Tag Archives: ontario

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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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!

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This week in Bayfield …

11 Mar

BAYFIELD … Bayfield Film Festival

See “ARBITRAGE” starring Richard Gere & Susan Sarandon at the Bayfield Town Hall on March 14 at 7:30pm. Just $10 at door! Presented by the Bayfield Film Society. http://ow.ly/i8dt2

A troubled hedge fund magnate desperate to complete the sale of his trading empire makes an error that forces him to turn to an unlikely person for help.

Bayfield Town Hall Heritage Society

* * * * * *

Escape to the Country … 

banner-rates

BAYFIELD … Little Inn of Bayfield March Break Special -

Experience Spring at The Little Inn of Bayfield and enjoy our 2013 EAT FREE or SLEEP FREE Packages!  Choose from a One Night Dinner Package and enjoy your second accommodations free!

OR

Choose from a Two Night Escape and enjoy your second night dinner free!

*Available over March Break                    *excludes Easter Weekend                      Available until April 30, 2013

 www.littleinn.com

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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

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March Break in Huron …

4 Mar

childrenFrom crafts to sports, the County of Huron has lots of activities for your family during the week of March 11-15 in recreation and culture facilities, pools and arenas. Find active and interesting camps in your neighbourhood or a specialty camp for the athlete or artist.

WEEKLY DAY CAMPS

GODERICH

March Break Theatre Week at the Livery – For age 12+ / Registration $100
A week of theatre at the livery … workshops on vocal technique, how to approach a script, movement, improvisation, scene study, learning to love Shakespeare with Emily Johnston.  www.thelivery.ca – 519-524-6262

YMCA Day Camp - March Break Madness
An exciting week jam-packed with games, competitions, trivia and fun with friends.
Members $110/week or $30/day | Non-Members $125/week or $35/day
9am – 4:30pm; before/after camp care – 8am-9am: 4:30pm – 5:30pm (no cost)

Register online www.ymcaswo.ca

FULL ONE-DAY CAMPS 

WINGHAM 

NORTH HURON – March Break Mania (suitable for youngsters 4-10 years of age)

Monday, March 11/13:  Candy Land Day – 8:30-5pm / $35 – skating, lunch, swimming, games, qualified leaders

Tuesday, March 12/13:  Glow-in-the-Dark Bowling - 8:30-5pm / $40 – 2 way bus transportation, bowling, swimming, craft, qualified leaders

Wednesday, March 13, 2013 – Easter Bunny Day - 8:30-5pm / $35 – skating, lunch, swimming, games, qualified leaders

Thursday, March 14, 2013 - Pirates & Princesses – 8:30-5pm / $35 – skating, lunch, swimming, games, qualified leaders

Friday, March 15, 2013 - St. Patrick’s Day Party – 8:30-5pm / $35 – skating, lunch, swimming, games, qualified leaders)

Phone 519-357-1208 or email receipt@northhuron.ca

SOUTH HURON
 brochure

EXETER:  Monday 11th – Ringette Bunny Fun Day – 9am-4pm (SHRC)
EXETER:  Tuesday 12th – Green Camp for Kids (ages 6-12) $30/child – skating, snow shoeing & crafts (team-oriented)
EXETER:  Wednesday 13th – Bingo (ages 10 & under) – 11 -12:30 – $2/child | South Huron Day Camp (ages 6-15) 8am-5pm … bingo, skating, snacks, crafts, physical activity – $30/day
EXETER:  Thursday 14th – 3 on 3 Hockey Tournament for Atom, Pee Wee & Bantam Divisions – $200/team
CREDITON:  Friday 15th – Fun Day in Crediton – 10am – 3pm – crafts, lunch, snacks, games $10/childFREE PUBLIC SKATING

