LOCATION:

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

For decades, Toronto has been referred to as ‘the most multicultural city in the world’.


A reputation which was solidified when the BBC gave Toronto this exact title in 2016. The city boasts 200 ethnic groups with over 140 languages spoken. This melting pot of cultures has created a very special energy in the city - an energy of inclusiveness. And Toronto CELEBRATES it’s uniqueness.

Toronto’s Gay Village has undergone major transformation over the last 5 years, with institution bars and restaurants closing their doors, while exciting new things rise to take their place. No longer only a Gay Village-centric city, Toronto now offers gay restaurants, bars, and vendors in both the east and west ends of the city. But if you don’t have a lot of time and want the best bang for your buck, the Gay Village is still your best bet.

The epicenter of the Village is the intersection of Church and Wellesley, easily reached by taking the TTC (Toronto Subway) to Yonge and Wellesley station. In the village you will find restaurants of many different cuisines, gay bars and nightclubs, queer theatre, fetish nights, gay barbershops, thrumming patios, coffee shops, drag shows, leather bars, lodgings, saunas and shopping. Toronto has a huge gay population and in the village they have created a wonderful environment for you to have a truly well-rounded experience.

If you want to explore and experience a less concentrated gay neighbourhood, but still very gay friendly, you will want to head to the Queen West and/or Beaches neighbourhoods. Both of which feature great shopping, hip bars, cafes, restaurants, and some more alt-gay nightlife.

Toronto’s Entertainment District offers very touristy but also very good restaurants to have a bite before seeing a world-class theatre production. Great daytime adventures in the city would include it’s skyline-famous CN tower (the Edge Walk - walking the outside perimeter of the top of the tower, is highly recommended). St. Lawrence and Kensington Markets are wonderful places to spend the afternoon wandering and perusing antiques and vintage items. Outdoor spaces like High Park, and the Waterfront are great ways to pass an afternoon. This writer's personal favorite however, would be to take a short ferry ride to Toronto Island for cycling and sun worshipping on the clothing-optional far end of Hanlan’s Point Beach. If you time your return from the island perfectly you can catch the city skyline from across the lake right at sundown, which is an absolutely fabulous vista.

Special LGBT2Q+ events are celebrated year round, so you’ll want to check a calendar (www.churchwellesleyvillage.ca) when planning your trip. A major standout is Toronto’s world-renowned Pride Week at the end of June, which attracts more than a million attendees both gay AND straight.

With it’s inclusive multi-cultural energy and diverse sights and experiences, Toronto is truly one-of-a-kind. But although it has a lot to offer year-round, it should be noted that it definitely comes to life mostly in the Spring, Summer, and Fall.

~ Jeff Kirkwood

Events Calendar

By Alan Beck 07 Dec, 2022
17 February to 5 March 2023
By gtm 13 Aug, 2022
We are updating our new site and we're inviting you to share your local knowledge please? Gay Travel Maps - Building a better safer LGBTQ travel network

Accommodations

IHG

Step into the lobby of the InterContinental® Toronto Centre hotel to discover a sophisticated world of modern art and shimmering glass. Our high-tech boardrooms and vast ballroom are ideal for meetings or gala events, and after a busy day you can indulge at Spa InterContinental or savor a hand-crafted martini at Azure Bar & Lounge. Theres easy access to the airport from neighbouring Union Station, and major attractions like the CN Tower and the Scotiabank Arena are only a short stroll away.

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Bisha Hotel

At the center of it all yet unabashedly original, Bisha Hotel & Residences is Toronto's newest cultural hub and hotspot. Creative souls, welcome home.

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Bed and Breakfast Association

Toronto Bed and Breakfast, Reservation service, represents Bed and Breakfast Toronto homes, vacation rental properties, and furnished apartments in the Downtown Toronto area. We will reserve for you, a bed and breakfast or rental property location best suited for your needs. Toronto Bed and Breakfast Association has represented the largest selection of Bed and Breakfast homes, through out the Downtown Toronto area and surrounding, since 1980. All our Toronto accommodations are inspected and approved, and have well informed, and hospitable hosts. Let us be your solution to "where to stay" "in what Bed and Breakfast" during your visit to Toronto. 

