Niagara-on-the-Lake bursts into fall

Posted on September 22, 2012 by Vieira Donna

I can see hints of red, orange and yellow on the Niagara Escarpment. The days and nights are cooler. Squirrels are in a frenzy gathering nuts here, there and everywhere. And yesterday, guests found the largest puffball mushroom I have ever seen. All signs that fall is approaching.

Puffball Mushroom

Guests found this large puffball mushroom near Fort George in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Much to the delight of seven ladies, Fernando prepared it and served it with Eggs Benedict and Bearnaise Sauce.

Eggs Benedict at Globetrotters B&B in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Eggs Benedict were served on sauteed slice of wild mushroom.

A resounding hit!

Breakfast at Globetrotters B&B in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada

Guests enjoyed it all with gusto and they're looking forward to the wild mushroom soup for lunch.

And he had plenty more to make a huge pot of wild mushroom soup, which we’ll enjoy for lunch with a loaf of fresh-baked bread.

 

The Wine Ladies

We had a blast guiding Georgia and Susanne — a.k.a. The Wine Ladies — around Niagara-on-the-Lake earlier this week in preparation for the Niagara-on-the-Lake Bed & Breakfast Association‘s 14-week Fall 2012 campaign during which six two-night getaway packages will be given away. All you have to do to enter the draw is tweet to win: #NiagaraB&BTWLContest. Enter as often as you want. You could be a lucky winner of a two-night stay at a B&B or vacation rental in Niagara-on-the-Lake, plus perks, such as a $100 gift certificate toward dinner for two at Ravine Winery Restaurant or at the Epicurean Restaurant; a $300 gift basket from The Ice House; a welcome bottle of wine from Stonechurch Winery; a tour and strawberry chocolate dipping lesson at Chocolate F/X; a $100 gift certificate toward a wine tour for two with Grape Escape; free entry to the Niagara Historical Museum!

 

The Wine Ladies at Pillitteri

The Wine Ladies enjoy a white-wine tasting and Tide & Dine lunch at Pillitteri Winery Estates in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

The Wine Ladies at Between the Lines Winery

The Wine Ladies sample Ontario Vidal wines available exclusively at Between the Lines Winery.

The Wine Ladies at Chocolate F/X

There's nothing better than a wine goblet full of chocolate to end a long day of touring.

 

Taste the Season

Another indication that fall is around the corner is the very popular, must-do Taste the Season event that happens every weekend in November. Start planning now. There are two great ways to taste your way around our close-knit neighbourhood of 28 wineries during the upcoming harvest and winemaking season:

Taste the Season touring passes cost $44.25 per person plus taxes and can be used ANY Friday, Saturday or Sunday in November 2012 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Touring passes can be purchased online or call 905-468-1950.

Visiting 28 wineries during one trip to wine country is a tall order, so Taste the Season organizers have come up with the Winemakers’ Selections Tasting Pass, which you are welcome to use at all 28 wineries, year-round. Buy your Winemakers’ Selection Tasting Pass today for $28 per person online or call 905-468-1950.

 

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Tweet to win 1 of 6 Niagara-on-the-Lake Getaways

Posted on September 13, 2012 by Vieira Donna

What would you do on a two-night getaway in Niagara-on-the-Lake? We think we have some great ideas for you. And now you have a chance to win one of six two-night getaways plus perks in Niagara-on-the-Lake compliments of the Niagara-0n-the-Lake Bed & Breakfast Association. All you have to do is tweet to win! The twitter ID is #NiagaraB&BTWLContest. For full details on each prize package and how to enter, visit: http://www.thewineladies.com/component/content/article/38-top-stories-the-wine-ladies/1428-tweet-to-win-over-350000-in-prizes-with-the-niagara-bed-and-breakfast. Enter as many times as you want.

Terry Fox Run

If you’re heading our way this coming weekend, the Terry Fox Run takes place in Niagara-on-the-Lake on Sunday, September 16. Run, walk, rollerblade or cycle the wheelchair-accessible route — it’s up to you. Route lengths are 5 or 10 kilometres. Registration begins at 9 a.m. in Simcoe Park; the run begins at 10 a.m. Following the run, there will be a BBQ and a Treasures for Terry table filled with giveaways from various sponsors.

Jazz it up this weekend!

