Archive by Author

Bridges and Beaches

15 May

By Diva Jenna Ujiye

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I’ve been wanting to get over to check out the Balls Bridge for a couple of months, but the weather wasn’t perfect until last weekend. This bridge is really amazing and it’s story is even better. They say that it is the “bridge that love built,” the original builder built it so his wife didn’t have to get her shoes wet walking through the river on her way to the market back in 1885. This bridge is also one of  the older bridges in Ontario and the design is very rare with less than a dozen left in existence. To find out more about the Balls Bridge visit http://ballsbridgeontario.com The pictures tell it all!

bridge1 bridge2I ended at the Goderich boardwalk, a 1.5km trek along the three beaches in Goderich. My friend Cindy says it’s the best, because there are ice cream shops at both ends. While I was walking I probably passed 100 people enjoying the sun and getting a bit of exercise. I actually watched a couple of kids swimming at The Cove beach, but it was still pretty cold. I can’t wait for the water to be warm enough for me.  This beach has the best waves and sand around! To find out more about these wonderful trails visit www.hikehuron.com

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A Tiger in Rural Ontario

15 May

By Diva Jenna Ujiye

A couple of weeks ago I decided to explore the hiking trails in Huron County. There are 29 public trails, so I made a plan to hike sections of three of them. I started off at the Sifto monument at the top of the hill across from the Huron Historic Gaol. This lookout area has a really great view of the Menesetung bridge, the Sifto Salt mine, the Maitland River and Lake Huron.

lookout2 Lookout at Sifto Monument

So you may be wondering why I mentioned a Tiger in the title of this blog, well Tiger is actually a person. William “Tiger” Dunlop was a physician, author, woodsman, soldier, politician and raconteur and  one of the founders of  Goderich. I hadn’t hiked the Dunlop trail in years so my next stop was the Tiger Dunlop Trail. This trail is 3.2 kilometers and is great for biking, walking, running, and cross country skiing in the winter. It ends at the Tiger Dunlop Tomb, where there are plaques explaining the history of the man.

maitland1Lookout from Tiger Dunlops Tomb

This trail meets up with the Goderich to Auburn Rail Trail and the Maitland Trail. Seeing as I wanted to finish the trails in a couple of days I decided to drive to a parking area along the 48 km Maitland Trail. I hiked about 6 kilometres along the Maitland River and took in some great views. I even caught a beaver working on his dam, watched two eagles dancing and witnessed a blue heron! I will say I was surprised at the damage that still existed from the 2011 tornado in the area. I know that nature (and the amazing trail volunteers) will take over soon though! If you are in to Hiking, make sure to check out all of our trails in the area at www.hikehuron.ca

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It was a sweet kind of day

14 May

By Diva Jenna Ujiye

Cinnamon BunsQueens Bakery shirt

I have stopped in and picked up baked goods and food to go at the Queens Bakery in Blyth, but I hadn’t yet stayed in for a meal. I had a meeting with my friend Karen in Blyth, so we decided to go to the bakery for lunch. When we walked in the smells were great. There were 5 or so other tables of people dining and all of the food looked yummy. We chose a table and went to the front to check out the lunch specials, which all sounded good. Karen went with the chili and cheese biscuit with pesto and cheese on it and I ordered the chili and Reuben sandwich. Both of the meals were excellent and the price and service made this place top notch in my mind! Both of our meals came to only $18 and change and we were both full.

Queens Bakery Food Queens Bakery Food

There are also so many great treats, which are freshly baked daily. They had over 20 different types of drinks (coffee, teas, juices, pop etc.), date squares, cookies, oat bars, tarts, muffins, loafs, cheeses, sandwiches, salads, soups and more.

cookies lemon loaf

Oh and did I mention they had cakes and ice cream too! Prices ranged from $6 for a sandwich, $3 for quiche and $3 for soup; desserts ranged from $1 – $4 depending on what you decide on. They are also licensed so if you want a beer, wine, specialty coffee or spirit you can. Another offering they have is accommodation upstairs. This summer you can go to Blyth, check out a show at the festival, eat at the Bakery and then spend the night (Plus you can stop in to the Blyth Inn and check out the shops)! For more information visit: www.queensbakeryblyth.com/

It’s Patio Season!

9 May

by Diva Jenna Ujiye

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I’m sure all of you are pretty excited that spring has finally came and the weather is nice enough to sit out on a patio. Last week I met with my friends Rick and Bruno at the Albion in Bayfield and had a great meal outside while enjoying the village main street!

AlbionThe Albion

The three of us sat on the far north end of the patio and watched as the whole restaurant filled up. It was wing night! The Albion serves typical pub fare and has a variety of unique menu specialties including the ABC Albion Sammy (cheese, bacon and apples on rye), The Dopey Burger (Open faced burger with gravy, mushrooms and onions), and the sweet potato enchilada.

