Huntsville Half - Band on the Run 2013

Saturday June 8, 2013. Races start and finish in River Mill Park in downtown Huntsville. Same location for the post-race music festival.

More than just a race event, the Huntsville Half - Band on the Run is a festival of running and music. This, the second year of the event, features multiple distances from a 1 km kids run to a 21 km half-marathon, plus a fantastic line up of musicians as part of the music festival.

Race Events

• Half Marathon (21.0957 km – to be exact)
• Half Marathon Relay
• 10 km
• 5 km
• Kid’s Race

Canoe-Heads are welcome on the 5 km run. Yup, some people do this portage-style, carrying a canoe over their heads!

Music Festival

The post-race music festival will be rocking River Mill park in downtown Huntsville all afternoon. Free for event participants. Non-racers can buy tickets in advance ($10 here) or at the door ($15). 

• Local fave Tobin Spring and Laganza are opening on the main stage, followed by
• Three-time Juno Award winning band The SHEEPDOGS
• with special guests The Sadies

It gets even better...

After the race (definitely after the race!) you can rehydrate with a sampling of local beers from a licensed beer garden just steps away.

And even better still...

We've partnered with the fine folks behind the Huntsville Half to offer a VIP Package when you stay at Fern Glen Inn and run in the event.

Your Huntsville Half Race Weekend package includes:

• An upgrade of your race entry to a VIP race package
• Your race kit will be waiting for you at check-in on Friday night
• 2 nights accommodation for two people
• Full, delicious breakfast each morning
• Use of 120-acre property with private trails and guest lounge
• Free 16oz stainless steel water bottle

Rate: $219/couple + tax

Book online and mention Huntsville Half in the Notes section or call us toll free at 1-866-311-8519. Make sure to register for the race in advance on the Huntsville Half website.

Not a runner? You can come out just for the music! $10 in advance (purchase online here) or $15 at the door.

Looking forward to seeing you!

Petra's Pottery

I've been meeting to write about Petra's Pottery since I first visited her lovely studio and workshop tucked away in the woods just north-east of us.

Petra loves her craft and has been honing it for over a decade. Her pieces and glazes are beautiful to look at, but Petra wants us to do more than admire them -- she wants us to use them.

"Put them in the dishwasher", she says, if that's what it takes to get us to enjoy her collection of dishes, serving pieces and gift ware on a daily bases. They are not meant to be tucked away in a cupboard and only brought out for "special occasions". Every day is special!

Another compelling reason to visit the showroom is it's completely off-grid, as is the artist's home a few steps away. Petra and her husband, Peter, have been off-grid and meeting their own energy needs for over 30 years. They use solar power as well as capturing the energy from a small creek on the property; plus they built their house to be incredibly efficient regardless of the power source.

 If you needed another (or perhaps a specific) reason to visit Petra's showroom yourself, well now you've got it.

Petra is holding an Open House on Mother's Day weekend. There will be free refreshments (coffee, tea, lemonade and Petra's famous carrot cake!), a free draw, demonstrations by the artist in the studio workshop, and a broad selection of products to browse in the showroom.

It's a great opportunity to treat your mom or yourself to a day out and a change of pace. Psst. We also have rooms available if you want to make a weekend getaway out of it!

Petra's Pottery Open House 

Saturday May 11 and Sunday May 12
10am - 5pm
647 Skyline Drive, Katrine
Visit Petra's Pottery website for directions.

Where to Spend Your Fuel & Fun Vouchers

We are so happy to see the Fuel & Fun promo back again this Spring and it's even better than last year because there are so many more restaurants, shops and outfitters participating!

You can get a free $50 gas card and $50 in spending vouchers (two $25 vouchers) to use-as-cash at participating businesses around the region. For full details, see the Fuel & Fun Package at Fern Glen Inn.

We want to make it easy for you to choose where to spend your vouchers so we've compiled a list of participating businesses that many of our guests enjoy when they're out and about during a visit to the inn. Here are some of the places to eat, shop and do nearby...

