Via Italia
Erie Street E. Windsor, ON, Canada

We have been posting a lot about our Via Italia businesses doing charity fundraisers lately. -In a year that has been difficult on more levels than we care to count, where many businesses just close out the world around them, businesses in Via Italia have continued to reach out beyond their own uncertain futures to help those in need throughout our community. We are continually amazed by the kindness and compassion our Via Italia businesses display to others in these unpara...lleled times. This holiday season, La Contessa Ristorante is once again accepting donations of toys for the Little Hands Kids for a Cause charity. This is a community led organization, with their mission being to provide support and love to children battling cancer and serious illnesses in the Windsor-Essex area and beyond. For the third year in a row, Dina Takach, of La Contessa Ristorante, continues to coordinate toy contributions that can be dropped off at the restaurant from now until December 7, 2020. Due to the pandemic and new restrictions there is a small time frame for donations to be received. The toys need to be initially quarantined for two weeks and then delivered to allow for the children to safely open their gifts in time for Christmas. Please join us in helping to put smiles on some children's faces in what is a trying year for most, let alone those spending Christmas in hospital. According to Takach, the annual goal for "Dina's Smile Drive" campaign is, "To put a smile on every sick child’s face for Christmas. That way just for a moment they are able to forget about their circumstances and just enjoy being a kid!" Thank you again to all of our many businesses who have helped others in their own ways throughout the course of the years. We know many don't receive the attention and accolades they deserve but they continue to quietly do good for the sake of doing good. Grazie a tutti. Siamo benedetti. #viaitalia #ViaItaliaYQG #ErieStreet #viaitaliacommunity #smiledrive2020 #littlehandskidsforacause #WindsorCharity #windsoressex #supportlocalyqg #windsorrestaurants #dogood #RonaldMcDonaldHouseCharities

Yesterday was the first day of wall prep for the Via Italia mural by DERKZ! We are thrilled to have partnered with Tourism Windsor Essex in order to add this beautiful installation to our community. We are just so darned excited to see the final results! #vivaitalia #ViaItaliaYQG #windsoressex #windsoressexcounty #ErieStreet #WindsorsLittleItaly #yqg #windsorontario #yqgartist #yqgart #communitygarden #yqgmurals #viaitaliacommunity #benvenuti

On Sunday, November 15 at 2:20 pm, members of the SHRED SHOP , along with members of several other area gyms and breweries, virtually banded together. They tried to break the world record for the most people simultaneously doing burpees in what was affectionately called a Burpee-Athon. -And they did it all for charity. The Crews & Brews - Windsor-Essex, all united to raise funds for Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation, which has faced unprecedented challenges this past ye...Continue reading

St. Angela Merici Church has played an important role in our Via Italia community since its first mass on Christmas day back in 1939. Over the course of the years, the church has had to adapt to new ways to get their word out and recently, the church has launched its brand new website! www.stangelamerici.ca This new website features current schedules and online reservations as well as the weekly bulletin among other useful information during these uncertain times. They invite you to visit their site for current news and information. Congratulazioni to St. Angela Merici Church, Windsor Ontario for the stunning website and keeping your parishioners informed of all things current! #viaitalia #eriestreet #viaitaliayqg #yqg #windsorontario #windsoressex #windsoressexcounty

It's hard to believe, but the holiday season is fast approaching. Have you booked your holiday party at any of our fantastic restaurants yet? Book now to avoid the reservations rush! #viaitalia #viaitaliayqg #windsorrestaurants #windsorsmallbusiness #supportlocalyqg #eriestreet #windsorslittleitaly #mangia #windsorontario #viaitaliacommunity #windsoressexcounty #yqg #holidayseason #windsoressexsmallbusiness #windsorontariocanada #eriestreetrestaurants