Also on Sunday, September 16, from 1 to 6 p.m., enjoy the great sounds of Peter Appleyard, the Vickie van Dyke Trio, Craig Roberts & the Jumpin Jive Band and Vintage Stompers, with Valerie Pringle as your M.C. It’s the 10th Annual Willowbank Jazz Festival and it all takes place at Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery in St. David’s. They’re predicting great weather this weekend, so why not make a day of it. Run in the morning; celebrate all afternoon! There will be 30 fabulous silent auction items. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased online from Willowbank, by calling 905-262-1239, Ext. 21, or in person at Willowbank or Ravine Winery.

Ravine Vineyard is located at 1366 York Road in St. David's.

Taste of the Town

Foodies might be interested in this new tour of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Now you can eat your way through the prettiest town in Canada, one taste at a time! The 2.5-hour tour is available Tuesday to Sunday, April through November and starts at 10:30 a.m. All food tastings are included — enough for lunch. Cost is $45/adult; $40/senior; $30/youth and $20/child. Visit their website or call 1-800-838-3006.

Taste a little bit of everything with Taste the Town Tours in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

History buffs unite

On Thursday, September 20 at 7 p.m. at Navy Hall, join fellow War of 1812 enthusiasts for a fun-filled night based on military and social history of the early 19th century. Tickets are $25 each by calling 905-468-6621. There will be a cash bar and light snacks on site.

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Tour a Heritage Home in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Posted on August 30, 2012 by Vieira Donna

The very popular annual Niagara Foundation House Tour is back again. Celebrating its 50th year, the tour runs from 10 am to 5 pm on Saturday, September 15, 2012.

Celebrating 50 years of outstanding properties.

The annual house tour showcases six properties in Niagara-on-the-Lake, each of unique architectural or historical significance.

Tickets cost $25 each and will be available for pick-up at the Chamber of Commerce office  in the Lower Level of the Court House located at 26 Queen Street.

Order tickets online at niagaraonthelake.com or call 905-468-1950.

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RCMP Musical Ride Hits Niagara-on-the-Lake

Posted on August 23, 2012 by Vieira Donna

It’s finally coming! The RCMP Musical Ride will take place at Fort George in Niagara-on-the-Lake on Friday, August 31, 2012 at 6:30 pm. Gates open at 5:30 pm and a limited number of tickets will be available at that time. So, to ensure your seat at the ride, we recommend you purchase your tickets in advance.

Renowned as one of Canada’s most recognized icons, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Musical Ride represents a colourful Canadian tradition. The troop of 32 horses and riders will perform a variety of cavalry drills choreographed to music. Working through a unique medium, they support the RCMP community policing efforts throughout Canada.

The Musical Ride was developed in 1876 by early members of the North-West Mounted Police to display their riding ability and entertain the local community. It has evolved over the decades into a uniquely Canadian performance enjoyed by tens of thousands of spectators every year.
 
Members of the Musical Ride are first and foremost police officers. They all have at least two years’ experience in active police work before volunteering for duty with the Musical Ride. Surprisingly, most have no prior riding experience.
 
Tickets for the RCMP Musical Ride are on sale at the Friends of Fort George Gift Shop! Ticket prices are as follows: Adults $15; children (6–16) $10; and family (two adults and up to five children) $45.

Fort George in Niagara-on-the-Lake is a National Historic Site and will be hosting the RCMP Musical Ride at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, August 31, 2012.

 
Seating is ground seating inside Fort George so we recommend bringing a lawn chair or blanket with you. Coffee, cold drinks, and light snacks will be available inside the Fort during the performance.
 
The Friends of Fort George Gift Shop will have extended hours from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm. RCMP-related merchandise will be available while quantities last.
 
All proceeds go to the Friends of Fort George for continued support of Summer Employment & Additional Programming at Fort George National Historic site.
 
For additional information: please contact Friends of Fort George:  telephone 905-468-6621 or e-mail: admin@friendsoffortgeorge.ca.  

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Passionate about Niagara?

Posted on August 16, 2012 by Vieira Donna

Join the group. Here’s a fun video that says it all:

 

Just sit back and enjoy it.

 

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Enjoy the Sunshine in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Posted on August 12, 2012 by Vieira Donna

Sun-filled days are always easy to plan for—especially since there is so much to do here in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The challenge is making up your mind:

-   Cycling is a great way to explore the natural beauty of Niagara-on-the-Lake and surrounding countryside thanks to an increasing number of maintained and signposted off-road cycling trails available. Bring your own bike or rent a bike from ZOOM Rentals, Grape Escape or International Bike Tours here in town.

