For most visitors, this will be their first impression of Creemore and we think it's pretty impressive - in a small town, humble kind of way, of course. A classic "rural downtown", where many of the buildings date back to the 1890's and earlier.
Since it was first laid out over 160 years ago, the main street has undergone many changes but what you see today is an eclectic mix of early Ontario architecture in various stages of grandeur. The overall effect is an inviting one: Join the generations of visitors and residents who have walked up and down the main street - a daily ritual of small town life.
You don't have to know anything about architecture or history to enjoy a walk through our neighbourhoods.
A $2 donation buys a 10 page booklet at Curiousity House Books & Art Gallery that takes you on a self-guided tour.
You'll see the oldest established business in town, examples of Ontario Gothic homes, where all the original business leaders of town lived and the original blacksmith's place - in total there are 30 fascinating houses and businesses.
One of Creemore's great ambassadors, the Creemore Springs Brewery opens its doors to visitors and reveals a few of the secrets of the ancient craft of the brewer's art.
creemoresprings.comThis one is on the self-guided walking tour. This 15' x 20' building was erected 120 years ago at a cost of $425.20.
It's first resident was a black cow, but most of the "guests" were incarcerated overnight to "dry out". It stopped serving as a jail in the early 1940's.
Anchoring the south end of our main street is a place known by some as the Mad River Park, though we're not sure if that's the official name. Regardless, it's a great place to watch and listen to the Mad River on its way, via the Nottawasaga River, eventually to Georgian Bay at Wasaga Beach. Bring a blanket, a picnic, toss a ball, or just let the river serenade you.
On the east side of Mill Street between TD Canada Trust and Foodland on the north is an arboured gateway to a miniature world, a little garden paradise on the main street of Creemore. Generations of our gardeners under the auspices of the Creemore Horticultural Society have been nurturing this and other gardens in town since the 1920's.
This large-scale work was donated by sculptor Ralph Hicks to our town. Ralph lives on a farm in the Mulmer hills just south of the village where he continues to create sculptures for clients around the world.
ralphhicks.ca