Absolutely one of the best 18 hole miniature golf course I’ve ever played. It was one of those hot and humid days where you just didn’t want to leave the refreshing cool air inside the car to venture out, however our visit to Adventure Village was put off the last two times we planned a visit, due to poor weather conditions and nothing was going to stop us having a great time today. I just wished I had on shorts instead of the jeans I was wearing. Our girls were a bit smarter and dressed cool and with a good dose of sunscreen on, we were off to challenge the 18 hole mini putt golf course, climb the 24 foot rock wall, hit some balls at the batting cages, toss and twirl on the bungee trampoline and finish off with a crash derby on the Krazy Kars bumper cars.

It was around noon when we arrived and the miniature golf area was just starting to get a bit busy, so we opted to start off our day at the batting cages. With the long winters we have, this heat wasn’t going to keep people from enjoying the summer. I had never played baseball nor have I ever hit balls in a batting cage before, so Andrew was going to be our guinea pig. I was allowed behind the machine that delivered the balls, so you can see a few action shots in the picture gallery below. Basically you grab a bat and helmet and go into the designated enclosed area to start hitting the balls. The system is fully automated and delivery of the ball makes for an excellent opportunity to really pound away at the balls. Great for fine tuning your technique and hitting power, but controlled enough that anyone can safely hit some balls.

* There are 4 slow softball, 1 medium softball, 1 fast softball, 1 medium baseball, 1 fast baseball, 1 very fast baseball batting cages. Safe for everyone over 4 years old and a great way to get that extra practice.

We then headed over to the Bungee Trampoline which seems to be fairly new as I don’t recall this being here when we visited a couple years back. Tehya being a former provincial level gymnast and current competitive cheerleader, she was eager to give this a try. After being weighed in (yes you have to get on a scale – there may be weight and height restrictions) you’re securely harnessed in and then elevated a bit via the bungee cords and off you go. With the help of the assistant (he adds extra weight as you bounce to really propel you up) , you really start going high and you’re free to do tricks you’re comfortable with. If I were to guess I’d say Tehya reached heights over 25 ft in the air and from the pics you can see all the flips etc she was doing. As we looked on, we could tell that it was fun and something you must try when you visit Adventure Village.

With the heat and humidity (felt like 44 C) we had to take a break to get hydrated a bit, after which we headed over to the rock climbing area. Both Andrew and Kieana got strapped in and after a quick “how to” by the attendant, they began their climb. The route starts off easy and the more you move around the wall in a clockwise direction the hard the route got. Again, a fun event with just as much excitement for us on the ground as onlookers. You could see them struggle as they tried to navigate their way up and as the beads of sweat trickled down their faces, you could see the true determination to reach the top. This attraction is safe for all ages, as you’re secured via ropes and a harness system and the attendant is there with you every step of the way. On coming back down you could tell that Kieana was tired as her legs jiggled under her and she landed up on the ground on her bum. Laughter broke out from us in the peanut gallery and it was all in good fun.

Break two not only included cool drinks, but this time we were attracted by the scent of grilling and deep frying from Big Al’s Cookhouse , so we took a longer break than the last and enjoyed some burgers and poutine. There’s a fairly good menu to choose from and the food to my amazement was much better than I expected. There”s a a huge outdoor seating area where you can kick back and relax while enjoying any of the meals they have on sale. The food is reasonably priced and quite tasty as I mentioned. (good buy are the combos and monthly specials)

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It was now time for the real challenge. 18 holes to prove who’s the best mini putt golfer in the family and we all had our game faces on. We can be very competitive family, but by the time we hit hole 13 the heat had taken it’s toll on us. If you’re looking for a course that attractive, well maintained and challenging, but well suited for any age  or skill level, this one is for you. Without a doubt, this course is the best I’ve played in Southern Ontario.

“An elaborate multi-level 18 hole miniature golf course built over two acres of rapids, waterfalls, shipwrecks, and a train trestle. Every hole provides you with a little history of Southern Ontario and a different challenge.”

The winner this day will remain anonymous as the heat forced us to call it a draw! We’ll be back for another round next week to finally prove who’s the champ!

Our day ended at the Krazy Kars bumper cars area where the cars can actually go 360 degrees and there are no poles attached, so you can really enforce a good pounding on others. With all the harnesses etc we’ve seen in use at Adventure Village we could clearly see that personal safety is one of their main concerns and they work very hard to maintain a safe and enjoyable park for visitors. That said… you’re once again harnessed (strapped) into the cars, then when it’s safe you’re given the green light to start using levers to control your direction and speed. As with everything at adventure Village, the Krazy Kars can be maneuvered by just about anyone. So kids (and big kids) can have the same amount of fun and not worry about anything being complicated to use.

Overall we had an excellent time and if not for the blistering heat we would have tried the out door laser tag and the arcade room as both areas also seemed like tons of fun. For the younger kids, there’s Big Al’s Mining Camp, where kids can experience the excitement of panning for semi-precious gemstones in a sluiceway of rushing waters similar to the Alaska gold rush days.

Adventure Village
580 Van Wagners Beach Road
Hamilton, Ontario L8E 3L8

Toll Free: 1.800.387.8727
Telephone: 905.549.9444

What a great place to come with all your friends and family. Adventure Village is a great place to go for a great school trip, church picnic, camp outing, or let the whole office unwind at the end of a busy day! they cater to:

* Company Outings
* Camp Day Trips
* Team Parties
* School Trips
* Church Picnics
* Senior Outings

For up to date info on pricing and time of operation, check out the links below:

Hours: http://www.adventure-village.com/hours.html
Price List: http://www.adventure-village.com/price_list.html

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NOTE: Special thanks to Denise Ralph and her team at Adventure Village for extending this invitation and for making us feel so welcome.

