2008
Ride my Llama at the Bracebridge Fall Fair
I took a stroll through the Bracebridge Fall Fair last Saturday. The theme was heavy on the agricultural stuff with giant squash, momma’s best jams and cookies, horse pulling and even a midway with Ferris wheel and the ooooh scary Zipper. As I was wandering away from the hoopla I saw these strange creatures looking for some attention. I did not realize that Lama’s had chompers on them like killer beavers.
2008
Cruising Through the Backroads of Muskoka
I did not know exactly were I was when I found this old 1942 Dodge sitting in a farmers field. Sitting across the road there was a small monument that said, The Hamlet Bardsville, Est 1865. There was a for sale sign on the fence so if your looking for a new set of wheels …
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns
2008
Signs that the Fall Season is here in Muskoka
There are some very distinctive signs that the fall season is upon us. The Cicadas are no longer buzzing, the Crickets have quieted down and of course the boat traffic is at a minimal level. Most importantly you can feel it in the air. There are many of us that feel this is the best time of year to be in Muskoka. This photo was taken down a side road on my way to Bracebridge.
It started to rain hard and I did not get to spend as much time here as I would have liked. There are some interesting things down some of these Muskoka side roads.
2008
The Rosseau Market in Muskoka features the Northern Lights Steel Orchestra
In the town of Rosseau, Ontario every Friday morning in the summer you will find The Rosseau Farmers Market. This is a great place to come browse around at the many artisans booths, purchase fresh produce, and catch a different musical group each week. However, come labour day like most things in Muskoka the streets roll up. I highly recommend a visit here either by boat or car. On the last day I caught this interesting band called, Northern Lights Steel Orchestra
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2008
The Chessboard at Clevelands House in Muskoka
While driving back from the Rosseau farmers market the other morning I decided to take a little side trip into Clevelands House which is one of the last remaining 100 year old resorts still standing in Muskoka. I noticed this really cool giant chess set in the back area for guests to play. Most of the people were down at the water but I would imagine there have been a few interesting matches here in the evenings.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2008
The Church on Lake Rosseau in Muskoka Canada
When you travel north past Cleveland’s House in Minett and towards Royal Muskoka Island you will find this very distinctive church on the waters edge. This is St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Morinus, Ontario. They celebrated their 100th anniversary in 2002. I have often caught glimpses of brides arriving in old Muskoka woodies for their big day. There are some images you cannot capture with a lens however they do remain etched in my brain.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2008
Muskoka’s Port Carling, The Skyline from the Waters Edge
Cruising down the Indian River from Lake Rosseau you will eventually find the Town of Port Carling. This area is considered the hub of the Muskoka lakes. By navigating through the lock you are able to get into Lake Muskoka from here.
There are some very interesting buildings here especially the Port Carling Boat Works which was established in 1925. During the depression this company sold the most stock production of outboard motors in all of Canada. They built their beautiful Seabird launches from this location and a branch plant down in Honey Harbour, Ontario.
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2008
Take the Time Machine, Visit the Rosseau General Store Circa 1874
Located at the northern tip of Lake Rosseau at Hwys # 141 and # 632 you will find the famous Rosseau General Store.
Not only is it a tourist destination its also one of the best places for groceries, hardware and supplies in the area.
Built in 1874 the two-storey white frame building is much the same as it was 100 years ago.
The creaky wooden floors and interior displays are like taking time machine back to another era.
Rosseau General Store
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2008
Not Everyone has a Million Dollar Place in Muskoka
While driving just outside of Minett, Ontario in the Muskoka district I noticed these decrepit old buildings along the roadside. I haven’t been around the area long enough to know their history. I am sure all of these old homesteads will vanish over the next few years especially with the new Red Leaves Resort going in around the corner.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns
2008
Marty’s World Famous in Muskoka Releases their Secret Receipes
Marty’s World Famous is located in Bracebridge (Muskoka) Ontario. This place features BIG Ass apple pies, Butter Tarts to die for and the best bean salad you have ever had. Marty, (yes there is a guy named Marty)Â has recently revealed his secret recipes in his new cook book. A cool place to visit in the Muskoka area.