Our friends Teacups & Crowns, at 591 Erie St E, are having a Holiday Open House this weekend, from Friday, November 20th through Sunday, Nov. 22nd. Reserving a spot is recommended and you can book online at teacups-crowns.reservio.com or by calling 519-915-1793... The family owned tea room and gift store has unique gifts for yourself or your loved ones and can do holiday arrangements by request. It’s a hidden gem of the neighborhood and this is a fantastic weekend to check it out and get some of your shopping done early while supporting local businesses! #viaitalia #eriestreet #yqg #yqgbusiness #viaitaliawindsor #viaitaliayqg #windsorontario #windsorbusiness #windsorsmallbusiness #supportlocalwindsor #windsorhiddengems #viaitaliacommunity #windsoressex #windsorontariocanada #tearoomgiftshop #yqgbusiness #yqgsmallbusiness

Congratulations to Multicultural Council of Windsor-Essex and Carrousel of the Nations for winning this prestigious award again this year! We love seeing everyone's dedication to celebrating tradition and culture recognized and rewarded. Thank you for allowing us to continue to partner with you for this amazing festival! Salute!!! The full story can be found here: http://bit.ly/Carrousel2020... #viaitalia #ErieStreet #yqg #viaitaliacommunity #ViaItaliaYQG #CarrouselOfTheNations #multiculturalcouncilofwindsoressex #windsorontario #windsorontariocanada #AttractionsOntario

Their Name Liveth For Evermore -The Moro River Canadian War Cemetery, Italy. #fallenheroes #weremember #withgratitude #viaitaliayqg #windsorslittleitaly #remembranceday #alwaysremember

Our friends, SHRED SHOP (at 815 Erie St E,) are at it again! -Combining physical health with fun, AND all for an amazing cause! Join them on November 15th to help crush the record and to crush cancer. In Essex County, local gyms and breweries, known as "Crews & Brews - Windsor-Essex," are coming together in a 'Burpee-Athon' to raise critical funds for the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation. $20 for 20 minutes will help make a significant impact in the fight against cancer in Wi...ndsor-Essex. During this event, there will be the attempt to break the world record for the total number of people simultaneously performing burpees. Sign up and participate, or if you can't make it you can still donate knowing you're helping the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation and all those they help. Thank you again, Shred Shop, for being a part of Via Italia! We love having your positive energy and your community spirit in our neighbourhood! #viaitalia #viaitaliayqg #crushingrecordsforcancer #viaitaliacommunity #crewsnbrews #windsorcancerfoundation #supportlocalyqg #windsorsmallbusiness #windsorontario #windsoressex #growonwindsor

The weather is going to be beautiful out this weekend so why not take a stroll down Via Italia and stop into some of our beautiful shops? Did you know that Little Sheep Yarn Boutique recently moved to 521 Erie Street East and are open Wednesday through Sunday? They have a wide range of fibres to choose from and support local crafters and suppliers whenever possible. Besides offering a wide range of supplies, they also have online classes as well and some limited capacity... in-person classes. More information can be found at www.littlesheepyarn.com Stop in to see them while you're out so you can get a head start on your winter project and make your nonna proud! #viaitalia #viaitaliayqg #viaitaliacommunity #shoplocalyqg #eriestreet #eriestreetwindsor #shoplocalwindsoressex #shoplocalwindsor #yqghandmade #shoplocal #supportlocalyqg #supportlocalwindsor #supportlocalwindsoressex #windsorsmallbusinees #yqg #windsorontario #windsoressex #yqgcrafts #makenonnaproud #benvenuto

As we enter the fall season we'd like to thank everyone for helping us adapt and succeed during the Summer of 2020. We were able to see friends and family in an open and safe atmosphere on our extended patios and open streets during most weekends. We appreciate and thank all who were able to participate in one form or another. -You're the reason why the summer was such a success! We hope to continue to see you, and our patios are still open with most having heaters for when... the temperatures drop. Thank you again for allowing us to be a part of your community! #viaitaliayqg #eriestreet #windsorontario #yqg #windsorsmallbusiness #viaitalia

We were thrilled to be a part of this extraordinary event! Thanks to all those that worked so diligently to make this happen safely, and to those in attendance. Thank you also, to the passersby who spent some time to witness a special moment for Erie Street during this unusual time. #ErieStreet #viaitalia #ViaItaliaYQG #windsorontario #viaitaliacommunity #windsoressex https://windsorstar.com//local-/sun-shines-on-outdoor-mass