Don’t forget to leave us your question or comments in the area provided below for commenting. We’d love to get your feedback on Adventure Village. Additionally, we’d love for you to join us on facebook as we’re building one of the largest groups dedicated to all things “Ontario” Click on the image below to be part of this select group on face book.

If you’d like to feature your business or service on Ontarioalive.com or if you’d like to be a reviewer, please contact us today. We’d be happy to accommodate you at our earliest convenience. If you have videos of things that were done in Ontario, we’d love to feature them on the site. Do contact us.

It’s like exploring an enchanted forest with streaks of light forcing it’s way through the lush canopy of trees and spring wild flowers stretching out of the ground in an attempt to catch every second of these rays of sun from above. On our way back from St Jacobs we decided to explore the trails at Hilton Falls, as we had not done anything outdoor related for the season and we all know how fast this wonderful warm weather can be transformed into bitter wintery conditions.

Marko and Toni are very active and have been doing walks, mountain biking and other trails in the area, so I assumed they were better prepared for the hike. However Caron and I have been couch potatoes the past few months and though we consider ourselves outdoor people, in reality the closest we’ve come to doing something like this would be watching an episode of Survivorman on tv. Hey, but at least if we got lost I’d put my fire starting skills that I learned from Les Shroud to good use.

Trail Guides For Ontario Trails.

The conservation area at Hilton Falls is about 1592 acres and is a hub of activity all year for outdoor enthusiast who enjoy hiking, mountain biking, skiing and snowshoeing on it’s 33.5 kilometers of overlapping trails. The trails are all colour coded and very easy to identify with the colour tags that are posted along each route. Here’s a list of the trails that can be explored:

Hilton Falls Trail (Yellow Marking) - 4 km – Takes about 1.5 hrs Hiking or 1 hour skiing (This is the trail we did – more on that later)

Red Oak Trail (Red Marking) – 3 km – Takes about 45 minutes hiking or 30 mins skiing.

Beaver Dam Trail (Orange Marking) – 9 km – takes about 2.5 hours hiking or 2 hours skiing.

Bent Rim Trail (Green Marking) – Biking -  5 km – takes about 1.5 – 2 hrs.

Single Track Mountain Bike Trail (Blue Marking) – Biking 7 km - takes about 1.0 -1.5 hrs

Wandering Lynx Backcountry Trail System (Brown Marking) – 6.5 km for biking and takes about 1-1.5 hours.

Then there’s part of the famous Bruce Trail (725 km) which follows the Niagara escarpment from Georgian Bay to the Niagara river and is marked with white painted blazes on the trees.

As you enter the conservation area you’ll be required to pay an entry fee (see link below for current prices) which goes directly to the upkeep of the conservation area. However in my humble opinion – it’s priced too high. With all we see, hear and read about being fit and enjoying the outdoors etc, and the fact that we pay so much taxes in Canada, this should be cheaper. Marko gets the yearly membership for all the conservations in the area, so we didn’t have to pay this day. After you check through the gates you’re given (be sure to ask) a map of all the trails and then head over to the designated parking area, which is free.

Not only did Marko (our trail leader for the expedition) choose what turned out to be the shortest and easiest trail for us, it was the most scenic. It gave us an introduction into the trails at Hilton Falls, without having to worry too much about our physical capabilities as confessed couch potatoes. The trails does have old logging roads through them, so in the event of an emergency I assume it would be fairly easy for rescue to get to you. The mixed forest would have seen better days prior to the forestry that occurred here years ago, but it’s still teeming with life, both flora and fauna.There’s wooded swamps, beaver ponds, stream, wetland pools and brush. As an avid gardener I was amazed at the wide assortment of wild ferns and the moss covered rocks were absolutely stunning.

The prize view this day had to have been the  intrinsic beauty of the 10 metre waterfall that cascades over the Niagara Escarpment like a sheet of water glistening with the rays of the midday sun and the mysterious mill ruins that can be seen to the left side of the pool that formed at the bottom of the falls. Kids will be kids, which would probably explain the teenage girls (in dresses) that were allured to take a dip in the cool water, this warm and humid day. Quite honestly, I wished I had packed my swimming shorts as well. That water looked absolutely refreshing as well as the rush of water pouring off the top tempted me to come stand below it’s flow.

Here are some of the pictures I took along the way. Pay attention to the rock formation (hole carved in the rock-bed) that was formed during the ice age I believe and you’ll also see a couple pics of the dam that was built back in the 1970′s to help control flooding in the area.

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The trail itself is fairly easy to navigate and I would recommend this one is you’re just starting off hiking or if you’re doing this as a family with younger children. Iit’s short, not too demanding physically, marked, there are benches along the way if you need to take a breather and depending on the time of the year you go, you’ll even come across raspberries in fruit! I did notice a sort of outhouse bathroom setup and at the top of the falls, there a picnic area where I did see a campfire lit. Do pack water, sun block and your camera.

Hours of Operation

Park entrance gates open daily at 8:30 a.m. all year round.

Park entrance gate closing times vary by season and are as follows:

June/July/August – 9 p.m.
September/October – 7:30 p.m.
November/December/January – 5 p.m.
February / March – 6:30 p.m.
April/May – 7:30 p.m.

Please note facilities and activities begin at varying times during these hours.

For Current Pricing: http://www.hrca.on.ca/ShowCategory.cfm?subCatID=1292

Hilton Falls Contact Information
Tel: 905.854.0262
Fax: 905.854.2303

Address: 4985 Campbellville Sideroad Milton, ON

Mailing Address: 2596 Britannia Road West Burlington, ON L7P 0G3

Email: Hilton@hrca.on.ca

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Don’t forget to leave us your questions or comments in the area provided below for commenting. We’d love to get your feedback on the Trails at Hilton Falls. Additionally, we’d love for you to join us on facebook as we’re building one of the largest groups dedicated to all things “Ontario” Click on the image below to be part of this select group on face book.

