The small town of Bowmanville has been good to my books, but I visit as often as I can because I love this town.
I don’t live there, but some of my favourite places and people do.
This includes:
*The people at what I have called “The friendliest centre I know in Canada: BOAA”. (An association for adults over 50, where friendly volunteers, members or staff greet you the moment you enter.)
*The heritage district of gorgeous old homes with huge trees and lawns covered with blue Scilla in Spring
*The small stores and restaurants — some family-owned, even by the third-generation of local families — that line the streets.
And my favourite store in all of Ontario: The Willow Branch.
Owned by two sisters, Tammy and Rebecca, sometimes helped out by younger relatives.
You go into The Willow Branch expecting one thing, and you find a treasure-trove.
It’s a gift store, a candle store, a what-wonderful-things-will-I-find-today kind of store.
The store’s contents reflect the seasons (and a sense of humour), though the florist shop at the back is always blooming.
Almost any gift you could need to buy for someone is here, whether it’s Summer outdoorsy or Autumny or Hallowe’eny stuff.
Or thick wool socks for the Canadian Winter, or something for the fireplace.
Fun gifts for adults or children, male or female — it’s all there. (You’ll even find my Myrtle the Purple Turtle books there.)
And what else you’ll find, in great abundance?
Polite, friendly, helpful service.
Brava to Tammy and Rebecca!
The Willow Branch is located in the Heritage district on Bowmanville’s main street, at 77 King Street.
Cynthia Reyes 
Ok, I’m hooked.
Me too!
It looks like a charming town Cynthia!
It sure is, Brad.
I would visit and shop there! Lovely! And fresh flowers.
You really would, Jo Nell!
I’m afraid I have not yet discovered the Willow Branch. That excursion is now on my do-list! The BOAA is an absolute treasure and everyone I have met there has been friendly and helpful. The number of activities means that many older people have a variety of ways to maintain community. I love it!
So good to hear, Sharon! And great to hear from you: Thank you.
Lovely town and looks like a wonderful place to ramble around for an afternoon. Probably a great bakery or tea room to hang out in?!
Looks like a wonderful small, friendly town with great shopping options. Now, that’s a really good thing. 🙂
What a fun day trip. It is good to see businesses thrive in a small town.
Such a quaint little town. I love that ‘welcoming’ mat 😄
Towns like this and shops like this are places to be treasured. The welcome mat gave me a good laugh, too!
An enticing set of photographs
Sounds like my kind of town and my kind of store. That rug made me giggle. Reminded me of my mother and her salty language.
Such an attractive town and I would love to rummage about in the Willow Branch!
When you come to visit, we will go.
That’s a deal!
Oh thanks for the tour of Bowmanville. I live in Toronto and I think I was there 100 years ago, lol. It reminds of the quaintness of St. Jacobs. Have you been? 🙂
Not recently, but relatives went just last week, and I once again thought I should go! Bowmanville is one of those special places that my Scandinavian friend calls “a living village” — as opposed to one designed to attract tourists. Yet, lots of tourists go.
Good to know. 🙂
I love the “unwelcome mat.” This is a joke on my family, that I would never put out anything at my house that says “welcome.” Too much the introvert to want to encourage people to think they can just drop in!
haha!
What a lovely little town! It does sound like a “living village”.
It looks like a lovely town Cynthia – the houses look very English and the Willow Branch looks like a treasure trove!
Bowmanville sounds wonderful – these small towns, wherever they are, are always such a treat.
It looks brilliant. I want that door mat!!!! 🤣🤣🤣
Me too!