Elora Mews Shops - Directions and Elora Visitor Information

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Elora Mews - Celebrating 25 Years - 1982 to 2007

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ELORA MEWS SHOPS, Unique Shopping in Grand Surroundings. World-class shops in charming Historic Elora Ontario Canada by spectacular Elora Gorge.

Elora Mews Shops -
Directions & Elora Visitor Information

“Fall in Love with Elora” and you'll be back!

It’s that special atmosphere! The beautiful, historical, specialty shopping Village of Elora has so much to see and do, especially in the summertime, that you’ll want to visit again and again!

Come back to see what’s new in your favourite shops, come for the yearly Elora Music Festival or local theatre, have lunch or dinner in the courtyard, on the river, over the Gorge, and stay over at our 5-star Elora Mill Inn or a charming bed and breakfast.

To help you plan your next trip to ELORA, here's where to find us and more reasons to stay.

Getting to Elora couldn't be easier!

For a MAPQUEST MAP and driving directions, Elora attractions, accommodations, and other visitor information
click here.

ELORA AREA LINKS [click to go directly to your area of interest]

Unique Shopping
Festivals & Theatre
Books, Music & Movies Set in Elora
Other Events & Attractions
Restaurants
Conference and Special Events Facilities
Accommodatins
Map & Driving Directions
Restoring Elora's Historic Bridges
Elora's Controversial Grand River Raceway

Unique Shopping:

You'll Love Shopping at the Elora Mews Shops!

World-class unique shops in a charming lantern-lit courtyard within historic limestone walls. In the centre of Elora's Mill Street on the Grand River and Elora Gorge. Enjoy our summertime ice cream shop and outdoor cafe.

Village of Elora

The Village of Elora website lists all the great specialty shops and shopkeepers of the Elora Business Association (BIA). You'll love exploring Elora's whole shopping district, along Mill Street on the Grand, and up Metcalfe Street. Old-fashioned main street shopping!

The Fergus Marketplace (formerly Fergus Market)

In the nearby town of Fergus, in the newly renovated historic Beatty Brothers building, you will now find several shops, offices, and eating places in the "Fergus Marketplace", the previous site of the old Fergus Market.

Festivals & Theatre:

The Elora Music Festival

An internationally acclaimed annual music festival in the beautiful setting of Elora Ontario. From July 13 to August 5, 2007 enjoy great concerts and world-class performers in venues with wonderful acoustics in this charming village on the Grand River and the Elora Gorge. For more information and a ticket order form visit the Elora Festival website at www.elorafestival.com.

The Elora Festival Singers

Enjoy concerts by the Elora Festival Singers all year round. When the summertime Elora Music Festival is over, this professional chamber choir and principal vocal ensemble for the Elora Festival holds weekend concerts from October through May in the Festival venues of St. Mary’s Church and St. John’s Church.

The Fergus Scottish Festival

During the annual Fergus Scottish Festival, visitors from throughout the world enjoy all aspects of traditional Highland Games with a wee bit of modern flare tossed in. Heavy Events, Highland Dancing, Piping, Avenue of the Clans as well as a variety of tents and vendors make for a perfect weekend for local residents and visitors. Come and join the 30,000 visitors to celebrate the rich Scottish Culture.

The Elora Gorge Cinema

Elora’s Gorge Cinema, in a heritage limestone building next-door to the Elora Mews, is the longest-running repertory cinema in Canada. The cinema shows current big-screen productions year-round. It has also been used during production of feature films like Simon Birch with Ashley Judd and Trapped in Paradise with Nicholas Cage, with scenes filmed on location in Elora.

Books, Music, and Movies Set in Elora:

Elora's spectacular setting has been featured in many books and movies, and has attracted many famous musicians to perform at the amazing Elora Quarry concerts, Elora's churches, and acoustically-perfect country barn.