When most of us think about Battlefield House we immediately vision the re-enactment of the Battle of Stoney Creek which takes place on it’s grounds every Spring (something you should not miss) or being in a wedding party and going there after the ceremony to take pictures. But did you know that there’s much more to this very historic site? Like doing a tour of the house that the Gage family built back in 1796 and being transformed back in time, or walking up the hill and climbing the stairs to the top of the 100 ft Battlefield Monument where you get a bird’s eye view of the surrounding area. Not to be outdone, the grounds of Battlefield house is lush, well manicured and tempting to sit under a tree with your favourite book and take things easy.

I was fortunate to get a personal guide tour of the historic house, the gardens and the monument when I visited a couple weeks back as part of our dedication to highlighting things that can be done in Ontario. Our tour started through the rustic looking front door which was probably hand carved by a skilled trades person (well, it seemed that way) which was adorned on both sides by lovely iron lanterns. The type you’d expect a coachman to have. On entering you’re immediately hit by the scent of “old”. Not musty as was the scent at Dundurn Castle, but more of a smell of an empty house that wasn’t lived in. The painted wooden floors squeaked and gave a sort of hollow noise as you moved though the hallway and glanced at the rooms on the main floor. Straight ahead was a staircase leading to the second floor, which I learned wasn’t part of the original home but added later on. On the left side was the kitchen which was still functional, with a fireplace that took me back to my days watching Little House On the Prairie. I’m sure some delicious meals were prepared here and I could almost hear the chatter you’d get in a kitchen as meals were being prepared and enjoyed on the huge wooden kitchen table.

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One couldn’t miss the lovely wallpaper which was revealed on part of the wall just off the entrance, which would have been the way the walls were dressed back when the Gage family occupied the home. It’s a restoration work in progress and I can’t wait to go back, even just to see the finished project. On the right side of the entrance was the grand room and the main floor was complete with a bedroom at the very back, just off the kitchen. With great use of windows, the house is brightly lit and allowed for wonderful views of the grounds. The walls were decorated with many paintings and pieces that gave the visitor the feeling of stepping back in time and being absorbed into history. I could clearly see how daily life would have been in this home so many years ago. But remember I had the personal guide tour, by a very knowledgeable tour guide (wish I could remember her name).

We then made our way up the staircase to the second floor where one could view the master’s bedroom as well as the other bedrooms and just off the bedroom to the front of the house, there’s a room dedicated to a Military Museum (see pics above for a couple pieces of the artifacts). The paintings on the wall in the hallway gave me a sort of creepy feeling… blame that on all the older horror movies I’ve watched over the years. The highlight of the top floor is the balcony that stretches across the front of the house. I could see myself sitting here on a summer’s evening as the sun sets in the background with a panoramic view of the property and hills as a backdrop.
A tour of Battlefield house is not complete until you make your way down the stairs into the root cellar, where on the right side of the staircase you can see the exposed brick that were used in construction, sill in pristine condition. The area in the basement is now used mainly during school tours where the kids can participate in crafts and other tour activities.

You’ll notice that I didn’t spend much time on the actual history of the house or the lives of the people who lived here, as I feel this is something you should really experience for yourself. The guided tours are simply amazing and very educational without the feeling of being in a classroom setting.

With the tour of the house complete, we made our way through the garden and up the stairs leading to the Battlefield Monument. If you’re lucky you may see a rabbit or two hopping around as you make your way up the concrete stairs. Certainly a local landmark, the Battlefield Monument has been part of the local landscape since 1913 and was built to commemorate a century of peace between the British and the Americans. Through the massive doors that reminded you of the entrance to a castle, you can climb the internal stairs up to the lookout deck. Here the view is absolutely stunning so bring your camera. With a majestic view of the grounds of the property, you’ll get a good idea of the work that’s being done to preserve this historic site and on a clear day you can also see as far as Toronto across the lake.

Battlefield House Museum & Park
77 King St. West
Stoney Creek, Ontario
L8G 5E5

Phone:  905-662-8458
Fax:  905-546-4141

Website:  www.hamilton.ca/museums
Email:  battlefield@hamilton.ca
Admission Rates

Adults (18-59)    $6.50
Senior (60+)    $5.50
Student * (13-17)    $5.50
Child (6-12)    $4.50
Infant (5 and under)   Free
Family **     $16.50

* Student = 13-17 or with valid student ID
** Family = two adults and dependent children under 18

Hours of Operation

July 1 to Labour Day: Tuesday to Sunday: 11 am – 4 pm

Labour Day to June 30: Tuesday to Sunday: 1 – 4 pm

(Closed Good Friday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day)

Depending on availability, they will gladly open outside of regular hours for pre-booked groups.

So what about the re-enactment of the Battle Of Stoney creek? Personally I’ve not been to it yet, but I’ve marked of my calendar to be there bright and early next spring, so I can see for myself how the war was won! Do check out the website at http://www.battlefieldhouse.ca for more details about the re-enactment.

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I’d like to thank Susan Ramsay and the wonderful staff at Battlefield house for accommodating us with an insightful tour of Battlefield House and The Monument. I’d also like to invite you to join us on Facebook and keep connected with all that there is to do in the fascinating Province of Ontario. Simply click on the Facebook image below to connect.

Have you been to the AGH (Art Gallery Of Hamilton) recently? It’s one of those places where there’s always something new and exciting to see and there are times when certain exhibitions are free to browse. More on that later. I’d never been to an art gallery before, but it was one of those things I had always wanted to do and on this day I really wished we had done this as a family. Our daughters have been at the AGH in the past on school trips, but I really missed having discussions with them on their take on the art that was on display. It’s always nice hearing other people’s perspective on things. Especially when it’s your children.