Niagara Waterfront Trail

Cycle along the Great Waterfront Trail from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Niagara Falls and even Fort Erie if you want.

-   E-bikes or e-scooters, short for “electric bicycle,” are the newest craze in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Rent one at E-Skoot Niagara on Mary Street, Grape Escape on King or International Bike Tours on Picton.

-   Picnic along the Niagara River, at Queen’s Royal Park on Lake Ontario or at Queenston Heights Park on the Niagara Escarpment where picnic tables and barbecues await you. Pick up cheese, cold cuts, fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh bread and a salad at any of the many area markets. Add a local bottle of wine and enjoy.

-   Roller-blade, stroll or run along the paved trails that run along the Niagara River or along the tree-lined streets of Niagara-on-the-Lake.

-   Horseback ride through vineyards or the wooded trails along the Niagara Escarpment.

Horseback riding in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Ride horseback through the vineyards in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

-   Hike the gorge along the Niagara River to get a feel for what the area once was like before the tourists came along. A staircase  leads you down into the gorge. Bring a picnic and watch fishermen try their luck.

-   Take a self-guided or guided walking tour of Niagara-on-the-Lake.

-   Enjoy a bite to eat and a glass of wine or a cold beer on one of the many outdoor terraces throughout Niagara-on-the-Lake.

-   Play a nine-hole game of golf—or two—at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Course, the oldest golf course in continuous play in North America. Or practise hitting some balls at the Niagara Sports Practice Centre off Niagara Stone Road or the Unison Golf & Practice Facility on Lakeshore Road.

Golf in Niagara-on-the-Lake

With so many courses to choose from, Niagara-on-the-Lake is perfect for a golf getaway.

-   Tour the Botanical Gardens on the Niagara Parkway.

-   Take a Whirlpool Jet Boat ride.

-   Ride the Maid of the Mist for an amazing experience at the Falls.

-   Visit Happy Rolph’s Petting Farm and Bird Sanctuary.

-   Ride the SkyWheel in Niagara Falls.

-   Visit Fort George and experience how people lived prior to 1812.

-   Book a winery tour.

-   Swim at the community pool located at Memorial Park, 370 King Street. Cost: $2.75 for adults; $2.25 for seniors and students; free for under 5.

-  Organize a game of tennis, baseball, soccer or volleyball at Memorial Park located. Visit location to book tennis courts ($12.50/hr.). Baseball, soccer and volleyball courts are free.

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Explore and Experience Niagara

Posted on July 19, 2012 by Vieira Donna

Okay, so we all know about the Shaw Festival, the Falls and Marineland, but what else can we do in the Niagara area, you ask? Plenty. Here are some suggestions if you find yourself in Niagara-on-the-Lake or surrounding area:

-   Try geocaching and really get to know the area.

-   Take the stairway down to a pristine pocket of Carolinian Forest and walk around among tall trees and huge rocks at the river’s edge in the cool Niagara Glen to get a sense of how things were before tourists came. The Niagara Glen overlooks the Niagara River Whirlpool, a unique natural phenomenon.

Hike four kilometres through the Niagara Glen.

-   Hike the trails along the Niagara Escarpment.

-   Cycle or e-scoot your way through the countryside.

-   Visit one of many museums and historic sites located throughout Niagara-on-the-Lake and surrounding area; enjoy tea and a treat at the McFarland House.

-   Climb 235 steps to the top of Brock’s Monument for $1 or tour the battlefield at Queenston Heights with costumed staff and enjoy a spectacular view of the Niagara Frontier. Pack a picnic and a bottle of Niagara wine and relax a while or cool off at the splash pad.

Climb to the top of Brock's Monument for a spectacular view of the Niagara Frontier.

-   Book a ghost walk tour ($13/adult; $10/senior; $5/child 13 & under) and learn all about all the paranormal activity that goes on here.

-   Tour a winery or several (there are 28 in Niagara-on-the-Lake alone); ask your B&B hosts for some complimentary wine-tasting coupons.

-   Saunter through the Botanical Gardens and admire the bloomin’ scenery.

Spend a lovely afternoon at the Botanical Gardens.

