Tag Archives: goderich

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

maitland2

Tags: , , , , , ,

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

Tags: , , , , , ,

“Exposure” – creativity displayed at the Co-op Gallery

26 Apr
Tread in Time Window, by Gilbert VandenHeuvel

Tread in Time Window, by Gilbert VandenHeuvel

by Diva Karen Stewart

It’s always a pleasure to pop into the Co-op Gallery on the square in Goderich.  A non-juried community show “Exposure” is up just until the end of the month so you might want to take a few minutes to drop in.

This year the Co-op Gallery members have co-ordinated an exhibition that includes over 50 pieces from a number of artists who work in various mediums.   You’ll be delighted by the infusion of work where everyone is invited to display their creativity.

The Co-op Gallery hosts its non-juried community show each April.  The gallery also plays host to displays by its members year round as well as monthly exhibitions from guest artists.    Student field trips are most welcome and a guest lecture series further engages arts enthusiasts in our community.  This gallery is a delightful, and valuable, community resource.

Open Monday to Saturday from 10am until 4pm now through to the end of December.

Goderich Co-op Gallery
65 Courthouse Square, Goderich, ON  N7A 1M5
519-440-0523     www.gcgallery.ca

Spoke Storm by Gilbert VandenHeuvel

Spoke Storm by Gilbert VandenHeuvel

Bicycle Parts by Gilbert VandenHeuvel

Bicycle Parts by Gilbert VandenHeuvel

Who Knows Where? Acrylic by Sally MacEwan

Who Knows Where?
Acrylic by Sally MacEwan

Returning to Goderich, oil by Barbara Taylor-Bakker

Returning to Goderich, oil by Barbara Taylor-Bakker

Retaining the Essence Mixed Media Pen & Ink by Mona Istrati-Mulhern

Retaining the Essence
Mixed Media Pen & Ink by Mona Istrati-Mulhern

Tags: , , , , ,

Vintage Pop Up

4 Apr

20130403-231639.jpg
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!

20130403-232834.jpg

20130403-232853.jpg

20130403-232909.jpg

20130403-232923.jpg

20130403-232937.jpg

20130403-232949.jpg

20130403-232959.jpg

20130403-233013.jpg

20130403-233025.jpg

20130403-233035.jpg

Tags: , , , , ,

“I’ll be back before Midnight” at the Livery

19 Mar
Jenna Liefso plays Jan Sanderson and Flloyd Herman plays George

Jenna Leifso plays Jan Sanderson and Floyd Herman plays George

By Diva Jenna Ujiye

Last Saturday I attended I’ll Be Back Before Midnight, written by Peter Colley and directed by Nina Reynolds put on by the Goderich Little Theatre at the Livery in Goderich. I wasn’t really sure what to expect, I was told it was party comedy, part thriller. Well I was not disappointed, the show was filled with laughs, scares, creepy sounds and very unique characters.

Jenna Leifso points a gun in fear

Jenna Leifso points a gun in fear

The show opens with Greg and Jan Sanderson entering the stage, which is set as an old country house. Shortly after they settle in, the owner of the house they are renting stops by. His name is George Willowby, he has a country charm and wacky personality and is portrayed perfectly by Floyd Herman. Jan already seems on edge and George tells her all about how the house is haunted by the ghost of a women that was killed in the house years before.

Greg then enters and announces that his sister Laura will be dropping by for a visit. Apparently the two ladies do not get along as this almost throws Jan over the edge. Unfortunately for Jan, Laura is already on her way, so the trip can’t be cancelled. Laura, played by Florence Stalenhoef, is quite the lady, her bold and provocative character traits really overwhelm Jan. To make things worse, Greg who seems like a shy and cautious guy, is stuck in the middle of the two women.

Florence Stalenhoef plays Laura Sanderson, brother to Greg

Florence Stalenhoef plays Laura Sanderson, sister to Greg

I really don’t want to tell any of you more about the show, as I don’t want to give away any of the surprising and scary moments. Just be ready to laugh and jump in your seat! There are still three shows left and a few tickets for each show. So if you are interested in attending here are the details:

Shows – Thursday, March 21 at 8 PM; Friday, March 22 at 8PM and Saturday, March 23 at 8PM

Ticket Ordering – you can call to order 519-524-6262, go in to the box office or order online.

For more information please visit: www.thelivery.ca

Ron Plasschaert plays Greg Sanderson

Ron Plasschaert plays Greg Sanderson

Tags: , , , , ,

Chris Hadfield calls in to the East Street Station

16 Mar

by Diva Jenna Ujiyetrentsevern-1

I was at the East Street Station to watch the Trent Severn Concert and in the middle of their set Commander of the International Space Station, Chris Hadfield, called in to chat with us! How cool is that? Not only was this one of the most interesting phone calls I have ever been involved in, the whole concert was awesome. Trent Severn, made up of three amazing musician singer/songwriters Emm Gryner, Dayna Manning and Laura C. Bates, have come up with some really great songs and harmonies. Their eclectic Canadian folk blend  is well put together and they play from the soul. I am just editing the videos I took, so I will post them later!

Hadfield told us that this was the first concert he had ever called in to from space. He also mentioned that it was 1:40am and that the sun was about to rise. He joked with the band that becoming commander has added to his to do list, have to make sure the lights were out and the garage door had to be put down!