Stop by this weekend to enjoy some great entertainment by dining either al fresco or indoors. Soak up the last of the summer with us, amici! #ViaItaliaYQG #littleitalywindsor #windsorontariocanada #windsorontario #windsorsmallbusiness #windsorrestaurants

This Saturday! We are looking forward to St. Angela Merici Church, Windsor Ontario's outdoor mass at 4:30 pm with Father Maurice Restivo! The street will be closed to traffic, so there will be ample room to participate or be a spectator for this event. Social distancing and all other health unit guidelines will be required and implemented. Reservations are recommended for seating and they can be made by calling: 519-254-5542. #ViaItaliaYQG #windsorontario #windsorontariocanada #outdoormass #community #littleitalywindsor

Famiglia, or family. Our Via Italia has long held true to its deep-rooted family traditions and we are currently in a season where a popular annual family tradition is taking place throughout the community. We were fortunate enough to be invited to witness it one day and it was a day of family and friendship we will never forget. For over 50 years, La Stella Supermarket at 948 Erie St. E has been supplying 1000’s of bushels of local tomatoes to area residents for their ann...Continue reading

This weekend! Pat Pagano and Nino Palazzolo will entertain us from 6:30-9:30 pm on Friday and Saturday outside of St. Angela Merici Church. Come join us for one of our last weekends of extended patios and al fresco dining (we have heaters!) Ci Vediamo Presto/See you soon! #ViaItaliaYQG #WindsorsLittleItaly #ErieStreet #WindsorON #yqgmusicians #YQG #italianmusicias #yqgcommunity #localmusicians #viaitaliawindsor

Who DOESN'T want a truckload of caffeine now that school is about to start and the days are shorter? Nessun Problema/No worries! -Via Italia has your caffeine needs covered with a wide variety of locally-owned cafés to choose from! Opt for a demitasse of espresso or a truckload of coffee beans... or both! We've got you, Amici! ... #ViaItaliaYQG #ErieStreet #twepi #windsoressex #shoplocal #WindsorsLittleItaly #WindsorON See more

Happy Labour Day Weekend Everyone!!! We still have THREE weekends left of our open streets! We put together a short video of just a few of the pictures we were able to snap throughout the summer so far. -It's been wonderful to see everyone out while still staying safe. ... We appreciate your continued support and we hope to see you soaking up "la dolce vita" soon. Thank you again! #ViaItaliaYQG #Windsor #ViaItalia #ErieStreet #YQG #supportlocal #community

EDIT: THANK YOU SO MUCH TO ALL WHO APPLIED.- WHAT AN AMAZING POOL OF TALENT TO CHOOSE FROM! WE ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTING PROPOSALS, BUT PLEASE STAY TUNED FOR EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENTS TO FOLLOW! CALLING ALL ARTISTS!!!! ... The deadline for mural proposals is Sept. 4th! https://bit.ly/34VGDkQ The deadline to transform this blank slate of a garden wall into your vision for a "Via Italia" mural is fast approaching! This is a fantastic opportunity to get paid while helping to beautify the community for years to come! -Deadline for proposals is this Friday and more information can be found on our website at www.viaitalia.com We can't wait to see your proposals and visions! #ViaItaliaYQG #viaitalia #ErieStreet #twepi #ACWR #localartist #YQG

As the days begin to get shorter, the more we long to hold on to the tastes of summer. Come join us in Via Italia for gelato and a cup of espresso from one of our many locally-owned shops and gelaterias. #viaitalia #yqg #ErieStreet #windsor #windsorlocal #ViaItaliaYQG #gelato #shoplocal #summerdays

Experience the majesty of the monarch butterfly at Via Italia’s Community Heritage Garden. Take a seat and watch them flutter among the flowers near the corner of Erie St. and Langlois Ave. #LittleItaly #ViaItalia #Monarch #Butterfly #YQG #Windsor #ErieStreet

Fashion, art, music, coffee Windsor artisans have a new retail space on #ErieStreet. We're glad to see you're still a vibrant part of the neighbourhood Mike! Check out Urban 1015 at 1015 Erie St. E. https://bit.ly/2QruCeD #LittleItaly #ViaItalia #Patios #YQG #Windsor #ErieStreet

George at the Cellphone Shop can have your phone repaired within minutes! He dares you to find a better deal anywhere in the city. New, used phones, repairsanything you need. He's got thousands of phone cases to choose from too. https://bit.ly/2ECTmhi #LittleItaly #ViaItalia #YQG #ErieStreet

Thanks for all you do! We’re proud to be a community partner.