I was a bit late for my appointment with Steve Denyes, the Communication Manager at the AGH due to parking issues in the downtown core of Hamilton. It’s a common misconception that there’s limited parking and spots are hard to find. Had I done a little research I would have known that parking is plentiful. (see below for parking options)

Steve was very gracious in accepting my tardiness and gave me a tour of the entire galley. As mentioned, this was my first encounter with art in a gallery type setting so having a guide really added to the entire experience. Our tour/chat lasted for about 40 minutes, but I recommend you reserve at least an hour if you’re doing the tour on your own as there’s so much that you’re exposed to. Especially if this your first time at the AGH.

I’ve always been an amateur history buff so the featured exhibit, “Dance of Life: The Tanenbaum African Collection” allowed me the opportunity to connect with a part of the world that I’ve always been fascinated with. From the tall carved pillars that encased the doorway which remind me of the Totem poles from Western Canada, (used as palace posts by the Yoruba people in Nigeria) to the wonderful carved work by Lamidi Olonade Fakeye and the many tribal masks, it’s a fascinating exhibit… let’s just say I was in my own mini heaven. Pieces from the Art Gallery of Buffalo, Art Gallery Of Ontario, Museum of Art in New York and many pieces from personal collections made up this truly absorbing centerpiece.

Cake as ART?

Come prepared to be amazed by the work by Fiona Kinsella who use cakes to get her message across. I was quite amazed by the way the pieces on the wall jumped out at you with a tempting desire to be touched (no touching please).

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Not To Miss.

The collection by locally based artist Robert Mason, the Architecture of Cloud by Max Streicher (be sure to check out the pictures of his working blueprint for the piece) and no visit to the AGH is complete without being amazed by the Bruegel-Bosch Bus (see pic at the top of this page) by Kim Adams which I’m told is a work in progress. As new elements are added ever so often. So the next time you visit you may notice something new.

On site there’s a also a terrific cafe and the gift shop on the left side as you come to the top of the stairs is packed with many souvenirs and trinkets to remember your visit to the AGH. I must also make mention of the statue garden off the main floor which is very serene and a wonderful space to relax, as well as the fact that the AGH also offers a catering service for social and business events. So if you’d like a perfect setting for your wedding or business meeting, you should give them a call.

Parking Options (from the AGH website)

a) Directly underneath the Art Gallery of Hamilton
The City of Hamilton runs the parking garage located directly underneath the Art Gallery of Hamilton. This garage can be entered from Summers Lane and from King Street (look for the green P sign). Carry the ticket you?ll receive upon entering with you and pay your parking fee at a pay station before you return to your car. These parking stations accept credit cards, bills and coins (daily maximum is $7.50).

b) Other Municipal and Private Parking Lots and Garages
There are a number of municipally- and privately-run parking lots and garages throughout downtown Hamilton. Generally, the fees range from $3.00 to $7.00 a day to park.

c) On-Street Parking
On-street parking meters in the Downtown are $1.00 per hour. All meters are clearly signed and marked with rates and times relative to each parking space. In addition, the hours of operation may vary according to location by either time of day and/or day of week. A large portion of the downtown allows for free on-street parking after 6:00 pm daily, and all day Saturday, Sunday and Statutory Holidays.

The AGH is not only heavily involved in the community, they try to make the gallery as accessible as possible to everyone. Level 2 is open to the general public at no cost and they also run a program called “First Fridays” where access to level 1 of the gallery is open to the public, free. For full details on this opportunity to do something fun with your family if you’re on a limited budget, check out their website (see below for link). BTW, don’t be fooled into thinking that going to an art gallery is reserved for the rich and cultured. It’s a marvelous experience for one and all.

Information About The Art Gallery Of Hamilton.

123 King Street West | Hamilton ON | L8P 4S8
T: 905-527-6610 | F: 905-577-6940
E: info@artgalleryofhamilton.com

Gallery Hours
Tuesday & Wednesday 12 noon – 7 pm
Thursday & Friday 12 noon – 9 pm
Saturday & Sunday 12 noon – 5 pm
For more information about First Fridays, exhibits, camps for kids, community involvement of the AGH and all other information to help you plan your next trip, visit their website. http://www.artgalleryofhamilton.com

I’ll definitely go back to the AGH since the exhibits tend to rotate about 3 times a year. But on my next trip, hopefully we can do it as a family.  I highly recommend that you take an hour or two from your schedule and give the AGH a try, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how engaging it can all be.. Even for an art novice like me.

Special thanks to Steve Denyes and the staff at the AGH for taking time to accommodate with such an informative tour.  Don’t forget to leave us your comments if you’ve already been to the AGH or should you have any relating questions. We also invite you to be part of our Facebook fan page, by clicking on the image below.

What a lovely weekend to spend some time outdoors enjoying the rich and diverse culture of our region as far as crafts, food and music goes, at the annual “It’s Your Festival” held at Gage Park in Hamilton. Last year we covered the “Festival of Friends” at the same location and over the years we been to both festivals countless times, as it’s one of those things you pencil into your calendar for the summer months.

You’re probably wondering why there’s a parking violation picture at the top of this post, since I’m sure there’s  a much better picture to start of this review with. Unlike other years when you could easily park on the streets immediately surrounding Gage Park, this year was a bit different and it seems many people were not aware of this. As we searched out a parking spot on the streets, we started seeing parking tickets on cars and it was only then did we notice the parking violation signs (could be easily missed if you came through a side street). I guess this is one way to force people to use the paid parking that’s supplied by the event. I’d hate to be any one of those people who came back to a ticket on their car. I’m sure the flow of traffic is an inconvenience for the people living around Gage Park, but I think this comes with the territory and besides, it’s just a couple weekends a year. Will we be seeing similar signs around all parks and playgrounds in Hamilton soon, when there’s a soccer or baseball game?