FREE PUBLIC SKATING

WINGHAM:  Monday – Friday (11th-15th) 11:30 – 1p.m. – North Huron Wescast Centre

BLYTH:  Monday (11th), Wednesday (13th) – 1pm. – 3p.m. – Blyth Arena

BRUSSELS:  March 12-15 1:30-3:00 | Shinny 3-4:30 – Brussels Arena
EXETER:  Tuesday (12th) 2-4pm | Wednesday (13th) 12:30 – 2p.m. | Friday 12-2:30pm – South Huron Recreation Centre
EXETER:  Parents & Tots Tuesday -1-2pm, Wednesday 10-11am - South Huron Recreation Centre
EXETER:  Shinny Hockey – early morning until 4pm – $8/person/hour … call staff for availability 519.235.2833 – South Huron Recreation Centre
HURON PARK:  Friday (15th) 5:15 – 6pm – Stephen Arena
HURON PARK:  Parents & Tots Monday (11th)  4-15 – 5pm – Stephen Arena

SWIMMING

WINGHAM:  March Break Swim at North Huron Wescast Community Complex

WINGHAM:  Monday 11th – Friday 15th – 1p.m. – 3p.m. | Cost:  Ages 0-5 yrs Free | 6 – 17 $3.50 | 18+ $4.50

HURON EAST:  March 11-15 – 1:30 – 3:30 | Vanastra Rec Centre

MARCH BREAK PHASE HOCKEY TRAINING CAMP

WINGHAM: 2006-2003 and 2002-1998 | Cost: Players $400 no meal plan or $450 includes meal plan 

Goalies $300 no meal plan or $350 includes meal plan.  Information/reservation contact:

Kory Green 1-226-339-1327 kgreen@phasehockey.ca 

MUSEUM

GODERICH:  March 9, 2013 – 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM, Huron County Museum, 110 North Street - 519-524-2686

Come Play A While…Toys You Loved!  – Revisit childhood memories and enjoy toys from across Huron County donated by and on loan from boys and girls; old and young; neighbours, friends and family.

 

HURON COUNTY LIBRARY

CLINTON:  Saturday, March 9, 2013 – 10am-2pm – Make n’ Take Crafts – “Crown” craft to coincide with March Break activity theme “Visit the Queen” | 519.482.3673

SEAFORTH:  Monday, March 11 – 1pm-2pm – Young Artists Workshops – Finger paint art, Printing with Veggies, collage | ages 6-12 | Registration required.  FREE program. | 519.527-1430
CLINTON:  Monday, March 11 – 1:30 pm-3pm – “Visit the Queen – Masked Ball”  princes and princesses of all ages are invited to a masked ball and theatrical entertainment at the castle with the Queen.  Attire can reflect Medieval times.  Mask craft included.  | 519.482.3673
GODERICH:  Monday, March 11 daily until Sunday, March 17,  10am – 8p.m – Make n’ Take Crafts – Open to children of all ages, but children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.  Contact the branch for more details | 519-524-9261

WINGHAM:  Tuesday, March 12, 2013 – 10:30am-12pm – Wingham Young Artists Workshop – $3/youth, Learn about different types of art media from a local art group | 519.357.3312
WINGHAM:  Wednesday, March 13, 2013 – 2pm – Reptile Kingdon – $3/person or $8/family .. hands-on event with some amazing reptiles such as snakes, lizards and scorpions! | 519.357.3312

HENSALL:  Thursday, March 14, 2013 – 1pm – 2pm Explore finger paint and collage.  ages 6-12 years.  Registration required.  FREE program.  | 519.262.2445

CLINTON:  Thursday, March 14, 2013 – 1:30pm-3pm – “Visit the Queen, Visit the Faire” The Faire is at the castle!  Join in the fun and check out the carnival booths.  Test your skills at the games.
BRUSSELS:  Thursday, March 14, 2013 – 1:30pm – March Break Storytelling and Magic – fun, games and magic for children 5 and up.  Registration Free.

GODERICH, Friday, March 15, 2013 – 2:30pm-3:30pm – Paper Bead Making Workshop – create bracelets, necklaces or 3D art.  Free Program open to children and adults | 519-524-9261

CLINTON:  Friday, March 15, 2013 – 10:15am-11:15am -  “Visit the Queen”  Tales with the Queen – o ye maidens and young men, the Queen will be leading songs and telling stories from the castle.  | 519.482.3673

WINGHAM:  Saturday, March 16, 2013 – 10:30 am-12 noon – Felt Finger Puppet Workshop, ages 7 & up, artisan Ruth McLean leads you in the creation of a one-of-a-kind puppet. Registration required.  FREE program. | 519-357-3312

CLINTON:  Saturday, March 16, 2013 – 10am – 2pm – Make n’ Take “Dragon” craft.

