Fit Chicks and hookers gather for good times

   One-Tank Trip for Feb. 16/13

   (c) By Jim Fox

   Sorry guys, these first two one-tank trips are for “fit chicks” and “hookers” only.

   The Fit Chicks’ bootcamp is returning to Horseshoe Resort near Barrie for a “fit-and-fierce” weekend.

The action-packed, all-girls Fit and Fierce weekend is set for Horseshoe Resort from March 1 to 3.

   And, hookers – rug hookers, that is – will gather for a weekend getaway at Brentwood on the Beach near Grand Bend.

   Shake your tail feather

   “How would you like to shed flab, drop inches and tighten and tone your squishy spots (abs, butt, arms and thighs), all while meeting other fab chicks in your ‘hood’?”

   Sound inviting? Then check out the all-girls Fit and Fierce weekend at Horseshoe from March 1 to 3.

   Since the gym is “so last season,” this health-and-wellness retreat includes an action-packed itinerary, healthy meals and more, said Horseshoe Skyline Resorts’ publicist Kate Hillyar.

   Horseshoe and Fit Chicks, one of Canada’s top fitness and lifestyle companies, have teamed up to promote this “Livin’ la Vida Fit Chick” event.

   The weekend getaway includes two nights’ accommodation at the newly renovated Inn at Horseshoe and a specially-designed itinerary that’s guaranteed to get participants moving and motivated.

   They will enjoy a Fit Chick-approved menu and robust itinerary of activities and workshops including bootcamp, Zumba, yoga, a guided snowshoe hike and nutrition and wellness sessions.

   There’s also the Japanese-inspired Shizen Spa for a respite after a workout and a full roster of winter activities.

   “Fit Chicks is about being your best self – physically, emotionally and spiritually – and Horseshoe Resort is a great match for our high-octane retreat,” said Laura Jackson, co-founder and “head chick.”

   It costs $399/chick based on double occupancy. fitchicks.ca/retreats; 1-877-F1-CHICK

   Hookers and hobbyists

   There are “lots of hookers out there,” so here’s a weekend just for them, said Laurel Armstrong, Huron County tourism consultant.

Marjorie Duizer is the organizer and instructor at the rug-hooking retreats.

   She was referring to the Hooks 'n Books Weekend Retreat at Brentwood on the Beach from April 5 to 7.

   Brentwood is a luxury bed and breakfast inn on Lake Huron in Zurich where rug hookers and other hobbyists will gather for “fun, laughter, friendship, hooking and stitching.”

This is a rug hooking created by Marjorie Duizer who organizes the retreats.

   There will also be readings by authors Janet Bolin, Darlene Coddlefield and Yvonne Reynolds, and illustrator Patti Armstrong.

   The package includes two nights’ accommodation and meals for $300, based on double occupancy.

   Brentwood is also hosting a Girlfriend’s Spa Getaway from Feb. 22 to 24. brentwoodonthebeach.com; (519) 236-7137

   High flying women

   Calling all women and girls interested in aviation.

   Women in Aviation Week will be marked on March 9 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Tillsonburg Regional Airport with free flights.

   Local pilots are providing the flights at no charge “to give women a chance to explore aviation and its opportunities.” Rain date is March 10. tillsonburgairport.ca; (519) 842-2929

   Spring’s around the corner?

The International Home and Garden Show blooms earlier this year, Feb. 21 to 24, at the International Centre.

   Get a jump on spring at the 25th Annual International Home and Garden Show, held earlier this year from Feb. 21 to 24 at the International Centre (6900 Airport Rd.) in Mississauga.

   This will allow consumers “to get their gardening and renovation plans underway sooner,” said show manager Paul Newdick.

   There will be some 400 exhibitors with everything in agriculture, horticulture, indoor and outdoor decor, design ideas, heating and cooling systems, electrical gadgets, doors and windows, home-remodelling tools and eco-friendly products.

   There will also be about 50 seminars and demonstrations by industry experts.

   Included in admission is access to the Annual Ontario Horticulture Association’s Floral Design and Plant Competition.

   Hours are from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., except closing on Feb. 24 at 6 p.m.

   Tickets are $15 (two for $25 on-line); $12, seniors and ages nine to 17; free to age eight. Free parking. internationalhomeandgardenshow.ca

   Sweet!

   Get a free sneak peak and barbecue at Kinsmen Fanshawe Sugar Bush (21201-C Lakeside Drive) in Thorndale on Family Day Monday.

   The Kinsmen Club of Greater London is hosting the event from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

   It includes a walk through the woods, information about maple-syrup making and a serving of “mouth-watering pancakes dripping with warm maple syrup.” Sugar bush events run the first four weekends of March and the school break week. kinsmenfanshawesugarbush.com; (519) 461-1073

    Snow job

   Back by popular demand is SnowFest on Family Day at the Caledon Fairgrounds near Orangeville.

   Events include snowshoeing and dog-sledding demos, horse-drawn sleigh rides, ice sculptures and a children’s snow-castle competition, plus a “chilly” cook-off.

   Volunteer firefighters will take part in a winter Olympic-style competition and there will be a hockey showdown and public skating on the outdoor rink.

   There’s free admission to the event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Highway 10 just south of Highway 24 in Caledon Village. snowfestcaledon.ca

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Jim Fox can be reached at onetanktrips@hotmail.com

For more One-Tank Trips: http://1tanktrips.blogspot.ca