Scenic Elora and Fergus are hits on Instagram

   One-Tank Trip for July 6/19

   (c) By Jim Fox

   In years gone by, family and friends would gather around a slide projector to experience the latest holiday trip.

   Aside from trying to look interested, problems would crop up such as slides upside down and backwards, jamming and even the projector light bulb burning out in mid-trip.

   Instagram has changed all that as the photo and video-sharing social networking service highlights trip photos including who was there and, yes, showing what everyone was eating – at all meals.

Popular for adventurers, the Elora Gorge is one of the most spectacular natural areas in the Grand River Valley.

    “Scrolling through Instagram, people often find themselves stricken with a serious case of wanderlust,” said publicist Stephen Murdoch of Enterprise Canada.

   They dream of trekking to exotic destinations around the globe as “travel influencers and enthusiasts are constantly capturing mesmerizing shots and sharing captivating candids sure to make their followers jealous,” he added.

   Murdoch has found the “top 10 places heating up on Instagram” are in Elora-Fergus, picturesque spots northwest of Guelph.

   “Instagram may have you daydreaming about being whisked away, but luckily you do not have to travel far to snag the perfect selfie,” he said.

Elora and Fergus are known for their 19th-century limestone architecture.

    These villages have been drawing crowds looking to travel off the beaten path and up their insta-game with lust-worthy photos tagged #Elora Fergus,” Murdoch added.

   With a population of about 7,800, the towns bustle with natural beauty, boutiques, fine dining, galleries and artist studios along with the spectacular Elora Gorge in the Grand River valley.

   Years ago, A.J. Casson, renowned painter with the Group of Seven, called this “Ontario’s most-beautiful village.”

   It’s a busy summer as the clans gather for the Fergus Scottish Festival & Highland Games from Aug. 9 to 11.

There will be a gathering of the clans for the Fergus Scottish Festival & Highland Games.

    Riverfest Elora is a celebration of music, food, community and art on the banks of the Grand River in Bissell Park, Aug. 16-18.

   Instagram hot spots

   Here’s a list of the top places in Elora and Fergus heating up on Instagram:

    - Templin Gardens: With carved stone archways, parapet walls and tiered landscape gardens that lead down to the Grand River, this historic landmark offers an original backdrop for those looking to capture a covetable photo.

   - Lover’s Leap: Found just outside Victoria Park in Elora, this lookout provides photographers natural lighting and a stunning view where the Grand and Irvine gorges converge.

   - Elora Mill Hotel & Spa: This historic mill overlooks thundering falls and is an iconic landmark in the heart of the community for175 years.

   - The Tall Man: For “an incredible photo,” this art is titled “Who’s in Charge” and is a finger-pointing fixture in downtown Elora, one of many art features for posing.

   - Elora Quarry: One of the most popular places, this is called “the perfect place for people looking to cool off and take plenty of nature-inspired selfies.”

There’s lots of wet summer fun at the Elora Gorge.

    - Elora Gorge has scenic overlooks and riverside trails providing a spectacular view of natural rapids.

   - Irvine Street Bridge (David Street Bridge), visible from Victoria Park in Elora, this is one of the most popular views from the river below surrounded by trees and limestone cliffs.

    - The Seven Doors: Located on Metcalf Street in downtown Elora, this provides “a pop of colour and an eclectic feel for a next-level Instagram selfie.”

   - The Wellington County Museum and Archives, housed in a former poorhouse, this dates back to 1877 as a National Historic Site that tells the stories of the people and places of Wellington County.

   If you go

   Plan your visit with Elora & Fergus Tourism, elorafergus.ca; 1-877-242-6353

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   Jim Fox can be reached at onetanktrips@hotmail.com

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