Carrying on a dream…

On a very humid Tuesday evening, the courtyard at Maplehurst Manor and Carriage House was filling up with people from near and far – all hoping to pass along their well wishes and congratulations. There was a “changing of the guard” happening with the business and there was nothing but support in the air.

Three years ago, Maplehurst Manor was purchased by Ann Cox and her husband. It was their dream to turn the Manor into a destination Bed and Breakfast to promote Maitland, the area they now called home. With much hard work, Ann was able to turn her vision into a reality and made Maplehurst Manor THE destination for weddings, events and getaways in the 1000 Islands region.

With many life changes and new visions, the time has come for Maplehurst Manor to switch hands. Having worked closely with Ann over the past few years, it was only fitting that Josie and Seth O’Hara purchase Maplehurst and carry on Ann and her late husband’s dream. The event was to thank Ann for her work with the manor and let her know that she will always be welcomed with open arms in our community upon her visits. The event was also to welcome Josie, Seth and their wonderful staff at Brockberry Grill to the Maitland community and let them know there is much support as they embark on this new journey!

If you haven’t had the opportunity to visit Maplehurst Manor, it is a must see! Josie graciously gave guests tours of the home and carriage house- which have all been lovingly restored over the past few years. Upon entrance I immediately fell in love with the high ceilings, large windows overlooking the rolling lawns of the property and the majestic St. Lawrence River and the décor that resembles a spread from House and Home. The Suites are exquisite and not a small detail has been spared.

There have been talks of many new and exciting events planned for Maplehurst and with the success of The Brockberry Grill, one can only anticipate what is to come. Make sure to keep updated on events at http://www.maplehurstmanor.com/. 

Smugglers Glen: Paradise in our own backyard

One of the things I love most about Social Media, is the connections you make with others. I am very loud and proud about my love for Facebook, but what you may not know about me, is that Twitter is my absolute favourite social media platform. 

Recently, I was searching Twitter for more local business owners and came across Smugglers Glen. I was drawn in by their profile picture and fun tweets! Smugglers Glen is a golf course on the 1000 Islands Parkway between Brockville, On and Gananoque, On. although I recently found out it is more than just a gold course- it's paradise in our own backyard!

Yes...THAT is the view from the stunning veranda at the clubhouse. Can you imagine teeing off there? Do you see the Adirondack chairs awaiting you? Admittedly, I am not an avid golfer, but this view alone will make me book a tee time with some friends and go back. 

Let's back up a step. Back to my love for Twitter and how it helps connect us to one another. Once I found Smugglers Glen, I started conversation with Jason Boyce, Director of Golf. We tweeted a bit about the course, golf and then we messaged about a tour. Jason was extremely welcoming and easy to chat with and by the time I had actually met him a few days later, it felt like we were old friends! 

Kim Barr, Owner of Set the Barr (Social Media Marketing) and I set off to visit the clubhouse, tour the course and chat all things golf. We immediately hit it off with Jason and of course- took a #Selfie!

This course was so elevated in places, that I was sometimes fearing for my life on that golf cart! When I wasn't breathless from the views- I was excited by the natural way the golf course was blended into the terrain and encompassed it's surroundings. The designer really knew how to show off the beauty of the 1000 Islands and still make this a challenging and fun golf course. 

I really look forward to returning this summer to play a round of golf, reconnect with my new Twitter friend Jason and trying out this course for myself. I have connected with others who have golfed here and they have sang the praises of this course! 

As a bonus- a place I didn't tour but am excited to check out- is The Glenhouse Resort, across the road. I have heard their prime rib dinner is amazing and the ambiance along the St. Lawrence River is unmatched. Perhaps a place to "stay and play" for the future. 

Breakfast and Wine: Welcome to the 1000 Islands

How do we kick off tourist season in the world-renowned 1000 Islands? With Breakfast on Refugee Island, an afternoon at the hydroplane races and then top it off with the Food and Wine Show!

Friday evening was the beginning of the 1000 Islands Wine and Food Festival. This is an annual event that started out being hosted by the Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce's Tourist office and is now being successfully run by the Leeds and Grenville Volunteer Centre. Over the course of the five year event, there have been a few different venues- including the kickoff at the Brockville Country Club (BCC) and then moving to the Memorial Centre for years following. This year, the festival made it's return to the BCC and in my opinion- was the BEST one yet!

With only four main ladies organizing this community-wide festival, I was blown away by the finished product. The Brockville Country Club has never looked so elegant and classy. Yes, there were less vendors then years past, but this is a prime example of Quality vs. Quantity. From the moment you walked in and were greeted by the many happy volunteers, to the guest speakers, delicious treats, tantalizing appetizers and the variety of beer and wine- this event was a HUGE HIT! Bravo to everyone involved, I'm already looking forward to next year!