I took a video of the conversation with Chris Hadfield, but with 928 minutes left to upload it, I’ll post it later. My friend George Zoethout from Huron Image Factory posted the same video, but from a different angle, so here it is!

Here are a few more photos of the event!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Benmiller Inn – Local Food, Great Atmosphere

8 Mar

benmillerfeb-5 benmillerfeb-3

by Diva Jenna

A couple of weeks ago the divas met at Benmiller Inn to chat about 2013 blog story opportunities and to meet each other!

The meal was seriously awesome. They started us with an amuse bouche – which I just call happy mouth – which had smoked salmon, cream cheese, wasabi and was served on a small potatoe pancake. We all wanted more!

benmillerfeb-1

The menu is seasonal and Chef Spencer Vail changes it up fairly often. They also highlight the local producers and farmers of the area, which is something a foodie loves to see. A couple of the Divas ordered off the the prix fixe menu, which is three courses (a couple of choices for each course) and the price point was $29!

We had soups and salads to start and moved on to the main course. We had a variety of dishes including: Chicken Supreme Risotto – Sun dried tomato, roasted red pepper, spinach, chevre, parmesan ($24), Metzger’s Cast Iron Roasted Beef Tenderloin – pommes sarladaise, spring vegetables, whisky spiked hunter sauce ($28) and Willowgrove Hill Pork Chop – sweet and sour cabbage, potato rosti ($28). We were all very pleased with our meals and a couple of the girls even moved on to dessert!

If you are looking for a nice evening out and an excellent meal, Benmiller Inn will definitely impress. Oh and did I mention they also have a great Inn and a spa, but I’ll save that for another story!

For prices, menu or to book please visit – http://www.benmillerinnandspa.com

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Winter Cottages in Huron

7 Mar

A Great time at the Cottage

by Diva Jenna

A typical summer experience in Huron is heading up to the cottage for a long weekend or week long vacation. Last weekend my friend rented a cottage for a winter wonderland escape. I’m sure many of you don’t think of cottaging in the winter, but many of these accommodations are available all year round!

hanging out on the beach in the winter

Many of the people coming up for the weekend were from Toronto, so we all got there around 10pm on the Friday night. We had a few leisurely drinks and snacks and played some card games. The next day we had decided on winter fun activities including hiking/snowshoeing along the beach, tobogganing and general snow play!

wintercottage-fistnight

I had to head out to meet some other friends for dinner in Bayfield, but the rest of the vacationers went to Shannahans Quality meats in Goderich and go a huge Metzgers beef loin in which they roasted for dinner!

wintercottage-viewfromthedeck2

winttercottage-snowangelWhat a great time we had! It reminded me of being a kid again. If you are looking to rent a cottage or accommodation in winter on Ontario’s West Coast, here is a link to all of the options! http://www.ontarioswestcoast.ca/owc_directory/rental.php

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

What a hoot!

6 Mar
Hootenanny 4

Hootenanny 4

By Diva Jenna Ujiye

Last Saturday was the 4th Hootenanny, a fundraiser for the Goderich Celtic Folk Society. Organizer John Lodge, along with Warren and Eleanor Robinson, asked if I would be part of this event, to which I said yes! I hadn’t really heard of a hootenanny in the past, so I looked it up and found out that it is a sing along concert, typically in the folk music genre.

There were a variety of songs performed throughout the evening including: Gordon Lightfoot, Joni Mitchell, Simon and Garfunkel and more.

Phil Main and Finaloa McGuinty

Phil Main and Finaola McGuinty

Well what a night I had.  Not really knowing what to expect, this event truly blew my mind! There were over 170 people in attendance and many people were singing along. There were 16 of us performing and each song was unique and different from the next. One thing I have to say is that I can’t wait until the next event!

Dave Armour

Dave Armour

The performers included: Don and Betsy Rivera, Finola McGuinty, Evie Shand, Florence Stalenhoef, Jenny Cousteils, Marianne Hogan, Dave Armour, Phil Main, John Lodge, Warren and Eleanor Robinson, Mike Reynolds and Kim and Travis Teed. If you are interested in other Hootenanny or Goderich Celtic Roots Festival events make sure to visit: http://www.celticfestival.ca

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Family Day in the Country

27 Feb

familyday-walkonthecove

by Diva Jenna

There seems to be more and more family day activities planned each year, as the holiday becomes more prominent. Many of the events are planned for children, which I don’t have, but I sure do love taking part in adventures!

I wanted to spend the day with my family, so we decided to take a drive and walk in Goderich. What a beauty day for this! We watched lots of families and friends walking and playing in yards and public places.

familyday-goderichharbour

When we got home, Taylor decided to try out his new dirt bike ( I know, there isn’t much dirt showing right now, but he had just picked it up on Saturday!). Dirt biking and four-wheeling are leisure hobbies in my family and town for that matter. Even our cat Aiko venture out with us sometimes!  It seems that most people in Port Albert have one or the other. It was a bit cold out, but Taylor braved the weather and rode the bike around for almost an hour!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

 

All in all we had a great day and we were very happy to have the Monday off to spend time together. If you are looking for cool events happening in Huron, check out this calendar and start planning your trip here – http://www.ontarioswestcoast.ca/events/events.php

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

← Older Entries

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 2,373 other followers