Spring has sprung in Drumbo; Keeping Warm at the Woodstock Museum

   One-Tank Trip for Jan. 25/20

   (c) By Jim Fox

See and smell the crocuses in bloom.

   Fast forward to spring with a splash of colour and the scent of fresh blooms.

   Put a little spring and summer into your winter at “Come Bloom with Us,” the Drumbo Agricultural Society’s popular flower show.

   It takes place next Sunday (Feb. 2) at the Drumbo Agricultural Hall in the village east of Woodstock and south of Highway 401at exit 250.

   Then, warm up at the Woodstock Museum’s new exhibit exploring rural life in the winter.

   It asks: “Isn’t winter supposed to be cold? Or are Canadians just obsessed with the weather?”

   The garden show, meanwhile, offers “something for every gardener” and those with a green thumb or two, said the society’s Catharine Bechard.

Huntsville, Muskoka launches the "Winter Wonders Travel Package"

Travellers can get up to $150 CDN in free gas and spending vouchers for an incredible getaway
(News Release)

HUNTSVILLE, Ont. (January 22, 2020) – Anyone looking for a classic Canadian getaway will want to take advantage of the ‘Winter Wonders Travel Package’ that is now being offered by tourism businesses in Huntsville, Muskoka, Ontario.

Visitors who book a minimum of two nights at participating accommodations in Huntsville for a stay between January 24 and March 12, 2020 can then register to receive one of 250 packages consisting of free gas and cash vouchers to redeem at over 50 participating attractions, restaurants and shops.

Specifically, visitors who:

• book a minimum two-night, mid-week stay (Monday-Thursday) get a $50 gas card and $100 in cash vouchers ($150 CDN value)
  
  
• book a minimum two-night, weekend stay (Friday-Sunday) get a $25 gas card and $75 in cash vouchers ($100 CDN value)

“It’s the perfect package to experience everything Huntsville has to offer in winter, from outdoor adventures to dining and more,” said Jesse Hamilton, general manager of Deerhurst Resort and chair of the Huntsville Municipal Accommodations Tax Association, which is offering the program.

Getting ready for winter's best celebration of beer in Toronto (Feb. 1, 2020)

Roundhouse Winter Craft Beer Festival happens February 1

TORONTO, Ont. (January 27, 2020) — The Roundhouse Winter Craft Beer Festival is fast approaching.

A collection of more than 40 Ontario craft brewers in one spot, with some of Toronto’s best food trucks and winter fun, it is always a great time in the heart of the city.

But before heading out, it is good to do a little planning to make sure you are ready for what the day has in store. Some tips for making the most of sampling some of the finest beers to come from this province:

• Plan a Ride — This should be a no-brainer, but it is always worth repeating. This is an afternoon spent enjoying beer. The last thing you want to do is get behind the wheel of a car. Thankfully, Roundhouse Park is perfectly located in the heart of downtown Toronto. It is easily accessible by foot, bus, streetcar, subway, GO Train, taxi, ride sharing … you have options. So please, DO NOT drink and drive.

“Come Bloom with Us,” the Drumbo Agricultural Society's flower show (2020)

News Release)

There's something for every gardener at this show

Drumbo ON: Those with a green thumb will not want to miss the Drumbo Agricultural Society’s popular “Come Bloom with Us” event on Sunday February 2^nd 2020 at the Drumbo Agricultural Hall (42 Centre St) from 9:30 – 3:00

(Doors open 8:30)

Welcoming hot coffee/tea and mini muffins await you upon arrival after that cold drive.

This is a full day of everything to do with gardening – door prizes, vendors, silent auction, guest speakers and a hot lunch provided by Kennedy Catering, St. Agatha.

Enjoy presentations by:

Rodger Tschanz: Rodger comes to us from the Ontario Agricultural College, University of Guelph. He created and manages the University Trial Gardens. He is also a Judge of the annual and perennial entries of the All American Selection organization at the University.

Savouring ice and snow in Bracebridge and warming up to the Toronto International Boat Show

   One-Tank Trip for Jan. 18/20

   By Jim Fox

   Postmedia Network/Sun newspapers and websites

   In four-season Muskoka vacationland they’re savouring the ice and snow while crowds in Toronto just can’t wait until summer.

   Aiming to be the coolest place in Canada, trucks have dumped 50 loads of snow on the main street in downtown Bracebridge.

 It takes 50 truckloads of snow to create the tube run in downtown Bracebridge.

    That’s for epic tube runs alongside fire pits and Muskoka chairs to offer warmth and campfire snacks at the Fire and Ice Festival on Jan. 25.

   In Toronto, they’re turning winter into summer at the Toronto International Boat Show on now through Jan. 26 featuring a huge indoor lake.

   Light my fire

   “The Fire and Ice Festival brings together two powerful elements that pay homage to the glory of a Canadian winter in a creative event that truly has something for every age and taste,” said Tracy Larkman of the Bracebridge Business Improvement Area.

Fire eater Brant Matthews puts on a hot show in Bracebridge.