Alnion Burger Alnion Burger

Albion InsideMenu items range from $10 – $20 with some appetizers under and some entrees a bit over, but all in all very reasonable! They als0 have a large variety of beer on tap! Thursday night is Wing night, Friday – All you can eat Fish and Chips and on Saturday, Prime Rib is the Special. I hear that during the winter they do a really cool trivia night. I had been wanting to check out the new paintings that were done over the winter and was impressed with how much they changed the atmosphere of the place!

Albion Inside

 

If you are looking for a nice weekend away, Bayfield is a great place to visit, especially during the summer. The Albion is also a hotel and they rent rooms for $115 – $155 and that includes a continental breakfast. For more information about the Albion hotel visit their website at www.thealbionhotel.com

The Albion Hotel

albion@tcc.on.ca

1 Main Street
Bayfield, Ontario
N0M 1G0
Canada
519-565-2641

There is no shortage of amazing art in Huron

8 May

by Diva Jenna Ujiye

Art aRound Town

Last week I went down to Exeter to do a bit of shopping, eating and exploring. I stopped in at the South Huron Welcome Centre to visit my friend Brittany Fry (who is also the Exeter BIA manager) and was able to check out the Art aRound Town display in the centre. There were a variety of different kinds of art from jewellery, books, paintings, photography, pottery and more!

The centre is set up in a couple of different rooms that you can explore and the unique mix of artistry is wonderful. Art aRound Town is a small group of artists and volunteers who are working together to promote the visual arts in southern Huron County. They organize Art Shows featuring original works by local artists, hold Art Classes and Workshops with visiting Artists for all ages, and do what they can to bring Art into the lives of art enthusiasts. You can find them at 483 Main St. South (at corner of Huron St). Exeter, ON. or online at artaroundtown.net

Open on Thursdays from 2:00 – 6:00 pm.  

As well as Saturdays – May 11, 18 & 25 from 2:00 – 6:00 pm.

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It’s not just about the Guys

6 May

By Diva Jenna Ujiye

Guys in the Garage

I’ve never really wondered what went on in the garage when I wasn’t there. My garage seems to be a revolving door of guys coming to hang out, drink a beer or two and fix some item or another. I attended the second night of the newest play currently running at the Livery in Goderich on Friday. This show is called Guys in the Garage and is written and stars local writer and actor Rob Bundy. I don’t want to give away anything on the show, as there are still three more shows that you can get tickets to (which I will post later on!), but I will tell you that it gives you a bit of an insider on what happens in the garage!

Guys in the Garage 2

Many guys call it their “man cave” and it becomes a place where they have a sanctuary away from all troubles, women or kids! While watching the show I felt a bit like I was invading someones space. Local actors Ben Scholten, Wes Macvicar, Phil Main, Dave Subert and Steve Howard played the characters of the guys. They sure complained about their wives and being married quite often and seemed really concerned that their wives would find out they were having a beer. This is where Margery, played by Blanche Savage, saved the scariness of the show. She knew what they were doing and most of the wives probably did too. The garage is just a place where they could let a load off and get away, they all loved their wives and family!

The show runs may 9, 10 and 11 at 8pm, tickets are available online at www.thelivery.ca or you can call 519-524-6262 or visit the box office at 35 South Street in Goderich – The box office is open:

Tuesday: 10 am – 1 pm
Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday: 3 – 5.30 pm
Rush seats, if available, on sale 30 minutes before performance

A walk in Port Albert

10 Apr

By Diva Jenna Ujiye

Port Albert Beach in March

Port Albert Beach in March

Last Sunday was a glorious sunny day and perfect for a walk around my cute little town of Port Albert, Ontario! I first went to the beach, I was totally prepared for ice jams and lots of snow, but apparently the warmer weather quickly melted that away. I won’t say that spring on the beach is my favourite time of year, as I would prefer to be playing in the sand and swimming, but this day helped me see the end to winter and beginning of beach days!

Port Albert Beach in March

Port Albert Beach in March

So happy to be in the nice weather on Port Albert Beach

So happy to be in the nice weather on Port Albert Beach

The views and vistas in Port Albert are wonderful and I love watching the famous Lake Huron Sunsets. After my beach visit, I headed up the road over the bridge and past the Port Albert Fishway to the Port Albert Store.

Port Albert General Store

Port Albert General Store

Road from the beach

Road from the beach

This little convenience store is great all year round. Not only do they get in fresh vegetable in the summer along with dairy, frozen food, chips, pop, movies and fly fishing supplies, they have great pizza!

