With a crime rate that’s among the country’s lowest, over 1,000 hectares of parks and open spaces and an unemployment rate that’s the envy of major cities in Ontario, there are more than enough reasons to gush over Vaughan, the city we call home. In honour of Vaughan’s 25th birthday, City Life has compiled a list of the 25 places and things that make our city beautiful, unique and lovable.

1. ELITE DETAILING
[email protected]
647-821-8909 | @Elite_Detailer
The mean and clean detailing machine from Elite Detailing will roll up to your home to provide the service your car deserves. With interior, exterior and full detailing packages available, Elite prides itself on using on the most high-quality and eco-friendly tools and substances available to give your vehicle that new-car feel and smell.
www.elitedetailing.ca

2. GRANDE CHEESE
468 Jevlan Dr. | 905-856-6880
@GrandeCheeseCA
After stepping through the doors of Grande Cheese, you’ll notice more than competitive prices and the fresh ingredients this Italian food powerhouse has to offer. Everyone is treated like “la famiglia” and it’s a different atmosphere other markets can’t provide. Countless online reviews rave about the company’s commitment to quality — and its delicious pizza slices, of course.

3. ZERO 20
7700 Pine Valley Dr. | 905-851-6041
@zero20kids
Little ones deserve to be fashionable, too. A long-standing boutique for children, Zero 20 Kids has been a go-to for parents for years. The store has a bona fide knack for dressing generations of kids beyond the area of Vaughan. Trusted and expert advice from the professionals will have your child looking cute, suave and downright runway ready! With tons of designer brands and an online shop, expression through fashion is just one click away.
www.zero20kids.com

4. ARTI & MESTIERI
8611 Weston Rd. | 905-265-9905
@artigirls
Arti & Mestieri is the mecca of event details and thoughtful gifts. This Woodbridge gem carries everything you need from gift baskets to bomboniere ideas and home décor. Looking for something unique? Personalized jars of Nutella will be everyone’s favourite parting gift at your next event. Looking for a lovely gesture for friends, family or corporate individuals? Reasonable prices on extravagant gift baskets can be put together in a jiffy!

5. HOLY CHUCK
4421 Hwy. 7 | 905-851-6363
@holychuckburgers
They say their business is burgers, and rightfully so; the gourmet cheeseburger has reached new heights at Holy Chuck. Literally. Can you handle the towering “Go Chuck Yourself” challenge? Other classic menu items have even tempted culinary celebs such as Chef David Rocco, who recently proclaimed his love for the burger maestros on Twitter. Rocco’s dessert favourite? The mouth-watering Nutella funnel cake!
www.holychuckburgers.com

6. SKY ZONE
2839 Rutherford Rd. | 905-832-0080
@skyzonevaughan
A wonderful place to let loose for the young and young at heart, Sky Zone is a leading indoor trampoline park in the Greater Toronto Area. Now with its Vaughan location, the hyper-powered bouncing fun is closer to home, with all-time favourite activities that include Ultimate Dodgeball and the infamous foam pit. Try out the NBA-inspired “SkySlam” or get fit with “SkyRobics.”
www.skyzone.com

7. NATIONS FRESH FOOD
7600 Weston Rd. | 905-856-1988
@nations_fresh_foods
The culmination of a bunch of countries in one place at the same time couldn’t be more true for Nations Fresh Foods, a supermarket that brings flavours from all over the world onto your plate. Anything you can imagine will be awaiting your tastebuds. Perhaps you’re in the mood for a classic Jamaican spice bun, or rice and pork chops; you bet you’ll find it at Nations.
www.nationsfreshfoods.ca

8. AMADO SALON
10462 Islington Ave. | 905-893-3686
@amado_salon
Spectacular reviews and countless happy customers are praising Amado Salon in Kleinburg for its marvellous work in the hair industry. Robert Amado, the artistic director, has styled the heads of A-list celebrities and carries years of industry experience under his belt. His team of stylists is an extension of his brand, which prides itself on expert style and a commitment to beautiful hair.
www.amado.ca

9. FRESHII
7600 Weston Rd. | 905-851-2030
@freshii
When Freshii founder Matthew Corrin was 23, he thought that organic food should be easily accessible to the masses. Corrin’s manifesto has flourished with the success of Freshii, a clean-eating food market for healthy and organic meals, with various options that include wholesome burritos, nutritious smoothies and salad bowls.
www.freshii.com

