Cottage country escapes fuelled by baby boomers

   One-Tank Trip for March 24/12

   (c) By Jim Fox

   Why wait for summer – do it now – since the weather can’t get much better.

   Across “cottage country,” owners are heading out to open up the place much earlier than usual with the arrival of summer-like weather.

   Would-be cottage buyers are scouring the countryside for that perfect dream place by the lake – largely fuelled by baby boomers looking for their retirement escape.

   Cisco watches for loons as the sun sets over another great day at the cottage on Bass Lake. (Jim Fox photo)

Snowbird sightings across Ontario as weather is for the birds

   One-Tank Trip for March 17/12

  

   (c) By Jim Fox

   This weather is for the birds.

   Just as the swallows are returning to San Juan Capistrano, the swans are headed back to the Avon River, waterfowl are frolicking in Presqu'ile Bay and tundra swans are making pit stops at Jack Miner’s place and North Lambton.

Swans take part in a musical march to the Avon River from their winter quarters. (Stratford Tourism Alliance)

  

Sappy time of year with maple syrup festivals

   One-Tank Trip for March 10/12

   (c) By Jim Fox

   It’s time to get sappy again.

   Maple syrup madness is in full swing across Southern Ontario, with the earliest tapping for sap in history thanks to Mother Nature.

   Enjoy a sweet treat down on the farm in the Woodstock area or take in maple syrup festivals in Elmira, London and other locales.

Eric Boyar (left), owner/chef at Six Thirty Nine, and Michael Davies, executive chef at the Elm Hurst Inn and Spa, with Mary Jakeman picking up maple syrup for their special March menus. (Oxford Tourism)

  

The Jacksons set to Rock Rama in June

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jackie, Jermaine, Randy, Marlon & Tito, The Jacksons To Rock Rama

Casino Rama announces new concerts for 2012 concert season

RAMA, ON (Tuesday, March 12, 2011) – Sometimes a performer only needs one name, but when you see these five together – Jackie, Jermaine, Randy, Marlon & Tito – there can be no mistaking the First Family of Music THE JACKSONS are in the house!  Don’t miss a chance to see these iconic Motown brothers perform their infectious brand of funky pop & soul live on June 20^th.

The Jacksons

Summer Tour 2012

Wednesday, June 20

SHOWTIME: 8 PM, DOORS OPEN: 7 PM

Tickets are $45/$55

Iconic Motown legends, The Jacksons (Jackie, Jermaine, Randy, Marlon & Tito), will be sharing the unforgettable songs of the Jackson 5 on their worldwide tour this summer.  Their hits include: “ABC”, I Want You Back”, “I’ll Be There” & “The Love You Save”.

Day-tripping to Ontario milestone events

   One-Tank Trip for March 3/12

   (c) By Jim Fox

   This is the year for milestone events including the 100th anniversary of Sunshine Sketches by Stephen Leacock, the Stratford Shakespeare Festival’s 60th and the 45-year-old Mennonite Quilt Auction.

   Make plans now to attend special activities to mark these significant events.

   Sunshine sketches

   It was a century ago that Leacock penned Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town that put Orillia – make that Mariposa – on the map.

Visitors can view the property where Stephen Leacock wrote Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town 100 years ago. (Photo by Jim Fox)