-   Visit the Niagara College Teaching Winery and the Niagara College Teaching Brewery to learn a thing or two about making wine or beer.

-   Tour the NEOB Lavender Boutique  & Tea Garden to learn how lavender is grown and distilled into essential oils and creams. It’s free! Then enjoy a taste of lavender ice cream.

-   Book an 1812 walking tour of Old Town Niagara-on-the-Lake. It’s only $5 per person and includes admission to the Niagara Historical Museum.

-   Attend a lecture at the “Theatre in Niagara-on-the-Lake” series, scheduled at the Niagara Historical Museum at 7:30 p.m. on July 21, August 18 and September 15. $5 for non-members.

-   Take a backstage tour at the Festival Theatre at 11am (10:30am for families) Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays to find out what goes into theatre productions. Cost $5 for a one-hour tour.

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Live it up at Niagara-on-the-Lake Wineries

Posted on July 12, 2012 by Vieira Donna

Everyone knows about the usual wine tastings, seminars and tours offered by most wineries. But there’s so much more going on at the wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Many of them offer a variety of ways to enjoy hot summer days as you sip your favourite vintage surrounded by vineyards. Here’s a sampling of what’s happening on any given weekend in Niagara-on-the-Lake:

Jackson-Triggs Estate Winery

Every summer, this Niagara-on-the-Lake winery sets up its outdoor amphitheatre for its wonderful concert series in the vineyards. Enjoy award-winning wines and brilliant talent under the starry skies.

Peller Estates

Try the Chef’s Table Dining Experience  (July 14, 21 and August 4, 11 & 18) to discover how Jason Parsons approaches the art of pairing wine and food. $165/person. Or dine alfresco on five courses amongst the vines (August 4, 11 & 18) and enjoy one of the most beautiful views in Niagara Wine Country. $130/person. A tad expensive perhaps, but you have to reward yourself sometimes and this is how to do it right.

The cellar at Peller Estates Winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Live it up and treat yourself to a dining experience in the cellar at Peller Estates Winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Ravine Winery

While this was one of my favourite places to dine, recent experiences make me think twice for dinner. What they are good at though are lunches and, every Friday, Saturday and some Sundays, you can enjoy live jazz from 7pm.

Reif Estate Winery

A Corvette, Classic and Hot Rod Car Show (July 22, 10am–5pm), grilled pizza in the garden every weekend from 11am-5pm, a winemaker’s luncheon with Lynn Ogryzlo (August 4, 12:30–2pm) and gelato in the garden every day are just some of the events waiting for you at this winery.

Conveniently located on the Niagara Parkway and near cycling trails, the Reif Winery is the perfect spot to stop in for a grilled pizza for lunch on weekends.

Southbrook Vineyards

Back by popular demand, Treadwell’s Vineyard Bistro serves a perfect partnership of food and wine from 11:30am–4:30pm.

Stonechurch Vineyards

Relax on their patio and enjoy live music by local guitarist and vocalist while you sip wines by the glass every Saturday afternoon from 1:30–4:30pm now through September. Music Niagara also teams up with them for music and wine with the Gould String Quartet at 11:30am on July 14, a Sunday Night Cabaret on July 15, an evening with the B Flat Sisters on July 20, an evening with The Heartbroken on August 3 and an evening with The Hogtown Syncopators on August 10.

Stratus Winery

Music Niagara teams up with this high-brow winery with music and wine with the Gould String Quartet starting at 11:30am on July 28 and again on August 4.

Trius Winery at Hillebrand

You all know about the Jazz Festival (July 14) and the Blues Festival (August 11), right?

 

The patio at Trius Winery at Hillebrand in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Dine on the outdoor patio at Trius Winery at Hillebrand in Niagara-on-the-Lake and enjoy the view.

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More Festivals and Parties for Niagara-on-the-Lake

Posted on July 3, 2012 by Vieira Donna

Wow! What a Canada Day we had here in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The Tragically Hip concert on June 30 was a royal treat to locals and visitors alike. Canada Day celebrations included a BBQ, a vintage car display and free entertainment in Simcoe Park, free entry to Fort George, dozens of displays and products at the Artistry by the Lake exhibit, a 4×8-foot cake escorted down Queen Street to Fort George and, of course, fireworks. And the weather was purrrrfect. It doesn’t get much better than that.

