 2025 Official Visitor Guide for all the MUST DO while you plan your trip!

Our guide features easy-to-read itineraries, must-do lists from our preferred partners, and gives you an inside look of Windsor Essex the way locals live it.

You can also CLICK HERE to request a print copy of the guide to be mailed directly to you in advance of your trip later this year.

Our 2024 Official Visitor guide also features the largest list of preferred vendors in the region to visit during your trip. Flip through the digital edition and check out the profiled partners in each section sorted by Play (Outdoor Adventure), Eat (Food & Drink), Stay ( Accommodation Partners), Do (Entertaining Adventures) and See (Arts & Culture) that are eager to welcome you when you plan your next road trip to our region! Page by page, you will find captivating imagery and content from local experts, giving you a great insider view of where to go and what to explore. Speaking of the way W.E. live it, check out the “ Best of Windsor Essex ” on page 10 or at bestofwindsoressex.ca , featuring the area’s top places to dine, shop, stay, and explore as voted by locals.

HOW TO GET HERE

By plane, train, or automobile, we’re easy to get to!

With trains operating 8 times daily between Windsor and Toronto, riders can sit back and relax (with wifi) and travel with comfort and ease.  VIA Rail provides intercity passengers with fast, convenient and affordable service, downtown-to-downtown between Canada’s largest business centres.  Upon arriving at the Windsor Via Rail terminal, you will find yourself steps away from the Walkerville district and walking distance to exceptional food, drink and entertainment.  The station is centrally located and an easy transfer to a taxi or car service will get you to where you need to be!

Looking to be on your own schedule or have the flexibility to explore more than one Windsor Essex neighbourhoods or towns?  A short four hour drive down the 401 will have you here in no time.  Windsor Essex boasts plenty of free or low cost parking options for you once you are here so having your vehicle will certainly not impede on your budget while offering you the freedom to explore everything from authentic cuisine in Leamington and perfectly instagrammable coffee shops in Amherstburg , to the EPIC Wine Route and the Barrels Bottles & Brews Trail and everything in between!

A bonus of Windsor is that we’re a two nation destination with two international border crossings. If you’re looking to cross into the US you can take either the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel or the Ambassador bridge. Click crossingmadeeasy.com for details on our border crossings.

TRIP INSPIRATION

Download an itinerary.

Outdoor Adventure

Nature & Art: A Two-Wheeled Adventure

Entertainment

Skylines & Vineyards: Shop ‘Til You Drop In YQG

Slots, Shops & A+ Entertainment: An Evening at Caesars Windsor

Island Time & Time To Unwind

Food & Drink

Wine Bottles & Wonderful Views: A Wine Lovers Weekend

Arts & Culture

Rag Tops & Retro Fun: A Blast From The Past In Essex County

READ OUR BLOGS

A Feast of Flavour In Windsor Essex

Your International Whisky Day Itinerary

Road Trips & Real Adventures: An Entertaining Escape To Windsor Essex

How to Spend Two Days in Windsor: Your Guide to a Quick, Memorable Visit

Unwinding & Relaxing In EPIC Wine Country

Brewing & Viewing: Taking In The Sights and Flavours of the Barrel Trail

Picture Perfect Island Time

Exploring Hidden Gems & Eating My Way Through Windsor

9 Experiences To Make The Most Of Your Summer

The Ultimate Guide to Windsor Essex for Wine Enthusiasts and Food Lovers

Check out an event.

Art in the Park 2024

Saturday, June 1 to Sunday, June 2

Ford Fireworks

Monday, June 24, 9:30 pm to 10:00 pm

Hogs for Hospice

Friday, August 2 to Sunday, August 4

Kingsville Music Festival

Friday, August 9 to Sunday, August 11

PRE-BOOK AN EXPERIENCE

SKETCH Clay + Pottery

Aloraflora Permanent Jewelry

Michael Difazio Reclaim Artistry – Charcuterie Board Workshop

Mobile Mini Golf with Golf Indigo

Grape Vine Tours

Oxley Estate Winery Full Moon Dinners

Digital passports.

