Keep reading to learn more about our three new local guides:<\/p>\n
Karisa:<\/a><\/h2>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/visitoakville.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/KarisaImageFinal-01.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Imagine having zero sense of direction and having no idea how you survived before the creation of the GPS.<\/p>\n
Then your GPS starts yelling at you to turn around and you begin to panic and wonder why you had to be the adventurous child in the family.<\/p>\n
However, all the chaos you went through is worth it when you finally arrive at your destination and embark on your new adventure. I\u2019m Karisa and I have spent my life defying the GPS.<\/p>\n
I was born in Jamaica and moved to Canada with my family when I was three years old. Although I miss the warm weather, I cannot imagine celebrating Christmas without snow and high wind chills. I enjoy a good cup of coffee in the morning, believe peanut butter is overrated and cannot imagine life without entertainment and having fun.<\/p>\n
Ever since I was young, I always expressed myself in creative ways. Whether it be dance, drama, or creating crafts with my hands. Nowadays, I have been expressing my creativity through digital media such as graphic and print design, photography, video and writing. I recently graduated from the University of Guelph-Humber\u2019s Media Studies Program, specializing in digital communications. My latest project was working as a Managing Editor and Art Director for Guelph-Humber\u2019s Emerge Magazine.<\/p>\n
I love all things Oakville, from its luscious trails to its picturesque small-town aesthetic. I love that Oakville is close to the largest city in Canada but far enough to not be a part of the hustle-bustle of city life.<\/p>\n
Top 5 things to do in Oakville:<\/strong><\/h3>\n1.The 5 Drive-In<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\nPlaces like these are rare. I love watching movies and it\u2019s even better if I can watch them in my car under the stars.<\/p>\n
2.Oakville Place Mall<\/strong><\/p>\nThe level of light in this mall is unreal. Not to mention it\u2019s peaceful, clean and has a sophisticated mix of stores, including one of the only L.L. Beans in Canada.<\/p>\n
3.Visiting a beautiful park<\/strong><\/p>\nThere are so many beautiful parks<\/a> in Oakville, each with their own unique personality and greenery. I hope to visit Lions Valley Park, Lakeside Park and Bronte Creek Park.<\/p>\n4.Finding food gems<\/strong><\/p>\nThere is an abundance of restaurants<\/a> in Oakville and I can\u2019t wait to dive more into this culinary scene. From ice cream to steak, there is a little bit of everything for everyone.<\/p>\n5.Film.ca<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\nAnother place to watch movies and at great prices? I\u2019m in.<\/p>\n
COVID-19 has undoubtedly changed the summer plans of many people, as they are forced to rethink travelling across borders, attending concerts and festivals, and hanging out with friends. That’s where I come in. I would love to inform Oakville residents and regional visitors about all the great things that Oakville has to offer so that they can safely salvage the last days of summer.<\/p>\n
Follow Visit Oakvilles\u2019s Instagram<\/a>, Twitter<\/a> and Facebook<\/a> accounts, and tune into their blog for my sweet finds around Oakville.<\/p>\nMrinalini:<\/a><\/h2>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/visitoakville.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Screen-Shot-2020-08-14-at-11.22.44-AM.png\")
<\/p>\n
Hola Oakville! My name is Mrinalini and I am<\/a> a Digital Tourism Ambassador for Visit Oakville.<\/p>\nAs a child, I was that “quirky chatterbox with an eye for fashion”. I took that quality in stride and chose a career in journalism with a specialization in lifestyle reporting. I have five-plus years of extensive work in the field of travel, fashion, food, beauty, shopping, and celebrity interviews. Who you ask? Let’s go with Woody Allen<\/a> for starters.<\/p>\nMy work has appeared in leading Indian publications like Times of India, Little Black Book, and The New Indian Express. I have also worked with many Canadian magazines, such as Anokhi Life<\/a>, Bold Magazine, Darpan Magazine, Must be Kismet, The Tempest<\/a>, and 2 Peonies.<\/p>\nProfessional writing and digital marketing pretty much consume my life. I believe there’s a thin line between social networking and wasting your life \u2013 I did the former and that’s how I get my job satisfaction.<\/p>\n