It’s Your Festival is a great opportunity to mingle with people from your neighborhood, try ethnic foods, browse  though an assortment of craft stalls and end it all with the wonderful sounds of the live bands that are featured every year.

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Two things you immediately notice as you enter the park is how clean the area is, as there are tons of garbage cans (even recycling) spread throughout the park and it seems people are actually using them. The other thing is how spread out the entire event is. There’s ample room for whatever large crowd they were expecting and the organizing committee must be have really done their homework. As events in the past always seemed crowded, especially when you start encountering people with baby buggies and those on powered wheelchairs etc. With wide spaces between booths, this also allowed for a cool breeze to work it’s way through the event and cool down a very hot and steamy day.

Unlike the Festival Of Friends, this event had a lot of choices as far as food goes. The air was perfumed with the alluring scent of international cuisine that challenged the senses to pinpoint what you were smelling. It was like taking a worldwide trip without ever leaving home. Greek, Indian, Caribbean, Mexican and for the first time at one of these event’s we even had Chinese food on sale. BTW, Europe and Canada were well represented as well.

For the kids and kids at heart there was a midway that was full of activity and the hit this seems to have been the rock climbing wall that not only had  a line to get on, but an excited crowd gathered to see people struggle at getting at the top. Expect to pay prices similar to such midways you’ve been to int he past and the games (ones you pay to play and win a prize) you must pay attention to before you pay to play. The huge prizes you see are not necessarily the ones you get as the winner. There’s the fine print, that’s very fine.

It’s Your festival is a great way to spend the evening if you’re not away on vacation or at the cottage for the Canada Day weekend (or weekend closest to the Canada Day holiday). Head over to the beer tent, get a cold beverage and with it’s close proximity to the live music area, enjoy the vibes. Be a bit daring and try one of the many international dishes on sale… try something new and unique that you’d never give a second thought to before. If crafts are your thing, you’ll be in bliss as there’s a lot of vendors who offer many “crafty” options. Besides the midway, the kids could enjoy a ride on a pony or try their talents at the singing/virtual booths put on by “Family Channel” and the other music tents.

Entry to the event is free, but there’s a fee for parking and on average the food, drink, frozen desserts and beer is about 15-20% higher than what you’d normally pay outside an event like this. It’s usually very hot as it’s very open to the elements, so pack water and remember to dress light and wear sunblock.

What: It’s Your Festival

Where: Gage Park Hamilton

Contact organizers: 149 Main Street East, Suite #101, Hamilton Ontario L8N 1G4 Tel: 905.525.2297 Fax: 905.525.0066

Cost : Free (paid parking available)

When: Usually coincides with Canada Day celebrations (weekend closest to Canada Day. 3-4 days in total)

Getting there:

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Don’t forget to join us on Facebook to keep updated on things to do in Ontario and locally within your city or town. All you have to do is click on the Facebook image below to connect. If you’d like to share your experience at It’s your Festival, do so in the comment section provided below, as we’d love to hear from you.

Where else can you jump in your car, drive under 30 minutes and find yourself  in the middle of the most laden cherry trees you’ve ever seen? Cherries that are bursting with sweetness and so juicy they give a sort of “pop” when you bite into them. Yesterday I went down to Beamsville (part of the greenbelt of Ontario) to see what all the fuss is about, when it comes to picking your own cherries. Whenever we do these sort of reviews we’re always reminded why we continue to call Ontario our home, when we could easily pack-up and head down to the islands.

I contacted Hildreth Farms a little over a week ago , since our readers were sending in requests for recommendations for picking your own fruit locally. We did Pick Your Own Strawberries At Murphy’s Country Produce a week ago, so this time we were looking for a cherry picking option. Kelly was very happy to allow us access to their farm to test drive this cherry picking experience.

As I drove up the dusty driveway towards the orchard I could see that it was a packed house, with a lot of cars in the parking area and a few families heading back to the their cars. Looking well filled and full baskets in their hands. The beauty of going to one of these pick your own farms, is the fact that you can get your fill and don’t have to pay for it (you only pay for what you take out). I could tell that the kids in the group heading to the mini van close to where I was parked, thoroughly enjoyed their outing, with red cheeks and lips and matching little red stained hands.

I was met by David Hildreth with a strong handshake and he introduced me to his sons who were working the stand where visitors would check in to get their baskets and learn the rules (basically no climbing of the trees, use the provided ladders and don’t break the branches). He explained a bit about the history of the farm which has been in the family for four generations and that it all started out being a strawberry farm, until his dad converted to cherries over 50 years ago.

We chat a bit about life as a farmer (much respect), how busy his days are and how involved everyone in the family were in regards to the farm. Probably one of the most friendly people I’ve met to date doing these reviews. He had a strong sense of pride in what they do and it showed in the wonderful and welcoming environment they make available to people who’d like to pick their own fruit.

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From the pics above you can see that this can easily be a family day out, where young and old can not only experience picking cherries from an actual tree and not in a plastic bag in the grocery store, but take time to enjoy nature a bit. The natural setting is quite calming if you live a hectic life and just want to relax a bit. Between the cherry trees are well maintained and somewhat like a lawn… in the pics above you can see someone laying back and taking a nap. Not sure if this is allowed, but I can’t see why it won’t.

So how does this pick your own cherries work? Basically you grab a basket from the stall which you can purchase for a couple dollars or you can use the basket during picking, then get a plastic bag at the end to take your cherries home with you. The trees and fruit at within reach, but there are ladders scattered throughout the orchard that you can use (remember no climbing on the trees) to access the cherries that are out of reach. During picking, you have the option of eating as much as you want/can, but be warned that you can get a sore tummy from overeating. Take you time, stop and sit under the trees and enjoy the wonderful weather and serenity of the surrounding. When you’ve had your full, enjoyed the experience and your basket is overflowing with those lovely ruby red cherries, go back to the stall where you started and settle your bill. Those huge baskets you see in the pics above is $20 filled and I think it holds about 10lbs of cherries. But I’m sure if a group of you go, you’ll eat just as many as you’ll have in the basket.

