Lovin' Blue Mountain! » music

10 Things to Do at Blue Mountain That Won’t Break Your Budget

blogger — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 18:15:24 +0000

Although people often associate Blue Mountain with skiing and winter, the spring season is not an exception. But at this time of year, your credit cards are still hurting from Christmas and you haven’t gotten your income tax refund yet. So you’re trying to pinch pennies but you still want to get away. What to do? Come on to Blue Mountain anyway. There are tons of fun things to do while you’re here that won’t break your budget.

The Collingwood Jazz & Blues Society

For music lovers, try this concert series. Their monthly concerts on a Thursday evening are only $15 in advance or $20 at the door; an inexpensive evening out. Tickets available from: BMFA Centre, 163 Hurontario Street, 705-445-3430; Crow’s Nest, 239 Hurontario Street, 705-445-4900; Gabriele Photography, 133 Hurontario Street, 705-445-9030. Visit www.collingwoodjazz.ca for dates and times.

New Bulbs for Fall
If you`re a gardener and want to learn more about planting fall bulbs, attend this free information session at the Blue Mountain Public Library on Thursday March 24, 2011 at 7pm. You’ll learn some “how to” tips, pest control ideas, and advice about colour. Some potted bulbs will also be available for sale. Since this is a free event, you’ll need to call in advance – 519 599 3681 – to reserve your spot.

Spring Rocks Concert Series
What’s better than free music? The Village at Blue is hosting a March Break Spring Rocks Concert Series. Running from March 14^th to 17^th daily in the Village Events plaza, make sure you get a great view by coming early!

March 14 – The Midway State
March 15 – Bedouin Soundclash
March 16 – Stereos
March 17 – Ill Scarlett

Call 705-445-0231 x6205 for more information.

2011 Discoveries Showcase

Continuing on the free theme is this festival presented by the Georgian Folk Society. Summerfolk is a major music festival held each August in Owen Sound. Each spring, the Georgian Folk Society gives young musicians (under 21) a chance to audition for a spot at the festival. This year, the 2011 Discoveries Showcase will be held on Saturday, March 26^th at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Arena in Owen Sound. Festivities start at 1 p.m, with 36 musicians slated to perform. Admission is free (donations are accepted) and you`ll get a chance to see some of the best young musicians from the area!

21st Annual Thornbury Winter Antique Show

Antique lovers won’t want to miss this show at the Beaver Valley Community Centre in Thornbury on March 12^th and 13^th. You’ll see antiques dealers from across Ontario with pottery and porcelain items, pressed glass, depression glass, silver, antique jewellery, furniture, Persian rugs and art deco artifacts. Admission is only $5 (kids under 12 are free)

Shipwrecks of Georgian Bay

The Owen Sound Marine & Rail Museum has this attraction running until April 1^st. This exhibit documents the shipwrecks of Georgian Bay as well as paying tribute to those who lost their lives and to those who survived. In addition the lifesaving equipment used in the past and information about the vessels that were lost will be on display. Admission is only $5. Visit www.marinerail.com for hours.

Billy Bishop Museum

While you’re in Owen Sound, head on over! In addition to learning about Canada`s most famous war hero, the museum has added an new exhibit: Women in History: They held the homefront…This exhibit highlights the role of women in the war, both at home and in the military. Admission is only $5.

The South Grey Museum

Located in Flesherton, this museum will feature Passage to Freedom: Secrets of the Underground Railroad until March 12^th. This powerful exhibit in commemoration of Black History Month tells the story of slave escape routes known as the Underground Railroad. Admission is only $2.

The History of Hurricane Hazel

For a blast to the past, learn how the most famous hurricane in Canada has changed the way we look at our natural resources and how we live. This lecture series will be presented by the Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre in Southampton on Saturday, March 12, 2011. Admission is $10.

Eddie Bush Memorial Arena

Finally, for a more active outing, put on your gear for some Sunday afternoon skating at this community arena in Collingwood. Admission is only $4 for adults and $3 for those under 16!

With the winter and unbearable frostiness fading away slowly, take advantage of your vacation at Blue Mountain and plan your fun-filled adventure!

The Absolute 7 Best-Can’t-Miss-Didn’t-Know-About Summer Activities in the Blue Mountain Area

blogger — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 14:25:09 +0000

There’s no reason to be bored during your Blue Mountain vacation. In fact, the only problem you’ll have is how to fit all the great activities into your visit.

