Fat bikes, Willie says, head for the hills

   One-Tank Trip for Jan. 31/15

   (c) By Jim Fox

   Just as a furry rodent named Willie is about to predict whether we’ll endure – or enjoy – more winter, activities to embrace the season are in full swing.

   This includes fat bikes on snowy trails, downhill skiing/snowboarding combined with a luxury hotel stay and fine dining at Casino Rama, and snowshoeing and fondue.

   Hit the trails

   Ride Guides has taken its popular mountain bike program and extended it with “fat bikes” on winter trails at Horseshoe Valley near Barrie.

Ride Guides offers guided rides on “fat bikes” on winter trails at Horseshoe Valley.

   “Everyone is very curious to try fat biking,” said Sara Archer, operations manager and guide.

   These are bicycles with over-sized tires and wide rims designed for riding on soft unstable terrain such as snow and sand.

Let's eat! Winterlicious and Chinese New Year's feasts are a treat in Toronto

   One-Tank Trip for Jan. 24/15

  

   (c) By Jim Fox

   It’s time for some good eating in Toronto during Winterlicious and a feast to mark the Chinese New Year.

   Come and get it at Winterlicious, with “prix fixe” dining specials at 210 restaurants from Jan. 30 to Feb. 12.

   This year’s 13th annual event welcomes 25 new participants with a wide variety of cuisines.

Toula Restaurant & Bar in the Westin Harbour Castle, taking part in Winterlicious, has tables with a view of downtown Toronto and Lake Ontario.

   Included are Haitian and Ethiopian meals and first-timers such as America Restaurant in the Trump International Tower; Bindia Indian Bistro; Cluny; Luckee by Susur Lee; La Creole; and Pero Restaurant, said Anastasia Saradoc of Toronto’s Special Events office.

It's auto showtime in Detroit while big trucks jam and boats shine in Toronto

   One-Tank Trip for Jan. 10/15

  (c) By Jim Fox

   They’re putting on the glitz in Detroit while in Toronto, there’s a party in the pits at “Monster Jam” and others will savour a taste of summer.

   It’s show time as that “new car smell” permeates the lavishly expanded Cobo Center in Detroit at the party of the year – the Charity Preview of the North American International Auto Show next Friday (Jan. 16).

Writer Jim Fox checks out a Porsche Boxster at the auto show Charity Preview in Detroit. (Barbara Fox photo)

    That’s when thousands of formally clad auto aficionados admire and even fondle the latest models in the “Motor City.”

   This high-society event is a prelude to the public days from Jan. 17 to 25, featuring more than 750 new cars and trucks.

   The auto industry – especially in Detroit – is enjoying resurgence after the dark days of the global recession only a few years ago.

   “It’s all part of a positive new energy and exciting new vibe that’s prevalent in the city and in our industry,” said Scott LaRiche, show chairman.

   For the sneak preview with about 50 new vehicle unveilings, some 15,000 people will pay $400 US each to attend the three-hour black-tie affair.

   They’ll sip complimentary champagne – thousands of bottles of the bubbly – wash down hors d’oeuvres and be entertained by the Steve Miller Band.

Striking a pose with a $235,000 Bentley at the North American International Auto Show gala. (Jim Fox photo)

   While strutting their stuff, the attendees will slip behind the wheel of some of the world’s most exotic vehicles and pose for photos.

Gordon Lightfoot, Kenny Rogers, Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy, along with the Monkees, to perform at Casino Rama

Announcing new concert additions to the 2015 event line-up

RAMA, ON (Monday, January 12, 2015) – Casino Rama is thrilled to announce the return of Canadian folk legend Gordon Lightfoot for a one-night performance as part of the newly announce Spring 2015 event and concert line-up in the renowned Entertainment Centre.

 

Gordon Lightfoot

Other highlights will include performances by country superstar Kenny Rogers and it’ll be a family affair on stage when two of Canada’s most celebrated fiddlers take the stage – Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy.

The just announced additions to the 2015 concert line-up include:

Stand-up comedian and TV host Craig Ferguson returns to Caesars Windsor's colosseum stage March 19

Windsor, ON – Caesars Windsor is proud to welcome back the wit and hilarity of the award-winning stand-up comic, writer, actor and TV host, Craig Ferguson at 8 pm on Thursday, March 19.

Scottish-born Ferguson is well known for his character as Nigel Wick from the long-running sitcom The Drew Carey Show and as the decade-long host of The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, which recently ended this past December in a memorable finale. 

During his time with the show, Ferguson was known and loved for veering off the typical late night talk show formula including going off-script, discarding interview prep cards, and performing candid monologues about his personal life. He has also released two Grammy nominated comedy albums Best Spoken Word and Best Comedy.

 Ferguson continues to entertain and tour North America with his unique brand of comedy that is a perfect blend of dry wit, silliness, cleverness and fraught with personal anecdotes.

Gilligan’s Island sweetheart “Mary Ann” cruises to Toronto for a “Three Day Tour, a Three Day Tour”

2015 TORONTO INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW

January 10-18, Direct Energy Centre

Hundreds of new products to be unveiled, Discover Boating’s National Hands-On Skills Training Program, Winter Wake Fest, Wild & Wacky Water Ski Show,

and New Boater Welcome Centre

(Toronto, ON) – The summer season kicks-off at the 57^th Annual Toronto International Boat Show!