Dave mentioned to me that there are several varieties of cherries in the orchard, since some of the trees are not self pollinating and depend on the others to produce fruit. Including some of the sour varieties which you may identify in the pictures above.

Pick Your Own Cherries at Hidreth Farms can be accessed at: Cherries-4685 Durham Road, Beamsville

The Farm Market (which I didn’t have time to cover) can be accessed at: 5529 Greenlane Road, Beamsville, Ontario

For full details on the farm, what’s in season and the market, visit the Hildreth Farms Website. Remember that the cherry picking is seasonal, so do check their website for current information. Don’t forget to wear sun block since you will be outdoors and do pack a bottle of water to rinse off the cherries before eating and to keep hydrated. Just wished I had a book and time as I would sit under one of these laden cherry trees and read for a bit.

Getting there:

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I’d like to say special thanks to David and Kelly Hildreth and their wonderful sons who I met on my visit, for taking the time to meet with me and for allowing us permission onto their farm to do this piece. As with everything local, I strongly encourage everyone to plan a trip to Hildreth Farms in Beamsville (see google Maps above) for a fun time, capped off with succulent ruby red cherries.

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I must confess that I’m not a huge fan of berries, but that changed after eating fresh strawberries picked off the bush this past weekend. That sweet, plump and juicy berry was unlike anything I had ever tasted from the grocery stores. About 19 years ago I had my first “pick your own” experience, but that was for apples and tomatoes and to be quite honest I can hardly recall the experience. However, this past Sunday I visited Murphy’s Country Produce in Binbrook Ontario as part of our promise to cover a wide variety of things to do locally and my new love for fresh strawberries began.

Situated about 25 minutes from the core of Hamiltom, the drive to Murpy’s Country produce gives you brief glimpse into country life without having to drive too far from the city. As you drive though the compound you’re greeted by the friendly staff at the main gate, who goes though the prices (providing you’re opting for the pick your own) and explains where the fields are that are currently being harvested, with the use of a very detailed map of the entire farm. You then head up a gravel road to the parking area where you’re greeted by other friendly staff you guides you to the best berry picking areas and are willing to answer any question you may still have.

Basically it’s strawberry picking time now, (see tips below) as you work your way from bush to bush searching out those little nuggets of juicy berries. Remember this is not a race so take your time and enjoy the moment, especially if you’re doing this as a family. Remember to pack a bottle of water with you to rinse of the berries to eat while you harvest. If you’re worried about getting muddy or dirty, it’s minimal. Since the road leading to the fields are all paved with gravel and the fields themselves are protected with hay/straw, so you’re never walking on exposed earth.

WARNING!  You’ll be in an open field so wear a hat, use sun block and do take drinking water as it does get pretty hot, even on a cloudy day.

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Some Tips!

Unripe berries will not ripen once picked, so make sure you only harvest the bright red ones.

Always call before you go to the farm – strawberries are affected by weather (both rain and cooler temperature) more than most crops. And when they are in season, a large turnout can pick a field clean before noon, so CALL first!

 On weekends, then fields may be picked clean by NOON! So my advice is to arrive early.
 
Murphy’s furnish picking containers designed for strawberries, but there is a small charge you for them.

If you use your own containers, remember that heaping strawberries more than 5 inches deep will bruise the lower berries. Plastic dishpans, metal oven pans with 3 inch tall sides and large pots make good containers.

When you get home:

DON’T wash the berries until you are ready to use them.  Washing makes them more prone to spoiling.

Pour them out into shallow pans and remove any mushed, soft or rotting berries

Put a couple of days supply into the fridge, wash and cut the caps (green tops) off the others and freeze them up! (Unless you’re going to make jam right away)

Besides having strawberries on this day, they also had peas and in a week or 2 they’ll have raspberries in season. Here’s a list of what you can pick your own and pre-picked fruits, vegetables and cut flowers you can get at Murphy’s.

Strawberries: Spring - Usually Father’s Day is the busiest time of the year.

Peas and Fava Beans: June

Rasberries: Late June

Sweet Corn, Eggplant, Musk melon, Romano Beans, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Shepherd and Bell Peppers: August.

Cut flowers (Glads and Sunflowers): August

Pumpkin and Squash: September

Once you’ve had your full, you work your way back down the gravel road to the main entrance (exit as well) where you meet with the staff at the stall (if he’s not busy you’ll see Brain (owner of Murphy’s Country Produce helping out customers) where you pay and if you wish you can by pre picked strawberries, refreshments and even some of that wonderful looking homemade jam (see pics in album above).

Overall a wonderful experience that I highly recommend you give a try. I fully support local grown and hope that you see it fit to support the farmers in our area and enjoy the wonderful produce they provide on a yearly basis for us. I must mention that the berries were a bit smaller than the ones you’d get at the grocery store, but as far as quality goes these fresh picked ones are hands down.. the best you’ll ever enjoy. NOTE: In one of the pictures above you’ll see the prices, but I do recommend that you give them a call before you drive out to confirm not only what’s in season, but for an updated price list as well.

Special thanks to Brian Murphy for allowing access to his farm and for the welcoming / friendly way they treat everyone who comes though their gates.

Murphy’s Country Produce
2040 Guyatt Road R.R. #1, L0R 1C0, Binbrook Ontario, Canada
Phone: (905) 692-5733
Fax: (905) 692-0921

Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday: 7:30am – 8:00pm
Saturday & Sunday: 7:30am – 5:00pm

Remember to phone for an up-to-date crop report and produce orders!

