Tuesday, May 10, 2011

The family that plays together, stays together


Attendees of National Home Show 2011 had the chance to win a trip for four to the Bahamas, courtesy of The Islands Of The Bahamas and Our Lucaya Resort.


With a week in the Bahamas behind them, this year’s winner, Pam Ohashi & family (husband David and four boys - Jo
hn, Douglas, Daniel and Jeff) had the







opportunity to spend the last week of April enjoying the resort and area’s spa, golf courses, ocean, snorkeling, swimming, eating beachside, drinking in the swim up bar and much more.



Tuesday, May 3, 2011

THIS MOTHER’S DAY - THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE ONTARIO

From Bruce to Barrie, Ontario offers unique ways to spoil Mom

Whether she has a green thumb or a sweet tooth, the Ontario counties of Bruce, Grey and Simcoe offer endless ways to show your appreciation this Mother’s Day. With activities and locales ranging from decadent to unique, this year is your chance to do something a little different that is sure to be appreciated.

In the spirit of giving her the special treatment she deserves, the following list of Top 10 Mom-approved selections are sure to make her feel special - today, tomorrow and forever.

1. Feed her soul – For many, Mother’s Day brunch is a much anticipated ritual. This year, why not shake up the tradition with brunch in the country? Five-star dining and cozy local hotspots are only a short drive away and provide a great change of scenery from the usual city fare. Whether dining in or out, some of our favourites include a fabulous three-course meal, complete with fresh flower takeaway at Era 67 in Orillia; or the quality catering of Delicious Dishes in Wiarton - bringing fresh and local Mother’s Day goodies straight to your doorstep.

2. Pamper her spirit –
Parenting is tough work no matter what age your kids are. Offer Mom the ultimate thank you with a pampering package from one of Ontario’s many luxury spas. The spas at Cobble Beach Resort, Scandinave Spa at Blue Mountain and the Shizen Spa at Horseshoe Resort are just a few locales that offer utterly-over-the-top experiences.

3. Apple of my eye – For once, there really is no rush. Tell the woman who means the world to you that she deserves some time away from schedules and deadlines. Spend a relaxing day in Grey County exploring some of the Apple Pie Trail’s more than 20 vendors. Only a couple of hours outside of Toronto, this trail is perfect for foodies and of course, serious apple-lovers.

4. Stop and smell the roses – Finding the perfect Mother’s Day gift doesn’t have to break the bank. This year tell the special woman in your life to take a “hike”, or rather a leisurely stroll, at one of Central Ontario’s many picturesque gardens or trails, such as: The Ganaraska Trail, which highlights sections of Orillia, Barrie, Wasaga, Midland and Oro-Medonte; or the Bruce Trail, which starts off in Tobermory, and heads south towards Wiarton and beyond.

5. A little R&R –
With hundreds of choices, Central Ontario’s cozy B&Bs offer ideal R&R options for Moms in need of some downtime. Taking the guesswork out of planning a perfect getaway, lodgings like Between The Maples in Grey County and Orillia’s Cavana Inn & Spa, offer views of Ontario’s picturesque landscape that can’t be beat.

6. A gift above par – Mom’s everywhere are taking pleasure in spending the day on the green, especially when they don’t have to stray too far from home. Whatever her handicap, there are a number of courses to choose from throughout Central Ontario - Simcoe County alone has more than 50 courses for her to play.

7. Satisfy that sweet tooth – From home-grown maple syrup to decadent, locally produced fudge & fresh honey, Central Ontario offers no shortage of sweet confections. Many of the area’s local producers and stores, including Kemble Mountain Maple Products, Lazy J Ranch Honey and the family-owned and operated Holly’s Sweets & Eats, welcome visitors – an ideal experience for any true foodie.

8. What she wants, baby we got it – You don’t have to wander far to find unique, charming and often hand-crafted gifts this Mother’s Day. Bruce, Grey and Simcoe Counties offer a wide variety of one-of-a-kind craft, antique and home-made specialty stores. Some of our favourite places include The Handcraft House in Wiarton, The Pastorale in Owen Sounds and Carousel Collectables in Orillia.