10. ST. PHILLIPS BAKERY
5100 Rutherford Rd. | 905-893-2863
@stphillipsbakery
Decadent cakes and other sweets have placed St. Phillips Bakery on the map, but its dedication and hard work has kept customers coming back for more. The Italian shop not only delivers on baked goods, but it serves its regular shoppers with a deli and hot counter, too. Don’t forget about its soft, daily baked buns, either — those are mortadella sandwich essentials throughout the week. While you’re at it, why not bring dessert home?
www.stphillipsbakery.com

11. MOKSHA YOGA MAPLE
1480 Major Mackenzie Dr. | 905-303-8886
@mokshayogamaple
Find inner peace and serenity at this state-of-the-art yoga studio in Maple. The spacious and upbeat studio has a warm and welcoming approach to both newcomers and yoga veterans. The outreach to the community has given the atmosphere a sincere and down-to-earth vibe. Looking to go to a class? Easy schedule times are posted regularly on the studio’s website.
www.maple.mokshayoga.ca

12. NOBLETON OPTOMETRY
12931 Hwy. 27 | 905-859-2020
@nobletonoptometry
See clearly in 20/20 vision with the professionals at Nobleton Optometry. Your eyes deserve the best care, and with thorough exams, pre- and post-operative care, contact lens fittings and more, you’ll be in good hands. Need frames or cool shades? There’s quite the selection to choose from. With designer name brands such as Carrera, Kate Spade New York and Tom Ford, there’s a style for any personality.
www.nobletonoptometry.ca

13. ALOFT
151 Bass Pro Mills Dr. | 905-695-0500
Stylish and sophisticated and equipped with the sleekest furniture any hotel has ever had, Aloft Hotel boasts edgy and contemporary design features that are sure to impress. Aloft is within reasonable distance of most of Vaughan’s attractions, including the McMichael Art Gallery, Canada’s Wonderland and Vaughan Mills Shopping Centre, which is in walking distance. It houses two lounges, a conference room, a gym and a patio. Brownie points are given for the complimentary WiFi.
www.aloftvaughanmills.com

14. EXTRAVAGANZA FLORIST
4300 Steeles Ave. W.
905-850-3927 / 1-888-561-1245
@extravaganzaflorist
With Valentine’s Day around the corner, may we suggest a beautiful arrangement for your special lady? Anything from white roses to a Uniquely Chic arrangement will wow any receiver. Specializing in gorgeous centrepieces and floral bouquets, Extravaganza Florist prides itself on quick service, outstanding customer satisfaction and producing memorable arrangements that will leave customers amazed.
www.extravaganzaflorist.ca

15. PUTTING EDGE
60 Interchange Way | 905-761-3343
@PuttingEdge
Whether it’s a fun evening out with the kids or a cute date idea, glow-in-the-dark mini golf at Putting Edge is always a good time. Celebrate your child’s birthday and use the available party room for cake and pizza. Tee off in the uniquely designed cosmic rooms, where you can compete against friends and family. Be sure to bring your Tiger Woods A-game with you to this 18-hole course.
www.puttingedge.com

16. PRIMA LIGHTING
255 Bass Pro Mills Dr. | 905-851-1188
@primalighting
Let there be light! Prima Lighting’s 25,000-sq.-ft. showroom has a ton of selection to choose from, with different light fixtures to meet every need and styles for each room in your home. The open-concept space makes choosing the right fixture an easy process. Innovative and beautiful pieces are imported from many different countries around the globe, making its curated collection second-to-none in the Vaughan and beyond area.
www.primalighting.ca

17. RICCI’S PIZZERIA
8401 Weston Rd. | 905-850-8325
@riccispizzeria
It’s one of Vaughan’s most beloved pizzerias. Serving the area for over 25 years, Ricci’s is a true testament to simplicity and the old-school mentality of treating customers like family. “Simple, honest and proud” is Ricci’s motto, and that’s what got it a Reader’s Choice Award from the Vaughan Citizen newspaper back in 2010. Ricci’s ideology hasn’t changed one bit, and it’s a family favourite for those inside and outside of the city.
www.riccispizza.ca

