It’s the season of fresh starts, and as the flowers begin to bloom and the temperatures rise, there is even more to adore about Vaughan and the scrumptious cities that surround it. City Life has hunted high and low for a new list of local gems, from rustic apothecaries to sparkling gem shop.

1. Terracotta Home & Garden
2 Kellam St., Kleinburg
905-893-4222
www.terracottahomeandgarden.ca
@terracottahomeandgarden

This not-so-hidden gem has become a go-to spot for all things pretty and potted. Nestled in the heart of Kleinburg, Terracotta beautifies homes, businesses and events with its divine floral designs and unique decorative goodies.

2. 168 Sushi
1520 Steeles Ave W., Concord                        
905-760-1680 / 168sushibuffet.com 
@168sushi

Authentic sushi at its best! Menus on iPads give guests a new and hands-on experience of ordering Japanese cuisine. Service is on par with quick responses and enthusiastic, diligent assistance.

3. Gourmet Bistro
8707 Dufferin St., Thornhill
905-907-9000 / gourmetbistro.ca
@gourmetbistro

Nicknamed “G Bistro,” this place puts a spin on classic dishes that’ll take you by pleasant surprise. All sauces and dressings are made from scratch, and the kitchen is praised for its on-point cooking techniques.

4. Integrity Fitness
8000 Hwy 27, Woodbridge
905-851-7722 / integrityfitness.ca
@paulsbootcamp

Headed by Paul Walker, CFPT, CPTN, ISSA, Integrity Fitness has long been the go-to spot in Vaughan (and beyond!) for getting into shape the healthy way. Its specialized workouts are doable but tough.

5. Nature’s Emporium
2535 Major Mackenzie Dr. W, Maple
905-553-5527 / naturesemporium.com
@naturescanada

Since 1993, Nature’s Emporium has been the authority on organic and farm-fresh produce, and it’s earned bonus points for serving only traditionally raised meats. Here, it’s quality meets quantity with a diverse rainbow of food options.

6. La Couture Hair Lounge
130 Bass Pro Mills Dr., Suite 60, Concord
905-532-0235
@lacouturehairlounge

The name says it all: you and your hair will be pampered to perfection at this chic salon. If you haven’t been, book an appointment this spring to see what all the fuss is about.

7. Decorium Furniture
363 Supertest Rd., North York
416-736-6120 / decorium.com
@decoriumfurniture

Your home should be a live-in work of art and a reflection of your personal style. This North York gem is the place to find unique statement pieces that will add artistry to your space.

8. Drake Apothecary
10 Chapel St., Bolton
info@drakeapothecary.com / drakeapothecary.com
@drakeapothecary

Drake Apothecary is a modern hippie’s paradise. All its healing products are handmade locally using herbs and essential oils. We recommend the Authentic Dead Sea Mud and the ever-popular Emotion Potions.

9. Glitz Jewellery
2396 Major Mackenzie Dr., Maple
289-553-9010 / glitzjewellery.com
@glitzjewelleryboutique

Get ready to swoon: this hidden gem in the heart of Maple houses jewels by Jennifer Lopez, Kate Spade and more. Shop what’s trending or bring home a custom treasure.

10. Sarpa Restaurant
13311 Yonge St., Richmond Hill
905-773-2188 / sarparestaurant.com
@sarpaoakridges

A cosy ambience and scrumptious menu of authentic Italian recipes have made this spot an idyllic getaway for families, couples and friends. Segue into summer by sipping the pomegranate margarita and munching on polenta fries.

11. Tasios Orthodontics
3611 Major Mackenzie Dr.,
Woodbridge
905-553-7778 / www.tasiosortho.com
@tasiosortho

Who better to craft your smile than the orthodontic clinic that was named the Top Orthodontic Clinic of 2016 in Vaughan at this year’s Top Choice Awards? We’re trusting our teeth to these friendly pros.

12. Royal York Chiropractic & Massage Therapy
4237 Dundas St. W, Toronto
416-233-5413 / rymt.ca
@royalyorkchiropractic

Get ready to feel better. This renowned clinic in west-end Toronto solves chronic and acute pain problems using chiropractic, osteopathic and massage therapy services that blend classic remedies with state-of-the-art techniques.