EPIC Wine Country Tasting Pass

Explore EPIC Wine Country with the EPIC Wine Country Tasting Pass. The digital pass is available for purchase year round and is valid for 6 months after the date of purchase. Pass expires 30 days after first redemption.

Barrels Bottles & Brews 7 Day Flight Log

Explore & pour the craft breweries & distilleries in Windsor Essex.

Your 7 day flight log is $40 and gets you 9 tastings over 7 days (1 week) at the participating locations.

Step out of the present day and enter the past with the CROSSROADS Historical Guide.

Follow the Flavours

Follow The Flavours in Windsor Essex to a world of new tastes, new sensations and new delights.

BOOK YOUR STAY TODAY

From four diamond experiences to quaint hotels & bed and breakfasts, we have a bed for all types of heads. Check out some of our great options, including:

• A 4 diamond stay at Caesars Windsor Casino & Resort
• Newly renovated hotels in the downtown core include FourPoints by Sheraton, TownePlace Suites by Marriot, DoubleTree by Hilton and the Holiday Inn Express Windsor Waterfront
• Looking for a unique stay? We’ve got it with places like The Grove Hotel , Distinctive Inns of Kingsville and The Vintage Grapes Houseboat
• Intimate stays and bed & breakfasts like A Hidden Gem B&B and Walnut Grove Bed & Breakfast

If you’re looking for a place to stay in Windsor Essex click here .

Use this as a checklist of what to do when you plan your next road trip!

12. HEAD TO THE TIP OF CANADA

You can literally walk out to the mainland point of Canada at Point Pelee National Park ! Plan your trip to explore beaches, one of the most diverse eco-systems for plants and animals in Canada, and hike to the tip for a truly unforgettable and unrivaled Instagram experience in all of North America! Bonus tip: plan a trip during one of the dark sky night events when a new moon arrives and see the moon and stars from the park – open late for extra viewing pleasure each Dark Sky Night date.

11. VISIT Willistead Manor

Walls made from whisky! Built originally in 1904 by Hiram Walker for his son, take a tour of Willistead Manor and the park surrounding it to learn more about the history of Walkerville and Hiram Walker. Tip: come during the Christmas Season to view the manor decked out in thousands of Christmas decorations to get you into the holiday spirit.

10. MAKE A SPLASH AT ADVENTURE BAY FAMILY WATER PARK

The largest waterpark in Southern Ontario and located no more than 4 blocks from all of our downtown hotels, it’s the perfect stop for the family. Don’t forget to buy a pass on the Flowrider – your chance to surf indoors, and 1-of-8 in Canada.

9. GRAB A SLICE OF CANADA’S BEST PIZZA

Pizza is a BIG deal in Windsor – and you MUST grab a slice when you visit. And we’re not lying: we won best in Canada and best in the world! Try it for yourself at one our our local spots and see our preferred list at www.windsorpizzaclub.ca and learn about what makes Windsor-style so unique. In crust we trust!

8. SIP Our Coffee Culture

Our coffee shops are more than just your regular double double. Check out our roasters and artisanal coffee shops and talk with our baristas who will share their passion for the perfect brew.

7. PLAN AN ISLAND ESCAPE

Head to Pelee Island for a true island escape. After a 1.5 hour ferry ride from the mainland you’ll find Pelee Island with pristine beaches and a remote escape (it’s true – cell phone access is spotty at best). Click here and read our Know Before You Go blog and plan a truly relaxing escape for a day trip, or an entire week at one of the quaint cottages. And a stop at Pelee Island Winery (Canada’s largest estate winery) is a must – calling Pelee Island home.

6. A NEW MEANING TO ‘SUP

Explore our 100 mile coastline by the power of the paddle. Whether its by canoe, kayak or by stand up paddleboard (SUP), we have stops all along the shore to make the most of our waterways. Click visitwindsoressex.com/paddle for more details.

