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Bracebridge

The Muskoka Seven: Things to Do from July 18 to 24, 2011

Ron Sexsmith

1. Major Canadian talent makes the trip to Muskoka this week, as acclaimed singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith takes the stage for two shows at Peter’s Place Live on July 23 and 24.

2. Check out the latest pleasure crafts and cottage accessories from July 22 to 24, as Gravenhurst’s Muskoka Wharf hosts the annual In-Water Boat and Cottage Show. If all that salivating (at boats) makes you actually hungry, you’re in luck, the Muskoka Cottage Brewery lounge, also on-site, offers a filling Ribfest, too. (more…)

The Muskoka Seven: Things to Do from July 11 to 17, 2011

Steven Page plays the Huntsville Festival of the Arts this week

1. The Huntsville Festival of the Arts has a big week. Former Barenaked Ladies frontman Steven Page is sure to bring the house down when he plays the Algonquin Theatre on July 15. On July 17, the ever-popular Rod Beattie brings his curmudgeonly character Walt Wingfield to town in Wingfield’s Folly.

2. Parry Sound’s biggest annual event kicks off on July 15 as the Festival of the Sound hosts a “piano gala” featuring music by Debussy, Gershwin, Beethoven and more. Four additional concerts and two lectures round out the weekend’s programming. (more…)

The Muskoka Seven: Things to Do from June 13 to 19, 2011

The candy cane fountains at Santa's Village

1. There’s only six months until Christmas! See how Saint Nick’s preparing for his 2011 toy delivery—or perhaps he’s still relaxing in the Muskoka sun—by visiting Santa’s Village, where kids can ride the Christmas ball ferris wheel, cool off under candy cane showers, get crafty in the elves’ workshop and more.

2. Witness the Kee to Bala be transformed into the “dogg pound” as legendary rapper Snoop Dogg enlivens cottage country with his distinctly brand of West Coast hip hop on June 17.

3. If you can handle the black flies and mosquitoes—and really, if you’re in Muskoka, that should be a given—then consider planning a camping trip to really experience the Canadian Shield. Well-known retailers like Algonquin Outfitters and Muskoka Outfitters can equip you with all the latest outdoorsy gear. (more…)

The Muskoka Seven: Things To Do from June 6 to 12, 2011

Laugh along with Robin Duke and the rest of the "Women Fully Clothed"

1. The delightful dames of Women Fully Clothed—Robin Duke, Jayne Eastwood, Kathryn Greenwood and Teresa Pavlinek—bring their humorous yet affecting stories to cottage country. See their latest show, Older and Hotter, on June 10 at the Gravenhurst Opera House.

2. View and purchase the works of 20 fine artists and craftspeople while partaking in the annual Muskoka Lakes Spring Art Tour on June 11 and 12. This self-directed jaunt takes art lovers to the studios and galleries of creators in Bracebridge, Bala, Port Carling and more. Click here for a map. (more…)

The Muskoka Seven: Things To Do from May 23 to 29, 2011

Visit the Muskoka Boat and Heritage Centre at Muskoka Wharf

1. Spend a sunny day exploring the Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst. The waterfront village boasts a handful of shops and restaurants, a lovely lakeside boardwalk, and the Muskoka Boat and Heritage Centre.

2. If on-water activities aren’t your cup of tea, consider buying a road or mountain bike and get pedalling around the Muskoka region. Ecclestone Cycle in Bracebridge and The Bike Shop in Gravenhurst are among the area’s respected purveyors. (more…)

Weekend Roundup, August 27 to 29

Summer activities are still burning bright this far into August. Take in the sights, do some shopping, and be sure to get in a round of golf!

Take a swing at the Ridge at Manitou golf club

Friday, August 27
Rifle through antiques for treasure at the annual Bracebridge Antique Show & Sale, on today through Sunday. Great finds amongst the jewellery, furniture and quilts!

Kick back, relax and enjoy pizzas, pasta, steak and fish on the dockside patio at the Cottage Waterfront Grill in Huntsville.

Saturday, August 28
They say Marty Curtis is the Michelangelo of butter tarts. Find out for yourself by ordering the Canadian staple at Marty’s World Famous Café. Other filling options abound, from grilled cheese sandwiches to tempting Muskoka apple pies.

Discover some of the country’s best ales, lagers and stouts at the Muskoka Beer Festival. The 19+ event presents an opportunity to sample more than 75 different craft brews, see a wakeboarding show, and participate in a number of other activities.

Sunday, August 29
Whether you’re a seasoned duffer or a relative newcomer to the game, the Ridge at Manitou offers an excellent Muskoka golf experience. Following your round, enjoy the hospitality in the clubhouse lounge and its breathtaking view of Manitouwabing Lake.

Stay young at heart with a trip to Applause! Toy Store. (Or just treat your children.) This toy heaven in Bracebridge is filled with games, toys, puzzles, art supplies, and an interactive kids play area.

Weekend Roundup, August 20 to 22

Be sure to check out the Algonquin Theatre’s entertaining shows—there’s an artistic pick for each night this weekend!

Sarah Harmer serenades the Algonquin Theatre on Sunday night

Friday, August 20
Shop, play games and win prizes at Muskoka Wharf’s Dockside & Steamship Festivals. There’s much to do on the water, with more than 80 artisans participating in an arts and crafts show, 90-plus shopping options, live shows and a kids’ zone.