Saturday morning my girls were up at the crack of dawn- literally...the sun came up and they were at our bedroom door asking if it was time to go. Why were they excited? We were headed to St.Lawrence Park to board a boat to Refugee Islands and check out the return of "Breakfast in the Islands", hosted by Brockville Tourism. As their resident blogger, Tourism was gracious to offer my family and I passes to check out their event. This has been held in past years, but took a brief hiatus due to a lack of volunteers and organizers. I believe the entire community was anticipating the return of this breakfast, as the dock was already packed 8 am when we arrived.

We had a brief wait to be chartered over to Refugee Island, one of the many stunning Islands on the majestic St. Lawrence River and then we were off! The boat ride itself was a highlight for my girls- especially Remy, now two years old and taking it all in. When we landed, we were greeted by many happy volunteers and the smell of bacon, maple syrup, fresh local berries and other delicious food smells wafting through the air.

Breakfast was incredible and when we were finished, we decided to take a short hike on the Island and check it out. There was yoga being offered on a scenic and relaxing point overlooking the water, but my girls were more interested in the glitter tattoos being offered by Tourism staff! When it was time to head out, we were greeted back at the dock- this time by the very cool "Wild Cat" boat, owned and operated by Captn. Andy Neteeson of the Blockhouse boat tours. The girls (and I think Nick too)- were so excited to have the chance to board this boat. Needless to say, it was the perfect end to the perfect breakfast.

We had an absolute blast at this event, and I really hope Tourism continues to host it. It is the perfect way to showcase what our area has to offer (and eat some great local food!).

Good Eats!

This past Father's Day weekend was exceptionally busy for my family and I. I had been planning a motorcycle show (which deserves it's own post- coming soon!) and was in serious need of down time before the big day.What does this gal do to relax before a busy day? Pack up our van and head out to find an adventure of course!

We put the kids in the car, in hopes they would doze off, leaving us to enjoy the country road drive. What happened was of course the opposite- they were wide awake and singing along to Blake Shelton with the windows down and soaking in that fresh farm air. It was then that we decided to detour over to the Northern Soul BBQ chip truck we had passed on another adventure.I was certain the chip truck was on Charleston Lake, but Nick stuck to his guns and headed down Graham Lake Road....which did eventually lead us to Northern Soul BBQ. 

There, beside the chip waggon was the coolest thing I have ever seen- the smoker. It smelled amazing and I was excited to try something (anything!) that had been cooked on it. I ordered the pulled pork poutine, Nick had a sausage with pulled pork and the girls, true to form - had hot dogs. O.M.G! Yes, I just used Facebook lingo in my blog to describe this- it was THAT good! There are no other words. 

With full bellies and sleeping children, we decided to continue our country drive and see where we ended up. By the time the girls woke up we were on the other side of Merrickville and headed near Kemptville. As The Kemptville Ribfest was on, and my bike event was cross-promoting with the wonderful fundraiser- we decided to stop in and check it out! 

My girls immediately spotted the bouncy castles and ran over. Any event with these inflatable toys are going to be a huge hit! We also made sure to check out the amazing entertainment and the stop for a pony and donkey ride on the way back. It was a short trip, as the rain was approaching but we are very happy we stopped in to check out Ribfest! This is an annual event that is a MUST on the to-do list. Brockville is hosting their Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Leeds Grenville Ribfest in August and I cant wait to spend the day there with the kids. 

It was a perfect day to relax with my family and take in some local attractions as well. When you get the chance, head out on a local road trip- you never know where it will take you or what you will find! 

Let’s get Cracking

I want you to close your eyes and imagine this: The smell of caramelized onion, candied apple, chorizo sausage, blended herbs and cheese all cooking together over a well-oiled sizzling skillet with Burnbrae farm-fresh eggs...heavenly, isn't it?

Now picture the kitchen packed with 20 foodie bloggers, Farm owners, social media experts and basically a lot of people salivating at the sight of this delicious food being prepared in front of them. That was the sight at Burnbrae Farms, when we were invited to learn about the company, their products and their overall passion for egg production.

Owner and Chef, Seth O’Hara from the Brockberry Grill was on hand with his fabulous assistant Stewart Smith, to discuss cooking techniques, recipes, and his favourite tips on cooking with Burnbrae eggs. 

