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Road Trippin’ Preview

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Road Trippin' Preview

Road Trippin’ Preview

As we welcome spring amid reopenings, we can all indulge in notions of traditional warm weather fare like patios, barbecues…and road trips!

Barrie’s central location makes us a prime hub to launch car voyages through the warm weather months. Starting in May, and every Thursday through September, we’ll bring a new Ontario destination you can reach in a reasonable travel time.

Here’s a few picks from last year to get the GPS juices flowing. And if you’ve got some suggestions, we want to hear them!

THE THOUSAND ISLANDS

This trip is a bit further afield than usual, but well worth the extra gas.

Zip along the St Lawrence River and spend some time exploring the Thousand Islands! The archipelago sits on the border between Canada and the United States.

Beautiful scenery, quirky museums, tons of fishing and some fantastic restaurants are nestled into the area, as well as the massive National park. There are also a number of picturesque towns, and even a few castles to visit.

Picton

You’ll find Sandbanks Provincial Park in Picton, the jewel in stunning Prince Edward County. And even if you are the kind of person who doesn’t usually have a thing for lakes, this one will win you over.

The area is awash in clean, clear water over rock-free sand bars. Bring a stand-up paddle board if you’ve got one, because the water here is calm and often shallow. It’s safe for the kiddos, as long as they are in sight. And the  shoreline is ideal for sandcastle construction and mudpie making!

CRYSTAL LAKE BOARDWALK

This five-kilometer looped hiking trail in the Bruce Peninsula wraps around the crystal-clear Cyprus Lake and brings you through a forest of century-old trees. Partly made up of a wooden boardwalk, it makes for an easy and scenic stroll.

Boardwalk

Take this short stroll to admire the small but astonishing plants that grow in the Singing Sands Fen habitat. This extremely delicate wetland is home to a variety of orchids and insect eating plants.

Forest Beach Loop

Head though the woods and dunes along Dorus Bay toward the rare alvar habitat. This exposed bedrock may seem barren, but mosses, lichens and some rare flower species flourish in this harsh environment.

What did you think of Road Trippin’ Preview? Any cool spots we missed? Let us know in the comments!

If you are a Barrie based business looking to expand your digital footprint with unique, locally driven content, reach out today! We will get you Uncovered.

5 Things To Do This Winter in Barrie

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5 Things To Do This Winter in Barrie

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.

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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

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Friday Harbour LUMA Light show

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

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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]

HAPPY DIWALI (Deepavali) 2020

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CELEBRATE AT TANDOORI KINGDOM THIS WEEKEND WITH GREAT FOOD!

Celebrate! Celebrate! This weekend in Barrie, Tandoori Kingdom invites you to celebrate Diwali with them. Diwali is the Indian Festival of Lights, this year falling on November 15th. Tradition tells us that Diwali is observed on the 15th day of Kartik – the holiest month of the Hindu religion. The word Diwali means “rows of lighted lamps” in Sanskrit.

Diwali is actually a five day Hindu originated celebration that signifies the victory of good over evil.  It has become a huge celebration regardless of faith.  Celebrating normally with new clothing, fireworks, candles and the exchange of small gifts and sweets – this year Diwali celebrations are necessarily smaller. The staff at the Tandoori Kingdom at 428 Blake Street in Barrie have been very busy getting everything ready for your celebrations.

The five days of celebration are very similar to getting ready for New Year on January 1 in our calendar.  Day one is cleaning the home and shopping for gold, while Day two is decorating at home with lamps and coloured sand.  The main festival is celebrated on the third day with feasts and prayer.  The New Year is celebrated of the fourth day – that’s when you exchange gifts and sweets with everyone.  Finally, the tradition on the fifth day is to have brothers visit their married sisters who welcome them with a meal.

Getting ready for Saturday’s gift-giving should really include a trip to the Tandoori Kingdom. They are ready with an incredible array of beautiful Indian sweets. Choose your favourites and try some new ones. The staff will package them for you in beautiful gift boxes ready for presents. The gifts are very significant to the Diwali Celebration. Each gift is given to strengthen the feelings of fellowship and companionship while defining the bonding and connections between individuals.

So if Diwali is on your family calendar, or you’ve never tried any of the delicious Indian sweets, head over to the Tandoori Kingdom, http://www.tandoorikingdom.ca Share a meal, order takeout, or have them cater for you…but most of all pick up some of those tantalizingly delicious Indian sweets! Better yet – call! (705) 503 1400 to make your reservation now!

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