In: in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns, uncategorized
2008
The Muskoka Arts and Crafts Summer Show
This past weekend I visited the Muskoka Arts & Crafts “Summer Show” 2008. This annual event is held in Bracebridge, Ontario and features many excellent artisans from the area and beyond. One of my favorite artists, Andrew King is always busy with many people dropping by to check out his latest original work.
In: in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns, uncategorized
2008
Behind the doors of Muskoka
I am always intrigued by doors. Whats behind them? Who goes in them? Do they come back out of them? How did they get to look like this? What gnawed the hole through at the bottom and who put those latches on it? I was walking down the main street of Bracebridge in Muskoka, Ontario and saw this door in the alleyway of an old building. Now I have to go back to see what the building was for.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns, uncategorized
2008
The Muskoka Antique Boat Show in Gravenhurst Ontario
The Antique and Classic Boat Society, (ACBS) had their annual Muskoka boat show this past weekend at the Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst. This show featured many of the classic boats from yesteryear including Ditchburns, Dukes, Minett-Shields, Greavettes, Peterboroughs, Dippy’s, Sea Birds, Hackers and more.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2008
Tripping around the small towns of Muskoka Canada
Sometimes taking a little peek around the corner pays off. I discovered these cool old doors around the side of the building that sells antiques in the town of Rosseau, Ontario. The building was just crammed with memorabilia and assorted stuff that someone must want.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns, uncategorized
2008
Antique hunting in the town of Rosseau, (Muskoka) Ontario, Canada
At the north end of Lake Rosseau you will find the Town of Rosseau which is situated on Hwy 141. There is a great general store and a few other shops and galleries including this interesting antique shop. Don’t forget to stop here for ice cream as its one of the best places in all of Muskoka. While I was taking some pictures an incognito gentleman walking his dog sauntered by. Good to see you Ed Grimley.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2008
Webers, a Muskoka Tradition
Happy Canada Day!
If you have ever driven up Highway #11 to Muskoka you are sure to know about a Canadian tradition called Webers.
In: in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns, uncategorized
2008
The Boatworks of Port Carling, Muskoka
The Boatworks of Port Carling, Muskoka
The Port Carling, Ontario Boat Works was established in 1925. During the Depression, the company sold the most stock production inboard boats in Canada. Their famous SeaBird launches were built on site and at a branch plant at Honey Harbour.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2008
The Kee to Bala, A Muskoka Favorite
The Kee opened for business in the summer of 1942 and was originally named Dunn’s Pavilion.
It has been a favorite to many that have visited the Muskoka area.
In the 1940s and ‘50s, Big Bands like Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong played here.
Since the 1960s, rockers like David Wilcox, Kim Mitchell, The Ramones, April Wine, Rush, Burton Cummings, The Tragically Hip, 54-40 and the late great Jeff Healey played at The Kee.
Check out this year’s lineup: www.thekee.com
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2008
Globe and Mail article on the Muskoka High Water Levels
Last week the Globe and Mail (Canada’s National Newspaper) contacted me and asked for permission to use some of the photos I took on the high water levels around Muskoka’s cottage country. They also interviewed me on what I had seen and were nice enough to make mention of this blog.
The Saturday print edition came out with the photo shown below and a story. The on-line version is sans photo and located here
I noticed quite a bit of traffic and a few new comments on the blog then all of a sudden our data center that hosts our websites went down due to a transformer exploding. Unfortunately we have been down for a couple of days but are happy to say we are back in the saddle again.
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns, uncategorized
2008
The wrecking ball takes down another historic Muskoka landmark.
Marygrove (formerly Glen Home Hotel) was an important historical structure on the shores of Lake Joseph, Muskoka. It was a rare example of streamline moderne architectural style built in 1939.
It was operated as the Glen Home Hotel until labour day 1974. In 1975 it was purchased by the Sisters of St. Joseph and used as a seasonal religous retreat, renamed Marygrove. The Sisters put the site up for sale last year with no takers. They recently applied for rezoning from commercial to residential and received a demolition permit from town council. It seems the property is more marketable by carting everything off to landfill and making 4 new cottage lots. They wasted no time in tearing it down. Below is a photo showing part of the structure that’s still standing. Next week it will become a memory.
Article from the Bracebridge Examiner
Article from the Globe and Mail
Article from The Architectural Conservancy of Ontario
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
