As the city steps out of its sundress and into a cosy fall sweater, the new season inspires new adventures. Be sure to check these must-tries off your early autumn to-do list!

1. La Paloma
200 Windflower Gate, Woodbridge
905-851-5151 / lapaloma.ca
@lapalomagelato

You might catch us stuffing our faces here with a lemon and Baci chocolate ice cream. Whatever flavour entices your palate, La Paloma serves up traditional Italian gelato often hailed as a go-to treat after dinner.

2. Lake Wilcox Brewing Co.
1033 Edgeley Blvd., Unit3, Vaughan
647-749-0489 / lakewilcoxbrewing.com
@lakewilcoxbrewing

After a long workweek, kick back and relax with a case of local beer from Lake Wilcox Brewing Co. Created by Richmond Hill’s very own David De Ciantis and Ray Nicolini, their brew blends distinct flavours, making it favourable sipping material on a day off.

3. Kortright Centre for Conservation
9550 Pine Valley Dr., Woodbridge
905-832-2289 / kortright.org
@kortrightcentre

Take a hike on one of Kortright Centre’s beautiful trails. There’s something for everyone, including forest survival skill classes and corporate venue spaces. Upcoming nuptials? We love that you can tie the knot here in a forest ceremony.

4. Sorelle and Co.
1050 Rutherford Rd., Vaughan
905-303-1073 / sorelleandco.com
@sorelleandco

With its Tiffany-blue colour scheme, this vegan bakeshop and café feels as carefree as it is gluten-free, soy-free, nut-free and preservative-free. Its menu is as stylish as its vibe, making Sorelle and Co. a poetic setting for catching up with dear friends over artisan lattes and melt-in-your-mouth treats.

5. Il Piccolo Forno Pasticceria Bakery & Cafe
40 Innovation Dr., Unit 12, Vaughan
905-850-1660
@ilpiccolofornobakery

Nothing’s quite like a fresh batch of cannoli, ready to share with friends over cappuccinos after a quick lunch. We can’t help but swoon over Il Piccolo Forno’s creamy pastries when we’re in the mood for something sweet.

6. Peartree and Clover
Greater Toronto Area
@peartreeandclover

This gifted artisan’s work brings sweetness to any type of event. Peartree and Clover will equip you with beautiful papercraft in the form of invitations, signage and other décor to bring your celebration to the next level.

7. Studio One Salon
9421 Jane St., Unit 122, Maple
905-303-2226 / studioonesalonmaple.com
@studioonesalonmaple

Go on and pamper yourself! Visit Tony Prochilo and his team of stylists at Studio One Salon and let them push the refresh button on your hair. You’ll be walking out of there with a stunning new cut and colour for fall.

8. Melissa Piazza Beauty
10 Buttermill Ave., Unit 4, Concord
416-399-6388 / mpiazzabeauty.com
@mpiazza_beauty

Beauty specialist Melissa Piazza loves sharing her expertise and knowledge of the beauty industry with those around her. With an educational background in esthetics and makeup, she’ll make you look photo-shoot-worthy in no time!

9. XXI Chophouse
21 Nashville Rd., Kleinburg
905-893-2467 / xxichophouse.com
@xxichophouse

Celebrating its first anniversary this summer, XXI Chophouse continues to excite diners with first-rate meals and an upscale vibe. The modern steakhouse in Kleinburg, led by owners Ben and Marc Graci, offers patrons premium aged beef, fresh seafood and an extensive wine and scotch collection.

10. WaffleU
2354 Major Mackenzie Dr. W., Unit 9, Maple
@waffleu

WaffleU is everyone’s dream come true: imagine Nutella drizzled over fresh ice cream, juicy strawberries and a made-to-order Liège waffle. Did you know that owner and trained pastry chef Alex Puzo only makes 99 of these fresh waffles per business day? Once they’re gone, you’ll have to wait until next time.

11. Uplands Golf and Ski Club
46 Uplands Ave., Thornhill
905-889-3291 / uplandsgolfandski.com
@uplandsgolfandski

Tee off on an impeccable golf course during the summer, and then hit the slopes in the winter! Uplands Golf and Ski Club has versatile amenities to keep everyone entertained, no matter the season.

12. Black Creek Pioneer Village
1000 Murray Ross Pkwy., Toronto
416-736-1733 / blackcreek.ca
@blackcreekpioneervillage

Everyone remembers school trips to Black Creek Pioneer Village. It’s an educational yet fun experience for people of all ages to brush up on history, learn how things were made as well as acknowledge life without modern inventions such as electricity (gasp!).