9. Nourish her mind – For the mom looking for a little food for thought, Central Ontario offers an endless list of activities to do and see this May – perfect for moms looking to make a weekend out of Mother’s Day. From art festivals and classes with award winning artists to museums, birding locales, open-air markets, film festivals and more, there’s an activity for every interest in Bruce, Grey and Simcoe Counties.

10. Off the Beaten Path – Moms with a sense of adventure will surely love a day spent on horseback, especially if you join her on the trail. Saddle up your ride at Whinny Acres in the Grey Highlands for a memorable Western riding trek through the winding trails. Stop for a picnic and take in parts of Ontario only seen on horseback. Stay for the day, the night or even the week at the property’s bed and breakfast.

TOP 10 MOM-APPROVED BRUNCH SPOTS


TripAtlas.com shares the best brunch places from around the world to take mom to this Mother’s Day

Like giving a box of chocolates or a dozen red roses for Valentine’s Day, nothing says “Happy Mother’s Day” like brunch with mom. But, if you really want to dazzle her – there’s nothing like adding a little international twist to the time-honoured brunch routine.

This Mother’s Day, TripAtlas.com, an essential online travel planning tool, would like to toast mothers everywhere by highlighting some of the world’s most fabulous brunch spots, turning the typical pastime into a fabulous jet-setting weekend getaway.

1. Peninsula New York, New York– For the mom with a passion for the out of the ordinary, the ‘city that never sleeps’ presents a sky-high, roof-deck party experience at the uber-luxurious Peninsula New York's Salon de Ning rooftop bar on the 23rd-floor terrace.

2. Le Scandinave Spa, Blue Mountains, Canada – Spoil her mind, body and soul this Mother’s Day by bringing a taste of Sweden to her. A Canadian best kept secret, Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain’s bistro supplier Café Chartreuse, offers an intimate place to unwind and dine for brunch, combined with the spa’s distinctive Swedish bath experience.

3. Andy's Flour Power Cafe & Bakery, Panama City Beach – Known as much for its location as it is for its whiz chef John Certo, Andy's Flour Power Cafe & Bakery is a favourite amongst locals for hand-crafted, in-house bakery goodies, such as: five types of bread (white, whole wheat, cinnamon, rye and his signature baguette loaf).

4. Jardin Nelson, Montreal, Canada –
Located in an open air courtyard in the heart of Old Montreal, this brunch hotspot provides an atmosphere that can’t be beat - complete with a live jazz band playing while you sip on fresh fruit smoothies.

5. Mon Ami Gabi at Paris, Las Vegas–
Offering one of the best patios in Las Vegas, Mon Ami Gabi is a take on a classic Parisian-style bistro in the middle of the very-American Las Vegas Strip.

6. Mildred’s Temple Kitchen, Toronto, Canada –
The perfect way to say “I love you” this Mother’s Day, Toronto’s Liberty Village comes alive in the chic atmosphere of Mildred’s Temple Kitchen. A must for any mom searching for a taste of her childhood, this upmarket Toronto staple offers flavours straight out of gramma's recipe book.

7. The Hole in the Wall, Roatan -
Not to be confused with the dive site, this Sunday brunch hangout is the most unique place to visit in Roatan, complete with five-minute row boat ride, interesting décor that could have been washed up on shore and all you can eat steak and lobster.

8. The Nimb Hotel at Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen – One of the newest places “to have yourself be seen” in Copenhagen, The Brasserie in The Nimb Hotel is known as one of Copenhagen’s hottest weekend brunch spots.

9. Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S. –
Home to the world-renowned House of Blues Gospel Brunch, dining here has become a tradition amongst locals and passers by. The venue features live music from both local and national artists, as well as a southern-style buffet.

10. The Cove, Barbados -
Recently named as having “one of the best chefs in the world,” The Cove and chef Laurel Ann Morely are considered a must-see, neighbourhood favourite for Sunday brunch.

