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Monday, February 24, 2020

March Break will be magical with Disney On Ice presenting Worlds of Enchantment in Hamilton, Ontario


News Release
Toy Story fun on ice
 HAMILTON, ON – Rev up for non-stop fun with four of your favourite Disney stories when Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Enchantment comes to your hometown. This March Break, this one-of-a-kind production visits Hamilton from March 18-22/20 for 10 performances at FirstOntario Centre.



Get ready to enter a dazzling world of Disney magic, live on ice where Lightning McQueen, Mater and the crew of Disney and Pixar Cars perform high-speed stunts and race across the ice like you’ve never seen before.


Saturday, February 22, 2020

Vintage clothing popularity is "deja vu all over again" at Toronto show and Cambridge museum


   One-Tank Trip for Feb.22/20


   (c) By Jim Fox
    Postmedia Network/Sun Media web and newspapers

   It could be called a case of “deja vu all over again” as vintage clothing is the latest rage in fashion.
   Everything is groovy with the most popular attire being jeans from the 1960s, with the Levi 502 selling for $100 and a denim jacket for $90 on eBay.
Sunglasses are a favourite vintage accessory and can be found at the sale.
    Riding this wave of nostalgia is the Toronto Vintage Clothing Sale at the Queen Elizabeth Building, Exhibition Place (180 Princes Blvd.), on March 7 and 8.
   There’s also the Fashion History Museum (74 Queen St. E.) in Cambridge with a collection that spans from the 1660s with 12,000 items.
A TWA stewardess uniform, 1968-1971.

   The Toronto event features clothing from the 1920s to 1980s along with accessories, handbags, jewelry and designer vintage, with “great stuff for guys, too.”
   Show hours are March 7, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and March 8, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
   Admission is $12, cash only, and includes entrance to the Toronto Antique and Vintage Market that runs in conjunction with the show. torontovintageclothingshow.ca
   The market offers “fresh finds” and that “eye-catching antique or vintage element for your house, cottage or condo.
   These include mid-century modern furnishings, farmhouse chic, vintage advertising, groovy vinyl records, retro barware, cottage/lodge furniture, silver accents and fine jewelry.

Monday, February 17, 2020

Get your motor running to auto shows in Toronto and Detroit


   One-Tank Trip for Feb.15/20

   (c) By Jim Fox
    Postmedia Network/Sun Media

   It’s show time as that new car smell permeates auto shows in Toronto and Detroit.
   For big kids and auto aficionados, there’s the “world’s most-exclusive and expensive Bugatti –
La Voiture Noire.
   It makes its debut at the Canadian International AutoShow on now through Feb. 23 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
   For little ones, the show has Disney and Pixar vehicles, along with one of the largest indoor remote-controlled car test tracks.

There’s lots of glitter and glitz in Detroit at the Charity Preview. (Jim Fox)
   Over in Detroit, the wheels are in motion as the North American International Auto Show said goodbye to the dead of winter and launches as an early summer show from June 13 to 20.
   In these times of evolutionary change in the auto industry, Toronto’s show features1,000 cars, trucks, SUVs, concepts, exotics, classics, muscle cars, fully electric and autonomous vehicles.

Friday, February 14, 2020

Celebrate Family Day (2020) with Ontario Parks

(News Release from Ontario Parks)
Family Day weekend Feb. 15 to 17, 2020 activities around the province

Family Day is a great opportunity for outdoor adventures. Provincial parks across Ontario will host events all weekend long to help families make great memories.

  • Algonquin Provincial Park’s Winter in the Wild will feature indoor and outdoor events at various locations along the Highway 60 corridor. Events include guided bird walks, guest speakers, guided snowshoe excursions, skating, winter camping demos, marshmallow roasting, and a special evening program.
  • The Visitor Centre at Rondeau Provincial Park will be open from Saturday to Monday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. On Saturday, visitors can meet local artists, experience traditional dancing and storytelling, enjoy a light lunch and treats, and roast marshmallows around a campfire.

A full list of events from February 15-17 is available on the Ontario Parks website.

Romantic Valentine’s Day getaways still available

Sunday, February 9, 2020

Three Princess Cruises' Love Boats host renewal of vows at sea

Full feature is on our companion site, Out to Sea

https://outtoseatravel.blogspot.com/2020/02/three-princess-cruises-love-boats-host.html


Three Princess Cruises' Love Boats host renewal of vows at sea for Valentine's, Guiness World Record bid 

 Out to Sea for Feb. 8/20

   (c) By Jim and Barb Fox
   Postmedia Network/Sun Media newspapers and websites
   For those hopelessly romantic, the cruise line famous for the “love boats” has just the thing this Valentine’s.
   There will be a mass renewal of vows in ceremonies taking place simultaneously on the top deck of three Princess cruise ships.
   They’ll try to set a Guinness World Record for the largest multi-location vow renewal.
Vow renewals will take place for Valentine’s on three Princess ships.
    “The overall goal to break the record on all three ships is 1,202 or more,” said publicist Gabby McNamara.