Books about Elora:

Many books have been written about Elora, the beautiful Elora Gorge and the Grand River Valley. We have listed a few on our shopping page such as "A Heritage of Stone" by Nina Chapple, "Grand River Reflections" by John Visser, "Elora Gorge: A Visitor's Guide" by Ken Hewitt and more. We hope you enjoy our products and please feel free to suggest any items that we have not included here.

Elora Festival Music:

The Elora Festival has been making Sweet Music since 1980. Artistic director Noel Edison, founder of the Elora Festival Singers, has put the Elora Festival and the Elora Festival Singers onto the world stage. On our shopping page are a few of the many famous names that have appeared on the various stages of the Elora Festival over the years, such as Jeff Healey, Holly Cole, The Nylons and more.

Movies Produced in Elora:

The beauty of the Elora Gorge with its spectacular rock faces and white water, has attracted movie producers from around the world. On our shopping page are a few of the many movies that have used the Limestone cliffs and natural and historical scenery for the settings of such wonderful movies as Mrs. Soffel, Simon Birch, Angel Eyes and more.

Other Events & Attractions:

The Elora Street Festival

Every summer, during or just preceding the Elora Music Festival performances, Elora's streets com alive with street fairs or other special performances on Mill Street, Metcalfe Street, and the Grand River which flows through the village on its way to the Elora Gorge..

During the 07-07-07 "Elora Festival Fair in the Square" and for the rest of the summer Elora was "high as a kite", displaying beautiful and artistic kites created by Elora artist Tim Murton on lamp-posts and storefronts throughout the village. Come out again in the summer of 2008 to see more of these artistic creations..

MONSTER MONTH IN ELORA!

Every October is MONSTER MONTH in Elora!

Tim Murton, local Elora artist, is the Master Creator of the ghostly Halloween creatures who hang around town every October, from lampposts and on storefronts. In 2007 Tim Murton created his own "Twilight Zoo" in his garden studio on Mill Street and held workshops for local merchants and residents to construct their own spirited wire and gauze mache Halloween monsters to display in front of their shops and homes.

Every year in October Al Koop conducts Haunted Lantern Walking Tours and the Elora Gorge Cinema shows classic horror movies. Many merchants and restaurants throughout Elora participate in special Halloween events like Trick or Treat and Monster Meals.

For more information visit www.monstermonth.ca.

Christmas Shopping Customer Appreciation Events

Be sure to visit Elora during November and December when many Elora shops hold special Christmas shopping events for their customers. In 2007, many shops will be holding a special shopping event specially for Gals on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 and specially for Guys on Friday, December 14, 2007. Don't miss this great opportunity to find unique gifts in the wonderful shops of Elora and make it a really relaxing and enjoyable experience!

The Elora Gorge

The ELORA GORGE is one of the most beautiful natural wonders in Southern Ontario. A great getaway for the urban hiker, camper or adventure sports enthusiast, or a romantic retreat. Share beautiful pictures of the Elora Gorge or enhance your computer desktop with Elora Gorge wallpaper or screensaver images.

The Elora Fergus Studio Tour

Elora is a mecca for artists. A. J. Casson of the Group of Seven “fell in love with Elora at first sight …. became obsessed with sketching it”.

In past years folks have not been able to fully appreciate the tour in only one weekend so this year the Elora Fergus Studio Tour was held over two weekends. September 22 & 23 and September 29 & 30, 2007.

For more up-to-date information regarding this self-guided walking or driving tour of actual working artist studios in these exciting, creative artistic communities, please visit the Elora Fergus Studio Tour Website.

The Wellington County Museum & Archives

This National Historic Site, recognized for its unique history as the oldest House of Industry in Canada, offers many interesting permanent displays and exhibits. Located between scenic Fergus and Elora on the Grand River, home of many artists, musicians, and unique homes and gardens. Don't miss the museum's Summer Art Workshops, annual "Insights" Juried Art Competition, and "Grand Garden Tour" and Herb Fair.