On the menu:

·         Alsatian tart (derived from the Alsatian region in France)

·         The famous Brockberry poppy seed salad

·         Wedge salad topped with blue cheese, hard-cooked egg (which Seth used a ricer to spread evenly over the lettuce), roasted red peppers, tomatoes and olives.

·         A shallot, wild mushroom, garlic and feta omelette with a Peruvian splash

·         A caramelized onion and apple, with spicy chorizo sausage and aged cheddar omelette

I had the pleasure of tasting the chorizo omelette and poppy seed salad – which I cannot begin to do justice trying to describe in a blog.  The flavours that I experienced in each bite were incredibly tantalizing to the senses and made me look at eggs in a whole new light. Watching this dish created in front of me looked incredibly easy- something I could cook for my own family (and will!) and it took less than ten minutes.

Various bloggers from all over the province gathered to learn more about Burnbrae Farms and this special lunch- focusing on egg dishes, was a huge treat! If you are interested in trying these dishes, make sure you head into the Brockberry Grill, located on King Street East in Brockville, On. I have been in many times and have quite a few favourite dishes- now I have another to add to my list!

Thank you Burnbrae Farms, Brockberry Grill and Set the Barr (social media marketing) for inviting me to attend this wonderful event - I can’t wait to get cracking in the kitchen!

Off to the races!

We all have that friend, you know- the one you go to things with because they are awesome and not necessarily because it's something you're interested in. I recently experienced that, and was surprised to find I have a new passion-racing!

Yes, you read that correctly- THIS GIRL loves car racing. For years I had friends who raved about it and would even sit home on a beautiful afternoon to watch a race on TV. I would shake my head and continue on....not realizing what I was missing. That was until, one of my best friends recently asked me to come with her to the Brockville Ontario Speedway (BOS). She is continuously supporting things I do, always making me laugh and one of my most cherished friends- so naturally, like any good friend, I rolled my eyes and said "Yes, Of course. I would love too".

It was the season opener at BOS, and it was packed! I had no idea we had so many race fans in Leeds Grenville or how many racers. I realize this is smaller scale than other speedways, but I was already impressed.The grandstands were filling up, the smell of popcorn (and car fumes)in the air and the races began. I was in love. From the sound of the cars all taking off together, to the high speeds and crashing, this was the coolest place on earth!

The cost is minimal, the entertainment is awesome and it is a great way to spend a Saturday night with some friends or even a date night. There were families there (although it is a loud place so bring headphones for the kids!) and even a class with their teacher and parents for a fun field trip. The Brockville Ontario Speedway really is a fun spot to check out.

Samantha, my friend who introduced me to racing- is probably laughing at my passion for the sport now...but if you haven't been- you must go! You will see us there, we'll be the loud girls taking "selfies" and having an absolute blast!

Friends for Autism took over Parliament Hill

Autism and children's mental health is a subject very near and dear to my heart. I created a fundraiser in the city of Brockville this past November to raise funds for various children's mental health causes in and around our local community. This past year, the funds were donated to a group called Friends for Autism. 

Friends for Autism (FFA) was created by April Kuhlmann and a group of dedicated ladies who were passionate about the disorder. It is their goal not to find a cure for Autism, but rather have it accepted and help educate the general public about the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Friends for Autism has assisted local families find resources, finance expensive tools that assist those affected by ASD and provide overall support. It was my pleasure to introduce April to our MP Gord Brown, who graciously offered to take time out of a very busy schedule to give FFA a personal tour of Parliament Hill. 

MP Brown met with a few of the families that FFA has provided support with. He shared with us the history of the Peace Tower and the Parliament Library (which is the only part of the original building still standing, after a fire in 1916 engulfed the entire main building- "Centre Block"- on the hill). Mr. Brown also took us to places that are not usually on a regular Parliamentary tour, such as The Senate and The House of Commons, where we were able to meet MP Jason Kenney, Hon. Lisa Raitt and many other hard working MPs.

Pictured below is Senator Jim Munson speaking to the group. Senator Munson introduced and passed bill S-211, an act respecting World Autism Day. He has done a tremendous amount of work advocating for the cause and it was an absolute honour to have met him. 

One of our special guest Bradley, trying on an RCMP hat with a guard outside the Parliamentary Library. The guard was very kind, telling us stories about the Library and taking time to pose for the picture!

Often, we forget that our politicians are also citizens in our communities as well. They work very long days, have extended travel away from their family and are often touched with the same challenges we face. It was very clear from this visit that our MP Gord Brown had a genuine interest in Friends for Autism and we want to extend a special thank you for the time and support.

To learn more about Friends for Autism, please visit their Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/friendsforautism
or by phone : (613)246-3736
Website coming soon