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Gladstone Hotel

New ideas must use old buildings.'' Jane Jacobs


Participate inTorontos culture.As the citys oldest continually operating hotel and the only B-Corp certified hotel in Canada, the Gladstone Hotel boasts the highest standards in environmental performance, social responsibility and innovation through the arts, local food and drink and forward-thinking service and hospitality.

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Courtyard Toronto

Treat yourself to a relaxing vacation in Ontario with recently redesigned hotel rooms in the world's largest full-service Courtyard hotel at Courtyard Toronto Downtown. Our ideal downtown setting at the heart of Yonge & College allows guests to easily explore city centre destinations, including Yonge-Dundas Square, The Village, the Convention Centre, the CN Tower, Eaton Centre, Toronto General Hospital and Massey Hall.

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Chelsea Hotel

We pride ourselves on making your stay comfortable and easy. At Chelsea Hotel, Toronto, we have many services and offerings related to pets, accessibility, and fun extras like Family Fun Zone and Teen Lounge.

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King Edward

LUXURY RE-IMAGINED IN DOWNTOWN TORONTO


The Omni King Edward Hotel is Torontos First Luxury Hotel, built in 1903 and re-imagined for the 21st century. The citys old-world charm and vibrancy begins the moment you step outside onto King Street in the heart of downtown. Our prime location in the financial, entertainment and shopping districts provides you convenient access to the citys top attractions including the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Sony Centre, Eaton Centre, Distillery District and more.

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Sheraton Centre

Feel empowered by our smart and compelling location in Ontario's capital. Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel is a four-star hotel within walking distance of parks, corporate offices, clubs and world-class steakhouses. Take the Osgoode subway to CN Tower, our 350-meter landmark with a revolving restaurant in the clouds. Visit City Hall and Nathan Phillips Square with an effortless stroll across Queen Street.

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Novotel Toronto

Mid-scale hotel for business or family trips.


Relax in 4-star comfort in the heart of the St. Lawrence Neighborhood at Novotel Toronto Centre. Your spacious, contemporary room allows you to stretch out and unwind. Breakfast is served in the stylish Cafe Nicole and will start your day right and the understated elegance of the lobby bar is the perfect setting for a nightcap.

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The Anndore House

"More than a building. The Anndore House is a whole new way to experience Toronto. Its eating, sleeping, working and playing in a one of a kind destination with a distinctively creative soul.


Long before The Anndore House became one of Torontos most stylish and celebrated hotels, it was The Anndore Hotel & Apartments, a charming 10-story brick building that opened in the 1950s. It was home to many of Torontos most eccentric personalities and famous faces."

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The Broadview

Housed in a 128 year-old building and historic landmark with a rich and storied past, The Broadview Hotel is an iconic gateway to the city's most captivating neighbourhood. Each of our boutique guestrooms is refreshingly unique, and fully outfitted with luxury linens, a vinyl record player and a mini-bar offering our favourite locally sourced goods. From the spectacular Rooftop to the energy of the Bistro+Bar, our restaurants are a destination in and of themselves. An experience unlike any other awaits you at The Broadview Hotel. We look forward to your arrival.

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Attractions

Allan Gardens

Allan Gardens is a park and an indoor botanical garden with six greenhouses comprising over 16,000 square feet. The indoor conservatory features colorful plants and flowers from around the world. The colorful seasonal plants supplement the permanent plant collection of botanical importance since 1858. The conservatory boasts the "Palm House" (1909) modeled after similar structures in the United States and England.

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Casa Loma

A prime example of modern Torontos commitment to its rich history, Casa Loma was first built in 1914 by financier Sir Henry Pellatt. The castle located in midtown Toronto, is now owned by the City of Toronto and is regarded as a treasured heritage landmark.Today, Casa Loma is one of Torontos top tourist attractions and hospitality venues. Each year over 350,000 visitors tour Casa Loma and the estate gardens. A perfect backdrop for special occasions, Casa Loma also plays host to over 250 private events annually. The unique architecture has also made it a highly desirable location for film, television and photo shoots.

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Crews and Tangos

Crews & Tangos, Torontos #1 Drag Bar, is located in the heart of the Church-Wellesley Gay Village. We have become a community staple and top party destination, encouraging a safe and welcoming environment where patrons can be themselves!


Re-Opened in 2010 under New Management, Crews & Tangos strives to create a one of a kind partyatmospherewith nightly main stage drag performance seven days a week, dancing Thursday-Saturday, and big screen karaoke every Thursday!