With more than a million square feet of showroom, the Boat Show is bringing a boatload of fun to visitors this year with returning popular activities such as wakeboarding, Winter Wake Fest and free boat rides on the world’s largest indoor lake, Henry’s Fish House, Kids’ Fishing Zone and tips from Canada’s fishing experts on how to hook, line and sinker at the Great Canadian Fish Tank. 

PLUS there are more than 1,000 boats to see and board, shopping among hundreds of innovative products ranging from state-of-the-art boat engines to navigational technology, and the latest marine gadgets and accessories to hit the market -- many making their Canadian debut at North America’s largest indoor boat show.

NEW features include a special opening weekend appearance by Dawn Wells, who played the beloved character “Mary Ann” on Gilligan’s Island, waterskiing and tubing on The Lake, a New Boater Welcome Centre located at the entrance to Mariners Marketplace, more than 200 new seminars, and for the first time at the Toronto Boat Show, Discover Boating’s Hands-On Skills Training, a national program that aims to educate Canadians to become confident and safe boaters.

Embracing winter at Ontario Parks

   One-Tank Trip for Jan. 3/15

   (c) By Jim Fox

   Once winter weather finally arrives and sticks around, Ontario Parks are ready for the challenge.

   “Summer campers love Ontario Parks, but many have never experienced their favourite park in winter,” said Lori Waldbrook, senior marketing specialist.

Having fun in the snow at Ontario Parks. (Ontario Parks photos)

   Nineteen provincial parks are open with cross-country ski trails while 13 have groomed or track-set trails and eight offer comfortable roofed accommodation.

   There are designated snowshoe trails in many parks and some have skating and tubing, too.

   Three parks will host ski loppets, another will have an annual snowshoe race and at least five plan to mark Family Day weekend next month with special events.

   Here are tips to help visitors plan their own exotic park adventure this winter as suggested by Waldbrook and publicist Judy Hammond.

Hit the slopes with exclusive Ski Concierge service at the Westin Trillium House, Blue Mountain

Service available to guests at the hotel for just $15 per person

BLUE MOUNTAIN, Ontario -- Ski season has arrived in Ontario making it the perfect time to escape for an energizing weekend away at The Westin Trillium House, Blue Mountain.

This winter, guests can enjoy an exclusive offer to access a personalized Ski Concierge to get you set for the slopes in the comfort of your guest room.

Guests who book the offer will enjoy a visit from the ski concierge before taking to the hill, who will equip guests with all the right gear based on their needs whether a beginner to the sport or just travelling light.

The Ski Rental Concierge will arrive at the guest’s room to gather sizes for all the equipment needed. The equipment including boots, jackets, helmets, gloves, and goggles will be delivered shortly after the fitting session with skis and snowboards will be ready for pickup at the Ski Valet near the Blue Mountain rentals at the base of the trail.

Anne Frank House exhibit coming to Stratford this year

The Stratford Perth Museum has been selected to be the venue for a new travelling exhibit from the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam from June to October 2015. The exhibit coincides with the Stratford Festival’s presentation of The Diary of Anne Frank at the Avon Theatre. 

Travelling exhibits developed by the Anne Frank House have been shown in more than 80 countries since 1985, from Japan to South Africa.

Telling the story of Anne Frank, a Jewish girl who had to go into hiding during the Second World War to escape the Nazis, this exhibit prompts young people to reflect on today’s society. New content examining the role Canadian soldiers played during the Second World War and in liberating Holland in 1945 will be presented for the first time.

Get out and get wild at the Toronto Zoo

Now through Sunday, January 4th The kids are on holiday break so why not enjoy some family time at the Toronto Zoo. With over 10K of scenic walking trails, indoor and exotic pavilions, animal encounters and more the Toronto Zoo is the place to be this holiday season! Join us for: Daily animal encounters in our Panda Interpretive Centre at 11am and 2pm* Visit our new indoor giraffe house, Meet our new penguin chicks, Check out the newly opened Eurasia Wilds Happy Holidays from our WILD family to yours!

2015 Maple Leaf Monster Jam Tour set for Toronto

(News Release)

DESCRIPTION: Monster Jam® is the most exciting form of family motorsports entertainment on the planet and is coming to Toronto on Jan. 17 and 18 at the Rogers Centre.
 

Grave Digger

The stars of the show are the biggest performers on four wheels: the Monster Jam trucks! The twelve-feet-tall, 10,000-lb. machines will bring you to your feet, racing and ripping up a custom-designed track full of obstacles to soar over - OR smash through.

The 2015 touring season brings more Monster Jam excitement providing entertainment tailored perfectly for your family's budget, and these colourful, larger-than-life beasts are sure to capture the attention of both young and old.

Fans will have the chance to see Cam McQueen, Northern Nightmare Driver & Monster Jam 2012 Monster Jam World FinalsSM Freestyle Champion bring it big behind the wheel of Canada’s first and very own Monster Jam Truck!