My mantra is simple \u2013 don\u2019t just visit a location, truly live it! While not working, I am busy planning my next trip to see the Northern Lights and Alaska. My self-professed travel addiction took me to places like the Everest Base Camp<\/a>, Bali<\/a>, Singapore, UAE, and Muscat. I have also extensively covered my home ground, India.<\/p>\nMy next calling is Oakville, the picturesque and quaint town bustling with energy. I am super thrilled to find out where this new adventure takes me. I<\/a> love exploring tiny, quaint, cozy boutiques and stores. With a massive sweet tooth, I am up for anything remotely close to a dessert. Call me to any part of Bronte Village<\/a> or Kerr Village<\/a> for a tasting and I’ll be there in the next 30 minutes. From the traditional museums and galleries to the modern golf courses and campsites, Oakville is a perfect blend of the past and the present. A selfish explorer might keep these wild discoveries to themselves, but here I am waiting to narrate my stories through my social media handles and now through Visit Oakville.<\/p>\nTop 5 things to do in Oakville:<\/strong><\/h3>\n1. Fall in love with golf at the Glen Abbey Golf Club<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\nWith over 25 Canadian Open Championships, this course is one of the most renowned in the country.<\/p>\n
2. Stay at the Walnut House<\/strong><\/p>\nThis beautiful B&B is located bang in the middle of Downtown. You will want to live here forever!<\/p>\n
3. Defy gravity at iFLY Toronto<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\nOnce this location opens up again, it would be my first stop. Experiencing indoor skydiving is unique and thrilling.<\/p>\n
4. Shop local<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\nFind anything and everything in Oakville thanks to so many local entrepreneurs starting their own brands.<\/p>\n
5. Go on a hike<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\nWith Bronte Creek Provincial Park, Lions Valley Park, and The Ranch- you have more than enough options for treks, trails, cycling and hiking.<\/p>\n
Emilie:<\/a><\/h2>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/visitoakville.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/EmilieBioPicOption1.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Hi Oakville! My name is Emilie and I\u2019m a mid-twenty something journalism student (a lady never reveals her age). Growing up, I was always on the curious and adventurous side, which has led me down some interesting paths, most notably spending a week sleeping on the side of a mountain and trekking to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. I consider myself well-rounded interest wise. I\u2019m happy to explore the outdoors, go on a hike, and get active, but I also enjoy a good view, a nice cocktail, a delicate French pastry, and any kind of creative, artisanal meal.<\/p>\n
I\u2019m a Prud\u2019homme certified beer connoisseur and my superpower is being able to find the perfect beer for anyone, even the most vehement of beer haters. When I travel, both locally and internationally, my goal is to find the greatest things each area has to offer from patios, to landscapes, to that quirky caf\u00e9 or bakery around the corner.<\/p>\n
On my days off, I can be caught playing tennis, baking, working out, taking photos, watching a classic Disney film or re-watching Gilmore Girls for the 50th time. I\u2019m incredibly open to new things, new ideas, and new experiences \u2013 I once ate a scorpion on a stick so very little is off-limits for me!<\/p>\n
Simply put, what you\u2019ll get from me is a lot of range. I love to show people how to enjoy an area, even if it\u2019s right in their backyard, and how to have fun on any budget whether it\u2019s alone or with a group. I never shy away from any experience even if it means taking my favourite book and sipping on a drink alone at a restaurant. So come along with me and let me show you all the wonderful ways to discover Oakville no matter what company you\u2019re in!<\/p>\n