Wakestock Action Sports & Music Festival. From August 6^th to 8^th, Collingwood will be home an exciting action sports and music festival featuring great bands plus skateboarding, surfing and kiteboarding. Bands include Public Enemy, Alexisonfire (AOF), Crash Kings,U.S.S. featuring special guest Maestro Fresh Wes plus Hollerado and KO. http://www.wakestock.com

Long live the King! The 16th Annual Collingwood Elvis Festival, July 22-25, has more than 50 individual events and activities for the Elvis fan. Vegas-style shows, Tribute Artist competitions in professional, non-professional, and youth categories, outdoor concerts, children’s activities, collectibles, a midway, and a classic car parade.http://www.collingwoodelvisfestival.com

Who needs snow? What can be more thrilling than racing down the escarpment’s downhill trails on a mountain bike? Get trail passes and rent bikes at the Mountain Bike Centre at Blue Mountain. There are repairs, lessons and programs for ages 8 years and up (10 years for Downhill Biking). http://www.bluemountain.ca/mtnbike.htm

Kids of all ages love go karts. Blue Mountain Go Karts has a large track with single and double Formula Grand Prix Go Karts and Junior Go Karts. When you’re done racing there’s an 18-hole mini golf course and 6 batting cages. 705-445-2419 http://www.bluemountaingokarts.com/

Elmvale Jungle Zoo has more than 300 animals from around the world. From the trails winding through the park’s 25 acres, you’ll see lions, tigers and jaguars, monkeys and lemurs plus many rare and exotic birds. www.elmvalejunglezoo.com

In Craigleith Provincial Park, along the shores of Georgian Bay, you’ll find incredible fossils. Bring paper and a pencil for tracing the lines of fossils from more than 450 million years ago. http://www.ontarioparks.com/english/crai.html

You don’t need to be a serious spelunker to manage the self-guided walking tours through caves and caverns at Scenic Caves Nature Adventures. The caves are carved into the Niagara Escarpment near Collingwood. Hike over the Suspension Bridge to get to the caves and enjoy the view. (705) 446-0256 http://www.sceniccaves.com/green/caves-trails.htm

Things To Do With Your Mother-In-Law

blogger — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 21:32:01 +0000

Travelling with your mother-in-law can be a challenge. She probably doesn’t want to go mountain biking or rock climbing and you don’t want to leave her behind. Instead, here are some sure-fire mother-in-law approved outings to keep her happy and you in her good books.

If your mother-in-law enjoys wine, try taking her to the Bruce County Museum’s 2^nd Annual Wine Tasting on July 28^th. Five wines will be sampled; first alone, and then with food, to experience the difference food can make in the flavour of wine. Sommelier and caterer, Ellen Schmaltz of Mildmay will be your guide for the evening. Register at 519-797-2080
http://www.brucemuseum.ca/calendar/a-wine-tasting-experience/

If she’s crafty, try taking her to a traditional rug hooking workshop. Textile artist, Micheline Mann will teach you the basic method, tools and patterns. The classes are offered in a one-room schoolhouse in Paisley, Ontario. Full day workshops include snacks and a delicious lunch served with wine. For less dedicated rug hookers, half-day workshops are also available. Register at 519-353-7470
http://www.explorethebruce.com/events-in-bruce-county/Traditional-Rug-Hooking-Full-or-Half-DAy-workshop-12461.php

Continuing on this theme, you’ve heard of origami, the Japanese art of paper folding. Well, take your mother-in-law to Forkigami. This unique workshop stands origami on its head by using cutlery instead of paper to make your creations. There are several throughout the summer at the Collingwood Centre for the Arts. Register at 1-800-838-3006
http://www.collingwoodartscenter.org/public/forkigami.php

If your mother-in-law is more of a music lover, she might enjoy the Symphony in the Barn Summer Festival. Running from July 4, 2010 – August 14, 2010, this concert series offers a variety of music styles: world music, swing-klez, operetta, and symphony. Register at 519-369-6773
http://www.symphonyinthebarn.com

If she enjoys visual arts, take her to the Third Annual Bruce Trail & Escarpment Art Exhibition. Artists from across Ontario who paint the Bruce Trail & Niagara Escarpment are showcased by Loft Gallery. Show runs July 10th – July 28th
http://web.mac.com/philmccormack/Loft_Gallery/UPCOMING_EVENTS.html