Dining
3 Guys and A Stove Huntsville
Soul Sistas Huntsville
Spencer’s Tall Trees Restaurant Huntsville
The Nutty Chocolatier Huntsville
The Moose Café Dwight

Family Cafe Burk’s Falls

Yetti’s Pizza Burk’s Falls

The River’s Edge Restaurant Burk’s Falls

Village Pub & Eatery Burk’s Falls

Shopping

Petra’s Pottery Katrine

The Wooden Roo Burk’s Falls

Circling Hawks Centre Burk’s Falls
The Flower Garden Burk’s Falls
The Heritage House Burk’s Falls

Summer’s Attic Magnetawan

Baysville Country Store Baysville

Lake of Bays Brewing Company Baysville
Lindgren Pottery Huntsville
Muskoka Bear Wear Huntsville

Artisans of Muskoka Huntsville

Algonquin Basecamp Emsdale

Algonquin Outfitters Oxtongue Lake and Huntsville

The Old Palmer House Dwight
Johnston’s Cranberry Marsh & Muskoka Lakes Winery Bala

Doing

Algonquin Basecamp Emsdale

Algonquin Outfitters Oxtongue Lake and Huntsville
The Portage Store Algonquin Park
Riverbowl Burk’s Falls

Treetop Trekking Huntsville
Johnston’s Cranberry Marsh & Muskoka Lakes Winery Bala

There are many more great places to spend your vouchers throughout the region, perfect stops on your drive back home. For a complete list of businesses accepting the Fuel & Fun vouchers this Spring, visit Explorers' Edge.

Spring Events in Muskoka and Almaguin

Here's a list of events in Muskoka and the Almaguin Highlands this spring. Got a local event to share? Let me know and I'll add it to the list!

NOTE: Book by April 19 for a two-night stay between April 20 - May 31 and get a free $50 gas card and $50 in spending vouchers as part of Explorers' Edge Fuel & Fun promotion.

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TriSummit Triathlon Conference

Huntsville

Canada's largest triathlon and endurance sport conference will bring together the top educators, experts, coaches and athletes in the field. Three days of speakers, workshops, clinics and events to help you up your game. Great sale on the three-day registration package: just $150. Visit TriMuskoka for details.

May 3, 4, & 5

Petra's Pottery Mother's Day Open House

Katrine

This is a great opportunity for a day out at this beautiful off-grid studio and showroom featuring gorgeous hand-thrown pottery. Petra will giving demonstrations of her craft and also offering free refreshments and a draw. The location is made even more interesting by the fact that it's completely off-grid with a self-sufficient power system and a secluded location tucked back in the woods. For more details about the open house event, see our event listing here.

May 11 & 12, 10am - 5pm

Mother's Day

Fern Glen Inn

Treat your mom, your wife, your sister or yourself to a weekend away and let someone else do the cooking and cleaning. Our famous breakfasts are fresh, healthful, indulgent -- just what mom deserves! See our Real Simple Getaway for an itinerary featuring rest and relaxation; or check out our Adventure Packages for something a bit more active.

May 12

Victoria Day Long Weekend

Fern Glen Inn
Better known as the May Two-Four, it's the unofficial launch of the outdoor season, a weekend to get out of the city and into the woods. Spend the weekend at Fern Glen Inn and we can help you with plans to go canoeing, horseback riding, hiking, shopping, golfing or just chilling out in the fresh air. Book online or send us an email to reserve your weekend getaway.
May 17, 18 & 19

Spin the Lakes Cycle Tour

Huntsville and area

Take a tour around several of the Muskoka lakes along routes with breath taking views and spectacular rock cuts. You'll travel through several small towns and over terrain that consists of moderate rolling hills. This event is not a race and is geared for everyone to participate from the race enthusiast to the first time rider, with four distances to choose from: 20k, 50k, 110k or 170k. The event is fully supported with vehicles, food and water stations. Visit Bike Muskoka for details.
May 25

The Huntsville Half

Huntsville

Come on out and challenge yourself with a half marathon, 10k or 5k race. The half can be run by a two-person relay team. Live bands will be playing tunes along the route to energize your race experience. The course will take you across rivers, through peaceful fields and into one of the most beautiful hardwood forests in Ontario. Post-race in River Mill Park; runners and their support teams are welcome. Visit Huntsville Half for details.

