Tag Archives: Maid of the Mist

Hallowe’en fun in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

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Hallowe’en fun in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

Widely considered Canada’s most haunted town, Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL) is the place to be on Hallowe’en. You’ll be in good company: Famous ghosts include Captain Colin Swayze, a Canadian militia officer killed in 1813 at the Angel Inn, where reports of eerie nighttime shenanigans date back to the 1820s. In Queen’s Royal Park, the ethereal “Woman in White” is said to linger nightly at the gorgeous gazebo, still longing for her lost love after almost a century. And at St. Mark’s Anglican Church, the cemetery is the final home of many War of 1812 casualties, some of whom do not reportedly rest in peace.

 

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory staff show off their Hallowe’en treats, which include a full-sized chocolate skull.

 

Ghost tours and antics

For a more formal introduction to the spirits, you can sign up for a number of different ghost tours.

 

Fort George is hosting special Hallowe’en ghost tours on October 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 30 and 31. They start at 7, 7:15, 7:30, 10, 10:15 and 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $17 and you must buy them in advance by calling 905-468-6621.

 

The guides from Ghost Walks and Dark History Tours will regale you with stories on an entertaining jaunt to the haunted parts of town. Extra tours around Hallowe’en make sure everyone gets a shot at meeting some spectres. Tickets are $13 for adults, $10 for seniors and $5 for kids 13 and under.

 

The Haunted Shop on Queen Street will give you the shivers as you browse for creepy gifts and treats. Be sure to ask about the resident apparition.

 

On my last Hallowe’en visit to NOTL, my Niagara B&B hosts lent me their book, Ghosts of Niagara-on-the-Lake by Maria Da Silva and Andrew Hind. This is a comprehensive and fascinating look into the NOTL spirit world. And of course, Niagara B&B owners know all the stories—some even have phantom guests.

 

Posted by E. Lisa Moses

27th Annual Siege Weekend at Old Fort Erie

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Aerial Image - Old Fort ErieAerial Image – Old Fort Erie

The muskets are primed and the cannons are loaded for the 27th Annual Siege Weekend at Old Fort Erie. August 10 and 11, witness a cannon-blast-from-the-past as Canada’s largest battle re-enactment weekend displays the excitement and drama of the War of 1812.

This year marks the 199th anniversary of the desperate fight for the fort and the 27th time the reenacting community will bring the events of 1814 back to life.

If you don’t like:   loud noises, the roll of the drums, the smell of gun powder smoke, food cooking over an open fire, the crackle of musketry or a whiff of pipe smoke coming from a lone sentry on picket duty – this event is not for you.  If you like your story telling for your kids and grandkids to be colourful, dramatic, even poignant and memorable – this is the event to attend.

Since the reenactors volunteer their time and considerable resources, the camps and battles are free for the weekend.  However, the candle lit tour on Saturday night will put you in the action and regular admission to the Fort applies.

 There are guided tours and demonstrations throughout the fort and the siege lines all weekend long.   The serious action gets underway on Saturday morning at 11:00am when the U.S. Army takes over Fort Erie.  At 2:00pm there is a battle on the south side of the Fort marking the battles of Chippawa and Lundy’s Lane.   Of course at 8:00pm, the big battle of the weekend will be underway and the candle lit tours of the fort start just after 9:00pm from the new visitor centre, showing the effects of Drummond’s assault.   Sunday will include the annual commemorative service at 10:30am and the weekend ends with a recreation of the battle known as the Sortie at 1:00pm.

Call us at 905-980-0346 for more information.

WHAT TO DO IN NIAGARA ON VICTORIA DAY WEEKEND

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Exciting events all weekend long with Niagara Parks!
Join us at the Victoria Park stage for a special opening night concert and fireworks display, marking the 125th Anniversary of Queen Victoria Park. The Mantini Sisters will kick off the 2013 Coca Cola Concert Series.
8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Free concert by the Mantini Sisters and fireworks display Victoria Park Stage [Map]
We’re rededicating Queen Victoria Park. Grab some free cake and then check out the new photo exhibit in the Victoria Park Gift Shop. Later, look to the skies for the Niagara Glen Star Gazing Event!
11:00 a.m. – Noon Queen Victoria Park Rededication Queen Victoria Place [Map]
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Spring in the Niagara Glen Tour – Free Guided Hike Niagara Glen [Map]
1:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m. Niagara Glen Star Gazing Event Niagara Glen [Map]
We’ve got more fireworks and a free concert by Second Heaven. Come early and take a stroll through the Floral Showhouse for the Hydrangea Show, on now.
8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Free concert by Second Heaven and fireworks display Victoria Park Stage [Map]
Happy Victoria Day! Don’t miss a special holiday fireworks display and concert by The Madhatters at the Victoria Park Stage. Want prime fireworks seating? Edgewaters Restaurant boasts unbeatable views on the patio. Reserve a table online or call 905.356.2217.
8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Free concert by The Madhatters and fireworks display Victoria Park Stage [Map]

EARTH DAY IN NIAGARA FALLS – APRIL 20, 2013

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Join Niagara Parks to Celebrate Earth Day: Saturday, April 20, 2013

In celebration of Earth Day, The Niagara Parks Commission (NPC) will host a number of events on Saturday, April 20, to encourage a greater appreciation of nature and our environmental surroundings. Join us and take part in the following programs:

4th Annual Friends of the Niagara Glen Earth Day Event Niagara Glen Nature Centre 3050 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, Ontario 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Friends of the Niagara Glen invite everyone to gather at the Niagara Glen Nature Centre for free guided tours of the Glen, home to Ontario’s

Tree Planting at Niagara ParksTree Planting at Niagara Parks

greatest concentration of Species at Risk. Tree plantings, geocaching demonstrations and a photo scavenger hunt will also be offered. The Friends Group and their partners will also be showcasing various displays and educational materials about their conservation efforts. Those planning to spend the day are encouraged to bring their own bagged lunch, refillable water bottles and appropriate footwear for rugged terrain.