5. TAKE A SELF GUIDED TRIP ON THE BARREL TRAIL

Check out the Flight Log and explore the 11 breweries and 2 distilleries that are part of the Barrels Bottles & Brews Trail. A Flight Log will cost you $25 – and gets you an exclusive offer on a flight of craft beer or spirits at each stop. Check out what you could experience.

4. MAKE IT AN EPIC ROAD TRIP

Did you know that Windsor Essex features Canada’s hottest wine region – our Essex Pelee Island Coast wineries, or as we call them ‘EPIC’. Plan a trip to explore the 20 wineries dotting the lakeside featuring crisp whites, soft roses, perfect bubbles and bold reds rivaled by the rest of the wineries across Canada. Click here for more details including our wine route map and plan your next trip by car or by bike!

3. EXPLORE CANADA’S LARGEST CASINO RESORT

Come explore Canada’s largest casino resort – from non-stop action on the gaming floor to world class accommodations and world class entertainment weekly inside the 5,000 seat Colosseum. Make it a day trip, a night, or a weekend (including some fun inside Ariius nightclub) all under one roof!

2. TASTE LIQUID GOLD

Did you know that Windsor is the home of Canadian whisky – and North America’s largest distillery is located right along the Detroit River in Windsor. Visit the J.P. Wiser’s Experience  and purchase a bottle of limited edition spirits to take home with you.

1. EXPLORE BY THE POWER OF THE PEDAL

There are miles of trails in our region – perfect for a two wheeled adventure. Check out www.visitwindsoressex.com/bike for our Cycle Tourism Map featuring six trails, and bike-friendly certified stops along each trail.

If you wanna stay up to day on our region you can also sign up for our newsletter to get info, details and more about our region directly to your inbox.

How visitors are exploring #YQG

Instagram follow+.

Treat yourself to a gourmet meal from Neros Steakhouse at @caesarswindsor! Wine and dine, and explore a variety of unique and luxurious dishes! #YQG #WindsorEssex #DiscoverON #DiscoverYQG #DiscoverCanada #OntSouthwest #dineyqg #foodie 📷@caesarswindsor ...

Take a moment to stop and listen to the birds as they sing today! You never know what types of birds you might see in the region, including the Common Yellow Throat! To learn more about what species you might find in Windsor Essex, visit www.visitwindsoressex.com/birding #YQG #WindsorEssex #DiscoverON #DiscoverYQG #DiscoverCanada #OntSouthwest #birding 📷 @stevebiro ...

Go back in time, and explore the historic @johnrparkhomestead! This historic house and farm will take you back in time to the nineteenth century! Explore the park`s home, which was built in 1842 and maybe learn something new while you`re there! #YQG #WindsorEssex #DiscoverON #DiscoverYQG #DiscoverCanada #OntSouthwest #history #CROSSROADS 📸@johnrparkhomestead ...

'It’s a big time of year for us': Tourism Windsor-Essex Pelee Island launches new birding pass

Warmer weather means birdwatching season is here as the spring songbird migration gets underway across much of Windsor and Essex County.

Tourism Windsor-Essex Pelee Island (TWEPI) has launched a new WE Bird Trail digital pass that connects birders from near and far to various bird watching sites and nearly 50 bird-friendly certified businesses or locations across the region.

“We really evolved it this year to include a digital pass that brings in businesses who really wants to celebrate this season,” said TWEPI Vice President of Destination Development Lynnette Bain.

“These are businesses who may be connected to the birding interests somehow. They might offer early morning breakfasts and an early morning coffee or items that birders might be interested in and this is a way to engage those businesses,” Bain added.

Bain said tourism officials expect upwards of 50,000 bird watchers to flock to the region over the next several weeks, with popular bird-watching locations like Point Pelee National Park and Hillman Marsh Conservation Area attracting thousands of birds and binoculars.

Bain explained, “When you're out birding, you can stop, there's a map that will help guide you. You can plan a route and you can figure out where do I want to eat lunch, where do I want to shop, where can I can support these businesses that are bird friendly?”

Whether going on a guided walk or exploring on your own, Bain said there is something for everyone.