OTHER SPECIAL EVENTS

BLYTH:  Tuesday, March12th at 2pm. Queens Bakery Royal Tea.  Come dressed for a royal occasion, children of all ages.

BLYTH:  Tim Holland (The Puppet Tamer) back by popular demand  Saturday March 16th, 11am & 3pm (Kids Shows) 8pm (Adult Show)  Tickets are $5. Blyth Memorial Hall, Blyth Legion Fundraiser | 519-523-9300

HENSALL:  “EXPLORE ICE” THIS MARCH BREAK at IceCultures – have fun…find adventure…learn something new…support a great cause!  Cost of the 90 minute tour is $14 per person or bring a group of 12 and only pay $12 each. A portion will be donated to The Ontario Association of Food Banks (OAFB). 

During March Break they are offering scheduled plant tours from Friday, March 8 to Sunday, March 17.

Call Karen at 519-262-3500 / 1-888-251-9967

ZURICH:  Huron Ridge offers workshops for “little gardeners” for only $5 a child which includes supplies and a snack. Check out this link for more details: http://www.huronridge.ca/pdfs/spring_break_workshops.pdf

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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!

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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

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2012 Blyth Festival – Eaglesmith music and life on the farm

26 Jun

The small town of Blyth, Ontario is host and home to the Blyth Centre for the Arts. It is a year-round cultural activity centre with a plethora of opportunities, including – Blyth Festival Theatre, an Art Gallery that showcases three professional exhibits and the Blyth Festival Singers.

The season is coming together very well with one show already started. The world premier of Dear Johnny Deere kicked the season of on June 22. This show  takes songs and music by Fred Eaglesmith and shows us the ups and downs of life on the farm. The Divas haven’t mad it out to the show yet, but they wanted to make sure that you all had the opportunity to hear about it! London Free Press wrote a great review about the show, check it out here: http://www.lfpress.com/entertainment/stage/2012/06/24/19915226.html and see a bit of information below. Look for more information to come soon about the other shows happening this summer!

If you are looking to get tickets or are looking for more information you can visit or call here:

www.blythfestival.com/ or call 1-877-862-5984

dearjohnnydeere.jpg

June 19 – July 7

WRITER(S): Ken Cameron
DIRECTOR: Eric Coates

Drivin’, shootin’, cheatin’, schemin’, and boozin’…just another day on the farm when Fred Eaglesmith is writing the tunes!  But it’s not all fun and games…Johnny and Caroline struggle to keep the farm afloat and their marriage together while the bills pile higher.  What will it take to keep them together?

Hint: it’s green.  And it’s a tractor.

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Berries and Breakfast

15 Jun

By Travel Diva Jenna Ujiye

On a quick trip to pick up home-made rhubarb muffins at the Bayfield Berry Farm, I took a peek around the store and also checked out the brunch! Owner Marlene, makes some of the best canned items, jams and jellies around, so I never seem to leave without picking up a few items. I picked out some red pepper jelly and pickled asparagus and then went over to the fresh picked items and got some asparagus and rhubarb.

While I was shopping the brunch was on, there was fresh fruit with whipped cream, eggs, sausage, toast and all of the fixings. There were many people in for the brunch and enjoying the great food. Bayfield Berry also offers catering, baked goods, gifts, u-pick berries (when available) and more. This year the crop was partially ruined due to late frost, but there should still be opportunities for picking.

The Bayfield Berry farm also has many functions going on in 2012:

Starting May 12th – October 7th, 2012 we are offering:

Saturday & Sunday Breakfast Buffets  8am – 2pm  – $10.95 (excluding special function dates below)

Holiday Mondays Breakfast Buffet 8am – 2pm – $10.95 (May 21-September 3)

**Please keep in mind that by popular demand we are serving our buffets & brunches first with menu orders possible thereafter**

So if you are looking for a great breakfast made with fresh local food visit this great spot on Orchard line.