13. Hotel Novotel – Vaughan
200 Bass Pro Mills Dr., Vaughan
905-660-0212 / novotelvaughan.ca
@novotelvaughan

A getaway without the jet lag? Yes, please! Check in at the top-notch Novotel hotel in Vaughan, which boasts a salt-water pool and the luxurious Trio Restaurant, plus complimentary parking and free Wi-Fi (yay!).

14. Edible Arrangements
3255 Rutherford Rd., Building H, Unit 11, Vaughan
905-738-4100 / www.ediblearrangements.ca
@ediblearrangementsvaughan

There are floral arrangements, and then there are Edible Arrangements. Masterpieces crafted with colourful fruits dipped in chocolate are definite smile-makers for anyone receiving these as gifts. P.S.: Edible Arrangements make great corporate snacks at meetings too.

15. Fine Cakes by Zehra
81 Zenway Blvd., Studio 15, Woodbridge / 416-824-6221
www.finecakesbyzehra.com
@finecakesbyzehraofficial

There’s a reason why brides gush over the beauty, elegance and overall design of these custom creations. Fine Cakes by Zehra makes towering wonders of extravagant detail, looking all too pretty to cut and serve to guests.

16. Event Graffiti
910 Rowntree Dairy Rd., Unit 2, Woodbridge
416-509-8358 / eventgraffiti.com
@eventgraffiti

Own your party with a personalized dance floor decal or bright marquee lights with your initials. Event Graffiti dominates customization with a wide range of décor to add extra flair to any wedding or milestone celebration.

17. SimplyTire
14 Toro Rd., North York
416-916-9233 / simplytire.com
@simply_tire

Hate seeing cars with rims that don’t match? Yeah, neither do we. SimplyTire will help you pick out the right set of rims and tires so you can hit the road in style. There’s an abundance of selection and price points to choose from, which earns SimplyTire its stars.

18. Artemano
255 Bass Pro Mills Dr., Unit 405B/406, Vaughan
289-807-0700
artemano.ca
@artemanodecor

Imagine eating dinner every night on a beautifully crafted, live-edge table, or enjoying a cup of tea upon a one-of-a-kind bench. Looking for furniture to complete your space? Artemano is the spot for timeless, eye-catching pieces.

19. Mama Earth Organics
19 Waterman Ave., Unit 24, Toronto
416-850-8662 / mamaearth.ca
@mamaearthorganics

Who knew healthy and organic food had its own delivery service in the Greater Toronto Area? Say hello to Mama Earth Organics, a service providing local and organic yumminess to feed everyone’s tummies.

20. Woodbine Racetrack
555 Rexdale Blvd., Toronto
416-675-7223
woodbineentertainment.com
@woodbineracing

And they’re off! Exhilarating horse races at Woodbine Racetrack bring families together as they cheer on the horse they predict to win, all while enjoying a Sunday afternoon eating soft pretzels and pizza slices.

21. A1 Autostrada
3255 Rutherford Rd., Vaughan
905-760-8338 / @a1autostrada

Have you seen the dishes at A1 Autostrada? It’s almost as if Leonardo Da Vinci himself designed the various plates, which range from mouth-watering smoked duck breast to porcini and mixed mushroom risotto.

22. The Burger’s Priest
7887 Weston Rd., Unit 6, Woodbridge
905-856-2662 / theburgerspriest.com
@theburgerspriest

Alleluia! The Burger’s Priest delivers big on premium ground beef and delicious toppings. What more can you ask for? Well, maybe a secret menu … but our prayers have already been answered!

23. Toronto Italians Boutique
27 Roytec Rd., Unit 12, Suite 6 (Upstairs Level), Woodbridge
647-388-5359 / tdotitalians.com
@tdotitaliansboutique

You can’t cheer on Italy without wearing an Azzurri jersey — it’s just not heard of. Angelo De Luca, the face of Toronto Italians Boutique, will assist you with just that. He’s got everything to help Italian Canadians show off their cultural pride.

24. The Archery Game
2501 Rutherford Rd., Unit 18, Vaughan
905-553-5388 / thearcherygame.com
@thearcherygame

Unleash your inner Hawkeye or Katniss Everdeen while playing archery tag with your squad. Currently, The Archery Game is the only facility of its kind in York Region, offering the perfect fusion of archery with dodgeball.

25. Glama Gal Tween Spa
665 Millway Ave., Unit 14, Concord
905-482-4435 / glamagalparty.com
@gg_vaughan

Every girl needs to have her nails done — especially during a spa party. It’s only natural, then, that groups of tweens come together to celebrate with Glama Gal’s array of fun spa services.