Vikings loot on display at ROM in Toronto; don't step on these Elvis shoes

   One-Tank Trip for Nov. 25-17

   (c) By Jim Fox

   The Vikings – those seafaring and raiding Norse warriors who became feared throughout Europe – have returned to Canada after more than 1,000 years.

   The largest collection of Viking artifacts from Scandinavia, particularly Norway, is on display for the first time in North America at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) in Toronto now through April 2.

The Vikings have landed at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto. (ROM composite photo by Marshall Gonz)

   This is said to offer a “fresh perspective” on the ancient culture that counters myths and perceptions about the Norse people and this period of history.

   Visitors will be “surprised” by the new and unexpected interpretation of the Vikings, as not only seafaring warriors, but a people who built a rich and varied culture, said Josh Basseches, ROM director and ceo.

Take a spin through Metro Detroit like an auto baron; enjoy seasonal treats

    One-Tank Trip for Nov. 18-17

   (c) By Jim Fox

   DETROIT – You can “spend the holidays like an auto baron” and get a taste of what life was like at a grand estate in the 1920s.

   The Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau is sending out an invitation to tour Meadowbrook Hall, an elegant 110-room, Tudor Revival mansion.

   As well, don’t miss the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House adorned in holiday decor and welcoming visitors in from the cold.

An edible Gingerbread Village is among the seasonal decorations at Henry Ford’s historic Dearborn Inn. (Barbara Fox photo)

    The historic Meadowbrook, lavishly decorated for the season, was built by Matilda Dodge Wilson, widow of auto pioneer John Dodge, and second husband Alfred Wilson.

   It was constructed between 1926 and 1929 and is especially renowned for its craftsmanship, architectural detailing and grand scale covering 88,000 square-feet.

   Visitors can tour the rooms of the great estate in suburban Rochester and then take the Holiday Walk, Nov. 24 to Dec. 23, down Candy Cane Lane to the land of “Santa & Sweets.” Details: meadowbrookhall.org

Seasons Christmas Show kicks off the holiday season with more handmade gifts and creative workshops

Friday, November 17 - Sunday, November 19, 2017

• More than 300 exhibitors with holiday decor, gifts and food
• Stage appearances and workshops with Cityline style expert Lynn Spence, Taste of the Country’s Danielle French, Makeful baker Adjoa Duncan and celebrity florist Kate Seaver
• Biggest-ever Makeful Market offers beautiful, hand-crafted items from more than 80 local makers

@seasonschristmasshow

(MISSISSAUGA, November 1, 2017) - The Seasons Christmas Show is sweetening its tradition as the official kick-off to holiday shopping and decorating this year by increasing its marketplace of local artisans and its lineup of inspirational DIY workshops. With over 300 exhibitors and a mainstage program packed with celebrity decorating and style experts, Seasons has been a go-to holiday destination for over a decade. This year, the show promises even more beautiful, unique holiday gift shopping, festive music and inspiring ideas to get visitors in the holiday spirit all weekend long.

Also new this year, Santa himself will be on hand at the Seasons Christmas Show for a limited time each day to chat and take selfies or family pics with visitors. Santa will visit the show on Friday from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

2017 Seasons Christmas Show Highlights:

Award-winning Canadian R&B diva Jully Black in concert Nov. 17 (2017) at Stratford’s Revival House

NEWS RELEASE

 Stratford, ON (November 6, 2017) – String Bone Presents! Canadian, award-winning, R&B-soul songstress Jully Black in an intimate and unplugged concert on November 17, 2017 in the warm confines of Stratford’s Revival House. The concert starts at 8:00 pm.

Multi-dimensional Jully Black is a longstanding name in Canada's R&B scene with her unique musical style known as “new Motown” which comprises both retro and modern beats. Described by critics as “dazzling tinges of grooving soul and a heavy layer of pure, crisp R&B,” Jully Black’s sound and talent never ceases to amaze critics and fans alike who keep coming back for more.

You know a song's a hit when you hear it almost anywhere – on the radio, in the mall, and you subconsciously hum it – and Jully Black has a long list of such memorable tunes, including:

·         Seven Day Fool (10 best Canadian R&B songs ever per CBC music)

·         Until I Stay

·         Running

·         Queen

·         Sweat Of Your Brow

·         Stay The Night

·         I Travelled

·         Time of Your Life

·         Lovin' You

Hit the road for Florida where deals await Canadians

   One-Tank Trip for Nov. 11-17

   (c) By Jim Fox

    For Postmedia Network/Sun Media newspapers, websites

   Get your motor runnin' and head out on the highway.

   That refrain by Steppenwolf is a common one for thousands of Ontarians who are doing just that en route to their winter playground in the sun.

   The annual migration of the so-called “Snowbirds” to the sun-drenched environs of the “Sunshine State” is under way.

Another beautiful winter day in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Jim Fox photo)

   Writer Dave Hunter, the authority on the I-75 expressway to the sun, is back with an internet-updated guidebook for the 20-plus-hour, “one-tank-a-day” trip to Florida.

   As well, while expressing his “love” for Canadians, Florida Governor Rick Scott was in Toronto recently to launch a discount program for visitors from the north.

Here a moo, there a moo all at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair

    One-Tank Trip for Nov. 4/17

  

   (c) By Jim Fox

   (Postmedia Network/Sun Media)

   There are more animals than at Old MacDonald’s Farm as the country has come to the big city for the next week.

   Yes, there’s a moo, moo here, oink, oink there along with a quack, quack, neigh, neigh, baa, baa and cluck, cluck at the 95th Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto.

   It’s time to get your boots polished and saddle up for the big show this weekend through Nov. 12 at Exhibition Place.

Ride ‘em cowboy at the Royal’s rodeo on Nov. 12. (Photos by Ben Radvanyi)

   “Since its humble beginnings 95 years ago, the Royal has grown into a beloved Toronto tradition and an arena of excellence for culinary arts, agriculture and equine sport,” said Charlie Johnstone, chief executive officer.