Website: www.bayfieldberryfarm.on.ca

Hours of Operation:
March 30 – May 13 Thursday – Sunday 8 am – 4 pm
May 13 – Sep 3 7 days a week 8 am – 4 pm
8 am – 8 pm (during picking season)
Sep 11 – Oct 7 Tuesday – Sunday 8 am – 4 pm
Oct 7 – Oct 28 Wednesday – Sunday 8 am – 4 pm
Oct 28 – Dec 24 Thursday – Sunday 8 am – 4 pm
** Closed Mondays – Sept 10 – Oct 1, 2012 **
**Subject to weather**

77697 Orchard Line

Bayfield, Ontario

N0M 1G0

Tel: 519.482.1666

Fax: 519.482.8268

Email: berryfarm@hurontel.on.ca

 

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Do you know what Goderich was like in the early 1950′s?

19 Apr

By Diva Jenna Ujiye

Red Sails in the Sunset – April 26 – May 6 at the Livery in Goderich

Click here for more information: http://www.thelivery.ca/Season.html

In the fall of 2011 I was chatting with Warren and Eleanor Robinson and they mentioned a play they were putting on in the spring. I have always loved acting and singing, so I told them I would try out! The time has flown so quickly and the show that was just a thought is now about to start in a week today.

This play has so much going on, it is a testament to life in Goderich from 1953 – 1955.  So of course, my favourite part is the costumes! Who doesn’t love poodle skirts, crinoline and men in dapper suits? With a cast of over 50, this show has it all. I have enjoyed getting to know new people and acting out the unique stories of Goderich over 50 years ago.

Warren Robinson partnered up with his childhood friend Richard Wilson to create this history based show. Warren wrote the script and lyrics and Richard wrote the music.  There is love, loss and challenge, all told through story, song and dance! I don’t want to give away any details, but have posted a bunch of photos to entice you all to check this amazing community theatre show.

I hope you can make it! Here are more details:

Red Sails in the Sunset

http://www.thelivery.ca/Season.html

Book & Lyrics by Warren Robinson

Musical Direction by Eleanor Robinson

Score Composed by Richard Wilson

Performance Dates

April 26, 27, 28, 29

May 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

TICKETS

Adults $20  – Seniors $18 (+65)

Youth $15 (13 -18) – Children $10 (10 and under)

*Group Rate 10% off

10 People or more*

 

CANCELLATION POLICY

No refunds without 24 hours notice.

After the 24 hours have passed, there will be NO exchanges and NO refunds.

NEW BOX OFFICE HOURS

Tuesdays 

10am – 1pm

Wednesdays,

Thursdays & Fridays

3pm – 5:30pm

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A great lunch and a new Diva

4 Mar

By Diva Jenna Ujiye

The past two months I have been emailing back and forth with a new friend and the newest Ontario Travel Diva. I would like to welcome Trista Russel of Exeter on as our newest Diva. Trista has lived in Huron County most of her life and loves to attend local events, attractions and restaurants.

Diva Trista Russell

We decided to meet at one of my favourite local restaurants in Huron is Eddingtons of Exeter. Chef James always has a great menu with unique local food items on it. The menu changes seasonally, so I try to make it there at least every three months. On Friday I had the Gourmet Mac & Cheese and Trista had the daily soup and chicken wrap special and of course it was served with warm fresh bread and butter!

After we finished our main course Chef James came out and we had a nice chat about local events and where he gets some of the fresh food he serves. On Thursday nights it is Gourmet Pizza night, I haven’t made it down yet, but I hear it is amazing and I plan on getting there soon… Baked Potato and Bacon Pizza, yum!

I’m really excited for Trista to come on board with the Divas, after spending an hour with her I could tell that she will have some great posts and photos to come!

For more information on Eddingtons you can find them on Facebook or visit http://www.eddingtons.ca/

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