If you are trying to win the heart of someone we suggest you try a Horse Drawn Carriage Ride. The Elora Horse Carriage Service runs Wednesday through Sunday from noon until 6 p.m. This tour specializes in Tours, Birthdays and Weddings. The cost is $5 per person and all tours start at the Elora Mews on Mill Street West. For a great touch to a special event give them a call. The proprietor and operator is Jacques Dion and can be reached at (519) 638-5079.

Restaurants:

The Elora Mill Inn offers excellent regional cuisine while sitting beside a tremendous view over the Grand River and the Elora Gorge.

The Desert Rose Cafe has been serving the best in ethnic vegetarian cuisine and fabulous desserts, all homemade in there eclectic dining room and garden patio, for 25 years.


Click here to enlarge	Elora in the pink - Colourful Storefronts The Desert Rose Cafe has just one of the many colourful storefronts in the artistic village of Elora. Photo by: Shannon Fitzsimmons

Alex's Kitchen
Whether you are part of a large or small group looking for a place to enjoy a lunch or evening of exceptional dining, a casual drink in the cozy bar, drinks and nibbles on the new outdoor patio or just planning an intimate dinner for two, Alex"s is the perfect choice!

Conference & Special Events:

The Elora Mill Inn , with its spectacular setting on the Elora Gorge, offers special services and programs for weddings, family and company parties, and corporate groups.

Drew House of Elora, an enchanting 1 1/2 acre estate which was the childhood home of Ontario Premier George Drew, is the perfect setting for weddings, corporate retreats, seminars and gourmet cooking classes.

Click here
to enlarge Elora is "Picture Perfect for Weddings
An elegant wedding couple walks along Elora's picturesque limestone walls on Mill Street after photographs at the Falls and a horse and carriage ride.
Photo by: Shannon Fitzsimmons

Accommodations:

Elora Mill Inn
The Elora Mill Inn is one of Ontario’s premier country inns. The main building, a former mill, is perched on the edge of the picturesque Elora Gorge. The dining room, lounge and many guest rooms have spectacular views of the Grand River. There are additional accommodations in the heritage limestone buildings just up Mill Street West, right next to the Elora Mews Shops.

Elora Gorge Camping
The 200 hectare Elora Gorge Conservation Area offers opportunities for camping, fishing, hiking, swimming, tubing, picnicking and scenic vistas to view the "Gorge".

Elora Area Bed & Breakfasts:
Enjoy the warm hospitality of Elora residents who will welcome you to their homes and be your personal guide to all that Elora has to offer.

Appleby Acres - Your hosts Donald and Margaret Wilff will try to make your stay comfortable on their 30 acre property just fifteen minutes from Fergus.
Phone: (519) 787-9993

Blinkers Bed & Breakfast - Hosts: Tina & Bill Clark
This 1867 stone house is located in the heart of Elora and children are welcome. Only steps away from shops, restaurants and the Elora Gorge.
Phone: (519) 846-0703

Brigadoon Bed and Breakfast
Come, relax in our historic red brick Victorian home, located within walking distance to all amenities of Fergus.
Phone: (519) 836-5608

Cedarbrooke B&B - Your host Thilo (pronounced Tee-low) Elste is the man of the house who will likely be there to greet you in his 150 year old farm house built on 107 acres of farm land 4 km southwest of Fergus.
Phone: (519) 843-3481

Cottage On The Park - Hosts: Darina & Vladimir Pavlicik
Elora’s shops and restaurants are only a few minutes drive from this self-contained cottage overlooking the Elora Gorge Park.
Phone: (519) 846-8193

Dream Corners
Our beautiful B&B has 3 rooms to accommodate you. There is a wheelchair accessible main floor bed sitting room including fireplace and private bath.
Phone: (519) 787-7737

Drew House - Host: Roger Dufau
This charming nineteenth century Elora home and stone coach house is conveniently located a short distance from the centre of historic Elora with its unique shops and restaurants, and the spectacular Elora Gorge.
Phone: (519) 846-2226