18. PER LUI
7600 Weston Rd. | 905-851-6500
@perluitoronto
The suit makes the man. So don’t fade into the background. Elevate your style for the street and the office at Per Lui, Woodbridge’s premier destination for made-to-measure menswear. With a finger on the pulse of European style, Per Lui’s racks are brimming with on-trend attire for every situation — casual, formal and everything in between. Whether it’s that commanding power suit for the boardroom or that fitted sports jacket and chinos for that all-too-important first date, Per Lui has the clothing to keep your fashion game on point.
www.perlui.ca

19. S² EVENT COORDINATORS
131 Whitmore Ave., Unit 2 | 905-850-8000
@s2eventdecor
Event planning on your own is stressful. Event planning with a professional, on the other hand, is blissful. S2 Event Coordinators offers planning and décor services on events big or small. With carefully hand-picked vendors, such as entertainment, photographers and videographers, your event will be in good hands here. Reviewers have raved that S2 delivers on quality, making each event special and well executed, detailed and fabulous.
www.s2event.com

20. REGINA NOODLE PRODUCTS
2300 Finch Ave W. | 416-745-0988
@reginanoodle
Looking for fresh ingredients in your food? At Regina Noodle Products, they’ve got you covered. As third-generation pasta makers, quality runs through their blood. Regina provides customers with innovative and beautiful food creations, such as the handmade sacchetti, or the lovey-dovey inspired heart-shaped pasta with three-cheese filling. How’s that for a homemade Valentine’s Day dinner idea?
www.reginanoodle.com

21. VINOTECA WINERY
527 Jevlan Dr. | 905-856-5700
What’s a better gift to give than a personalized bottle of wine? At Vinoteca Winery, you can customize any bottle with your logo or name on the label. The winery also carries a vast selection of reds, whites and ice wines. What else gives Vinoteca its stars? The winery has received impressive awards and satisfied reviews on its taste, customer service and overall quality, which do not disappoint.
www.vinotecawinery.ca

22. ZILLI HOME INTERIORS
672 Chrislea Rd. | 289-268-0020
@zillihomeinteriors
Get inspired. Put life back into your home. With new pieces from Zilli Home Interiors, make your home feel like a home again. Zilli’s showroom has fully furnished rooms to help with décor ideas and new, innovative ways to decorate your space. Helpful and seasoned professionals will assist with design elements every step of the way. Want the expert’s picks? President Natalie Papia shares her top pieces for a beautiful space on the Zilli Home website.
www.zillihome.com

23. MAPLE ACADEMY OF DANCE
255 Bass Pro Mills Dr., Unit 504 | 905-660-6800
@mapleacademyofdance
Maple Academy of Dance is a leader in choreographic arts. Sincere testimonials pay tribute to the progress one makes while dancing here. Beginners and seasoned dancers are welcomed with recreational classes all the way to adult classes. Did you know that the school also earned themselves a Top Choice Award of Excellence? If you’re looking to break free and spring into dance this year, you might as well do it in style!
www.mapleacademyofdance.com

24. WOODBRIDGE ART SCHOOL & GALLERY
595 Cityview Blvd., Unit 21
905-832-2100
@woodbridgeart
Young visionaries have drastically accelerated their artistic talents, thanks to the Woodbridge Art School. Realistic and contemporary art projects take flight with various classes (over 25 to be exact) that provide dynamic and hands-on experience. Did you know that your child could get recognized with awards? Students have been featured on local TV, such as Breakfast Television and Rogers TV.
www.woodbridgeartschool.com

25. BYPETERANDPAULS’ UNIVERSAL EVENTSPACE
6250 Hwy. 7 | 905-326-8100
@universal1982
Vaughan’s newest and most contemporary event venue has everyone wanting to host their upcoming nuptials or corporate event there in 2016! ByPeterandPauls recently opened Universal Eventspace, a glorious 85,000-sq.-ft. banquet hall with six accommodating rooms for parties and events of all sizes. The $32-million facility is equipped with top-of-the line services and packages, including fully functioning food stations in the main lobby. How cool is that?
www.bypeterandpauls.com/universaleventspace

What are your top 25 picks in Vaughan? Engage with us on social media and share your coveted places and things using the hashtag #ILoveVaughan. We want to hear from you! Stay tuned for the next issue to see if your faves made the cut.