🛍️ Shopping Like True Locals

Here’s what we’re covering:

🎁 5 Sust Stop Gift Shops

🤝 NOTL Chamber

🎄 Tree Raffle Charity Event

🍔 Caroline Cellars & One of The Best Burgers

🧵 The Old Niagara Bookshop

Let’s get into it — no more waiting!

🌸 Lady Lou – A charming boutique blending style and self-care, featuring thoughtfully curated clothing, jewelry, and cozy home goods (106 Queen St).

🎄Just Christmas – Canada’s oldest year-round Christmas store, filled wall to wall with ornaments, décor, and festive cheer no matter the season (34 Queen St).

🫎 Cool as a Moose – A fun, quirky stop for NOTL apparel, souvenirs, and gifts that celebrate local pride with a smile (46 Queen St).

🛶 Red Canoe – Vintage-inspired Canadian heritage wear, perfect for anyone who loves timeless style with a patriotic twist (215 King St).

🎁 Versions – A local favourite for fashion-forward finds and accessories that add personality to every outfit (54 Queen St).

NOTL News is now officially a proud member of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Chamber of Commerce — an exciting milestone as we continue to grow alongside the local business community. On Tuesday, we had the pleasure of attending the Chamber’s Multi-Level Leadership Luncheon, where we connected with several supporters, community partners, and fellow business owners.

The event brought together voices from across all levels of government, including MP Tony Baldinelli, MPP Wayne Gates, Regional Councillor Andrea Kaiser, and Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa. Each shared updates on the initiatives and policies they’re championing to help support NOTL’s continued growth, tourism, and small business development. It was a great reminder of how collaboration between local media, entrepreneurs, and leadership can keep Niagara-on-the-Lake thriving.

If you’re the type who starts humming Christmas songs before Halloween is even over, this one’s for you! The May Court Club of St. Catharines and Tepperman’s are teaming up once again for the annual “Win a Tree to Remember” Christmas Tree Raffle — and it’s as festive as it sounds.

Starting November 15, Tepperman’s (399 Louth Street, St. Catharines) will be transformed into a winter wonderland of beautifully decorated trees, wreaths, and holiday gift packages — all created to raise funds for May Court charities that support women and children across Niagara. The event kicks off with a tree lighting celebration at 3 PM alongside Andrew Tepperman himself, and from there, the raffle officially begins.

Tickets are just $5 each, 3 for $10, or 10 for $20, and every ticket gives you the chance to take home one of these incredible designer trees. It’s the perfect excuse to dive headfirst into the Christmas spirit — and maybe even skip the decorating this year if you win!

All the details (and ticket info) are in the image above — consider this your friendly reminder that it’s never too early to start celebrating Christmas in Niagara.

Right in the heart of Virgil, Caroline Cellars and their inviting Farmhouse Café have become a go-to for locals and visitors alike. This family-run winery captures everything people love about Niagara — welcoming faces, great wine, and food that feels like home.

The wines are approachable and full of local flavour, but it’s the Farmhouse Café that often steals the spotlight — especially for its burger, which many call the best in Niagara. Juicy, flavourful, and perfectly balanced, it’s the kind of meal that keeps people coming back again and again.

Whether you’re stopping in for a relaxed lunch, a wine tasting, or just an afternoon in Virgil, Caroline Cellars offers that easygoing charm that makes it one of Niagara’s most-loved spots — proof that simple, genuine hospitality never goes out of style.

Right in the heart of Old Town, The Old Niagara Bookshop is a quiet gem that every local and visitor should experience at least once. The moment you walk through the door, you’re greeted by that unmistakable scent of well-loved books and the soft hum of calm that only a true bookshop can offer. Shelves line every corner, filled with everything from new releases and Canadian literature to local history and timeless classics — each title chosen with care.

What really makes this spot special, though, is the atmosphere. The space invites you to slow down, wander the aisles, and get lost in the stories that fill the room. The staff are friendly, always ready with a recommendation or a conversation about what’s worth reading next.

Whether you’re searching for a gift, adding to your own collection, or simply craving a cozy moment away from the buzz of Queen Street, The Old Niagara Bookshop is a reminder that great stories — and great places — never go out of style.

NOTL News Partners are local businesses and organizations committed to growing alongside us here in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Together, we’re building connections, celebrating community, and sharing the stories that make this town special.

If you’re interested in what it looks like to be a NOTL News Partner, let’s connect.