Situated in Beamsville, this fire station was built to serve the western parts of Lincoln; it replaced Bennett Hall (also a Doors Open location). For Doors Open, the station will welcome visitors. Come and chat with the firefighters, and see their firefighting equipment – including the 1960 pumper! Also on site will be a free barbecue and bouncy castle.

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This former school was the longest-running active school in Ontario (for 182 years). The original building, destroyed by fire, was replaced with a red brick structure in 1864. This school eventually became too small for the community’s needs and was replaced by the current building – which operated as a school until 2014 when it was repurposed as Bench Brewing.

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Bennett Hall was built as a fire hall in the old village of Beamsville. James D. Bennett, a carriage and sleigh manufacturer, donated the property where it was built. The popular meeting space above the station is now home to the Beamsville Lions Club. The main level is also home to Spark Lincoln, a high-tech incubator hub servicing the community.

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Cherry Creek Greenhouses is a supplier of flowers and vegetable plants. This traditional growing facility incorporates a modern planting line, as well as the latest irrigation technology – from trough watering and drip irrigation to automated basket systems, a drive-through irrigation tunnel and cascade floor operations. Come inside and see the colours and innovations of a local, successful greenhouse operation.

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CosMic Plants is a wholesale grower, owning and operating two greenhouse locations in Beamsville. It specializes in quality potted orchids for the sophisticated floral retail industry. Their customers – mainly floral wholesalers and distributors – supply florists, garden centres and higher-end chain stores. Floral designers, event planners and interior-scapers are also among their clientele. During Doors Open, come and tour this facility.

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Hendriks Greenhouses, a well-established and respected local grower, began operations in 1953. Originally a grower of fruits and vegetables, today it grows flowers for the Canadian and American markets, focusing on high-quality products – including tropical plants, ferns and succulents. With over 22,297 square metres (240,000 square feet) of production space, this modern, high-tech growing operation is worth a visit.

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In 1865, local businessman John B. Osborne signed a “forever” lease agreement with the Township of Clinton to use the second floor of the town hall. In 1871, the lease agreement was transferred to the Ivy Lodge, which to this day occupies the space. During Doors Open Lincoln, come and enjoy a unique opportunity to see inside a masonic lodge.

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The Old Clinton Town Hall has enjoyed many uses over the years. Initially a town hall and community centre, it has also housed the Sons of Temperance Movement and the Freemasons. The main level, still run by the municipality, houses the Lincoln Museum & Cultural Centre. For Doors Open, the museum and Freemasons’ lodge will be open to the public.

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Lincoln Public Library's Vineland location is named for 19th-century businessman and philanthropist Moses F. Rittenhouse. Born in Vineland Station in 1846, Rittenhouse established the first library in Vineland in 1886. The Rittenhouse Branch was built in 1996. Step inside the building to discover the library's local history collection, including a desk from 1897 that was owned by Rittenhouse himself.

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Built of local stone, this church held its first service in 1842. The theme of the magnificent window above the altar – "the sower went forth to sow" – is fitting for a farming community. Over the years, the property has been extended. The adjoining cemetery holds the remains of notable early settlers, including members of Butler's Rangers.

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Established in the 1790s, Vineland Mennonite Cemetery is the resting place for Lincoln’s early settlers, containing many interesting stories of life – and death – in early Upper Canada. Numerous gravestones date back to the early to mid-1800s, many of which tell a story through the symbols and epitaphs carved on them. Take a trip back in time by touring this cemetery.

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The Vineland Estates Winery, located on the bench of the Niagara Escarpment, is situated in carefully restored historical buildings. The landmark stone tower stands over a former Mennonite farmhouse that dates from the 1840s. Included on the grounds is the old Carriage House and century wood barn. Come for the history but stay for a drink and a bite!

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