Dr. W.S. Savage House - Host: Stephen Truchan
A 5-minute walk from Elora’s shops and majestic Gorge, this Victorian home invites you to relax in historic comfort.
Phone: (519) 846-5325

Fergus Fly-in B&B - Helen and Chris Juergensen are your genial hosts in their newly constructed five-year-old home situated on 100 acres of farmland just 5 km north of Fergus.
Phone: (519) 843-1487

Fergus Lee B&B - Emily and Doug Morrison are your hosts at Fergus Lee, their delightful 1860 farmhouse, 5 km east of Fergus, with 3 private guest rooms. 2 in the old part have a double bed and two singles, with sloping ceilings and lovely period flowered wallpaper which fits together beautifully for a real country look.
Phone: (519) 843-5936

Fortress B&B - Host: Ann Armstrong
From this Victorian home, located in Elora, it is a short walk to downtown Elora with its unique shops, restaurants and the famous Elora Gorge.
Phone: (519) 846-5673

Four Seasons - Quatre Saisons Bed and Breakfast
Hosts: Margaret and John Markvart
This recently redecorated Georgian home is situated on three scenic acres overlooking Elora Gorge Conservation Area and is moments away from historic Elora with its unique shops and restaurants. A warm welcome awaits you.
Phone number (519) 846-8678.

Foxcroft Bed & Breakfast - Your hosts Colin and Carol welcome guests to their beautifully restored 1860s stone farmhouse, set in the midst of mature trees and 96 acres of farmland, just five minutes from Fergus.
Phone: (519) 843-7008

Glenna Guesthouse - Host: Wilhelmina Visscher
Not far from the historic Village of Elora with its many unique shops and outstanding Gorge, this spacious bungalow is located in farming and Mennonite country.
Phone: (519) 638-2470

Grand Retreat B&B - The perfect spot for a romantic getaway - Penny and Dave would love to welcome you to their home nestled upon the banks of the Grand River. This elegant setting is steps away from beautiful historic downtown Fergus, Theatre on the Grand and the Fergus Market.
Phone: (519) 843-1851

Grand River Guesthouse B&B - Host: Eva Stichnothe
The Grand River Guesthouse is a spacious, three-level French Country home. A picturesque site on the banks of the Grand River allows guests to refresh themselves in tranquility while being only minutes from the boutiques and bistros of Elora and Fergus.
Phone: (519) 846-5980

JK B&B - JK is a new home nested in 144 acres of woods and ponds with fish meandering through the back of the property. There are hiking trails and winter cross country skiing trails through the property. Enjoy a home cooked breakfast at the Inn.
Phone: (519)787-1860

The Log House Bed & Breakfast - THE LOG HOUSE, a 4,500 square foot log house, constructed in the full-scribe Scandinavian style, is one of the most unique homes to be found in Ontario. Built on fifty, heavily forested acres, in Old Order Mennonite farm country, THE LOG HOUSE was completed in 1997, built of large, hand-hewn, white pine logs in the round, harvested from Southern Ontario forests.
Phone: (519) 648-9474

Maplebrae Farm B&B - Judy and Paul Faires are your friendly hosts in this beautiful 1875 stone house on 4 ½ acres located just 4 km. East of Fergus.
Phone: (519) 787-0346

Maplecrest B&B - Maplecrest is another one of the homes of hospitality located 9 km east of Fergus. This traditional stone farmhouse, on 100 acres of farmland, was built in 1906. Back in 1992, Dorothy and George Collin bought the property, added an unusual new addition, and renovated the original interior.
Phone: (519) 787-1849

McWaters Home - Hosts: David & Brenda McWaters
Only four minutes from Elora and overlooks Grand River Gorge.
Phone: (519) 843-4028

Middlebrook House - Hosts: Verna & Ken Verbakel
On the edge of Elora across from the Elora Gorge, Middlebrook House, while offering "Hotel comfort and Privacy", is only minutes from away from the many unique shops and restaurants located in the charming Village of Elora.
Phone: (519) 846-8340