Friday, February 7, 2020

Think outside the box of chocolates this Valentine’s Day


Make a real connection with your partner with these unique date night ideas

(News Release)

Valentine's Day is a time for couples who are looking for a little something different for the big day.

“For those who want to focus on the connection with their partner, Naan & Kabob has put together a list of great options for Torontonians to check out this year,” said publicist Kaley Steward of Enterprise Canada.

TORONTO, ON (February 2020) - Whether it’s the first date or the 50th, couples are always on the hunt for something different to try on date night — especially on the most romantic day of the year.

Date night should be more than grabbing a drink or watching the latest movie. While those are great options – especially during our cold winters in Ontario –an afternoon or night out where you’re really able to connect with your date is a must, whether it’s with a long-term squeeze or a new partner.

“Making time to spend with your partner is so important for a happy, healthy relationship,” says Fahim Ahmadi, Director of Operations for Naan & Kabob. “Exploring new locations or attractions is a great way to spend some quality time together while discovering hidden gems throughout the city!”

Come out and play at the 2020 Canadian International AutoShow


(News Release)

TORONTO, Ont. — The Canadian International AutoShow is always a family affair.

Besides the multitude of family vehicles found across the show floors in the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, recent years have seen special exhibits and presentations geared specifically towards families with young children.

This year, the young ones can see some of their favourite Disney and Pixar vehicles in person, along with one of the largest indoor remote-controlled car demonstration test tracks and one of Canada’s leading toy retailers.

“Families are a vitally important segment for the automotive industry, and the AutoShow takes pride in creating a show that caters to car enthusiasts of all ages,” says Jason Campbell, General Manager of the AutoShow. “We have had great response to our family features in recent years, and this year’s program will be sure to delight the little ones.”

The best winter activities are a short drive from the Greater Toronto Area


Explore Elora’s cool winter activities

People who want to shake off cabin fever as Ontario’s deep freeze hits its mid-season stride can embrace some one-of-a-kind winter experiences just a short drive from the Greater Toronto Area in picturesque Elora.

“The historic village perched on a scenic gorge overlooking the Grand River offers a variety of activities and attractions that help visitors celebrate all that’s fun and exciting about Canada in winter,” said publicist Stephen Murdoch.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:


Ice climbing in the Elora Gorge
Adventurous types looking to get outdoors and make the most of the season before the warmer weather arrives can scale a wall of sheer ice on the face of the famous Elora Gorge. The 20-metre high, man-made ice wall is open to experienced climbers and beginners, who can learn the ropes of ice climbing from experts with tour operator One Axe Pursuits. One Axe staff provide lessons on the basics of ice climbing – including how to use axes and crampons to dig into the ice for traction – before climbers tackle the ice wall. The length of the season depends on the weather, but it typically last at least until the end of March.

☃️Chef Ryan Crawford of Backhouse shakes things up at the Snow Globe Soiree



Backhouse brings the feast to the brink of the Falls
Enjoy world-class wines and a delicious three-course meal prepared by one of Niagara’s most celebrated chefs while taking in an unforgettable Falls view from inside your very own Snow Globe.

Chef Ryan Crawford of Backhouse in Niagara-on-the-Lake joins us this weekend while Chef Ray Sygeco of Incoho closes out the Soiree on Valentine's Day weekend from February 13-16 (2020).

Sunday, February 2, 2020

We're all working for the weekend, with a special program from Tourism Toronto


   One-Tank Trip for Feb. 1/20

   (c) By Jim Fox

   Can’t wait until the weekend?
   It will be worth it as Tourism Toronto has a program of touristy options to make the most of your down time.
   Called “Spotlight Weekends,” the tourism campaign is on now for the next four weekends through March 1.
   “It puts a spotlight on winter and encourages visitors to get out and do more,” said Menisha Moses of Tourism Toronto.
   The winter experience highlights “the city's celebrated and vibrant arts and culture scene, our vast selection of culinary experiences and top attractions and tours,” she added.
Visit the Bata Shoe Museum to see Marilyn Monroe’s “sexy, red leather stiletto-heeled shoes.” (Jim Fox photo)
   The campaign includes two-for-one admissions and special offers over four Spotlight Weekends that provide “visitors and locals the opportunity to explore, discover and enjoy the city all winter long.”
   In collaboration with the program, there are special offers at some of Toronto’s top attractions, museums, theatres, tours and live performances.
   This includes the CN Tower, Canadian Stage, Casa Loma, Crow’s Theatre, Culinary Adventure Co., Go Tours, Ontario Science Centre, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada and the Toronto Zoo among more.
One of Toronto’s most popular attractions is the CN Tower. (Jim Fox photo)
   In recent years, Toronto has seen an increase in winter activities and events with new ways to enjoy the season.