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Gravenhurst

Weekly Planner: June 11 to 17

The West Parry Sound District Museum hosts a documentary screening this week

Be entertained while enhancing your knowledge of the world around you. This Tuesday evening, the West Parry Sound District Museum‘s “Films That Make You Think” screening series continues with the documentary Vanishing of the Bees, which examines the possible causes and consequences of Colony Collapse Disorder.

A convention for all things canine awaits you in Huntsville from Friday to Sunday. The Cottage Dog Show features all kinds of vendors offering pooch paraphernalia, plus dog activities and contests, and a performance by YouTube Jesse, a Jack Russell Terrier that’s alleged to know 1,000 tricks.

Cheer on the paddlers as they stroke through the waters of Georgian Bay at Parry Sound’s Dragon Boat Festival. The day-long event takes place this Saturday at Waubuno Beach. In addition to high-energy boating heats, the event promises children’s activities, live music, food and more.

Get up close and personal with veteran Canadian comedian Scott Thompson—the Kids in the Hall member brings his cerebral, off-beat brand of humour to the Peter’s Players stage on Saturday night, as part of the popular Cottage Country Comedy Festival.

Celebrate Father’s Day weekend with your “old man” and a herd of classic and specialty cars, as the Muskoka region plays host to a pair of automotive events. The Gravenhurst Antique and Classic Car Show rolls into Gull Lake Park on Saturday; the Bracebridge Father’s Day Car Show is sure to get your motor running on Sunday.

Weekly Planner: June 4 to 10

Pick a pepper (and other fresh produce) at Muskoka's farmers' markets

Our guide to cottage-country events and activities has returned for another summer! Check back every Monday for more timely ideas for family fun.

Support Ontario growers and get some fresh ingredients for this week’s breakfasts, lunches and dinners at a pair of farmers’ markets that are now in full swing. This Wednesday (and all subsequent Wednesday throughout the summer) the Gravenhurst Farmers’ Market operates from from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Muskoka Wharf, while the Bracebridge Farmers’ Market runs on Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Memorial Park.

Stretch out on a blanket at Bracebridge’s Memorial Park bandshell and listen to the acoustic folk sounds of Neil Hutchison. Influenced by the likes of Gordon Lightfoot and Ian Tyson, Hutchison takes the stage this Thursday at 7 p.m.

Grab your motorcycle boots and leather jacket and head on down to the Kee to Bala. Blues singer and guitarist George Thorogood—with his longtime band, The Destroyers—rocks the joint on Saturday, with hits like “Bad to the Bone” and more.

Drive around the region this Saturday and Sunday and take in not only the exceptional natural scenery, but also some great artistic visuals. This year’s Muskoka Lakes Spring Art Tour allows you to visit the studios of 11 top cottage-country artists in Bracebridge, Bala, Port Carling and elsewhere.

The local food movement just keeps creeping ever closer to home; one of the latest trends is to keep a chicken or two right in your own backyard (depending on municipal bylaws, of course). If you’re interested in learning more, regional culinary association Savour Muskoka hosts a poultry workshop on Sunday at Severn Sunset Eco Farm in Severn Bridge, where participants will find out some of the ins and outs of working with chickens, ducks and turkeys.

 

 

MAP: Our Guide to 16 of Muskoka’s Best Nature Trails and Hiking Destinations

By CHRIS RYALL

View this map in a larger format

Nature takes centre stage in Muskoka with daily performances by 250 species of birds, 50 types of mammals and 25 species of amphibians. Turn off the iPod and open your ears to Muskoka’s natural sounds by hiking, biking, canoeing and kayaking through the region National Geographic Traveler selected selected as one of the top 20 “Best Trips of the World” for 2012. No gas required and no stress allowed.

Here, we’ve mapped some of our favourite trails for you to explore (zoom in close to see all the smaller trails).

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 27 to July 3, 2011 (Canada Day Edition)

photo by Meddygarnet

The Canada Day long weekend brings much excitement to the Muskoka region!

1. Friday, July 1 offers sure cause for celebration in Huntsville, which hosts a bevy of Canada Day activities from morning to night. Among the attractions, Muskoka Heritage Place hosts a strawberry social beginning at 10 a.m. And don’t miss the fireworks display over Hunters Bay, starting at dusk.

2. Also on July 1 (and running to July 3) is the annual Bala Antique and Nostalgia Show, which takes place at Bala Arena. More than 40 vendors set up shop at this event, with everything from vintage country furniture to estate jewellery and collectibles. (more…)

Hot Date: Lakeside Tunes in Gravenhurst

JUNE 19 TO AUGUST 14, 2011 Bring your own seat and settle in at Gravenhurst’s Gull Lake Park for Music on the Barge. Watch the sun set over the waterfront stage while a diverse roster of bands serenades audiences every Sunday evening. Hear the classic sounds of the Muskoka Concert Band and Big Band on opening night, June 19. Tributes to Shania Twain (July 10), The Eagles (July 17), and Johnny Cash and Tammy Wynette (August 7) make for memorable and melodious nights, too. Concerts start at 7:30 p.m., free; call 705-687-3412 or visit here for more information.

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 30 to June 5, 2011

Cruise the lakes of Muskoka on the RMS Segwun

1. Embrace the warm weather and life on the water with a cruise aboard the historic RMS Segwun. The late-19th century steamship takes passengers on one- to four-hour sightseeing cruises around Lake Muskoka. The lunch and dinner cruise options are especially popular.

2. Should you find yourself closer to Parry Sound, scope out a seat on the patio at recently opened restaurant Kudos Kuisine. Its contemporary digs overlook the Parry Sound harbour. (more…)

The Muskoka Seven: Things To Do from May 16 to 22, 2011

Summer is approaching, and that means the resorts, attractions, restaurants and boutiques of Muskoka are getting set for high season up north! It also means that it’s time for another summer of Where Muskoka’s top things to do in the region. Check back weekly for our fresh picks!

Hit the links at Deerhurst Highlands

1. Book your first tee time of the season at one of Muskoka’s premier golf courses, Deerhurst Highlands. If you’re feeling rusty, take a few hacks on the driving range before heading to the first hole.

2. Take the family to Sudbury’s Science North, where four floors of exhibitions offer a fun and educational introduction to the Canadian Shield biosphere.

3. Stock up on all your cottaging essentials—from watersports equipment to dock and patio furniture—at Port Carling’s Indian River Trading Company. (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.