Vaughan comes to life in the summertime when shop doors are propped open, when restaurants reveal charming patios that call out our names and an overall sunny vibe runs through our tree-lined streets. Soak it all in by checking off our latest list of favourites.

1. The Purple Cupcake
facebook.com/thepurplecupcake90
@thepurplecupcake_
hello@thepurplecupcake.com

“Give us all of them” were the first words that came out of our mouths when we saw the gold-plated, pastel-frosted, flower-topped cakes crafted by The Purple Cupcake. This Toronto-based shop doesn’t have a storefront, but you can find its Instagram-worthy menu of sweets on social media.

2. Magnotta Winery
271 Chrislea Rd., Vaughan                        
905-738-9463 / magnotta.com
           
Meet the winery of your dreams — and no, you don’t have to make the trek to Niagara. Magnotta Winery’s one-of-a-kind, 75,000-sq.-ft.facility in Vaughan produces and sells its own wine and other distilled products. Give them a taste by stopping by one of their complimentary wine tours, which happen daily at 2 p.m.

3. Paintlounge Markham
118 Main St. N., Markham
416-900-2633 / paintlounge.ca
@paintlounge

We may be fully grown adults, but we can attest that a Paintlounge party beats a cocktail mixer any day. “Paint Nite” at this creative space means you and your best buds get to create your own masterpiece while sipping on beer, wine or java. Just make sure you don’t confuse your paint cup and your coffee cup.

4. Imperial Meats
471 Jevlan Dr., Unit 10, Woodbridge
905-856-3287 / imperialmeats.net
@imperialmeatsca

Carnivores unite! Specializing in air-cured and smoked meats, Imperial Meats is one of the best places to eat in Vaughan. Grab a panini, grab more meat to go and take your meals to the next level. It’s OK to eat meat three meals a day, right?

5. BAD Axe Throwing
171 Maplecrete Rd., Unit 3, Vaughan
905-761-0444 / badaxethrowing.com
@badaxethrowing

Admit it — you’ve always wanted to throw an axe. We sure did, so when we found Bad Axe Throwing, we were thrilled. Whether you need a release, a good date idea or simply to work on hitting the bull’s eye, get thee to Vaughan’s latest lumberjack hub.

6. Importer’s Gifts
5731 Hwy. 7, Units 18 & 19, Woodbridge
905-850-8926 / i-gifts.ca
@importersgifts
Communions, confirmations and weddings, oh my! Bomboniere are a staple for these events and we adore the selection at Importer’s Gifts. From engraved treasures to Verdici designs, they’ve curated everything you could ever want for your next big milestone.

7. Beauty Addix Hair & Esthetic Lounge
3175 Rutherford Rd., Unit 15, Vaughan
905-761-0066 / beautyaddix.ca
@beautyaddixlounge

We’ve never felt anything but pampered at Beauty Addix Hair & Esthetic Lounge. From a wash and blow-dry to Guinot facials to bridal services, you will be just as blown away (pun intended) as we are by the Pinterest-worthy talent at Beauty Addix.

8. Copper Creek Medi-Spa
110 Nashville Rd., Unit 5, Kleinburg
905-893-0777 / coppercreekmedispa.com
@coppercreekmedispa

A day at the spa shouldn’t have to be a rare indulgence. For the sake of staying sane, treat yourself to one of the revolutionary treatments at Copper Creek Medi-Spa, where traditional services are meshed with modern innovations (like the OxyGeneo Facial).

9. Ambrosia Natural Foods Vaughan
57 Northview Blvd., Vaughan
905-264-2510 / ambrosia.ca
@ambrosianaturalfoods

We could tell you that Ambrosia Natural Foods is the best place to source fresh produce and organic products. We could also tell you that its three locations (including Vaughan) are always fully stocked with vitamins, supplements and natural health and beauty products. But really, the best part is that they carry GMO-free, meatless pepperoni pizza pockets there, so if that doesn’t make you love this place as much as we do, nothing will.

10. The Glitter Parlour
19 Queen St. N., Bolton
647-823-1010
facebook.com/theglitterparlour
@theglitterparlour

This boutique is the new gal in town. Nestled in the heart of Bolton’s charming downtown, The Glitter Parlour is chock full of glamorous fashion finds for every occasion, from the everyday to the wedding day. They’re also the Mecca of accessories. Our fave: Quay Australia sunglasses.

11. Bindertwine Park
299 Stegman’s Mill Rd., Vaughan
www.oakridgestrail.org
#bindertwinepark

Sometimes it’s nice to get out of the gym and breathe some fresh air. And we found the perfect spot: walk, hike or bike over 5.7 km of the Humber River Trail that connects with Bindertwine Park. These trails connect with the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Boyd Conservation Area and Canada Company Way. The best part? The trails are absolutely free.

12.Sweet Sister Chic Sister
416-409-3348 / sweetsister-chicsister.com
@sweetsisterchicsister

Sweet Sister Chic Sister should be your go-to for, well, all things sweet and chic. The company, run by sisters Andrea and Candice, specializes in handcrafted desserts, creamy cakes and accessories. One glance at their website and you’ll be swooning (we definitely are).

