Impressions of Newmarket, 2023

Newmarket is a small town in Ontario, Canada, about forty-five kilometres north of Toronto. Part of York Region, it is a picturesque place with a long history.

It was founded in 1801. Among the area’s earliest settlers was a group of families known as the Holland Intention Company, who contributed greatly to the town’s growth and prosperity. For this reason, Newmarket is also known as the “City of Holland Intention.”

The town has an eclectic mix of architecture, including well-preserved Victorian buildings and old stone houses that lend it a strong sense of history.

Main Street in the town centre is lined with charming shops, restaurants, and cafés. It is a lovely place to wander on a weekend.

At the end of Main Street is a community centre with fountains and a splash pad, where residents and visitors can relax and enjoy outdoor activities. Newmarket also has many parks and conservation areas.

Fairy Lake and Riverwalk Commons are among the area’s most popular recreational destinations.

With a lake and pleasant walking trails, it is an ideal place for a leisurely stroll and a chance to unwind.

We made a circuit of Riverwalk Commons and came away refreshed. True to my usual style, I left the picture-postcard scenery alone and photographed the more distinctive views that caught my eye.

After leaving the trail and returning to town, we found the friendly neighbourhood police blocking off the road.

I had a feeling something “big” was about to happen.

I went over to ask and learned that a classic car show was under way.

The exhibits included classic models from many different eras, ranging from early twentieth-century automobiles to vintage sports cars and saloons.

Meticulously restored and maintained, the cars displayed their original charm and craftsmanship.

Visitors could admire these remarkable old cars up close while learning about their histories and technical details.

Many of the owners were also happy to tell their stories, sharing their love of cars and the work that had gone into restoring them.

The show drew plenty of children. Faced with these hulking mechanical monsters, they seemed both curious and a little afraid.

The grown men, meanwhile, were determined to get the children better acquainted with the cars, practically stuffing them inside with all their might.

Perhaps they hoped to pass their own attachment to cars on to the next generation.

The event offered a glimpse back at motoring’s golden age and revealed the passion and respect people still hold for classic cars.

But do not assume that classic cars appeal only to grown men.

The young women were taking the opportunity to come out for a stroll as well.

For something billed as a car show, there were only eight or ten cars parked along the street. Curious, I asked a passer-by when it was supposed to begin. Around one, came the reply. I checked my watch: it was already two. So when would it end? Around five or six, apparently. I thought to myself, then what on earth is the point?

Just as I was puzzling over this, the rumble of an engine drifted in from the distance, and a car rolled up.

Quite some time passed before another one arrived.

Only now were the participating cars beginning to amble into the show. At this rate, we simply could not wait any longer, so we decided to leave.

After walking around Newmarket for several hours, I felt there was much to like about the place. Only one thing took some getting used to: its slowness. Development is slow, life moves slowly, and time itself seems to stand still.

On the way home, I kept thinking about how we once talked of pursuing a “slower life.” Was this not exactly what we had always dreamed of? Perhaps we had it all along and simply never learned to cherish it.

Continue Reading

More in This Category

More posts

Day Seven: A Whirlwind Tour of Athens

Day Five: Rhodes, City of the Knights

Day Six: Christmas—Taking Gains and Losses as They Come

Day Four: Ephesus, After the Sea Receded