If you’re looking for a magical place to make memories, you need to go no further than Canterbury Village, located on Joslyn Road in Orion.
While Canterbury has been a favorite spot in Lake Orion for many years, owner Stan Aldridge and his staff are continually making changes to make visitors? experiences even more special, memorable and exciting.
Located on the historic setting of the one-time working farm of William E. Scripps, it features 18 specialty stores that range from an old-fashioned candy store, The Royal Confectionary, to a celebration of different cultures, Passport to Europe, to an Antique Barn with a furniture store full of unique furnishings, to a Christmas store that keeps you in the holiday mood all year round.
‘There is something for everyone,? says Patti Abate, who with her husband, Jim Poling, owns Royal Confectionary. ‘We have a beautiful historic property that is easy and safe to navigate, with unique gift items and great food.?
And for those customers looking for a scrumptious snack or delicious dinner, they are certainly in for a treat, with some recent changes that have occurred at Canterbury.
One of those changes includes Abate and Poling taking over management of the banquet and restaurant facilities at the Castle at Canterbury, a place she says can make any person feel like royalty.
‘The Castle at Canterbury is a magical place for weddings, family gatherings, corporate events and every day dining,? Abate says. ‘Stan Aldridge and his devoted, well-trained staff would like to invite you to come and experience great food and personal service.?
In fact, if you attend Sunday Brunch, which the Castle offers from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., you may even be greeted by a costumed king or queen with whom you may have your picture taken, entertained with beautiful music or storytelling for the children.
‘Our restaurant menu has a wide-range of offerings, including delicious ribs, chicken, steak, many wonderful fresh fish and pasta dishes, but also lots of fun fair like great burgers and pizza all moderately priced,? she says, noting that brunch features a ‘fabulous display of fresh fruit, Danishes, waffles, custom omelets and a carving station at a very good value.?
The Castle at Canterbury also offers All-You-Can-Eat Pasta and Salad on Thursday nights.
‘And when you dine in our eateries, you will receive a shopping discount coupon for the Village Shops,? Abate adds.
The Castle at Canterbury is open for dining Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Castle is not your only dining options, as this month, a pub, which features Irish and Scottish d’cor and menu, will open where Wildwood Tavern formerly was.
According to Abate, the pub will be a fun, fully authentic atmosphere as owner Gordon Hyslop is Scottish. He also owns shops Highland Fling, Celtic Connection and Passport to Europe in the Village.
Hyslop has brought in an artist to do Gaelic stenciling on the walls and plans on offering outdoor seating in the summer and entertainment on the weekends.
‘The pub is the same location (as Wildwood Tavern), with a really special theme,? Abate explains, ‘and great pub food, wonderful imported beers and high-quality Scotches.?
Also, in the fall, the one-time dairy barn will reopen as an open food market that also features light fares, such as soups, pies, fresh baked goods and cider.
‘It’s light, fun, family fare for our shoppers and the community,? she adds.
Canterbury Village is located on Joslyn Road, just north of Waldon. For more information about all of the village’s wonderful offerings, call the Castle at Canterbury at (248) 391-1900. They are currently taking accepting reservations for Easter and Mother’s Day brunch.