June 8

Following the Footsteps of the Group of Seven

Huntsville
Town of Huntsville presents Sue & Jim Waddington - two adventure seekers who have made it their quest to photograph and document locations that inspired the artists known as the Group of Seven. Jim and Sue will share their stories and findings of more than 300 painting sites and corresponding artwork. You'll be entertained, educated and inspired. Register early as seats are limited. At the Active Living Centre, $5/person. Visit the active communities guide on and see page 22, course code 12052 for details.
June 10, 7 - 9pm

Muskoka 5150 and Sprint Triathlon

Huntsville

Beautiful scenery, challenging terrain, and cheering crowds make this an event that should not be missed either as a triathlete or a spectator. The races are based around the Canada Summit Centre, providing participants and spectators a safe and beautiful environment to participate in. A total of eight race distances to choose from, with the Sprint distances on the Saturday afternoon and the 5150 distances on the Sunday morning. See TriSportCanada for details.
June 22 & 23

Burk's Falls Rodeo

Burk's Falls

This weekend-long event includes rodeo and horse riding demos, live music, horse pulls, horseshoe tournament, vendors, concessions and licensed tent. For more information, visit Burk's Falls Buck'n Rodeo.

June 28, 29 & 30

Spring Fuel & Fun

It's back! The signature promotion for our regional tourism organization, Explorers' Edge, has quickly become an anticipated event. So what's it all about?

Just book your Spring getaway by April 19th for a 2-night stay between April 20th and May 31st and you can be 1 of 500 travelers* to receive a $50 gas card and $50 worth of vouchers to use-as-cash at participating restaurants, shops and attractions!

Jim and I love Fuel & Fun because it lets us give a great gift to our guests -- who doesn't like to get free gas and spending vouchers? -- but also because it lets us showcase the understated beauty of the fresh season. Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat to recharge your batteries or a few days of hiking and exploring, we hope to see you here this Spring!

Quantities are limited -- first come, first served -- so act quickly to avoid disappointment.

The Details...

When do you stay?

Any two consecutive nights between April 20 and May 31, 2013

When do you book?

Make your reservation and register for your vouchers (we'll tell you how) by April 19, 2013

What do you get?

$50 gas card plus $50 in spending vouchers to use at participating shops, eateries and attractions during your stay. Of course, you also get two comfortable nights and two delicious breakfasts at Fern Glen Inn.

What's the catch?

There is none! You can use the spending vouchers on sale items, with other special offers, for the whole bill including tax. You don't have to "buy one" to "get one" nor spend a minimum amount of money. Consider the free gas and vouchers as an invitation to come explore this beautiful region, courtesy of Explorers' Edge.

The Fuel & Fun Spring Getaway at Fern Glen Inn

Your getaway includes:

• 2 nights accommodation for two people in one room
• fresh and delicious breakfast each morning
• $50 gas card
• $50 in Experience Vouchers to use-as-cash at participating attractions, restaurants and shops during your stay

Fuel & Fun Spring Getaway Price: starting from $216**

**Most dates are $216/package; the Victoria Day long weekend rate is $236/package.
Lower rates available for solo travelers. 13% HST is extra.

Call, email or book online. Visit Fall Fuel & Fun at Fern Glen Inn for details.

