5 Things To Do This Winter in Barrie

December 21, 2020December 23, 2020 by Stu Lynam

DEFEAT THE BLAHS WITH THESE FUN ACTIVITIES

Let’s face it… winter is not everyone’s cup of mead. When it arrived on Monday, with news of another lockdown, we could hear the collective groans all over town.

BUT! Even in lockdown, you can break free of the icy induced despair. The season in Barrie brings cold weather events and experiences suitable for your entire clan. Hit the links on each event for more!

5 Things To Do This Winter in Barrie

CHECK OUT WORLD CLASS CINEMA WITH THE BARRIE FILM FESTIVAL

The Uptown Theatre closed it’s door earlier this year, but the BFF will continue to show it’s programming online

Virtual Cinema will bring thought provoking international films to town every month, that can be rented for viewing at home. And you can get caught up on previous rentals that have been uploaded as well.

HIKE AND SKATE THE (NOT DUSTY) TRAILS

Bust out the snowshoes and blades and hit up the resplendent paths and rinks around town. Lackie’s Bush, Ardagh Bluffs and Sunnidale park are beautiful in town spots for a winter walk.

And if you are willing to take a car trip, there are plenty of gorgeous skating trails within driving distance of Barrie.

There’s also city hall and the community centres if carving fresh ice is more your jam. Most rinks and outdoor parks remain open, but you should always check in advance for any restrictions.

PODCAST IT UP

If hanging by the fire is on your list for this winter, might we recommend curling up with a good podcast? Of course we’ve got a variety of audio entertainment, but there are a plethora of equally cool local pods.

True crime junkies should have a listen to Whereabouts Unknown, hosted by local private investigator Ellen White. The ongoing series shines a spotlight on the stories of the missing and murdered in Canada, particularly cases from around the region.

Sequel Talk with local filmmaker Mitch Graszat is a pop culture-savvy chat where guests dream up imaginary sequels and talk about em! Recent episodes include bad ideas for classic movies like Heathers and the Princess Bride. And it’s not limited to just movies. Mitch and company also speculate on what could have been with classic songs and TV shows.

TAKE THE 4X4 CHALLENGE

Did you miss Mayor Jeff’s red zone challenge? The Challenge is simple!

The latest restrictions will last 4 weeks (or more). So, for the next four weeks, the challenge is to do these 4 things each week (4 x 4): 1. Donate to a Barrie Charity 2. Order take out for pickup from a Barrie restaurant 3. Buy something from a Barrie shop/service 4. Reach out to someone in Barrie. Post the 4 things you did with the hashtag #Barrie4x4Challenge

Need some inspiration to get started? How about Christmas Cheer to donate to, Skewers for take out and one of the great local businesses from the Chamber of Commerce to buy from!

GET EDUMACATED

“Education is the passport to the future” said… someone much brighter than us. But you can put yourself on the path to recognizing or even saying profound quotes like that via the many adult education options in Barrie.

Georgian College has a number of evening and continuing education classes beginning in January, including online learning.

There’s also College Boreal, which provides full courses in French and Spanish as a second language.

What did you think of our 5 Things To Do This Winter in Barrie? Did we miss anything cool? Let us know! We are always on the lookout for events in Barrie, virtual or otherwise, to add to our events calendar.

LIGHTS LIGHT LIGHTS

December 3, 2020November 30, 2020 by barrieuncovere

LUMA LIGHT SHOW @ FRIDAY HARBOUR STARTED AT THE WEEKEND

Do you want to get into the spirit of the season while staying safe? Friday Harbour LUMA Light show started on the 28th of November, and runs every Thursday to Sunday, to Christmas and beyond. Wander along the one-kilometre path and enjoys the lights all the way along. We could get into writing a blog about creativity and how beautiful it is, but really you need to see it for yourself. We are only providing some taster photos to whet your appetite, we don’t want to spoil it as there are a lot more to see.

Friday Harbour is making the walk as safe as they can and have put in safety measures. You need to book a time, all times are spaced 15 minutes apart. You need to wear a mask, hand sanitizers are at the start of the walk. There is no crowd to jostle and spoil your enjoyment.

Get into the spirit and get online to book your day and time to walk through thousands of light. Go to https://www.fridayharbour.com/ and book, it is as simple as that. It is fun for all the family and friends. Buy a hot chocolate as you start the walk at the kiosk and meander through the colourful light show.

What did you think of Friday Harbour LUMA Light show? Be sure to let us know if you’ve been there and share some of your pics!

Friday Harbour – LUMA Light Trail Opening

November 27, 2020November 21, 2020 by barrieuncovere

Friday Harbour – LUMA Light Trail Opening

FRIDAY HARBOUR UNVEILS LUMA LIGHT TRAIL, GLICE SKATE TRAIL, OUTDOOR
SKATING, AND MORE WINTER FUN!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[INNISFIL, ON, NOVEMBER 19, 2020] – Friday Harbour Resort is transforming into a winter wonderland this season, with some new attractions and activities to get you outside and enjoying the snowy season. At the centre of the Resort’s offerings is the LUMA Light Trail which will feature close to a kilometre of stunning light displays that make for the perfect backdrop for a snowy selfie. Opening November 28th, LUMA can be booked online and is appropriate for all ages. Guests can grab a Starbucks beverage as they begin their journey through the trail. Groups of five or more will receive an automatic 10% discount at checkout. LUMA will be running throughout the winter season from Thursday to Sunday 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Times must be booked in advance online at www.fridayharbour.com/winter-activities. As required by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, masks must be worn and physical distancing must be adhered to while exploring the LUMA Light Trail.