She continued, “So when you go for a day at Point Pelee National Park, you might see up to 100 different bird species in one visit. It's unbelievable. So you really want to go for that experience to get through interpretive services.”

Bain noted when an out of town visitor comes to the area, they spend approximately $100 to $150 on a day trip, but that if they stay overnight, the amount spent nearly doubles.

“We're looking at bringing almost six million people this year to the region and birding is one of our top drivers,” Bain told CTV News Windsor. “So anything we can do to attract people from afar, that's why we have these types of programs.”

Business has already started to pick up according to staff at Pelee Wings Nature Store near Point Pelee National Park.

“We're seeing more people come in from Michigan. We're seeing people travel a lot more. It started already started a few weeks early, especially with the weather,” said co-owner Butch Demers. “Thousands of people come this way. All of the hotels are full. It's exciting for us. We have a great team here that are very, very knowledgeable.”

“It's a big time a year for us!” Demers continued. “A large percentage of our sales comes in late April and May especially around binoculars and scopes.”

Demers said their location offers a unique experience for bird watchers because of migration and the large number of species that come through the area, giving bird watchers a variety of birds to admire.

‘We think it's the best spot in Canada,” he said. 

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The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop.  Read about us.

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About the County

Essex County is bounded on three sides by water – Lake Erie to the south, the Detroit River to the west and Lake St. Clair to the north. We are Ontario's warmest county and home to Point Pelee , the southernmost point of mainland Canada.

We are located about four hours from Toronto but just a few minutes from Detroit, which is actually to the north. It is not uncommon for Essex County residents to cheer on Detroit sports teams or take day trips to soak in art galleries and museums. Many Essex County residents actually commute to work there.

Essex County has robust agricultural and manufacturing sectors and a rapidly expanding tourism industry, with commercial wineries and craft breweries.

We have many conservation areas and parks , including Point Pelee National Park, and are fast becoming a cycling hotspot with an ever-expanding network of trails spanning an area of 1,851 square kilometres.

We are an attractive and affordable place to raise a family, offering advanced educational opportunities at the  University of Windsor and St. Clair College and a mix of rural and urban living in close proximity to big-city amenities in both Windsor and Detroit.

Population Statistics - Census Information 

The Federal Government has released the Census statistics for the County of Essex for 2021 . You can also search their alphabetical data base to locate the statistics for local municipalities or any other municipality in Canada. 

Local Municipalities

Essex County works with and provides efficient regional services to seven distinct local municipalities:

Amherstburg

Things To Do

Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island maintains a full inventory of things to do and places to go in Windsor and Essex County.

Beaches and Conservation Areas

The Essex Region Conservation Authority has mapped all the area beaches and conservation areas. The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority provides similar information.

Festivals and Events Calendar

Essex County has an interactive calendar of festivals and events.

Explore all that Essex has to offer!

The Grove Bike Co.

If you love wine and nature, this is the experience made for you! With a storage bin, e-bikes and cruisers stationed at Colchester Beach and Harbour, you can take a joy ride along the county roads and by the water. Not only do you get some exercise, but you can, along with friends or family, ride to local wineries in Wine County. Keep your bottles cool in the cooler attached to the bikes themselves, and feel the breeze of the Summer air. Grab your friends, a helmet, and enjoy!

WindsorEats Wine Trail Ride

Meander through the farmlands along the Lake Erie coastline  a la bicyclette  and fall in love with Canada’s southernmost region. Their friendly guide will lead you to enjoy world-class wines at Essex Pelee Island Coast wineries. You’ll roll through the scenic, flat countryside at a leisurely pace and take in the sights, sounds and smells of a burgeoning wine appellation. Each Wine Trail Ride includes bicycle, helmet (feel free to bring your own), tastings, food at each location and a guide. Named the Best Culinary Tourism Experience in Ontario and the Innovator of the Year for the Canadian tourism industry in 2010. WindsorEats was also named the best tour company in Windsor Essex.