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* Quantities are limited. Only the first 500 "Qualified Bookings" within the entire Explorers' Edge region will receive the Gas Cards and Experience Vouchers. To be a "Qualified Booking", you must:
• book by April 19, 2013
• register your confirmation number directly at Explorers' Edge
• stay between April 20 and May 31, 2013
• stay for 2 consecutive nights or longer
Experience Vouchers may only be used between April 20 and May 31, 2013.

In partnership with

Coffee Cheesecake Souffles

At this time of year, on the cusp of spring but definitely still winter, souffles are the perfect dessert. Served hot from the oven, they are rich and decadent and definitely comfort food. But the light and airy texture sings of fresh spring breezes.

I developed this recipe for a contest, and although I didn't win, eating one of these souffles is prize enough for me. I hope you enjoy them, too.

Coffee Cheesecake Souffles

Makes 4 servings

• butter and granulated sugar for ramekins 
• 2 tablespoons of your favourite irish cream or coffee liqueur (or milk)  
• 1 1/4 teaspoons instant coffee granules 
• 250 grams (1 brick) cream cheese, softened to room temperature 
• 2 large eggs, separated, room temperature 
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar 
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 
• pinch of cream of tartar 
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 
• icing sugar and ground cinnamon for dusting 
• chocolate sauce to finish (optional) 

Preheat oven to 400°F. Butter 4 six-ounce ramekins or oven-safe coffee cups. Coat the insides with sugar and tap out excess.

Place the liqueur or milk in a small bowl and heat in a microwave until steaming but not boiling (about 7 seconds, depending on your microwave). Stir in coffee granules to dissolve.

In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat cream cheese and light brown sugar until smooth. Beat in egg yolks, one at a time, vanilla extract, and the coffee/liqueur mixture. Beat until light and fluffy.

With an electric mixer and perfectly clean beaters, beat egg whites with cream of tartar until foamy. Slowly add 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and continue beating until the whites are glossy and hold firm peaks.

Fold the egg whites into the cream cheese mixture in two additions, keeping as much volume as possible. Divide the batter evenly between the ramekins or coffee cups.

Bake until puffed and nearly set. The top will be dry and a deep, toasty colour. Let rest on a wire rack for 2 minutes.

Dust the top of each souffle with icing sugar and ground cinnamon. Drizzle with a zigzag of chocolate sauce if desired.

Enjoy!

Winter Beaver Field

One of the many things I love about snowshoeing is its ability to take me places in winter I can't get to at any other time of year.

There are swaths in the forest littered with fallen tree trunks, up-ended root plates and dense new growth. Picture a giant's game of 'pick up sticks'. In the summer, it's impossible to traverse over or through these tangled woods. In the winter, though, it's a different story. Snow levels it all out. It fills in the deep spaces, drifts around and over obstacles, smoothes the ragged jangle into graceful rolls and mounds. With snowshoes on to disperse your weight, you can walk right over top of fallen timber and small trees.

The other benefit of winter has to do with water obstacles, not wood ones. When lakes, ponds and marshes freeze over, we can, in a sense, walk on water and explore areas otherwise inaccessible. And that's exactly what we did this week.

If you've read my post about the beaver activity in our forest, you know those hard-working rodents have created exactly the kind of environment I've just described: layers of debris from felled trees plus a murky pond of unknown depth. Impassable -- but only until the snow accumulates. That's when we strap on the snowshoes, grab the camera, and head out to explore. This week we tromped over to the beaver pond and discovered it was now a beaver field.

As we were snowshoeing along a slight ridge in a fairly open area, we realized we were actually walking on a beaver damn. Our suspicions were confirmed when we came across an air or access hole in the damn. As we wound our way over the field/pond, we also found the beaver lodge, a mound the size of a pup tent, and again with an air or access hole in the top.

We saw other signs of beaver activity in the area, including a small felled tree with some of the bark chewed off and a number of other recently-gnawed trees.

The ridge is a beaver dam.

Air or access hole on the beaver dam.

A peek down the hole.

Beaver lodge.

Gnawed tree.

Lunch time!