This list was compiled based on a compilation of experiences chosen by TripAtlas.com. For more information, visit www.TripAtlas.com.

Monday, April 25, 2011

Win a spa day for two

Win a spa day for two at Scandinave Spa courtesy of TripAtlas.com

In the spirit of giving her the special treatment she deserves and just in time for Mother’s Day, TripAtlas.com - an essential online travel planning tool and Scandinave Spa, have teamed up to offer a spa day for 2 contest at one of the following Scandinave Spas:

  • Scandinave Spa Mont Tremblant
  • Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain
  • Scandinave Spa Whistler

The winning entry will receive:

  • A 60 minute Swedish massage for 2
  • Nordic Baths access for 2
  • Lunch for 2
  • Robe rental for 2

This prize is valued at over $300CAD

For more details, how to enter and the fine print, go to www.TripAtlas.com.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

The Bahamas come to Toronto!

It's no secret that The Islands of The Bahamas are a stunning and unforgettable place to vacation, but as The Bahamas Prime Minister, Hubert A. Ingraham and Minister of Tourism and Aviation, Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace made clear last Wednesday night, it is also a fantastic place to invest!

And invest they have; The Bahamas has been breaking boundaries and making huge strides in tourism development in recent months, as outlined by the Prime Minister and Minister at last week's event, held March 30 at the King Edward Hotel in Toronto.

From the ground-breaking Baha Mar resort development, which is the largest ever in the Caribbean, to a multi-million dollar airport renewal project, the message is as clear as the crystal waters that surround The Bahamas: More than $823 million invested in recent tourism projects and an exceptionally diverse array of offerings means there is truly something for everyone in The Bahamas!



Monday, March 28, 2011

LUNCHTIME IN THE CITY


Bruce, Grey and Simcoe County Shine at Toronto’s First Sip N’ Savour!


On Thursday March 24, an incredible array of food and beverage producers across Bruce, Grey and Simcoe gathered in downtown Toronto to extend the welcome mat and show off their local culinary offerings at an invite-only event for food, lifestyle and travel media. Taking place at The Field House at the historic 130 year-old Berkeley Church’s, the event – titled Sip N’ Savour promised an epicurean tour of the Region and offered Toronto media the chance to eat, sip and savour local food and drink, and an opportunity to meet the people who created them - getting a true taste of the region’s warm hospitality. In addition to highlighting local delicacies including signature cocktails, syrup, honey, lager and cuisine from top Bruce, Grey and Simcoe chefs, tourism experts from each county were also on hand to provide information on visiting the area, only a short drive away from Toronto.



Friday, March 11, 2011

TORONTO SPORTSMEN’S SHOW FEATURES VERY BEST IN OUTDOOR EXHIBITS AND FUN



TORONTO – March 11, 2011 – The 64th annual Toronto Sportsmen's Show runs next week from March 16-20 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre guaranteeing an unbelievable showcase of the absolute best in everything to do with the great outdoors! The show promises to deliver fun and entertainment for the whole family, with no shortage of exciting exhibits for folks of all ages and interests.

This year's highlights include:

"5 after 5" Promotion
Pay only $5 for admission to the show after 5 p.m.

Outdoor Adventure Zone
From camping to kayaking, canoeing to rock climbing, rafting to mountain biking, the Outdoor Adventure Zone offers something for everyone. Activities include a seminar stage and a marketplace for people looking to live a healthy and active lifestyle. Adults and kids alike can:
Brush up on their climbing skills on the always challenging Adventure Mountain Climbing Wall
Test the waters and their kayaking talents in the Big Water Adventure Watersport Pool

Canadian Armed Forces
“What we wear” demonstration – experience the weight that the average soldier carries each day. Equipment will include plated bulletproof vests, tactical vests, helmets and rucksacks.
“What we eat” display – set up with Individual Meal Packs (IMP’s) to showcase what soldiers eat in the field.
Arctic Tent with Toboggans – a 5-man arctic tent will be set up with sleeping bags, a stove and lantern to showcase how soldiers live during grueling winter operations.
Juno Gym – this miniature obstacle course is built for kids less than five feet tall to promote activity and fun! It's named after "Juno" the polar bear, the official mascot of the Canadian Army. All children who complete Juno’s Jungle Gym will receive a certificate signed by Juno.

