In a move to promote shopping close to home and investing in the local economy, Cobourg’s tourism department Experience Cobourg has launched the “Little Book of Summer Perks.”
The inaugural edition of the little book features coupons, discounts, and offers totalling more than $250 in savings at local shops, eateries, and attractions all summer long. Books are available to purchase for $3.
“We are excited about this project here in Cobourg,” Jackie Chapman Davis, manager of culture, events and tourism, told kawarthaNOW. “The Little Book of Summer Perks is designed to do more than offer great deals — it’s a direct investment in our local economy.”
From an economic development perspective, the 2025 edition aims to increase visibility, foot traffic, and revenue for Cobourg’s small businesses by giving both residents and visitors “extra motivation” to explore, spend, and support local, Chapman Davis said.
“The hope is that each coupon redemption strengthens the connection between our community and the entrepreneurs who make it thrive, leading to long-term customer loyalty and a stronger local economy.”
She said the 2025 edition carries added significance. With ongoing recovery from pandemic disruptions, the rising costs affecting small businesses, and economic uncertainty caused by the U.S. trade war, “it’s more important than ever to support our local economy.”
“This book represents a broader cross-section of Cobourg’s downtown and surrounding commercial areas. It’s also part of a larger push to re-engage both locals and tourists, encouraging them to rediscover what’s right in their backyard.”
While purchasing and using the Little Book of Summer Perks is a small act, Chapman Davis added, it will have a big impact.
“Every time someone redeems a coupon, they’re helping a local business succeed. It’s an easy and affordable way for the public to give back, show support, and get more value from their summer.”
The book also encourages people to explore various shops, services, or restaurants they might not have tried otherwise.
“It’s a fun way to connect with the community and make the most of the season,” Chapman Davis said.
She noted the goal is for the book to become an annual offering in Cobourg.
“We hope it becomes a much-anticipated seasonal tradition — one that locals look forward to and businesses proudly participate in. It will continue to evolve in design, content, and reach, but the core mission will remain the same: support local, strengthen community, and celebrate the seasons in Cobourg.”
The Little Book of Perks is available for purchase at the Victoria Hall customer service desk, the Cobourg Marina, the campground office at Victoria Park, and the Cobourg beach information kiosk (during hours of operation).
The businesses participating in the 2025 Little Book of Summer Perks are listed below.
- All Creatures Cobourg
- Arthur’s Pub
- Black Cat
- Boston Pizza Cobourg
- Burnham Family Farm Market
- Cobourg Farmers’ Market
- Cultivate Festival
- Dominos Pizza
- Experience Cobourg Bike Rentals
- Eye2Eye Film Festival
- Hardy’s Cobourg
- Hunter’s Holy Dough
- Kawartha Dairy
- Kawartha Vision Care
- Leguan
- Lolly Gags
- Nessie’s British Shop
- Northumberland Vintage Show
- Readers’ Nook
- Sleep Made Simple
- Soul-sa Time
- Spark Toys
- Taps & Corks on King
- Ten Thousand Villages
- Tezca
- The Whispering Oak
- Tuscan Wolf Pizzeria
- Victoria Park Campground