Grape Vine Tours

Ride the Vine & Let Someone Else Drive! Grape Vine Tours offers excursions for groups of 2 to 12 visitors. We pick you up at your residence, hotel, B&B, or marina anywhere in Windsor or Essex County, tour you and then return you. Enjoy the experience and leave the driving and details to us. Savour award winning wines and culinary delights while enjoying the beautiful countryside. Indulge.

• Restaurants
• Essex County Wine and Beer Tours
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Explore Pelee Pelee Island is nature’s playground, known as a great vacation spot for Canadians, and more and more people are discovering its beauty. We have historical and natural parks, bird sanctuaries, great hiking trails and hunting (the main game is pheasant). As the most southernmost part of Canada, our weather includes warm spells and cold spells—but not too cold, because our region ranks first in Canada for the most “growing-degree” days, making it one of the best places in the country for wineries. Explore Pelee and its local tour guides will show you all the secret, magical spots of the island and give historical accounts of life in Canada’s most southern community. Options include birding, bike and heritage tours for groups and individuals.

Grapevine Tours Windsor Essex Winery and Brew Tours Allow Grape Vine Tours to escort you to Essex County’s unique wineries, where visitors can sample a diversity of wines, learn about the wine making process, and have time to shop at the winery boutiques while touring our beautiful countryside, towns and city.

Grape Vine Tours offers excursions for groups of 2 to 12. We pick you up at your residence, hotel, B&B or marina, anywhere in Essex County or Windsor. The “North Shore Wine Adventure” includes tours of 4 or more outstanding wineries, sampling each winery’s award winning wines, as well as a culinary array of locally grown foods. This experience usually takes 4 to 5 hours and provides a chance to appreciate the wineries as well as points of interest in Essex County and Windsor.

WindsorEats Wine Trail Rides: Cycling Tours to Essex County Wineries The Wine Trail Rides, hosted by culinary guide WindsorEats each spring to fall, are a great way to explore Essex County’s wine region. Cycle through our beautiful region and explore the sites, sounds and tastes of Ontario’s other wine route. Each Wine Trail Ride includes tastings, tours, a guide, support vehicle and a meal made with local foods produced in the region. Wine Trail Rides are scheduled from May through October. See for yourself why WindsorEats was named Ontario’s best culinary tourism experience and the Canadian tourism industry’s Innovator of the Year.

Windsor Essex Trolley Tours (WE Trolley) Windsor Essex Trolley Tours (WE Trolley) are brought to you by SOERC, a not-for-profit organization that passionately promotes the region’s vineyards, venues, agriculture and attractions. Destiny and Desire, our two popular trolley cars, are available for group tours, charter tours and “hop-on” tours for individuals, for a variety of events, including winery tours, festivals and weddings. Enjoy a comfortable ride with air-ride suspension, high windows and air conditioning/heat. And our trolleys are environmentally friendly: they use soy diesel! Come trolley with us to experience the incredible places to see, visit, and experience in Windsor–Essex.

Wineries along the historic County Road 50 (Tourism Essex) Authentic experiences await you at tasting bars and chef’s tables scattered along Lake Erie’s north shore. This area is positioned on the 42nd parallel, a circle of latitude we share with the famous wine-making regions of northern California and central Italy. It’s no wonder that our wineries grow some of the best grapes in Ontario or that they’re producing some of the very best wines.

Wineries of Pelee & Essex (Tourism Windsor, Essex, Pelee Island) Exploring EPIC WINE COUNTRY — Red, white or pink, our world-famous winery region will grace your stemware and offer an impressive tipple to the most fickle wine connoisseurs.

Check out our EPIC Wine Route Map to plan your winery adventure.

Associations

Canadian Vintners Association The Canadian Vintners Association (CVA) was created in 1975 as the Canadian Wine Institute and renamed in 2000 to better reflect the growth of this dynamic industry. The CVA represents over 90% of all wine produced in Canada including 100% Canadian, Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) wines and International-Canadian Blended (ICB) wine products. The Canadian wine market remains strong, supported by a continuing growth in consumption as Canadians’ beverage of choice. The sales and marketing efforts of Canadian vintners will continue to drive wine sales through all of our trade channels, including estate wineries, provincial and territorial liquor boards, private retail outlets, licensed establishments, and wine agencies.