Old Bissell House - Hosts: Don & Jeanette Potter
Elora’s first mansion built in 1856.from this stone home it is an easy walk to the village shops, the Elora Gorge and Quarry.
Phone: (519) 846-6695

Riverwood B&B - This B&B can best be described as a modern manor house. Built by your hosts Marilyn and Bert Peel in 1996-97 on 12 acres of wooded land, 9 km East of Fergus, this estate occupies some 3,800 square feet on a single floor and backs on the picturesque Irvine River, which is a short stroll away.
Phone: (519) 843-9982

Rose & Thistle B&B - Shirley Quick with Rilla and John Wheatley, her sister and brother-in-law, will welcome you to their elegant home, a historic mansion built in 1912 by Perrin Beatty’s grandfather. This is a spectacular example of Arts & Crafts architecture.
Phone: (519) 843-7041

St. George B&B - An English lady, Barbara Dyer, is your hostess here in her smaller but immaculate home situated across from the historic Fergus Curling Club (the oldest continuous curling club in Ontario - founded in 1834), a block from downtown Fergus.
Phone: (519) 787-1825

Sem Wissler House - Host: Marilyn Bustard
From its location in Salem, this historic stone house is only a short distance from the beautiful Village of Elora and the Elora Gorge.
Phone: (519) 846-2130

Serenity - Hosts: Hildie & Bill Jacyk
Located in picturesque Elora, with its quaint village atmosphere, Serenity is an intimate retreat facility where you can enjoy complete relaxation.
Phone: (519) 846-1997

Stoneacre B& B - Hosts: David & Kay Bradley
This story and a half 1870 stone home is only a 10 minute walk from the enchanting shops and scenic Gorges of Elora.
Phone: (519) 846-5497

Stonehurst B&B - Hosts Peter and Johanna Weissenborn. This historic, grand manor offers guests exclusive use of the original 1867 home, with the owners' residence in the turn-of-the-century addition.
Phone: (519) 843-8800

The 3 Bears - Hosts: Garrett Klassen and Melanie Ward
The 3 Bears is nestled on an acre of cedars and gardens on the banks of the Grand River, midway between Elora and Fergus. Recommended by Janette Higgins as one of "The Best Places to Bed and Breakfast in Ontario."
Phone: (519) 843-5556

Trail’s End - Hosts: Margaret & Harrison Hendriks
This elegant 1895 Victorian home is within easy walking distance to Elora’s shops, restaurants and the Gorge Trailway.
Phone: (519) 846-5800

Vickerage - Host: Susan Brown
This 1870s historic home is a short walk from the Village of Elora, theElora Gorge and the Quarry.
Phone: (519) 846-9641

Water’s Edge - Host: Pam Marshall
This Tudor-style home overlooks the Grand River which flows through the historic Village of Elora, with its shops and restaurants, and then enters the famous Elora Gorge. These delights are but a short walk from The Water’s Edge.
846-9020

Wimview - Hosts: Vi & Bill Roepman
This luxurious home, featuring many comforts, is close to downtown Elora, the Elora Gorge and many trails.
846-5649

For listings of additional bed & breakfasts in the Fergus area, just up the Grand River from Elora, go to www.ferguselora.com/b_n_b.htm

Map & Directions:

The ELORA MEWS is right in the centre of HISTORIC ELORA, on the North bank of the Grand River, at 45 West Mill Street, steps from the ELORA MILL which overlooks the Grand River Falls and the ELORA GORGE. Also steps from free public parking, straight across the Victoria Street FOOTBRIDGE over the Grand River

Click on the MAPQUEST MAP for:

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Detailed driving directions,
distance, drive time from
your address to Elora Mews
Printable route map & directions

From:	Total Distance	Estimated Driving Time
Toronto	67.2 miles ( 108.2 km)	1 hour, 18 minutes
London	98.1 miles ( 157.9 km)	1 hour, 52 minutes
Buffalo	109.7 miles ( 176.6 km)	2 hours, 3 minutes
Kingston	214.5 miles ( 345.3 km)	3 hours, 58 minutes
Detroit	222.3 miles ( 357.8 km)	4 hours, 8 minutes
Windsor	224.0 miles ( 360.5 km)	4 hours, 10 minutes

Click here for directions from other locations in Canada or the U.S.A. to the Elora Mews at 45 Mill Street West, Elora, ON, N0B 1S0.