My next stop was to check out the Port Albert Inn. They have a 6 room inn and 3 cottages (with varying room numbers).They have a great breakfast ane owners Mark is a local historian with lots of great stories! For more information about the Port Albert Inn visit: www.innattheport.com

The Port Albert Inn

The Port Albert Inn

Huron Country Playhouse 2013 Season

9 Apr

Tickets are now available for purchase at the Huron Country Playhouse. They have got an exciting season filled with music and comedy. To book your tickets visit: www.draytonentertainment.com

here is a quick review of what is on this summer!

2013 Season at Huron Country Playhouse

The Sound of Music June 4 to June 22 (3 weeks)
Spamalot June 26 to July 13 (3 weeks)
Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story July 17 to July 27 (2 weeks)
Too Many Cooks July 31 to August 3 (1 week)
Mary Poppins August 7 to August 31 (4 weeks)

Playhouse II

Tuesdays with Morrie June 26 to July 13 (3 weeks)
Weekend Comedy July 17 to August 3 (3 weeks)
Sorry… I’m Canadian August 7 to August 31 (4 weeks)

Located in a picturesque country setting, the Huron Country Playhouse is just minutes from the shores of sparkling Lake Huron in the heart of Ontario’s West Coast. This popular vacation destination is full of charm and endless possibilities to discover breathtaking beaches, culinary delights, outstanding accommodations, unique shopping and countless recreational pursuits.

In 2011 the Huron Country Playhouse celebrated its landmark 40th Anniversary with an ambitious $4.0 million capital infrastructure expansion and improvement project. Visitors to the theatre this season will be among the first to experience many substantial upgrades to the front-of-house including new washrooms, lobby, refreshment bar, box office, and gift shop operated by the Huron Country Playhouse Guild, a community-based organization comprised of 90 volunteers.

There are 650 brand new theatre seats in the mainstage, and the Playhouse II has been completely renovated, increasing from 150 chairs to a fully raked 300 seat auditorium. Infrared hearing and wheelchair access are available to patrons who require special assistance.

A visit to the Huron Country Playhouse takes less than an hour from Stratford, London and Sarnia.

Join us for a timeless classic, as our stage becomes alive with the sound of music. In this epic love story, an aspiring nun named Maria leaves the convent to govern the seven mischievous children of Captain von Trapp.The memorable score by Rodgers & Hammerstein features such beloved songs as “My Favourite Things,” “Do Re Mi,” “Edelweiss,” “Climb Every Mountain,” and of course, the glorious title song.

Join us for the Tony Award-winning musical comedy phenomenon that raises silliness to an art form.

Monty Python’s tongue-in-cheek retelling of the classic tale of Camelot follows King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table and their infamous quest for the Holy Grail. A sensation on Broadway and London’s West End, Spamalot is gloriously irresistible entertainment.

Discover why “It’s So Easy,” to fall in love with Buddy Holly.

Five decades after “the day the music died”, the life and career of a true artistic pioneer are celebrated in this spectacular production that explodes into full-throttled joy through renditions of Buddy Holly’s greatest hits – classics like “Peggy Sue,” “That’ll Be The Day,” “Not Fade Away,” “Rave On,” and many more.

The grand opening gala for Irving Bubbalowe’s classy new restaurant quickly becomes a recipe for disaster when the famous singing chef, Francoise LaPlouffe, fails to arrive.

When an unemployed drifter is persuaded to step in at the last minute and don the master chef’s apron, chaos and confusion ensues … complete with Chicago gangsters, a hot-blooded immigration officer, an illegal shipment of booze, and a tee-totaling Mountie.

Magic and adventure abound, and lives are transformed, when the peculiar Mary Poppins arrives on the doorstep of the Banks household on London’s Cherry Tree Lane.

Experience the enchanting mixture of irresistible story, unforgettable songs, such as “A Spoonful of Sugar” and “Chim Chiminey,” breathtaking dance numbers, and astonishing stagecraft that make this Disney musical soar high above the rest.

“An old man, a young man, and life’s greatest lesson.” Based on the acclaimed best-selling book, Tuesdays with Morrie is the uplifting autobiographical journey of big shot sportswriter Mitch Albom, who develops a life-altering friendship with his old college professor Morrie Schwartz.

In this heartwarming production, a simple visit turns into a weekly pilgrimage, and ultimately a final lesson in the meaning of life.

Eager to rekindle the flame in their marriage, Peggy persuades her husband to take a weekend vacation in the Catskill Mountains. There’s only one small problem – their secluded one-bedroom cabin has been double booked by a young couple who are unable to keep their hands off each other.