    The downtown will be alive with activities, demonstrations, gathering places, music and entertainment from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Celebrate the auspicious Year of the Rat with Chinese New Year Afternoon Tea at The St. Regis Toronto

(News Release)

Toronto, January 15, 2020: The St. Regis Toronto celebrates Lunar New Year with its inaugural Chinese New Year Afternoon Tea Ritual, embracing joy and prosperity as the hotel welcomes the auspicious Year of the Rat.
Gather friends, family and cherished business associates and enjoy the hotel’s new sweet and savoury festive menu including Jasmine Scented Scones, Oolong Panna Cotta with Asian Poached Pear, Mandarin Curd Tart, Green Tea Macaron and Lychee Mascarpone Bavarois.

Delightful savoury items include Peking Duck Salad, BBQ Pork Buns, House-Cured Torched Trout and Citrus Lobster Salad with an impeccable selection of fine teas including some of the world’s rarest Pu’er from China.

HOURS
Friday, January 17 to Sunday, February 2, 2020
Friday, Saturday & Sunday - 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Located in Astor Lounge, Lobby-Level of The St. Regis Toronto
RESERVATIONS & PRICING
$75 per person includes a glass of Prosecco
$90 per person includes a glass of Louis Roederer Brut Champagne
BOOKING: Please reserve directly through Astor Lounge OpenTable: LINK HERE
*Prices in Canadian dollars and do not include tax and gratuity.

HISTORY OF PU’ER TEA
Pu’er originated thousands of years ago in the Yunnan Province of China, where large-leaf tea trees (Dayeh) grow. Its enchanting history relates closely to the tea trade between China and other nations (notably Tibet), and it is named for the town from which it was originally sold en route to other countries (Pu'er City).

Share the legacy of Disney as Disney On Ice presents Dream Big in Toronto (Jan. 24-26, 2020)

 (News Release)

Opening Night Show Features First-Ever Disney On Ice Toques & Teddy Bear Toss!

TORONTO, ON (Jan. 13/20) – The celebration of the century comes alive in Disney On Ice presents Dream Big.

This one-of-a-kind skating spectacular is coming to Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena, January 24-26 and features high-flying jumps, breathtaking skating and loveable Disney friends.

Audiences will experience their favourite Disney characters exploring the depths, heights and horizons of their dreams.

Miguel

Join the wayfinder Moana and the greatest demigod that ever lived, Maui, on an action-packed voyage to restore the stolen heart of Te Fiti.

Explore the Land of the Dead as Miguel from Disney•Pixar’s Coco brings the festivities of Dia de los Muertos to the ice.

 Get tangled up in Rapunzel’s hair-raising quest to see the floating lights. Travel to the kingdom of Arendelle with Anna, Elsa and Olaf in a dramatic retelling of the sisterly love that saved a kingdom. And discover the strength, bravery and kindness that inspired generation after generation with Jasmine, Ariel, Aurora, Belle and Cinderella.

Ringo Starr and his All Starr Band, Melissa Etheridge, the Beach Boys and Gordon Lightfoot return to Casino Rama Resort.

Plus more exciting shows scheduled for 2020 

(News Release)

RAMA, ON – Casino Rama Resort is stocking up the new 2020 concert line-up with returning fan favourites to the Entertainment Centre.

Canadian rock and folk artists and legendary pop artists headline the newly announced concerts:

Yuk Yuk’s On Tour
Friday, January 24
SHOWTIME: 9 PM, DOORS OPEN: 8 PM
Tickets are $40/$50/$60/$70
Yuk Yuks On Tour featuring headliner Darren Frost, Cedric Newman and Jay Brown. 

Honeymoon Suite & Prism
Friday, February 28
SHOWTIME: 9 PM, DOORS OPEN: 8 PM
Tickets are $30/$40/$50/$60
Honeymoon Suite - “New Girl Now”, “Feel It Again” and “Burning In Love”
Prism – “Starship Superstar”, “Don’t Let Him Know” & “Take Me Away” 

Marking an icy milestone in Niagara for the days of icewine and roses

   One-Tank Trip for Jan. 11/2020

   (c) By Jim Fox

   Postmedia Network/Sun Newspapers and websites

  These are the days of icewine and roses as “Canada’s liquid gold” marks its quarter-century celebration.

   Saying cheers with Ontario’s icewine.

    The Niagara Grape & Wine Festival marks this icy milestone with events that include the launch of a new dining experience.

   “The Snow Globe Soiree Series is set at the edge of Niagara Falls,” said Dorian Anderson, festival executive director.

Dine in a dome overlooking Niagara Falls during the icewine festival. (Katy Wassenaar, Niagara Parks)

    “This new pop-up series blends Niagara’s world class VQA (Vintners Quality Alliance) wines, exciting wine country cuisine, spectacular views and one of the hottest dining trends,” she added.

   From Jan. 16 through Feb. 16, a collection of 10 domes will appear at the edge of Niagara Falls as featured by the festival and Niagara Parks.

