But, after the locals steered them in the right direction, they discovered Main Street proper.
“It was not unlike the charming Main Streets you would find in small towns in Ontario like Bracebridge and Huntsville,” says Berholz of the strip, lined with historic buildings, unique boutiques, funky restaurants and other small businesses.
The City of Newmarket and the private sector have done significant refurbishments to buildings in the area. Old Town Hall has undergone a $10-million renovation; improvements have been made to The Clock Tower and the Old Fire Hall. The latter is being converted into the second location of the Port Perry-based Old Flame Brewery, with rolling glass doors and a 5,000-square-foot craft beer and retail store opening in early 2021.