Perfect Day: Across the Border

SHOPPING, DINING AND PAMPERING IN WINDSOR

by sandra dalka-prysby | photos provided by the windsor business improvement association

Note: All prices in this section are in U.S. dollars according to the exchange rate at press time. Go to http://finance.yahoo.com to see the current exchange rate.

Only in detroit do we look south to canada. Few cities offer such easy access to an international jaunt. Summer is a great time to see all the thingswindsor has to offer, including an impressive scenic waterfront, great festivals, and an eclectic assortment of restaurants, lounges and shopping.

Morning

10 A.M. BREAKFAST WITH A VIEW

Start your day with a walk on the riverfront, and enjoy the manicured Dieppe Gardens on Ouellette Avenue and a view of the Detroit skyline. Stop by The Bistro at the River (78 Riverside Drive West, 519.971.0100, www.bistroattheriver.com) for a cup of coffee ($1.55) or a spot of tea ($1.47, regular orange pekoe; $2.46, specialty teas), and lift your cup to the Queen of England. (After all, Canada is part of the British Commonwealth!)

11 A.M. TIME TO GLOW

For a deep cleansing and exfoliating treatment for your skin, visit Scruples Salon & Spa (251 Goyeau St., Ste. 101, 519.973.5598, www.scruplessalonandspa.com) for a 30-minute Aromatic Salt Glow Treatment ($58.95). Stress will melt away as your skin is gently massaged using a blend of aromatic sea salts and essential oils.

Afternoon

NOON LUNCH WITH AN ASIAN FLAVOR

Known for its multitude of stir-fry combinations – you pick the protein (meat, seafood or tofu), sauce (there’s more than a dozen) and noodle type – and with vegetables added, Chanoso’s Restaurant (255 Ouellette Ave., 519.254.8530, www.255downtown.com) will provide you with a delicious stir-fry dish ($6.83-$9.78).

1:30-3 P.M. SHOPPING OUELLETTE AVENUE

Ouellette Avenue is downtown Windsor’s traditional tree-lined “Main Street.”With a wealth of shopping venues – from the old to the new and the traditional to the unique – the avenue offers visitors a wonderful shopping experience. • For everyday-type apparel, such as dresses, tops and casual wear, visit Felix Fashions and Accessories (364 Ouellette Ave., 519.253.1717). Shoes and other accessories are available to complete an outfit, including a large collection of imported handbags that range in price from $20 to $60. • For 67 years, another Windsor shopping landmark, Shanfields-Meyers Jewelry & China Shop (188 Ouellette Ave., 519.253.6098, 313.961.8435, www.shanfields.com), has attracted customers from around the world in search of discontinued English bone and fine porcelain china patterns and cut crystal stemware (the store stocks more than 250 patterns). • For something special to add to your wardrobe, Cose Belle Fashions & Gifts (380 Ouellette Ave., 519.258.1990) is the place to go. The shop carries discounted (prices range from $15 to $20) European- and LA-style clothing, most in petite sizes. Gift items, including Webkinz merchandise, also are available.

3:30-5 P.M. ART AND HISTORY

For an educational and artistic respite in your perfect day, walk over to the Art Gallery of Windsor (401 Riverside Drive West, www.artgalleryofwindsor.com, 519.977.0013) and learn Canadian history while viewing the ongoing exhibition Art for Canada: An Illustrated History, which includes drawings, paintings and sculpture by renowned Canadian artists from the late 17th century to 1930. Admission is $2.95.

Evening

5:30 P.M. A FEW STEPS TO DINNER

Once your spirit has been replenished by an afternoon of shopping and art, your hunger can be deliciously satisfied at the Art Gallery’s restaurant, Bamboo (519.256.2262). Try the Avocado Bam Bleu ($7.86) appetizer: avocado slices garnished with Roquefort cheese, pear and caramelized onions; for your main course, smoked duck breast with berry-fruit compote ($16.70) and a glass of Landskroon South African pinotage ($7.86). A bonus: Bamboo guests get free admission to the Art Gallery.

8:30 P.M. BACK TO OUELLETTE AVENUE

Walk off your dinner with a trip to Mila’s Gelato & Cafe (500 Ouellette Ave., 519.256.7007) for an after-dinner sweet, such as a regular two-flavor (try lemon and strawberry) gelato ($2.94). The café offers more than 20 flavors.

9:30-11 P.M. SOME NIGHTLIFE IN WINDSOR

End your perfect day with a tasty and smooth Black Martini ($7.37) – a black raspberry liquor martini with cranberry – at Vermouth (333 Ouellette Ave., 519.977.6102). This small, intimate martini lounge has a number of martini offerings ($6.63-$8.60), as well as mojitos.

HOW TO GET THERE:

From downtown Detroit: Take the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel (on Randolph Street, south of Jefferson Avenue). Continue through the tunnel to Windsor. Turn right toward Park Street East and then left toward Ouellette Avenue.

WHERE TO PARK:

Parking garages are located at the corner of Park and Pelissier streets, and Pitt and Chatham streets, with the first hour free. Street parking is free after 6 p.m. and on Sundays.

BEFORE YOU GO:

You will need a valid passport or government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, and proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a U.S. birth certificate or naturalization certificate to enter Canada. For more information, including border-crossing tolls, maps, parking sites, and duty-free requirements on purchases, go to www.downtownwindsor.ca or www.visitwindsor.com

TOLL RATES FOR THE DETROIT-WINDSOR TUNNEL: $3.75 both ways