Enjoy a night of storytelling, song and dance at Algonquin Theatre’s Echoes of Ireland production, part of the Huntsville Festival of the Arts.

Saturday, August 21
Spend your day Scottish-style at the Bracebridge Highland Games. Dancing, piping, caber tossing, hammer throwing—there’s so much traditional fun to choose from!

After that, get your bearings and head over to the Algonquin Theatre for the Muskoka Music Men’s 21st annual Night of Harmony, featuring the Barrie Huronia Soundwaves.

Sunday, August 22
Trek through the pristinely beautiful Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Reserve in time to catch the final day of its Forest Festival. Breathe the clean air (thanks to 70,000 acres of trees) while absorbing the glorious waterside view, or check out one of seven scheduled concerts.

Make a return trip to the Algonquin Theatre to witness celebrated singer/songwriter Sarah Harmer perform her passionate brand of folk-rock.

Weekend Roundup, August 6 to 8

Weekends in Muskoka are always packed with music, art and outdoors activities. This one’s no different. Get out there and enjoy it!

Climb aboard the M.V. Chippewa

Friday, August 6
What better way to start the weekend than with a Baroque on the Boat morning cruise? Allow the Festival Winds to serenade you aboard the M.V. Chippewa, departing from Parry Sound.

Spend a rockin’ night in Gravenhurst with the Holmes Brothers. The acclaimed roots-R&B-gospel-blues band stages a barn-burning show at Peter’s Place.

Saturday, August 7
Enjoy a true Woodland Art Experience in the scenic gardens, courtyards and rooms of Wood’s End Studios, where 25 artists display and discuss their excellent work. A garden luncheon is catered by North Restaurant.

Explore the world of locomotives at the Muskoka Model Train Show. At the Bracebridge Fairgrounds, peruse the collections of train enthusiasts, vendors and manufacturers, earn souvenirs and door prizes, and nibble on barbecue fare.

Sunday, August 8
Assemble at Annie Williams Park to cheer on the competitors in the Bracebridge Triathalon. You’ll be amazed by these athletes as they swim, cycle and run for glory.

Finish the day right with Endless Summer Live, a California-inspired show, part of Gravenhurst’s Music on the Barge festival.

Weekend Roundup, July 30 to August 2

July is not going down without a party first. Take particular note of numerous jazz concerts as you celebrate this Civic Holiday long weekend!

North Restaurant chef Alain Irvine serves up the flavours of the Muskoka region

Friday, July 30
Don’t miss the Huntsville Jazz Festival, running this weekend only!  Juno award–winner Alex Cuba opens tonight at the Algonquin Theatre.

Prepare for an evening packed with family fun, shopping and entertainment at the Bracebridge BIA Midnight Madness event.

Saturday, July 31
Indulge in one of Muskoka’s best meals at Gravenhurst’s North Restaurant. Chef Alain Irvine’s fresh, seasonal cuisine is sure to please.

Continue the jazz extravaganza tonight at the Festival of the Sound. The 16-piece Dave Young Big Band performs the renowned bassist’s original compositions and breathes new life into old standards.

Sunday, August 1
Find swing of a different kind by booking a tee time at the exceptional Ridge at Manitou golf course.

Dash into the 1950s tonight as the Lincolnaires offer a nostalgic set of early rock ‘n’ roll classics for Music on the Barge.

Monday, August 2
If the greens are still calling, tee off at the Muskoka Bay Club‘s naturally beautiful 18-hole course. On site, the newly renovated Clifftop Clubhouse boasts a pro shop plus indoor-outdoor bistro with tantalizing dining options.

Step aboard the Island Queen for its Sunset on the Bay Musical Cruise. Watch as the sun dips under the water while vocals and instruments provide a musical lullaby.

Weekend Roundup, July 23 to 25

Music and art continue to make their marks this weekend in Muskoka.

Vintage goods abound at the Muskoka Antique Show

Friday, July 23
Look out for antique goodies as 40 dealers from across the country gather at the 29th annual Muskoka Antique Show in Port Carling.

Take in a memorable celebration to one of country music’s modern legends, as Leisa Way stars in Rhinestone Cowgirl: A Tribute to Dolly Parton. The performance, part of the Huntsville Festival of the Arts, makes its way to the Algonquin Theatre tonight.

Saturday, July 24
Enjoy a pancake breakfast with live music or set up the kids with some face painting and a petting-zoo experience at the Baysville Walkabout Festival. After that, treasure seekers can peruse the offerings of more than 120 artisans and craftspeople who line the town’s main street.

Combine art and nature at Bracebridge’s Artful Garden. Here, more than 40 artists showcase their original garden-inspired visuals in the open air at the studio and home of area residents Jon and Suzann Partridge.

Sunday, July 25
Pay homage to true divas at Classic Primadonna, a Festival of the Sound production starring soprano Mary Lou Fallis. Dessert and coffee are served while you enjoy a classy evening with music by Mozart and Schubert.

Rock on with jukebox hits performed live on the water by Freddy Vette and the Flames as part of the Music on the Barge Festival concert series in Gravenhurst.