VQA Ontario (Vintners Quality Alliance of Ontario) VQA Ontario is a provincial regulatory authority that administers Ontario’s wine appellation system. Its primary functions are independent wine testing, audits, inspections and compliance. It also acts as a resource for independent information about Ontario’s appellations and wines of origin. VQA Ontario was designated as Ontario’s wine authority under the Vintners Quality Alliance Act, 1999.

Wine Country Ontario Ontario, situated in central Canada, extends further south than any other province in Canada. Its wine grape growing regions are located along a strip of land that parallels the Canada/U.S. border along the northern shore of Lake Erie, as well as along the southern shoreline of Lake Ontario. The Great Lakes help to provide a temperate continental climate that has contributed to creating a zone in Ontario called the Carolinian Forest, named after the same habitat found as far south as the Carolinas in the United States. It is considered a Canadian national treasure with more species of rare plants and animals than any other place in Canada.

Wines of Canada: Pelee Island Wine History Pelee Island has one of the longest growing season the most frost free days and the most heat units. It was and is a unique microclimate for growing quality grapes. It is one of Canada’s oldest grape growing regions. One of the very early wineries of Canada was built on the island in 1866: the Vin Villa Winery officially opened in 1871 and became renowned for its rare Catawba wines and the many awards it won from as far away as Europe.

• Explore Wineries
• Explore Breweries

Essex County, NY, officials holding ‘Community Conversations’ on youth addiction

E LIZABETHTOWN, N.Y. (WCAX) - A series of community conversations are underway this week in Essex County, New York, focused on preventing youth addiction.

County officials say the first of four events kicked off on Tuesday night and that the goal is to educate the community on the link between traumatic childhood events and later mental health and addiction problems. The hope is for schools and parents to foster a response system to support kids during times of hardship.

“We need the community at the table partnering with the provider system and school system to create more protective factors that help build resiliency,” said Essex County Mental Health’s Terri Morse.

Three more events are planned, with the next one taking place Thursday night from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Schroon Lake Central School.

US Rep. Donald Payne Jr., a Democrat from New…

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US Rep. Donald Payne Jr., a Democrat from New Jersey, has died at 65 after a heart attack

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — U.S. Rep. Donald Payne Jr., a New Jersey Democrat and a member of the Congressional Black Caucus who replaced his father in the seat, died Wednesday after a heart attack this month that left him hospitalized, officials said. He was 65.

Gov. Phil Murphy called his fellow Democrat a “steadfast champion for the people of New Jersey” in a statement confirming Payne’s death.

Payne served for 12 years in the Newark-area seat his father had held for more than two decades. Representing a heavily Democratic and majority Black district, Payne drew strong marks from liberal organizations for his voting record.

“With his signature bowtie, big heart, and tenacious spirit, Donald embodied the very best of public service,” Murphy said. “As a former union worker and toll collector, he deeply understood the struggles our working families face, and he fought valiantly to serve their needs, every single day.”

New Jersey’s Democratic Party chair, LeRoy Jones Jr., called Payne a “towering figure in both our party and our community.”

The Congressional Black Caucus said Payne would be remembered for his kindness and generosity and called him an advocate for progressive causes including making college tuition free, expanding voting rights and fighting climate change.

Payne had previously served as City Council president in Newark, New Jersey’s largest city, and on the Essex County Board of Commissioners.

Payne’s office had said his heart attack was connected to complications from diabetes. Payne’s father, Donald Milford Payne, held the congressional seat before him. When the elder Payne died in 2012, the younger ran successfully in a special election to succeed him.

Payne had won reelection six times since. The district covers parts of Newark and its heavily populated suburbs.

Murphy’s office declined to comment Wednesday on the governor’s plans to order a special election to fill the rest of Payne’s current term, which ends Jan. 3, 2025.

