Name: Bruce Stapley
Occupation: Advertising Executive
How long have you lived in YR?: Almost 50
What is it about YR that you enjoy? To visit York Region is to experience an endless array of diverse cities and towns, charming rural settings and the outstanding trail network that comprises the York Regional Forest. It is a golfer’s paradise, a refuge for horse lovers and the home of such iconic attractions as Canada’s Wonderland and the Markham Fair.
Can you tell us more about your town? In Whitchurch-Stouffville where I live, the Stouffville Strawberry Festival held over the Canada Day weekend each year has become one of the best attended events in the GTA. Nineteen on the Park, the Town’s multi purpose theatre facility has hosted an impressive variety of live productions, concerts and movie nights since its inception in 2009, with local dance troupe Motus O’s electrifying adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol a must see event each December. The Stouffville Town Park hosts a variety of events each summer featuring fabulous food, first class entertainment and exquisite artworks.
Where do you go for food and drinks? Stouffville’s lineup of impressive eateries has expanded to keep up with its booming growth rate in recent decades. My family’s favourite is Maki Zushi Japanese Restaurant, while The King’s Landing Bar and Grill is also high on our list with its eclectic menu. The Red Bulb Espresso Bar is my go to independent coffee shop of choice for cappuccino. The Main Street Bakehouse, a family run eatery with an innovative approach to food creation, is also a regular haunt. Others on our list include The Earl of Whitchurch, the Cornerhouse Restaurant, The Coach House Pub, Fishbone By The Lake, Stakeout Dining Lounge, the Smokery Kitchen & Bar and The Fickle Pickle. And there are many we still haven’t had the chance to visit!
How’s the shopping? Whenever I need a unique present for a special friend or family member I head into Candlelight and Memories, an inspired gift shop and tea room set in the warmth and comfort of a restored century home on Main St. in Stouffville. Reesors Market and Bakery in the West End is another of my preferred destinations for exquisite home made food creations or gift baskets for the foodies in my life.
What do you recommend folks see in YR? When friends and relatives plan a venture anywhere near our part of York Region, I always suggest a leisurely drive to take in the variety of attractions, sights and amenities that abound. There is just so much ground to cover!
Bruce Stapley is a free lance journalist who wrote regularly for the Stouffville Tribune for 15 years before co-founding the Stouffville Free Press, serving at different times as Editor and Ad Sales Manager during the monthly publication’s 15 year run.
He is currently in charge of advertising for On the Road in Whitchurch-Stouffville, the Town’s monthly magazine, for whom he also writes a regular column. He has lived in the Stouffville area since 1973.