All things skating will take place at Centre Ice. Friday Harbour’s Harbour Master Building has been transformed into Centre Ice, which offers skate rentals, check-in for both the outdoor skating rink (now located in the parking area at the Harbour Master Building and opening November 28th weather permitting) and the Glice Skate Trail (opening date to be determined), as well as warm beverages to keep you going. The Glice Trail features a unique skating surface that can be enjoyed no matter the temperature. Skaters will be able to glide up and down the trail from the Harbour Master Building to the Boardwalk enjoying spectacular views over the Marina. Centre Ice bookings for both the rink and the Glice Skate Trail must be made in advance at www.fridayharbour.com/winter-activities.

This year, the Nest Clubhouse will be converted into the Winter Outdoor Adventure Centre, where you can rent cross country skis, snowshoes and fat bikes so you can get out and explore all Friday Harbour has to offer! A cross country ski trail will take skiers on a journey across the golf course and snowshoers and fat bikers can enjoy easy access to the trails of the Nature Preserve. This transition will take place once the snowfalls. Guests of the Resort are encouraged to visit www.FridayHarbour.com to plan their day at the Resort. Reservations can be booked at one of the many restaurants including the Beach Club which features spectacular views over Lake Simcoe. The shops and retailers on the Boardwalk welcome all Guests, and fun activities take place every weekend. Get outside and celebrate winter this season at Friday Harbour! Friday Harbour Resort is located at 25th Side Road on 13th Line in Innisfil. Friday Harbour Resort is Canada’s award-winning development located on the shores of Lake Simcoe in Innisfil. Designed as a luxury resort community, Friday Harbour has become the best of breed brand for people seeking the benefits of cottage lakeside living with the amenities of an urban community. Learn more
at www.fridayharbour.com.

Karen Trottola
Marketing and Communications Manager
Friday Harbour Resort
[email protected]

LINX KITCHEN & SOCIAL – GOLF IN STYLE!

November 13, 2020October 30, 2020 by barrieuncovere

Social media started the intrigue and rumours during the summer. A new golfing venue with a difference coming to Barrie?

Well, it’s here a golfing oasis tucked away in south Barrie to keep you swinging through the winter? Enter Linx Kitchen and your dreams are turned into reality.

Entering the reception area you can choose to check both your coats and footwear. This is a dream come true to anyone living in a snow belt. You’ve dressed to dine in an exquisite space with a menu to match and finally, you don’t have to wear your snow boots!! And that’s just reception!

As a patron or an exclusive member, you may choose to dine in the Kitchen treated by Executive Red Seal Chef, Kathleen Forsythe, to a menu that is both varied and delightful. Linx prides themselves on having one of the finest dining rooms and lounges in Barrie where food comes first with the added excitement of a golf game should you desire.

It’s not only the tantalizing menu choices that are upper class. You’ll immediately notice how spacious yet intimate the dining area is. Designed before the Pandemic, owners Jason and Candice Young realized the subtleties of fine dining, so much so that they’ve even installed a noise masking machine, and have the tables widely spaced to ensure your privacy.

As an exclusive member, there are many perks for both dining and playing.

Members have priority reservation abilities for dining and much more. At Linx, Kitchen & Social you may also plan on a game of golf in semi or fully private golf suites that feel so real you’ll forget that you’re actually indoors.

Again, an exclusive membership allows some very tasteful perks. There is secure club storage with cleaning, concierge service and once again priority reservation abilities.

The simulators are exclusive to Linx in this area, having an 8 point swing plate floor that actually tilts and gives you access to play anyone of 192 courses. 5 semi-private suites with a 15 ‘ impact screen along with a concierge call button allows your imagination to soar with no interruption during your game. Even better yet the very exclusive fully private executive suite with built in conference/party room and a 20’ simulator screen.

Linx has a fully automated system, allowing their members and guests to be treated with the level of service that they’ve come to expect. The suites are a perfect chance for a high power business meeting or an amicable game between friends.

Trivia Nights In Barrie – We Have Ways To Make You Answer!

October 20, 2020October 20, 2020 by barrieuncovere

Do you like to answer quick-fire questions? Trivia nights in Barrie are a great way to spend a night. They are lots of fun, answer general knowledge questions while having a meal and drink, how bad can it be!! Here are some of the places where you can go to Barrie. You play with friends or family.

The Queens Hotel Trivia Tuesdays

Every Tuesday night at the Queens Hometown Pub come and enjoy their trivia night. What else are you to do on a cold October Tuesday night? The food is good and they have plentiful drink selections. Warm and friendly atmosphere and you can win prizes and it’s free to enter! So if you want to have a night out get down to the Queens Hometown Pub.

**Queens Hometown Pub** Trivia Night Tuesday 13th Oct

Cicco’s Ristorante Trivia Wednesdays

As well as having great Italian food, Cicco’s now has regular trivia every Wednesday night! It’s a ton of fun, free to play, with prizes to be won! Best of all, you don’t need an IQ of 300, with a wide variety of new categories every week, so eat, drink, answer questions and have fun!

The Bull and Barrel Trivia Saturdays

The Bull and Barrel Fall 2020 trivia season has been officially launched. PubStumpers LIVE Trivia is on a new night – every Saturday. Test your knowledge of Geography, Science, History, Literature, Pop Culture and more. It’s a potent blend of entertainment and healthy competition. With all-new questions and prizes, this will surely be an exciting season. They are looking forward to seeing all of their regular friends and making new ones too!

Friends and family at the Bull and Barrel playing trivia.

British Arms Pub Trivia Mondays

Come and experience the Britain ambience with an energetic crowd, unparalleled beer, cocktail choices and every Monday they have free to enter Trivia. The British Arms is one of the favourite pubs of downtown. They also have a special of 2 appetizers for $20 on Monday’s. For us, we love their fish and chips, but that is only us they have lots more to choose from their menu.