💐 No Mother’s Day plans yet? We can help!

A quick stop into one of my favourite local spots this week… Forest City Coins & Collectibles.

This time, the mission was Pokémon cards.

There’s something timeless about places like this. Whether you’re a serious collector or just picking up a few packs for fun, it feels like stepping into a space where curiosity and fun wins.

Emma’s excitement opening the packs? Worth every penny.  Did we get a great pull? Not this time, but oh well.

And a quick shout-out to Andy, who always makes the experience what it is. Knowledgeable, welcoming, and clearly passionate about what he does. If you haven’t been in, it’s well worth the visit.

Before highways, there were rails.

In the 1850s, railway lines reached London and connected it to Toronto, Windsor, and the United States. What had been a regional town suddenly found itself on a network.

And networks change things.

Farm goods that once took days to move could now leave in hours. Materials arrived faster. Markets got bigger. What you could build… and how fast you could grow… shifted almost overnight.

But it wasn’t just goods.

People arrived with skills, ideas, and ambition. Others passed through and saw opportunity. The rhythm of the city started to change, shaped by schedules, shipments, and the steady pull of movement.

London became more than a place on a map.

It became a place in motion.

A place you didn’t just pass through. You stopped. You built. You stayed.

The Gist: London is moving ahead with plans to turn part of the J-AAR Expo Centre into a new three-court gym and multi-sport space at the Western Fair District. The facility would support basketball, volleyball, pickleball, badminton, futsal, and program rentals, with the City contributing up to $7.2 million and a 25-year agreement in place to keep the space available for public use.

Why It Matters: As London grows, so does the need for places where kids, adults, leagues, and community groups can actually get court time. Three new courts in one spot means more room for practices, drop-ins, tournaments, and year-round ways for neighbours to stay active.

The Gist: London homeowners now have a new way to make energy-saving upgrades without having to cover the full cost upfront. The City has launched BetterHomes London, a $6.66 million program offering low-interest loans of up to $40,000 for things like insulation, windows, and heat pumps. Some homeowners may also qualify for up to $10,000 in extra incentives based on how much energy their upgrades save.

Why It Matters: Big home upgrades can make a real difference, but the price tag can stop families before they even get started. This program helps make those projects more manageable, giving neighbours a path to lower energy use, improve comfort at home, and spread the cost out over time.

Set inside a grand 1878 Victorian mansion in Old South, Idlewyld Inn & Spa Restaurant has spent decades earning its place as one of the city’s most elegant dining spots. The 70-seat restaurant offers a sun-filled dining room, a tucked-away Garden Courtyard, and a menu that feels refined while still rooted in local flavor.

For Mother’s Day this Sunday, they’re offering two signature experiences: a brunch buffet earlier in the day and a dinner buffet in the evening. With a thoughtful wine list, creative cocktails, and warm hospitality, it’s a lovely setting to make Mom feel celebrated. Reservations are recommended, so book early if you’re hoping for a table.

🥂Asher's Restaurant & Patio | Ivey Spencer Leadership Centre Details here
Lavish holiday brunch pairing diverse seasonal stations with relaxed patio vibes.

🏔️ Boler Mountain | 689 Griffith Street Details here
Extensive Mother's Day buffet in their banquet space.

🏛️ Delta Hotels by Marriott London Armouries | 325 Dundas Street Details here
Premium dining experience served in the historic 1905 Armouries atrium.

Owner Tiffany Hillman opened Duck & Dodo in 2016 as a place where local makers and antique pickers could share the same roof, and it’s become a fun little treasure hunt ever since. The shop features more than 60 London-area artisans, with everything from home decor and jewellery to candles, soaps, vintage clothing, garden pieces, and one-of-a-kind antique finds.

It’s an especially good stop for Mother’s Day if you want something thoughtful, local, and not the same gift everyone else is giving. You can also find them at the Market at Western Fair District on weekends!

🌸 Forget Me Not Flowers and More | Covent Garden Market Details here Downtown florist with free same-day local delivery.

💆Artistic Esthetic Spa | 191 Central Avenue Details here
Features a Mother-Daughter package for spa treatments.

🛍️ Curiosities Gift Shop | 174 1/2 Wortley Road Details here
Boutique offering handmade Canadian gifts from 50+ local makers.

Need a great realtor in London or Port Stanley?
Email Silver Phoenix at [email protected]. He’ll focus on your lifestyle goals and neighbourhood needs to find the right home in a community you’ll love being a part of.

We’ve rounded up the top Mother’s Day events in the area! 💕 Tap the image below to explore the full list and find the perfect way to celebrate Mom. 💖

📚 Saunders Book Display | J-AAR Expo Centre | 05/07 | More
A massive educational book fair with a vast selection of literature for all ages.

🎸 Thames Rivieras, The Lucys + Myrtle Earle | Palasad Socialbowl | 05/08 | More
A licensed, all-ages triple-bill concert featuring local indie and rock talent.

🌸 Spring Market & Community Event | Westview Baptist Church | 05/09 | More
Free family event with local vendors, BBQ, face painting, superheroes, and pony rides.

🚗 Driven London: Aftermarket Car Show | J-AAR Expo Centre | 05/09 | More
Canada’s largest car culture tour with exotic builds, music, and interactive displays.

🔬 Science Rendezvous @ Western University | Thompson Arena | 05/09 | More
A free, all-ages festival with hands-on experiments and interactive science demos.

🚙 5th Annual London Jeep Fest | 1249 Hyde Park Rd | 05/09 | More
A charity show-and-shine featuring a BBQ, RTI ramp, and prizes.

🎸 John Shambles | London Music Hall | 05/13 | More
Live music showcasing raw energy and local talent in an intimate setting.

🛹 Strung Out: 30th Anniversary Tour | Rum Runners | 05/07 | More
Punk rock celebration marking three decades of the iconic album "Suburban Teenage Wasteland Blues."

🎸 Garth Brooks Tribute | Aeolian Hall | 05/08 | More
The Black Tie Affair Band delivers a high-energy tribute to country legend Garth Brooks.

🎧 Rewind: EDM Party Anthems | System Saturdays | 05/09 | More
A massive dance party dedicated to the biggest electronic dance music anthems.

👑 Forever Young 80s Prom Night | Calvary United Church | 05/09 | More
Retro dance party with live music by Betamaxx, a cash bar, and a nostalgic 80s prom vibe.

🎻 Ian Maksin: Songs of Love & Peace | Oakridge Presbyterian | 05/11 | More
A soulful one-man-cello orchestra performance featuring traditional and original songs.

☕ Tunes at Noon: Frank Ridsdale | Aeolian Southern Lounge | 05/12 | More
A midday musical escape featuring performances in a relaxed lounge atmosphere.

Thanks for reading! We’ll have more updates for you next week!

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