Payne already filed paperwork by the March deadline to run for reelection and is to appear uncontested on the June 4 primary ballot. Should he remain on the primary ballot and win the nomination, Democratic Party committee members in his district could choose a replacement candidate to run in the November general election.

The district is likely to remain in Democratic hands, with registered Democrats outnumbering Republicans there more than 6 to 1.

A New Jersey colleague, Democratic U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, called Payne a “truly great public servant” who liked to call him “Uncle Frank” and had fought to raise awareness for diabetes and colorectal cancer prevention and to replace lead pipes in Newark.

Another colleague, Democratic U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson, of Mississippi, called Payne a “thoughtful legislator, a dear friend, and a man of such a kind and affable nature that he was well-liked and respected” by both Democrats and Republicans.

“Most importantly, he was a devoted family man, and it was this role that drove his passion for the policies he pursued,” Thompson said.

As a member of the Committee on Homeland Security, Payne made school security a priority, helping to establish a School Safety Task Force at the Department of Homeland Security and pressing for federal agencies to take extra precautions for children and schools during emergencies, Thompson said.

“He leaves behind an important legacy through his congressional service: making children safer. In his honor, we will continue that legacy,” Thompson said.

Payne’s survivors include his wife, Beatrice, and their three children, Murphy said.

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'Tourism is real money': Commissioner Ezell talks tourism, growth in Madison County

Ranking 11th in the country for travel spending in 2023, Tennessee continues to be a hub for tourism, and the Jackson-Madison County area is poised to continue being a top beneficiary, according to the state's commissioner of tourism.

As part of its "Breakfast Club" series, the Greater Jackson Chamber welcomed Commissioner of Tourist Development Mark Ezell Friday as its keynote speaker.

A member of Gov. Bill Lee's cabinet since 2019, Ezell emphasized the value of a visitor, speaking to both state and local success in tourism.

In a state where, in 2023, tourism brought in a record-breaking $29 billion in direct spending, Ezell's department operates under a $50 million budget.

With this at the forefront of his presentation, he hoped attendees walked away from his discussion with the understanding that "tourism is real money."

More: Miss Volunteer America pageant brings 'huge' spike in revenue, tourism in Jackson

More: Jackson tourism skyrockets as city staves off inflation, rising gas prices

More: Entertainment, tourism has adapted throughout the pandemic

How does Madison County compare?

Visitor spending in Madison County totaled $312.5 million in 2022, up 7% from 2021.

As a result, Madison County households save an average of $842 in taxes annually.

"Look at that trend, we've had growth in Jackson and Madison County," Ezell said.

Along with places like the Legends of Tennessee Music Museum, he noted the area's "tremendous outdoor assets" like Chickasaw State Park and Pinson Mounds as top local attractions.

Per an announcement made in December 2023, Jackson is set to host the inaugural State Games of Tennessee, an amateur Olympic-style sporting event, in June 2025.

Ezell says this is a premier opportunity for our region.

"We're just so excited, first of all, that Tennessee has put in a state games program and then second, we're excited for Jackson to get to have that," he said.

"It's going to really mean a lot of people come, they'll spend the night, they'll visit those restaurants, stay in the hotels. All of those things are literally an economic boost as well as, branding-wise, Jackson has done a great job in sports and helping promote tournaments and things like that, so this is just going to be one of those that really boosts that even greater over the upcoming years."

Developing tourism statewide

Emphasizing the recreational activities that the Volunteer State has to offer is a top priority for Ezell's department.

He is leading initiatives like Bill Dance Signature Lakes and BikeTN, aimed at showcasing the state's 14 premier fishing locations and more than 50 biking trails.

"We will have interstate signs for people to go get the best bass fishing in the nation all under the name of Bill Dance Signature Lakes," he said.

Promoting cultural awareness remains another concerted goal for Ezell's department.

In development since 2018, is the U.S. Civil Rights Trail consists of 15 sites across the state and led by the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis.

"It's a really important thing for us to bring visitors to so they can have their hearts transformed and we can help change the world," he said.