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Canada's Wonderland

Canada's Wonderland is a 134-hectare (330-acre) theme park located in Vaughan, Ontario, a suburb approximately 25 kilometres (16 mi) north of Downtown Toronto. Opened in 1981 by the Taft Broadcasting Company and The Great-West Life Assurance Company as the first major theme park in Canada, it remains the country's largest. The park, currently owned by Cedar Fair, has been the most visited seasonal amusement park in North America for several consecutive years. As a seasonal park, Canada's Wonderland is open daily from May to Labour Day, with weekend openings in late April and after Labour Day until end of October or early November. Halloween Haunt is open until October 31st at midnight early November.

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Cherry Beach

Cherry Beach, originally Clarke Beach Park, is a lakeside beach park located at the foot of Cherry Street just south of Unwin Avenue in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is on Toronto's outer harbour just east of the Eastern Gap. It was once connected with Toronto Islands as part of the former peninsula before 1852 and later was referred to as Fisherman's Island. Despite its location at the tip of Toronto's formerly heavily industrial Port Lands area, Cherry Beach has still been a popular gathering place for years.

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CN Tower

The CN Tower is a 553.3 m-high concrete communications and observation tower located in Downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Built on the former Railway Lands, it was completed in 1976. Its name "CN" originally referred to Canadian National, the railway company that built the tower. Following the railway's decision to divest non-core freight railway assets prior to the company's privatization in 1995, it transferred the tower to the Canada Lands Company, a federal Crown corporation responsible for real estate development. 

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El Convento Rico

In 1992 El Convento Rico opened its doors as a safe haven for the LGBT community, and we have been breaking down barriers ever since. Welcoming people from all walks of life to enjoy our amazing drag shows and unique mix of Latin and top 40 music.

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Edgewalk at CN Tower

EdgeWalk is CN Tower?s most thrilling attraction in its history, and the first of its kind in North America. It is the world?s highest full circle hands-free walk on a 5 ft (1.5 m) wide ledge encircling the top of the Tower?s main pod, 356m/1168ft (116 storeys) above the ground. EdgeWalk is a Canadian Signature Experience and an Ontario Signature Experience. Visitors walk in groups of six, while attached to an overhead safety rail via a trolley and harness system. Trained EdgeWalk guides will encourage participants to push their personal limits, allowing them to lean back over Toronto with nothing but air and breathtaking views of Lake Ontario beneath them. 

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Harbourfront Centre

Harbourfront Centre has been on the cutting edge of all that is current and creative for the past four decades, bringing together the best in Canadian and international arts and culture and animating the 10 prime acres of Toronto's waterfront as free and open public space. 


This is our story. Bringing the world to the waterfront Harbourfront Centre, 1970s. Forty years ago, the central lakefront was a veritable wasteland of derelict industrial buildings. Devoid of green spaces, recreational facilities and cultural attractions, it was in need of a change.

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Hanlan's Point Beach

Hanlan's Point, the most westerly of the three main islands that make up the Toronto Island Park, is the most "green" and probably the least busy, though you'll find it well-serviced. It has a baseball diamond, beach - including a clothing optional beach - bike trail, changeroom, drinking fountain, firepits, the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, outdoor tennis courts, outdoor volleyball (more about sports activities), fast-food outlet (more about restaurants on the island), 12 picnic sites, and washrooms. A 1 kilometre-long part of the beach was officially recognized by the city in 2002 as being clothing optional and is a mecca for gay sunbathers.

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Medieval Times

Beyond The Strength Lies the power of charm! 


In myth and in legend, the Knight and the horse are forever linked. Few things are held in such great esteem by the Medieval warrior than a stalwart horse, who possesses the bold courage of his master and the quiet strength of his ancestors.

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High Park

High Park is a municipal park in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. High Park is a mixed recreational and natural park, with sporting facilities, cultural facilities, educational facilities, gardens, playgrounds and a zoo. One-third of the park remains in a natural state, with a rare oak savannah ecology. High Park was opened to the public in 1876 and is based on a bequest of land from John George Howard to the City of Toronto.