   Top chefs from five popular restaurants will create signature menus that diners can enjoy inside their own snow globe.

Tables with a view of Niagara Falls inside the domes.

    Featured are Chef Jay Williams of Treadwell Farm to Table Cuisine in Niagara-on-the-Lake; Chefs Cameron MacDonald and Steve Sperling of Tide & Vine in Niagara Falls; and Chef Andrew McLeod of Bolete in St. Catharines.

Discover the boating lifestyle and some treasure along the way at the Toronto International Boat Show 2020

(News Release)

(Photos by Dave Sandford, Toronto Boat Show)

   Highlights of the show from Jan. 17 to 26, 2020 include

   - Free seminars and workshops

   - An indoor lake with family activities and watersports demos

   - The largest gathering of new boats and accessories

   - Special guests including the stars of Cooper’s Treasure

   - Plus Twiggy the water-skiing squirrel is out of retirement

    TORONTO – North America’s largest indoor boat show docks at the Enercare Centre from Jan.17 to 26, 2020 with an impressive array of 1,200 new boats on display, educational seminars, and lifestyle programming.

   Spanning more than a million square feet of show space, this year’s highlights include Ontario’s own Tammy Wolf, one of the most successful powerboat racers in North America and the only woman to podium at an FI Champion boat race.

   The 2nd annual Toronto Indoor Wakeboarding Championships featuring the world’s best professional riders.

Lots of fun on the lake at the boat show

   Treasure hunters Darrell Miklos and Jim Sinclair of the Discovery Channel’s hit show Cooper’s Treasure.

Celebrate 25 years of Canada's 'liquid gold' at the Niagara Icewine Gala 2020

NIAGARA, Ontario

On Friday, January 10th, join us at the 25th Niagara Icewine Gala – the official opening of the 2020 Icewine Festival. Specially selected Icewines, premium VQA red, white and sparkling wines and delectable culinary pairings star in an exquisite evening. Dine and dance the night away in a Winter Wonderland setting in the Grand Hall at Niagara Fallsview Casino, complete with masterfully carved ice sculptures and a 25-year Icewine retrospective. View participating wineries and Executive Chef Ray Taylor's masterful menu here. Grab your gown or your tux and plan to dance the night away at this all-inclusive evening of elegance, fine wine and celebration!  Secure your Snow Globe before they sell out!  Shake up the first months of 2020 with a one-of-a-kind wine and dining experience in Niagara 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. Your Snow Globe Soiree experience includes: A warm pre and post-dinner welcome at the Snow Globe Lounge, where you can enjoy a selection of Niagara VQA wines and take in the view of the Falls. A ninety-minute dining experience in your very own heated Snow Globe furnished with little luxuries like cozy blankets and twinkling lights to keep you and your group of up to six guests comfy and cozy. A three-course meal planned and prepared by one of Niagara’s most talented Wine Country chefs with a curated Niagara VQA wine list. View menus on our website. A Snow Globe Concierge who, in addition to serving your group its meal in style, will also be happy to assist with photos and answer any questions.

Tourism campaign puts a spotlight on winter in Toronto

(News Release)

TORONTO, January 8, 2020 – Tourism Toronto today launched a new campaign for the destination that puts a spotlight on winter and encourages visitors to get out and do more all winter long across the city.

The new winter campaign positions the city with a bold message – the truly curious-minded explorers are never stopped by the change in season.

Starting this month, Toronto’s winter experience takes centre stage with the introduction of Toronto Spotlight, highlighting the city's celebrated and vibrant arts and culture scene, our vast selection of culinary experiences, and top attractions and tours.

The campaign includes 2-for-1 admissionand special offers over four different Spotlight Weekends – providing visitors, and locals the opportunity to explore, discover and enjoy the city all winter long.

Launching in collaboration with the City of Toronto, Spotlight Weekends allow visitors and locals to take advantage of special offers at some of Toronto’s top attractions, museums, theatres, tours and live performances including the CN Tower, Canadian Stage, Casa Loma, Crow’s Theatre, Culinary Adventure Co, Go Tours, Ontario Science Centre, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, Toronto Zoo and more.

Go on, take a hike! It's good for you in Ontario Parks

   One-Tank Trip for Jan. 4/20

   (c) By Jim Fox

   Postmedia Network/Sun newspapers

 

   Happy new year – take a hike, it’s good for you.

   That’s the message from Ontario Parks for people resolving to get more exercise in the great outdoors.

   Parks dotting the province don’t go into hibernation at this time of year as 31 are open and offering snowy fun, including skiing, skating and snowshoeing.

Taking a hike at MacGregor park. (Ontario Parks photos)

    You can also spend the night in “warm and cozy” heated yurts, cabins and cottages.

   Many parks have cross-country ski trails while others have groomed or track-set trails.

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

   You will also find ski loppets and special events to savour winter.

   That stroll in nature comes with “proven benefits, including a lowered risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke,” said Jeff Brown of Ontario Parks.

   “Winter in Ontario Parks is quiet, pristine, and absolutely beautiful,” he added.