Want to get to know me more? Check out the playlist<\/a> I\u2019ve curated for when I\u2019m driving around Oakville, windows down, and singing my heart out!<\/p>\nFeel free to start a conversation with me on my Instagram (@msemiliejean<\/a>) and let me know your favourite local spots, your anthems to add to my Oakville playlist, or ask for some advice (that\u2019s what I\u2019m here for!)<\/p>\nTop 5 things to do in Oakville:<\/strong><\/h3>\n1. Tribeca Coffee Co<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\nWho doesn’t love a local cafe with amazing seasonal drinks?<\/p>\n
2. Cucci<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\nDelicious Italian meals? Check! Stunning desserts? Check! That’s all I need.<\/p>\n
3. Florence Meat Supplies<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\nThe South African biltong is one of Oakville’s greatest hidden gems!<\/p>\n
4. Cameron’s Brewing Company<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\nI’m a sucker for a good craft beer and I always want to support local craft breweries.<\/p>\n
5. Any park!<\/strong><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n1.The 5 Drive-In<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Places like these are rare. I love watching movies and it\u2019s even better if I can watch them in my car under the stars.<\/p>\n 2.Oakville Place Mall<\/strong><\/p>\n The level of light in this mall is unreal. Not to mention it\u2019s peaceful, clean and has a sophisticated mix of stores, including one of the only L.L. Beans in Canada.<\/p>\n 3.Visiting a beautiful park<\/strong><\/p>\n There are so many beautiful parks<\/a> in Oakville, each with their own unique personality and greenery. I hope to visit Lions Valley Park, Lakeside Park and Bronte Creek Park.<\/p>\n 4.Finding food gems<\/strong><\/p>\n There is an abundance of restaurants<\/a> in Oakville and I can\u2019t wait to dive more into this culinary scene. From ice cream to steak, there is a little bit of everything for everyone.<\/p>\n 5.Film.ca<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Another place to watch movies and at great prices? I\u2019m in.<\/p>\n COVID-19 has undoubtedly changed the summer plans of many people, as they are forced to rethink travelling across borders, attending concerts and festivals, and hanging out with friends. That’s where I come in. I would love to inform Oakville residents and regional visitors about all the great things that Oakville has to offer so that they can safely salvage the last days of summer.<\/p>\n Follow Visit Oakvilles\u2019s Instagram<\/a>, Twitter<\/a> and Facebook<\/a> accounts, and tune into their blog for my sweet finds around Oakville.<\/p>\n Hola Oakville! My name is Mrinalini and I am<\/a> a Digital Tourism Ambassador for Visit Oakville.<\/p>\n As a child, I was that “quirky chatterbox with an eye for fashion”. I took that quality in stride and chose a career in journalism with a specialization in lifestyle reporting. I have five-plus years of extensive work in the field of travel, fashion, food, beauty, shopping, and celebrity interviews. Who you ask? Let’s go with Woody Allen<\/a> for starters.<\/p>\n My work has appeared in leading Indian publications like Times of India, Little Black Book, and The New Indian Express. I have also worked with many Canadian magazines, such as Anokhi Life<\/a>, Bold Magazine, Darpan Magazine, Must be Kismet, The Tempest<\/a>, and 2 Peonies.<\/p>\n Professional writing and digital marketing pretty much consume my life. I believe there’s a thin line between social networking and wasting your life \u2013 I did the former and that’s how I get my job satisfaction.<\/p>\n My mantra is simple \u2013 don\u2019t just visit a location, truly live it! While not working, I am busy planning my next trip to see the Northern Lights and Alaska. My self-professed travel addiction took me to places like the Everest Base Camp<\/a>, Bali<\/a>, Singapore, UAE, and Muscat. I have also extensively covered my home ground, India.<\/p>\n My next calling is Oakville, the picturesque and quaint town bustling with energy. I am super thrilled to find out where this new adventure takes me. I<\/a> love exploring tiny, quaint, cozy boutiques and stores. With a massive sweet tooth, I am up for anything remotely close to a dessert. Call me to any part of Bronte Village<\/a> or Kerr Village<\/a> for a tasting and I’ll be there in the next 30 minutes. From the traditional museums and galleries to the modern golf courses and campsites, Oakville is a perfect blend of the past and the present. A selfish explorer might keep these wild discoveries to themselves, but here I am waiting to narrate my stories through my social media handles and now through Visit Oakville.