Calling all artists! Via Italia community commissions massive neighbourhood mural project https://bit.ly/32pjtR1 Deadline for proposals is Sept. 4, 2020.

It's time for another Via Italia street closure! Erie is car-free all weekend. Bring the family and check out the fine dining, quick eats and tasty treats! https://bit.ly/30Wtz9K #LittleItaly #ViaItalia #Patios #YQG #Windsor #ErieStreet

Fining dining, quick eats and sweet treats. Taste the joys of patio life on Erie Street. https://bit.ly/30Wtz9K #LittleItaly #ViaItalia #Patios #YQG #Windsor #ErieStreet

Stop and smell the flowers. Via Italia’s Community Heritage Garden is in full bloom. Take some time to stop by and unwind. https://bit.ly/30Wtz9K #LittleItaly #ViaItalia #Patios #YQG #Windsor #ErieStreet #Restaurants

We’re closing the streets again this weekend to make way for sidewalk sales, pedestrians and patios. It starts at 5 p.m. Friday. https://bit.ly/30Wtz9K Don’t forget to make plans for other upcoming next weekend road closures:... Aug 21, 22, 23 Aug 28, 29, 30 Sept 4, 5, 6, 7 Sept 11, 12, 13 Sept 18, 19, 20 #LittleItaly #ViaItalia #Patios #YQG #Windsor #ErieStreet

Kathy Sugden sat at an Erie Street patio on a recent sunny afternoon, sipping tea and chatting with friends and passersby. Her appreciation for the visit was obvious as she gleefully chatted with Teacups and Crowns owner Sylvia Alongi. The two were unable to see each other while under lockdown with the rest of the world because of strict COVID-19 pandemic protocols. Snugden is just happy to get out and see some familiar faces, particularly those at Teacups and Crowns, where...Continue reading

Pick a patio, any patio. The tables are out and the umbrellas are up on Erie Street. The tough part will be deciding where to start. https://bit.ly/30Wtz9K #LittleItaly #ViaItalia#YQG #Windsor #ErieStreet #Shopping

Dress to impress! Whether it’s shiny bling, a custom wedding gown or a classic three-piece, the shops of Erie Street have whatever suits your style. https://bit.ly/2DAgTip #LittleItaly #ViaItalia#YQG #Windsor #ErieStreet #Shopping

Awaken your inner chef! Erie Street is lined with bakeries, grocery stores, pasta shops and more offering the supplies and inspiration to make you culinary artist. https://bit.ly/2DAgTip #LittleItaly #ViaItalia#YQG #Windsor #ErieStreet #Cookingathome

Stroll, shop and eat. Rediscover the charm of Erie Street with our beautiful community garden, wide open patios and retail sidewalk sales. https://bit.ly/30Wtz9K #LittleItaly #ViaItalia#YQG #Windsor #ErieStreet#COVID19

Enjoy the closed streets and open air of Via Italia! Erie Street’s weekend road closures continue tomorrow, making more space for pedestrians, patios and sidewalk sales. It all starts at 5 p.m. on Fridays. https://bit.ly/3g4ES7F There are still several weekends ahead:... July 31, Aug 1, Aug 2, Aug 3 Aug 21, Aug 22, Aug 23 Aug 28, 29, 30 Sept 11, 12, 13 #LittleItaly #ViaItalia #Patios #YQG #Windsor #ErieStreet #Restaurants #COVID19 #Stage2

Rub shoulders with royalty! Via Italia’s Community Heritage Garden recently had a visit from some majestic monarch butterflies. Come see them for yourself near the corner of Erie St. and Langlois Ave. We’re also looking for volunteers to help water and look after the garden. Join our FB community group, or contact us, if you're interested. #LittleItaly #ViaItalia #Patios #YQG #Windsor #ErieStreet #Nature #Butterfly

