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.

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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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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