13. 9Round
12612 Hwy. 50, Bolton
905-857-7622 / 9round.com
@9round_bolton

Fun fact: 9Round’s first Canadian location was in Bolton! The famous half-hour kick-boxing circuit is packed with nine rounds, creating a fun full-body workout. Every day’s a completely different experience with new techniques and challenges.

14. Brando’s
140 Woodbridge Ave., Woodbridge
905-851-6566 / brandosclothing.com
@brandosclothing

A trip to Brando’s feels like buying straight off the runway. This boutique carries all your favourites, from MinkPink to Vince Camuto, and its personal shopping services make every shopper feel like a VIP.

15. Patisserie V. Marie
27 Roytec Rd., Woodbridge
905-850-2888 / vmarie.ca
@patisserievmarie

It’s like a little slice of Paris in this charming sweets shop. Heavily influenced by French culture, Patisserie V. Marie’s bespoke cakes and other treats are a feast for the eyes and the tastebuds.

16. MyLegwearShop.com
Richmond Hill
MyLegwearShop.com
@my_legwear_shop
Leggings are a fad that just won’t go away — and we’re not mad about it. This online boutique serves up the prettiest, most comfortable styles and delivers them right to your door.

17. Globe Meats Fresh Market & Grill
61 Signet Dr., North York
416-745-7000 / globemeatsmarket.com
@globemeatsfmg
Over 40 years in the business have put this traditional-style butcher shop on top of its game. The new Toronto location is 22,000 square feet of deliciousness, offering up quality meats for springtime cookouts.

18. Dreamworx Ink
3883 Rutherford Rd., Suite 11, Woodbridge
905-605-2663 / dreamworxink.com
@dreamworxink
This tattoo parlour is as cool as it sounds. It’s become a favourite in Vaughan for a reason: its creative and friendly staff work with you to craft the body art of your dreams.

19. Splashville Inc.
311 Cityview Blvd., Suite 4, Woodbridge
905-832-3699 / splashville.ca
@splashville_inc

Get your little fish ready for summer by investing in swimming lessons. Splashville Inc. is a fun and bubbly (no pun intended) learning experience that will have them falling in love with the warm-weather pastime.

20. Rock This Way! School of Rock
90 Winges Rd., Woodbridge
905-264-0004 / rockthisway.ca
@rockthiswayvaughan

Rock This Way! founder Ross Munro says students should learn the songs they know and the genres they like. This method has helped aspiring artists flourish into creative singers, instrumentalists and songwriters.

21. Design-Spec Building Group
80 Bass Pro Mills Dr., Unit 7, Concord
905-760-2225 / designspecgroup.com
@designspecgroup

Renovations can either be a hassle or an exciting, enjoyable experience. The team at Design-Spec makes sure it’s the latter, working with home and business owners to design a personalized look without the stress.

22. Locale
12981 Keele St., King City
905-833-2500 / localekingcity.ca
@localekingcity

A menu of simple, delicious food and a relaxing atmosphere make Locale a popular starting point for weekend adventures. Bring the squad or your SO and consider your Saturday night well spent.

23. S&S Tile and Marble
8611 Weston Rd., Floor 2, Woodbridge
416-995-5255 / www.sstileandmarble.ca
@sebino_the_tile_guy

S&S Tile and Marble has spent the last two decades beautifying properties in and around Toronto. The Vaughan-based studio blends artistry with construction, creating poignant spaces that reflect the owners’ tastes.

24. SHAN
7540 Weston Rd., Woodbridge
905-605-5455 / shan.ca
@shanswimwear

Shan’s couture bikinis are proof that we cold-weather Canucks know the beach, too. Award-winning designer Chantal Levesque brought the brand to life in Quebec, and it now has locations in Woodbridge, Toronto, Miami and more.

25. Parente Borean LLP
3883 Hwy. 7, Woodbridge
905-850-6066 / parenteborean.com

When the going gets tough, it’s relieving to know your city offers some of the best legal services available. Parente Borean is a team of seasoned lawyers specializing in real estate, family law and more.