Canada Day at Simcoe Park in Niagara-on-the-Lake

There was fun for everyone on Canada Day at Simcoe Park in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

 

Looking all shiny and new, vintage cars attracted admirers.

 

Pottery, clothing, jewellery, carvings, garden decor . . . there's something for everyone at the Artistry by the Lake exhibit in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

 

This coming weekend on July 7, the Cherry Festival takes over the grounds at St. Mark’s Church on Byron Street. From 9am to 3pm,  it’s a celebration of all things cherry you don’t want to miss.

Also on Saturday, July 7, check out 12 unique gardens for $12 between 10am and 4pm on the Niagara-on-the-Lake Horticultural Society Garden Tour. Tickets can be ordered online or picked up at a number of locations throughout Niagara-on-the-Lake listed on their website, where you can also download a brochure and a map. And if it gets too hot, take a break and cool off with an icewine shake at Strewn Winery.

A gardener's dream, Niagara-on-the-Lake is renowned for its beautiful gardens and numerous nurseries.

Every Saturday from 8am to 1pm during the summer, you can visit the Farmers’ Market @ the Village where you can pick fresh local produce or enjoy lunch before your 2pm theatre performance. If you’re in town on Wednesdays, the market takes place from 4–8pm. It’s a perfect place to grab something to eat before you head off to an evening Shaw performance.

War of 1812 history buffs might want to check out the Navy of 1812: Sailors on the Lakes event on July 13, 14 and 15 to witness a naval encampment on the grounds of Navy Hall and Fort George, with five tall ships (four Brigantines and a Schooner) and 22 longboats with 200 naval re-enactors. Call 905-468-6614 for more information.

Catch a glimpse of the tall ships at Navy Hall in Niagara-on-the-Lake on July 13, 14 & 15, 2012.

And as mentioned earlier, don’t forget the Music Niagara 2012 Summer Festival featuring classical, jazz, vocal, country and choral music in unique venues in the heart of Niagara’s beautiful wine country. It all begins on Friday, July 13 with an opening gala featuring Stewart Goodyear. And if you can’t make it here that weekend, not to worry. The festival goes on until Saturday, August 11. Tickets can be purchased online, by phone at 1-800-511-7429, in person at the Shaw Festival Box Office in the Festival Theatre or at the door 30 minutes before each concert.

Tickets are selling out fast for the Trius Jazz and Blues at the Hillebrand Winery on July 14 and August 11, 2012, respectively. Buy your tickets here.

Remember, if you’re looking for a place to stay, you can always check availability at B&Bs in Niagara-on-the-Lake at www.niagarabedandbreakfasts.com.

 

 

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Explore and experience Niagara-on-the-Lake

Posted on June 21, 2012 by Vieira Donna

Been here before and looking for different ways to enjoy Niagara-on-the-Lake? Here are a few suggestions:

-   Try geocaching and get to know the area.

-   Walk around among tall trees and huge rocks at the river’s edge in the cool Niagara Gorge to get a sense of how things were before tourists came.

-   Hike the trails along the Niagara Escarpment.

-   Cycle or e-scoot your way through the countryside.

Cycle, walk, rollerblade or eskoot along the Great Waterfront Trail.

-   Visit one of many museums and historic sites located throughout Niagara-on-the-Lake. This is the 200th commemoration of the War of 1812, so there’s lots of new things to see and experience.

-   Book a ghost walk tour and learn all about all the paranormal activity that goes on here.

-   Tour a winery.

Take in a tour of Château des Charmes winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

-   Visit the Niagara College Teaching Winery.

-   Tour the NEOB Lavender Boutique  & Tea Garden. Take in the 2nd annual Lavender Festival on July 14 & 15, 2012.

-   Book an 1812 walking tour of Old Town Niagara-on-the-Lake. It’s only $5 per person including free admission to the Niagara Historical Museum.

-   Attend a lecture at the “Theatre in Niagara-on-the-Lake” series, scheduled at the Niagara Historical Museum at 7:30 p.m. on July 21, August 18 and September 15. $5 for non-members. A wonderful display of the War of 1812 is the highlight this year.

Take a backstage tour at the Festival Theatre at 11am (10:30am for families) Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays to find out what goes into theatre productions. Try on the hats, the jewellery…oh, what fun you’ll have! It’s the best value in town: cost $5/person for one hour tour.

There’s always something new happening in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

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