Each year, to celebrate the local businesses and people who make Ontario's Southwest a must-visit destination, we host the Ontario's Southwest Tourism Innovation Awards! Nominees come from Windsor to Caledonia and represent some of the best attractions to visit if you're seeking a unique and sustainable experience. 

It's time you met the winners of the 2023 Ontario's Southwest Tourism Innovation Awards!  

Twisted Lemon Restaurant and Boutique Inn, Cayuga

 

Twisted Lemon Restaurant and Boutique Inn has been a culinary cornerstone since its establishment in 2009. Their commitment to innovative flavours and their thoughtfully crafted boutique inn has earned them a reputation for excellence. At the heart of their operation lies a working garden, providing fresh produce for their culinary creations and their trademarked line of Clarity Cocktails but their impact extends far beyond their doors.

 

Twisted Lemon

 

Recently, Twisted Lemon has evolved from a restaurant/inn into a multifaceted tourism experience. From immersive brewery tours to aromatherapy classes, Twisted Lemon's offerings cater to diverse interests, ensuring an unforgettable experience for every guest.

Twisted Lemon Restaurant & Boutique Inn was honoured as the 2023 Innovator of the Year for creating these elevated and enriching experiences for visitors to Cayuga and surrounding areas. 

Coopers Hawk Vineyards, Harrow

 

Established in 2007, Coopers Hawk Vineyard has evolved into a renowned winery and tourism destination in Harrow, Ontario. Demonstrating a steadfast commitment to sustainability, the vineyard's ethos is deeply rooted in responsible tourism. 
 

Cooper's Hawk Vineyards

 

Coopers Hawk Vineyard gives back to their community through partnerships with the Windsor Essex Humane Society, Windsor Essex Children's Aid Society, Windsor Symphony Orchestra, and Windsor Junior Culinary Guild. And during the pandemic, they provided frontline workers with $45,000 in complimentary wine bottles to thank them for their service.

They've also planted over 7,000 trees, constructed wetlands, utilized compost derived from winemaking by-products, and incorporated sustainable field management practices at the winery. 

Cooper's Hawk Vineyards was celebrated as the 2023 Sustainability Trailblazer of the Year for their dedication to sustainability and community engagement. 

Shannon Prince, Curator of the Buxton National Historic Site & Museum, Chatham


The Buxton National Historic Site & Museum officially opened in 1967 as a memorial to the Elgin Settlement, which was for many the last stop on the Underground Railroad. Buxton is an important part of Black Canadian history. 

In her role as Curator of the Buxton Museum, Shannon Prince has been an important part of the museum community, leaving an enduring legacy of dedication and expertise. Throughout her tenure, Shannon played a pivotal role in the museum's growth and acclaim, earning recognition from local and international communities alike. Beyond her role as curator, Shannon's contributions to Underground Railroad research have been groundbreaking. 

Shannon Prince was recognized with the 2023 Luminary of the Year award for her dedication, expertise, and passion that has enriched the lives of countless individuals. 

Each winner of the 2023 Ontario's Southwest Tourism Innovation Awards is worth adding to your next travel itinerary! Looking for even more memory-making experiences? Browse our collection of experiences and itineraries that have been optimized for maximum fun and will set the stage for you to learn, play, and explore Ontario's Southwest.