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Hockey Hall of Fame

The Hockey Hall of Fame is an ice hockey museum located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Dedicated to the history of ice hockey, it is a museum and a hall of fame. It holds exhibits about players, teams, National Hockey League records, memorabilia and NHL trophies, including the Stanley Cup. Founded in Kingston, Ontario, the Hockey Hall of Fame was established in 1943 under the leadership of James T. Sutherland. The first class of honoured members was inducted in 1945, before the Hall of Fame had a permanent location. It moved to Toronto in 1958 after the NHL withdrew its support for the International Hockey Hall of Fame in Kingston, Ontario, due to funding issues. Its first permanent building opened at Exhibition Place in 1961.

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Ontario Science Centre

The Ontario Science Centre delights, informs and challenges our communities, offering hands-on experiences and engagement with science of local, national and global relevance. The Science Centre has welcomed more than 53 million visitors since it opened in 1969, implementing an interactive approach adapted by science centres around the world. The Science Centre is the public centre for innovative thinking and the prime venue for public dialogue about science, technology and society.

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Nathan Phillips Square

Nathan Phillips Square is an urban plaza in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It forms the forecourt to Toronto City Hall, or New City Hall, at the intersection of Queen Street West and Bay Street, and is named for Nathan Phillips, mayor of Toronto from 1955 to 1962. The square was designed by the City Hall's architect Viljo Revell and landscape architect Richard Strong. It opened in 1965. The square is the site of concerts, art displays, a weekly farmers' market, the winter festival of lights, and other public events, including demonstrations. 

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Ripley's Aquarium

At Ripleys Aquarium of Canada, our mission is to provide a world class experience that will foster education, conservation, and research, while providing fun and entertainment for locals and tourists of all ages. By showcasing the beauty and significance of our aquatic world and the animals within it, we will both entertain and inspire while encouraging you to respect and protect the waters of the world.

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The Distillery District

Nearly 20 years ago a small group of visionary developers had a dream for Toronto. They looked at a derelict collection of Victorian Industrial buildings that had been pronounced a national historic site and imagined transforming it. Not into another'historic district' or'pioneer village' but into something exciting and unique. Something the city would be proud of. They wanted to create a place that would excite and inspire the senses. Where people could experience new ideas, new foods, new designs and new ways of living and working.

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Rogers Center

Rogers Centre, originally named SkyDome, is a multi-purpose stadium in Downtown Toronto, Canada, situated just southwest of the CN Tower near the northern shore of Lake Ontario. Opened in 1989 on the former Railway Lands, it is home to the Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball.

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Scotiabank Arena

Scotiabank Arena, formerly Air Canada Centre, is a multi-purpose arena located on Bay Street in the South Core district of Downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are home to the Toronto Raptors, Toronto Marlies, Toronto Maple Leafs, and the Toronto Rock. The Scotiabank Arena is also home to some of Canadas biggest live concerts.

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Toronto Islands

The Toronto Islands - also called the Island, or Toronto Island Park - is located in Lake Ontario, a 13-minute ferry ride from downtown Toronto. Boats to the Island leave from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal at the foot of Bay St. and Queens Quay. The Island is actually a group of 15 islands inter-connected by pathways and bridges. You can walk from one end of the Island to the other.

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The Beaches

The Beaches is a neighbourhood in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is so named because of its four beaches situated on Lake Ontario. It is located east of downtown within the "Old" City of Toronto. The approximate boundaries of the neighbourhood are from Victoria Park Avenue on the east to Kingston Road on the north, to Coxwell Avenue on the west, south to Lake Ontario. The Beaches is part of the east-central district of Toronto.

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Toronto Zoo

The Toronto Zoo is a zoo located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Encompassing 287 hectares, the Toronto Zoo is the largest zoo in Canada. It is divided into seven zoogeographic regions: Indo-Malaya, Africa, Americas, Tundra Trek, Australasia, Eurasia, and the Canadian Domain. Some animals are displayed indoors in pavilions and outdoors in what would be their naturalistic environments, with viewing at many levels. It also has areas such as the Kids Zoo, Waterside Theatre, and Splash Island. It has one of the most taxonomically diverse collection of animals on display of any zoo; it is currently home to over 5,000 animals representing over 500 species.

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Bars & Clubs

Michael Kelly's Irish Pub

New Hope's BEST kept secret!

(Did we mention Bagpipes')

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Great Barn Brewery & Taproom

Locally grown and brewed craft beer served up in the heart of downtown New Hope.