Fishing Unlimited
Fishing Unlimited is the largest section of the show, catering to fishing enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels. The whole family will enjoy checking out fun features like:
·The Toronto Sun Casting Pond – where $75,000 in cash and prizes will be up for grabs.
The Live Trout Pond – great for young anglers to test their skills and see what they can catch.

ATV Super Showcase and Giveaway of a brand new Arctic Cat 350 4x4 Courtesy of Country Corners Rent Inc
All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) continued to sell at record levels in 2010 with almost 90,000 units sold across Canada. Leading manufacturers will be at the show, offering visitors a one-stop shopping experience with many of the latest 2011 ATV and UTV models. For full giveaway details check out the show’s website at: http://www.torontosportshow.ca/family_campsite_give_away/

Lawrence Eutenier
Blind Fisherman Lawrence Euteneier: Lawrence is North America's only completely blind fishing tournament professional. Come and meet him and his dog Maestro and discover a man whose passion for fishing has led to amazing innovations in boating. On display will be the world’s first Blind Fishing Boat, developed by Lawrence himself.

All-Star Dog Show
These free daily shows will entertain the whole family and features Purina Pro Plan Dog Stars like the famous McCann Dogs. Featured shows include: Big Air Dog Jump competition and Dogs with Jobs display.

The Ontario OUT OF DOORS Hunting Hall
People passionate about hunting and shooting sports owe themselves a visit to this 50,000 square foot exhibit, filled with manufacturers and retailers devoted to this exhilarating pastime. There's also a Hunting Seminar Stage and Archery Test Drive Centre for visitors to check out.

Birds of Prey
The Canadian Peregrine Foundation is returning to the Toronto Sportsmen's Show with their hugely popular and expansive display of live birds of prey.

Take a Wild Turkey Course
The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters will be running Wild Turkey hunting courses with the Ministry of Natural Resources offering a test to those who wish to purchase a turkey hunting licence.

Spring Boat Super Show & Sale
One of the country's largest selections of fishing boats and motors, there are sure to be plenty of superb deals to be found here!

Outfitters and Travel Expo
Presented by the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership, this Expo showcases a massive selection of outdoor vacation destinations and activities from across North America for people and families looking to book a wilderness vacation of a lifetime.
The Toronto Sportsmen’s Show runs from March 16 – 20 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. For complete show information visit: http://www.torontosportshow.ca/

What: The 2011 Toronto Sportsmen’s Show

When: Wednesday, March 16, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Thursday, March 17, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Friday, March 18, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday, March 19, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sunday, March 20, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre
255 Front Street West, Toronto

Cost: Adults $19.00
Seniors $13.00
Juniors $13.00 (Ages 10 to 15)
Children FREE when accompanied by an adult (under six years)
Family Pass: $45.00 (two adults and two juniors)

About CNSS
As a non-profit corporation, Canadian National Sportsmen's Shows is committed to conserving Canada's outdoors and instilling Canadian youth with an appreciation for nature and outdoor activity. CNSS uses the proceeds from these shows to support and promote outdoor campaigns and programs in Canada. Since the first show in 1948, more than $31 million has been donated. Some of the programs that have been supported include the Ringwood Fish Culture Station, Association de Conservation de la Vallee du Gouffre, Camp Winston, Kid's Fishing Days, Credit Valley Conservation Foundation, the Pacific Salmon Foundation, the Ontario Snow Resorts Association, Friends of Toronto Parks & Trees, the Credit River Anglers' Association, Parkview Hatchery, Project C.A.N.O.E., amongst others.

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For more information:
Mitchell Ostapchuk, Show Manager
Tel: 905.361.5248
E-mail: mitchell@sportshows.ca

For media registration and show updates:
Jessica Patriquin, PUNCH Canada
T: 416.360.6522 x.245
E: jessica@punchcanada.com

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