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Why is it the second time you do something you realize that you missed so much during the first experience? I had the opportunity to tour Dundurn Castle this past week and though we did a similar tour a few years back as a family, I found that nothing beats the second time around. That said, if you’ve been to Dundurn Castle in Hamilton before, I highly recommend doing it again. And for those of you who’ve not had the opportunity to observe life during the 1850′s, the Dundurn Castle tour is simply an amazing experience. That’s not only a history lesson (unlike being in high school all over again), but a fun time to spend with your family.

Though I’d like to include some of the historic aspects of Dundurn castle in this review, I feel you’ll walk away with much more when you take the actual tour. The guides are very knowledgeable and being in the actual castle will help you appreciate the history of it all, much better than I could put into words today.

The tour starts at the gift shop (left side when you walk through the entrance of the castle grounds) and this is where you purchase your tickets as well. The gift shop is filled with souvenirs and trinkets as other gift shops in such historic sites. The tour leaves every 30 minutes and can last anywhere between 45 minutes and one hour. * Yes, there’s free parking on the grounds as you come off York Boulevard.

The tour itself starts as you leave the gift shop with your group and tour guide (I would try to get into a group with about 7-10 people if possible, as I think you get much more out of the tour with a smaller group) and you work your way to the front of the castle. Here is where your tour guide will start sharing all the historic tidbits with the group. You then work your way into the castle via a small courtyard to the left side, where laundry must have been done back in the 1850′s. On entering the castle you get a feeling like when you were a kid and you went into a closet at your grandparents place, with the sort of “old” air smell. Kinda musty, but instantly you’re transformed back in time with a rich scent of history. The dark interior only adds to the mystique of it all and the creaky wooden floors reminds you that you’re in a very historic building.

You start off on the main floor, then work your way upstairs and finally the basement. On the way you tour some of the great rooms (you must see the master’s bedroom… they lived like royalty), the bedrooms, bathrooms, home office and library, sewing room… basically all the rooms that were part of daily life. Even the indoor toilet, and you’ll be amazed by the indoor plumbing that even had heated water throughout the castle. They even had gas lighting throughout the castle as well.

Then as you work your way into the basement, that once musty sort of smell is replaced with the pleasant scent of baking cookies and bread. You instantly get a sort of “homely” feel and quickly forget you’re in the basement  of the building. It reminded me of Christmas eve when my mom would be making all those baked treats and our entire house  would be adorned with that lovey scent of cookies, cakes and breads.

Here is where you see where the female servants slept, the laundry room where all the clothing and linen were washed on a weekly basis, the coal and firewood storage areas, the ice storage area where ice would be harvested from lake Ontario and stored for use into the summer months and the kitchen. Where that lovely smell was originating from. Though this was a basement, the ceilings were pretty high, there are huge windows that brought in natural light and the gas lighting I mentioned above was also in use here. At no time did you get that sort of dark and gloomy feel you’d expect from such a basement in an old building. The people who worked in this basement had it good as far as working conditions were concerned.. I would think.

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As the tour ends in the kitchen and it’s explained that the food prepared here is done so using recipes from back in the 1850′s. It’s amazing how the strawberry drop cakes and bread have not changed during all this time. They’re just as tasty as any you’d find in any fancy bakery today.

Since I had arrived a bit early and had about 25 minutes to spare before the next scheduled tour began, I decided to tour the grounds of the property. And how glad I am that I did. I stumbled onto the Historic Garden and since I consider myself a avid Gardner, I love seeing how others garden. Though we had toured the castle before, it was during the colder months and I don’t think that garden was open then. Since the Historic Garden is part of the grounds at Dundurn Castle and is included in the price of admission, I highly recommend going through it if you visit during the Spring to Fall months. During the summer months the staff dress in period gear and use tools etc from the 1850′s so you’ll see how things were done in the garden during this grand era.

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The vegetables grown in the garden goes directly to use in the kitchen (that’s where the strawberries came for the drop cookies) and I was told that any excess is donated to local charities like the Ronald Mc Donald House, Daily Food Bank and The Good Shepard Center, to name a few. The garden itself is 100% organic, so you know that the food grown here are free from all those chemicals etc that we should be avoiding.

Overall touring the Dundurn Castle is quite the experience and I must again recommend that you pack up the family in the mini-van and take in the experience. Pack a picnic and make it into a day trip, as the grounds of the castle is lovely and there are many shady trees where you can spread a blanket and enjoy some time with family and friends.

Location:  610 York Blvd. Hamilton, Ontario
Phone:  905-546-2872
Fax:  905-546-2875
Hours of Operation
June 30 to Labour Day: Daily: 10 am – 4 pm
Labour Day to June 29: Tuesday to Sunday: 12 – 4 pm

Note: Last tour starts at 4 pm (Closed Good Friday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day)

Depending on availability, they will gladly open outside of regular hours for pre-booked groups.

Admission Rates

Adults (18-59)    $10.00
Senior (60+)    $8.00
Student * (13-17)    $8.00
Child (6-12)    $5.00
Infant (5 and under)   Free
Family **     $25.00

* Student = 13-17 or with valid student ID
** Family = two adults and unlimited dependant children

Full-price ticket includes admission to Dundurn Castle, the Kitchen Garden and the Hamilton Military Museum.

* I’d like to say special thanks to the management and staff of the Dundurn Castle for making this review possible.