The decision to share the tiny cabin for the weekend is a formula for disaster – and laughs – as youthful exuberance collides with middle-aged stodginess. Funny, warm and poignant, this is one vacation you will never forget!

He’s Back by Popular Demand! Follow Constable Archibald F. Inkster for an entertaining trek across our vast country, as he weaves a charming blend of humour and political satire with musical gems of the Great Canadian Song Book.

Sorry…I’m Canadian celebrates our distinct heritage and offers a fresh perspective on what it means to be a proud Canadian.

Vintage Pop Up

4 Apr

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Last night my friend Nat and I headed over to Luann’s Flowers and Gifts in Goderich to check out the Hazlitt Vintage Rental pop up shop. NJS Design was also there to showcase some beautiful antique place settings.

There where so many cute and unique items mixed in with the already existing items! I’ll post a bunch of photos, so you can check out some of the great things for sale!

The pop up shop is open April 4, 5 & 6 from 10am to 5pm. If you are looking for vintage rentals, wedding ideas in Huron, or more information please visit www.hitchedinhuron.ca!

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2013 Blyth Festival Season

1 Apr

By Diva Jenna Ujiye

Blyth Festival has got an amazing season ready to go for 2013 and today is the first day you can buy tickets!!!

Here is a quick overview of the season:

DEAR JOHNNY DEERE

by Ken Cameron
Based on the music of Fred Eaglesmith​
Additional music & arrangements by David Archibald​
Directed by Eric Coates​
June 11 – 22: limited run

​Rebecca Auerbach, J.D. Nicholson, photo by Terry Manzo

Johnny and Caroline struggle to keep the farm afloat while the bills pile higher and The Man from Toronto wants to put a big ol’ overpass right through their farm. What will it take to keep it all together?

There will be more drivin’, shootin’, cheatin’, schemin’ and boozin’ down on the farm complete with a whole lot more singin’ as the cast rock it with Fred Eaglesmith’s biggest hits.

BEYOND THE FARM SHOW

World Premiere june 26 – august 16
by The Collective
Directed by Severn Thompson

An original play about the people who make it work.

Inspired by the original Farm Show, these are the stories of the men, women and families who work the farm now. Led by Severn Thompson, a group of actors have gone out along the concession roads and built a play based on the sights, sounds and characters of the barns, fields and homes of Huron County – a play about the incredible and ever-evolving culture of agriculture.

From the farm, of the farm and for the farm.

YORKVILLE – THE MUSICAL

July 3 – August 11 – world premiere
Book & Lyrics by Carolyn Hay
Music by Tom Szczesniak​
​Directed by Donna Feore

photo by Azarah Eells
Instead of city folks coming to the country without a clue, this is the story of two country gals heading to the heart of Toronto seeking love, fame and fortune. Their gift? Step-dancing.
What could possibly go wrong? Yorkville – the Musical is a whole lot of singing and step-dancing fun all the way to the final kiss.

GARRISON’S GARAGE

July 31 – August 31
canadian classic
by Ted Johns
Directed by Peter Smith​

photo by Daniela Martin

First premiered in Blyth in 1985, it became an instant hit and toured the province to great acclaim!
A Revenue Canada field officer’s car breaks down in the ‘middle of nowhere’. He brings it to a local
garage and the eccentric mechanic who runs it. He inadvertently discovers what he thinks is the
scam of the century, but the truth of the matter is something else entirely. Filled with humour and a
cast of characters you’ll not soon forget, Garrison’s Garage has no idea how to your fix your vehicle
but certainly has your fix for plenty of laughs.

PRAIRIE NURSE

August 7 – 31 – world premiere
by Marie Beath Badian
Directed by Sue Miner

image courtesy H Holdsworth

It’s November 1969.
Two young nurses, just off the plane from the Philippines, arrive at a rural hospital in Arborfield, Saskatchewan – population 300. No one in town can tell them apart, including the lab tech at the hospital whose real job is playing goalie for the Arborfield Flyers. He falls in love with one of them but accidentally courts them both. It’s a comedy of errors with a great heart.

FALLING: A WAKE​

August 28 – September 7 – phillips studio
by Gary Kirkham
Directed by Peter Smith​
Featuring Catherine Fitch & Tony Munch

image by Alyzen Moonshadow

One autumn night, high in the sky above an isolated farmhouse, there is an explosion. Retired couple Elsie and Harold figure it must be a meteor. Their yard is suddenly filled with falling debris from a jetliner. They run for cover. When all is quiet again they venture out – sitting in their front yard is an airplane seat. And in that seat is the body of a 20 year-old man. The story that evolves is an emotional ride that is laced with humour. Inspired by a real life event, Falling: A Wake is driven by a pair of unforgettable characters – people who will stay with you long after the lights go down.

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