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The Cub Room

Inspired by the 1950 American drama film'All About Eve' and centered in the heart of the scenic woods at New Hope Lodge, The Cub Room bar provides a warm and friendly atmosphere that is truly unique. This rustic yet elegant hot spot offers old time favorite cocktails, specials and a unique selection of wines. Join the excitement of live musical performances by local Artists every week.

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Restaurants

Havana

We offer many different room options for your party or event. Our Loft space, complete with a fully operational bar is great for small to medium size parties, or as a station for larger groups. The Jazz Room can hold up to 200 and is located in front of the Havana Stage. For smaller groups we have even more options available.

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Hamilton's Grill Room

The timeless appeal of Hamilton's Grill Room can't quite be captured in words, but must be experienced firsthand. Stop in for dinner or a weekend lunch! 


Canalside, nestled in the European charm of a courtyard on the Delaware River, Hamilton's Grill Room is the remarkable creation and signature of award winning set designer and restauranteur Jim Hamilton.

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Brian's

Brians is brilliant. The concept developed by chef/owner Brian Held is well-defined in every aspect, from the exquisite food and personable service to the sleek look of the place, where the open kitchen contrasts with the sophisticated dining area's tablecloths, banquette and framed wall of mirrors.

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Art / Entertainment

TITLE/NAME

This is a really nice property that stroll to the excitement of Duval Street or popular Key West attractions within walking distance.

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TITLE/NAME

This is a really nice property that stroll to the excitement of Duval Street or popular Key West attractions within walking distance.

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TITLE/NAME

This is a really nice property that stroll to the excitement of Duval Street or popular Key West attractions within walking distance.

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TITLE/NAME

This is a really nice property that stroll to the excitement of Duval Street or popular Key West attractions within walking distance.

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TITLE/NAME

This is a really nice property that stroll to the excitement of Duval Street or popular Key West attractions within walking distance.

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TITLE/NAME

This is a really nice property that stroll to the excitement of Duval Street or popular Key West attractions within walking distance.

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TITLE/NAME

This is a really nice property that stroll to the excitement of Duval Street or popular Key West attractions within walking distance.

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TITLE/NAME

This is a really nice property that stroll to the excitement of Duval Street or popular Key West attractions within walking distance.

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TITLE/NAME

This is a really nice property that stroll to the excitement of Duval Street or popular Key West attractions within walking distance.

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TITLE/NAME

This is a really nice property that stroll to the excitement of Duval Street or popular Key West attractions within walking distance.

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TITLE/NAME

This is a really nice property that stroll to the excitement of Duval Street or popular Key West attractions within walking distance.

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TITLE/NAME

This is a really nice property that stroll to the excitement of Duval Street or popular Key West attractions within walking distance.

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TITLE/NAME

This is a really nice property that stroll to the excitement of Duval Street or popular Key West attractions within walking distance.

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TITLE/NAME

This is a really nice property that stroll to the excitement of Duval Street or popular Key West attractions within walking distance.

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Resources

New Hope Celebrates

After the storm clouds have passed. The sun appears with rainbows of New Hope, and a time to celebrate once again. So, for now, we stand firmly united from a distance, marching through adversity, fighting through the storm, never silent, and always proud. Together we will not be silent; we are a community that never quits. We go on fighting with new hope for a brighter tomorrow.

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New Hope Winery

The Pour House at New Hope Winery

Come join us at The Pour House at The New Hope Winery for lunch, dinner or a refreshing cocktail. Located between Peddlers Village and New Hope, The Pour House at New Hope Winery offers classic, American fare with our own country twist.

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Shopping

New Hope Celebrates

After the storm clouds have passed. The sun appears with rainbows of New Hope, and a time to celebrate once again. So, for now, we stand firmly united from a distance, marching through adversity, fighting through the storm, never silent, and always proud. Together we will not be silent; we are a community that never quits. We go on fighting with new hope for a brighter tomorrow.

CLICK HERE
New Hope Winery

The Pour House at New Hope Winery

Come join us at The Pour House at The New Hope Winery for lunch, dinner or a refreshing cocktail. Located between Peddlers Village and New Hope, The Pour House at New Hope Winery offers classic, American fare with our own country twist.

CLICK HERE

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