Dundurn Castle is an historic Neoclassical architecture chateau on York Boulevard in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. This 18,000-square-foot (1,700 m2) mansion took three years and $175,000.00 to build, and was completed in 1835. Sir Allan MacNab, later prime minister of the united Province of Canada between 1854 and 1856, hired architect Robert Wetherall and construction of this stately home was completed in 1835. It became the property of the City of Hamilton and, in the late 1960s, it was restored as a Centennial project. It is now designated as a National Historic Site.The seventy-two room castle featured the latest conveniences of gas lighting and running water.The rooms have been restored to the year 1855 when MacNab was at the height of his career. Costumed interpreters guide visitors through the home, illustrating daily life from the 1850s.
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It seems that there’s a reputation of some sort when it comes to Satellite Garden Center for being a bit expensive, so I’d like to address that a bit before I continue. Yes, there are some items that are a bit over priced. However when you really consider that you’re getting quality plants and garden accessories, the slightly higher prices can be justified I think.

Since this is a speciality garden center and not one of those temporary tents that pops up everywhere during the Spring months, you should have an idea of what to expect. Therefore I’ll briefly touch on the areas that stood out for me, followed by a few pictures I took while there and finally I’ll end with contact info and other store information (operational hours, address and current sales and discounts).

Without a doubt their hanging baskets (one of the higher priced items I touched on earlier) are stunning and probably the best one can get in the area. And there’s usually a full stock to choose from most of the season… even when other garden centers are low on stock or have crappy leftovers. We’ve purchased hanging baskets from here before and not only have they lasted all season, there were as vibrant and full of colour as the day we first brought them home.

If you’re into garden decor you’re in luck as  there’s a huge selection of decor that varies in size, construction ad colour. Iron wall decor, garden clocks, mailboxes, planters, pots, vases, wind chimes, gnomes, lanterns, fire burners, chimineas, birdbaths, birdhouses, feeders, stepping stones and other whimsical garden things.

Rest assured that there’s also a wide selection of vegetable, flowers (annuals and perennials), shrubs, trees and fruit trees to choose from as well. Additionally at the front of the store I also noticed a wide selections of beautiful rocks which could add a lot of character to your garden, that’s sold by weight. With the new laws in place you have a wide choice of natural fertilizers and pesticides available to you.. plus the friendly staff is always willing to address any questions you may have.

At the very back of the store is where the “Flower Market” is, but sadly I didn’t really browse that area, but Caron did mention that there were some lovely long stem roses and other cut flowers for sale. But she didn’t look at the prices, so I really can’t comment further.

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I forgot to mention… there’s also a wide variety of roses (my fave), the hostas are excellent here as well and there’s a wide selection of packaged seeds.

Satellite Garden Centre & Flower Market
1167 Rymal Rd. E., Ham., ON L8W 3M7
Tel.: 905.574.8188 • Toll Free: 1.888.691.1103
Email: sales@satellitegardencentre.com

For current promotions and discounts at Satellite Garden Centre And Flower Market, visit Satellite Garden Centre And Flower Market Couons.

I must mention that the store part is rather packed with items and can be a bit conjested. So if you’re planning a trip you may want to get a babysitter so you don’t have to take a baby stroller with you. Also note that the outside area where all the planst are housed, can be a bit messy (water and dirt), so leave the fancy shoes at home or risk them getting soiled.

If you’ve been to Satellite Garden Centre And Flower Market, we’d love to hear about your experience. please leave us your thoughts in the comment box below. Your comments will assist others in determining if they’re willing to shop at Satellite Garden Centre And Flower Market.

**If you’d like to be featured on OntarioAlive.com where your business, event or establishment would be seen by thousands of locals every week, do get in contact with us. We’d be happy to drop by and do a review.

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The Hockey Hall of Fame is located in the heart of downtown Toronto at the corner of Yonge & Front Sts. in Brookfield Place (formerly BCE Place) lower concourse level, a short walk from many Toronto attractions, including Air Canada Centre, CN Tower, Rogers Centre and Eaton Centre. The actual address is:

Brookfield Place
30 Yonge Street
Toronto, Ontario
Canada M5E 1X8

The Hall of Fame was well organized and filled with hundreds of thousands of of displays, artifacts, memorabilia, videos, NHL Zone, Upper Deck Collector’s Corner, Canadiens Dressing Room, Esso Theatre, Stanley Cup Dynasties,, Hartland Molson Theatre, Global Game Encounter, Panasonic Hometown Hockey, Verizon Great Hall & NHL TrophiesVirtual Tour – Verizon Great Hall, NHLPA Be A Player Zone, TSN/RDS Broadcast Zone, 2K Sports NHL2K Zone.

Basically there’s something for people of all ages, from interactive games for kids to getting the opportunity to do the commentary on actual NHL game action, not to mention special sections on the greatest players and teams of all time. Fans can easily spend half a day marveling at the impressive collection of items and reading the historical footnotes.

How can you be a true hockey fan and not visit the shrine of hockey? The price was about $15 for the day pass (see prices below). The main gallery has videos and electronic games where you can participate in simulated playoff action. There are halls and halls of pictures and plaques commemorating every great player and event in the games long history. Then there’s the holy grail of hockey, the Stanley cup. As you browse through all the displays etc, you’ll notice that every pro team has a small nook where its best players and achievements are catalogued.

Then there’s a rink where you can imagine yourself as part of one of the winning teams (closest I’ll ever get to being in a real hockey game). You can easily spend a couple hrs if you really want to cover everything  adequately. When it is busy (like on the weekends), you may have to wait in line to see some of the sections or try some of the electronics. We went the same day there was an NHL game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and The Washington Capitals, so with Ovechkin in town, this place was packed as well.

Contact :
Info line…………..(416) 360-7765
Switchboard……..(416) 360-7735

Rates :

General      $15.00
Youth (4yrs-13yrs)     $10.00
Senior (65yrs+)     $12.00
Children 3 & under     Free

Hours of operation (check for extended March Break and Summer hours)
Monday-Saturday …9:30am to 6:00pm
Sunday…………… 10:00am to 6:00pm

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