<\/p>\n 1. Fall in love with golf at the Glen Abbey Golf Club<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n With over 25 Canadian Open Championships, this course is one of the most renowned in the country.<\/p>\n 2. Stay at the Walnut House<\/strong><\/p>\n This beautiful B&B is located bang in the middle of Downtown. You will want to live here forever!<\/p>\n 3. Defy gravity at iFLY Toronto<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Once this location opens up again, it would be my first stop. Experiencing indoor skydiving is unique and thrilling.<\/p>\n 4. Shop local<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Find anything and everything in Oakville thanks to so many local entrepreneurs starting their own brands.<\/p>\n 5. Go on a hike<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n With Bronte Creek Provincial Park, Lions Valley Park, and The Ranch- you have more than enough options for treks, trails, cycling and hiking.<\/p>\n Hi Oakville! My name is Emilie and I\u2019m a mid-twenty something journalism student (a lady never reveals her age). Growing up, I was always on the curious and adventurous side, which has led me down some interesting paths, most notably spending a week sleeping on the side of a mountain and trekking to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. I consider myself well-rounded interest wise. I\u2019m happy to explore the outdoors, go on a hike, and get active, but I also enjoy a good view, a nice cocktail, a delicate French pastry, and any kind of creative, artisanal meal.<\/p>\n I\u2019m a Prud\u2019homme certified beer connoisseur and my superpower is being able to find the perfect beer for anyone, even the most vehement of beer haters. When I travel, both locally and internationally, my goal is to find the greatest things each area has to offer from patios, to landscapes, to that quirky caf\u00e9 or bakery around the corner.<\/p>\n On my days off, I can be caught playing tennis, baking, working out, taking photos, watching a classic Disney film or re-watching Gilmore Girls for the 50th time. I\u2019m incredibly open to new things, new ideas, and new experiences \u2013 I once ate a scorpion on a stick so very little is off-limits for me!<\/p>\n Simply put, what you\u2019ll get from me is a lot of range. I love to show people how to enjoy an area, even if it\u2019s right in their backyard, and how to have fun on any budget whether it\u2019s alone or with a group. I never shy away from any experience even if it means taking my favourite book and sipping on a drink alone at a restaurant. So come along with me and let me show you all the wonderful ways to discover Oakville no matter what company you\u2019re in!<\/p>\n Want to get to know me more? Check out the playlist<\/a> I\u2019ve curated for when I\u2019m driving around Oakville, windows down, and singing my heart out!<\/p>\n Feel free to start a conversation with me on my Instagram (@msemiliejean<\/a>) and let me know your favourite local spots, your anthems to add to my Oakville playlist, or ask for some advice (that\u2019s what I\u2019m here for!)<\/p>\n 1. Tribeca Coffee Co<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Who doesn’t love a local cafe with amazing seasonal drinks?<\/p>\n 2. Cucci<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Delicious Italian meals? Check! Stunning desserts? Check! That’s all I need.<\/p>\n 3. Florence Meat Supplies<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n The South African biltong is one of Oakville’s greatest hidden gems!<\/p>\n 4. Cameron’s Brewing Company<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n I’m a sucker for a good craft beer and I always want to support local craft breweries.<\/p>\n 5. Any park!<\/strong><\/p>\nMrinalini:<\/a><\/h2>\n
<\/p>\nTop 5 things to do in Oakville:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Emilie:<\/a><\/h2>\n
<\/p>\nTop 5 things to do in Oakville:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/visitoakville.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/top5Oakville.jpg\")
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"