Driving directions provided by MapQuest.

Restoring Elora's Historic Bridges:

David St. Bridge Elora’s famous David St. Bridge in the Elora Gorge is admired by thousands of tourists each year. In 2002 a group of Elora citizens launched a passionate campaign to save the beautiful and graceful architectural lines and century-old limestone pier in the upgrading of the bridge. A "Save the Bridge" interactive website obtained support from people everywhere who admire this beautiful bridge and the preservation of heritage icons. Conservation strategy for Elora;' David St. Bridge, a community landmark and engineering marvel. The award-winning restoration of the David Street Bridge in Historic Elora, re-opened in December 2004, retains the heritage 1867 pier and the graceful arches design, but now allows 2-lane traffic.

Click here to enlarge	The Elora Gorge Bridge Elora’s beautiful heritage icon, the David St. Bridge in Elora Gorge, a treasure like the Tooth of Time. Photo by: Bruce Hogarth

Victoria Street Walking Bridge "Elora's Victoria St. Bridge, a steel bridge built in 1899, was the historical gateway to the downtown Elora business district, over the Grand River which runs through the village. In 1970 funding was awarded to repair the Victoria St. Bridge, but it was not until the 1984 filming in Elora of MGM's "Mrs.Soffel" starring Diane Keaton, Mel Gibson, and 300 local extras, that the bridge was repaired, by the film company. Until it was closed down in 2003 for safety reasons, the Victoria St. Bridge served as a footbridge, leading from the public parking lot next to Little Folks furniture factory to the centre of Historic Elora's Mill Street West, attracting thousands of visitors to enjoy the river-view from the bridge and stroll and explore the shops, restaurants, and Elora Gorge lookout and trails on the other side. In the summer of 2001 hundreds of visitors gathered along the bridge and on both banks of the Grand River to hear a brass band play from a barge on the river, to hear street performers sing at the Mill Street foot of the bridge, and to stroll along the streets exploring the shops and eating ice cream. " Record audiences gathered each day on both sides of the Grand River, along the Victoria Foot Bridge, and down on the Boardwalk, for a front row seat. Some canoers on the river had a perfect vantage point!

Please help us restore Elora's Victoria St. Walking Bridge from as it is now to the way it was. Donations to the "Elora Tin Can Fund". Call ELORA BIA :(519) 846-2563

Click here to enlarge	Elora Festival Brass on the River During the Elora Festival a brass band plays from a barge on the Grand River to front-row seats on the Elora Boardwalk. Photo by: Renee Makino

Click here to enlarge	Elora's Victoria St. Walking Bridge Swans glide by Elora Mill Street's boardwalk at Victoria Footbridge over the Grand River. Photo by: Bruce Hogarth

Click here to enlarge	Preserving Elora's Heritage on the Grand River Heritage factory buildings facing Elora's Mill Street give character to the Grand River scene. Photo by: Catharina Hogarth

Elora's Controversial Grand River Raceway:

Will the beautiful village of Elora, famous for the natural beauty of the Elora Gorge, charming historic limestone shopping village, vibrant music festival and arts centre, benefit from the new raceway and slots opening in Fall 2003? CTV's W-FIVE investigative documentary aired in October 2002 filmed the July 2002 Elora Town Meeting attended by 1500 citizens and interviewed Mayor George Pinkney, Pastor Don Rogers, Olga Domjan and Adrian deVries. The issues: Gambling and Local Democracy.

Click HERE for the W5 article and broadcast videos.

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