Via Italiano place like Erie Street, says Saci Salon owner During Stage 2 of reopening Via Italia’s salons, retail stores, auto repair shops, cafes, bars and restaurants are ready to serve you. https://bit.ly/33vJrlM #LittleItaly #ViaItalia #Patios #YQG #Windsor #ErieStreet #Restaurants #COVID19 #Coronavirus

You made it! The weekend is here. Celebrate with us in Via Italia. The patios are open. #LittleItaly #ViaItalia #Patios #YQG #Windsor #ErieStreet #Dining #Restaurants

Had a great afternoon in the Via Italia Community Garden and got to see this beauty! There was another gracefully floating around as well, but this was the only... non-camera-shy one I could snap a pic of. Thanks to all in the community who help these beauties thrive! Leo Silvestri, I'm sure this is part of your doing, and it's pretty magical! Thanks for spreading the monarch love! <3 #viaitaliacommunitygarden #monarchs See more

Food, fun and fresh air Via Italia has it all. Patios are open all along Erie Street. Check out one, or maybe a few, this week! Spago Canada and Teacups & Crowns have patios too. https://bit.ly/30Wtz9K #LittleItaly #ViaItalia #Patios #YQG #Windsor #ErieStreet #Dining #Restaurants

Blast from the past: check out this streetcar that once ran the Erie Street line. That's the conductor, Mr. Patrick Sr., standing next to it. Canada's first electric street railway began operating in Windsor on May 28, 1886. https://bit.ly/2E7Rf4L #LittleItaly #ViaItalia #ErieStreet #YQG #Windsor

The case for dining out in the middle of a pandemic https://bit.ly/2Wqwk3h #LittleItaly #ViaItalia #Patios #YQG #Windsor #ErieStreet

Erie Street will be a pedestrian haven this summer with closed streets and extended patios. The celebrations begin this weekend. Street closures start at 5 p.m. on Fridays. Come join us in Via Italia! July 10, 11, 12 July 17, 18, 19 ... July 31, Aug 1, Aug 2, Aug 3 Aug 21, Aug 22, Aug 23 Aug 28, 29, 30 Sept 11, 12, 13 #LittleItaly #ViaItalia #Patios #YQG #Windsor

Plenty of room during Via Italia street closures

Via Italia to allow more space for patios, sidewalk sales and safer pedestrian access. Windsor, Ontario July 9, 2020 Erie street becomes a pedestrian haven this summer as street closures allow business owners to bring their shops outdoors. Throughout the Via Italia neighbourhood, restaurant and bar owners will extend their patios into the streets on select weekends, while other retailers expand their capacity into the sidewalks as well. ... The street closures promise to create a celebratory atmosphere as the community emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, explained Fil Rocca, president of the Via Italia Business Improvement Area. It was a long and stressful time without being able to get outside and enjoy our community, he said. Now that the nice weather is here and we are allowed to operate in Stage 2 safely, we’d love for people to come down to Windsor’s Little Italy and experience all that Via Italia has to offer. The street closure is a feature approved by city council for several commercial centres to help business owners in their recovery. The street closures will start at 5 p.m. on Friday evenings and go through until Sunday nights at 11 pm. All mandated Ontario and local health and safety regulations regarding COVID-19 will be enforced during the street closures. Masks will be mandatory when entering and patronizing indoor businesses. Social distancing is required at all retailers, cafes and restaurants. Extra sanitary precautions will also be implemented throughout each workplace to ensure both staff and customers’ safety. The full list of weekend closures are as follows: July 10, 11, 12 July 17, 18, 19 July 31, Aug 1, Aug 2, Aug 3 Aug 21, Aug 22, Aug 23 Aug 28, 29, 30 Sept 11, 12, 13 #ErieStreet #ViaItalia #YQG #Windsor #Patios

Relax and unwind at our Community Heritage Garden, a little slice of nature in the heart of Via Italia. When you’re done taking in the sights and scents, don’t forget to check out one or two of the many patios now open along Erie Street! #ErieStreet #ViaItalia #Community #YQG #Windsor #Patios