13. Policaro BMW Brampton
5 Coachworks Cres., Brampton
416-981-9400 / policarobmw.ca

This brand-new dealership brings the unparalleled class of BMW to the heart of Brampton. Yet another installment of the prominent Policaro Automotive Family, this luxe location has the GTA’s car-loving community swooning, including its all-star brand ambassador, Canadian basketball player Andrew Wiggins.

14. Bocconcino Ristorante
331 Trowers Rd., Vaughan
905-856-9239 / bocconcino.ca

Bocconcino is exactly what you would expect from a classy Italian restaurant, and we love it! We definitely recommend starting with one of their classic Calamari alla Griglia appetizers, but don’t get so caught up in their entrées that you forget about dessert. Their cappuccinos make us feel like we died and went to coffee heaven.

15. Ellora Flowers
416-580-8476 / elloraflowers.com
elloraflowers@gmail.com

Floral artist Victoria knows the secret to those garden-inspired bridal bouquets and flower arrangements we’ve seen all over Pinterest lately. But it’s not just her pretty craftsmanship that’s grabbed our attention — her vision and eye for detail are as breathtaking as her flowers are.

16. Canada’s Wonderland
1 Canada’s Wonderland Dr., Vaughan
905-832-7000
canadaswonderland.com
@canadaswonderland

This year, Canada’s Wonderland is boasting not one but two (yes, two!) new rides. Just when we thought this amusement park couldn’t get any better, Skyhawk, a flight navigator ride 135 feet in the air, and Flying Eagles, a smaller-scale version for children, landed on the premises. We know where we’ll be spending every weekend for the rest of the summer.

17. Urban Barn
55 Colossus Dr., Unit 123A, Vaughan
905-856-9222 / urbanbarn.com
@urbanbarn

Dressing our home can be as stressful as dressing ourselves, but it can also be just as fun. Urban Barn’s gorgeous collections put the emphasis on the “fun,” no matter which room you’re giving a facelift. Bonus: their online room planner lets you spend less time shopping and more time decorating.

18. CHE Food Truck
647-893-8735
torontofoodtrucks.ca/che
@chebabyto

George Strombo is one of many Torontonians digging Che Food Truck, the city’s first and only Argentinian food truck that’s sure to make an appearance in Vaughan this summer. Our tip: try the homemade choripán sandwiches and chimichurri fries — they’ll give your tastebuds a cultural awakening.

19. McMichael Canadian Art Collection
10365 Islington Ave., Kleinburg
905-893-1121 / mcmichael.com
@mcacgallery

Art lovers unite! This might be the coolest summer camp around. Over the past 50 years, McMichael has housed iconic Canadian artwork from the likes of the Group of Seven to contemporary First Nations sculptors, and in that time has also taken “art camp” to a new level. Filled with art, nature and stories about Canada it is sure to be the highlight of your kids’ summer.

20. Saks Off Fifth
(Vaughan Mills)
1 Bass Pro Mills Dr., Vaughan
905-532-9661 / Saksoff5th.com
@saksoff5th

The Saks Off Fifth has officially opened at Vaughan Mills and we couldn’t be more excited about it. The designer giant’s outlet store will be your new go-to store for all things glam with brands like Yves Saint Laurent, Versace and Armani. Need we say more? Why are you still reading this? Get in your car and go!

21. FRENCH FEATHERS
111 Regina Rd., Unit 25, Woodbridge
905-265-1400 / frenchfeathers.com
@frenchfeathers

French Feathers is a treasure trove of high-end home décor and unique gifts. From Bella Notte fine bed linens to heritage-inspired Vietri dinnerware, the chic boutique also offers home consultations for expert decorative styling.

22. Steeles Paint
4190 Steeles Ave. W., Woodbridge
905-850-4040 / steelespaint.com
@steelespaint

Your home is a colouring book, and Steeles Paint is the box of crayons. Known for their worship of colour, these are the pros you want pigmenting your walls. From indoor to outdoor, from eco-friendly lacquers to quirky wallpapers, you’ll find that pop of colour in Canada’s largest independent paint store.

23. A Planned Affair
info@aplannedaffairevents.com
@aplannedaffairevents

PHOTO BY amsis photography

Scouring the “Style Me Pretty” blog and feeling overwhelmed? Leave it all to the event and wedding planning pros of A Planned Affair. From nuptials and bridal showers to religious events and milestones, the team’s expertise and excitement leave no detail unturned, so you can enjoy your special day stress-free.

24. Levetto
9001 Dufferin St., Vaughan
905-553-6400 levetto.com
@levettoresto

Dare we say that Levetto is the trendy new spot on the block? With its perfect slice of mushroom pizza with a cream sauce base (try it — you won’t regret it), Levetto has the cool foodie in us jumping for joy, and the prices are amazing too! #CityLifeToldYouSo

25. VAUGHAN COUNSELLING CENTRE
4550 Hwy. 7, Suite 120, Woodbridge
905-851-8515 / vaughancounselling.com

The team at the Vaughan Counselling Centre has been providing life-changing therapy services for individuals, couples and families for over 15 years. The centre offers a wide array of services to help one navigate through issues like anxiety and grief management. When you need help, it’s OK to ask for it.