NPC will also be offering free mulch for pick-up in the Niagara Glen parking lot. Please bring your own shovel and bags.

“Capture the Moment” Photography Workshop with Teresa Forte Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, Butterfly Conservatory Classroom 2565 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, Ontario 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.   Looking to stay overnight?  Call us at 1-866-226-4730 or visit our website at: www.niagaracottage.com

Angel Inn movie premieres at Shaw Festival

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Angel Inn movie premieres at Shaw Festival

John Law

By John Law, Niagara Falls Review

 

Kirk Schriefer is photographed inside of the Angel Inn where he based a film he recently completed on Jan. 22, 2013. Schriefer will be holding a screening of the film at Shaw Festival Theatre on Thurs. Jan 31, 2013. Julie Jocsak/ St. Catharines Standard/QMI Agency

Kirk Schriefer is photographed inside of the Angel Inn where he based a film he recently completed on Jan. 22, 2013. Schriefer will be holding a screening of the film at Shaw Festival Theatre on Thurs. Jan 31, 2013. Julie Jocsak/ St. Catharines Standard/QMI Agency

Shaw Festival

 

It’s the movie a whole lot of meat pies paid for. Some rhubarb and lemon meringue too.

When transplanted Los Angeles moviemaker Kirk Schriefer wanted to get behind the camera again, the Virgil pastry shop he owns with wife Ruth Anne made it possible. Rather, the friends and customers they’ve made these past ten years did.

To fund the flick, he offered shares in their popular bakery, The Pie Plate. More than two dozen customers snatched them up, helping him raise $20,000 to make his indie drama The Angel Inn.

Yes, that Angel Inn. The one in Niagara-on-the-Lake which was perfect for his tale of three friends reconnecting after a tragedy when they co-inherit a pub.

The Olde Angel Inn, established in 1789 and rebuilt in 1816, is among the oldest pubs in Canada. It once served soldiers during the War of 1812, but in the summer of 2010, it hosted Schriefer and a crew of volunteer film students from Humber College . Starring Daniel Kelly, Carla Albi and Matthew Gonzales, the movie has its gala premiere at the Shaw Festival Jan. 31.

“It’s very photogenic, the inside of the Angel Inn,” says Schriefer. “All the wood, pillars and low ceilings. I wanted to shoot in there but didn’t want to go through the effort of masking over all the Angel Inn signs to call it Bob’s Pub or something.”

“So I said (to the owner) ‘Can I just call it the Angel Inn in the script?’ He said, ‘Ya, sure.’”

When the owner died, just before filming was to start, Schriefer had to ask for permission again to film inside the historic pub. He got the green light a second time.

The community spirit continued during filming. When Schriefer lamented he didn’t have a crane to get some shots, a friend didn’t just suggest a cherry picker, he cut him a $400 check to rent one for the day.

Even with all the generosity, the film’s budget quickly vanished. By the time he wrapped filming, there was nothing left for post-production. The film languished for a couple years.

“I was upset how long it was taking,” he says. “I thought at the time we had done the hardest part – shooting. I’ve come to learn since that it’s not the hardest part!”

“Every step of the way is as hard as the previous step. Nothing’s easy about making a movie.”

Now that it’s finished (with help from a Gemini-winning editor), he’s thrilled to see it screened at the Shaw Festival, of all places.

“It’s a huge, really classy theatre, and they have this huge screen set up for their film series during the winter. It’s going to be awesome.”

After its premiere, The Angel Inn will be shopped around to various film festivals, hopefully getting Schriefer closer to his next film – a comedy about a middle-aged mother who joins her son’s band.

”The best thing that could happen here is if I get the second movie made.”

john.law@sunmedia.ca

  • WHAT: The Angel Inn movie premiere
  • WHERE: The Shaw Festival, 10 Queen’s Parade
  • WHEN: Jan. 31, 7 p.m.
  • TICKETS: $40.             905-933-7804       or www.angelinnthemovie.com

 

DAYS OF WINE AND CHOCOLATE

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Days of Wine and Chocolate

Come and experience the rustic charm of our Historic Woodruff House Wine Store.  Every Weekend in February Ravine will be offering up a Chocolate Pecan Tart paired with our 2011 Estate Cabernet Franc, made with grapes grown on our organic Vineyard.

Experience two of your favourite indulgences – wine and chocolate – as you never have before. As you tour the 28 Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake, each stop will feature a delectable pairing of a premium VQA wine and a locally handcrafted chocolate. Your palate will be tantalized with classic flavour combinations and unexpected surprises. This decadent event is perfect for a romantic weekend away, a girls-only getaway and everything in between.

For a complete list of the 28 pairings, please visit; www.wineriesofniagaraonthelake.com
Touring passes are $30 per person (plus applicable tax) and are valid for any of the four event weekends. Touring passes go on sale Thursday, December 5, 2011 and may be purchased online at: www.wineriesofniagaraonthelake.com or by calling   905.468.1950      . Guests are encouraged to purchase early as touring passes sell out quickly.

For more information about, visit  www.wineriesofniagaraothelake.com or the Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake Facebook page at www.facebook.com/wineriesofniagaraonthelake.

Follow the Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake on Twitter @NiagaraWine.

NIAGARA ICE WINE FESTIVAL – JANUARY 2013

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Who’s looking forward to toasting our Icewine Marshmallows during the annual Icewine Festival this year? Almost a week away! Check out all of Peller Estates’ Icewine activities:

http://oreo.itracmediav4.com/itracEmail/view?uuid=9f96977f-6922-48e2-9ddb-6b8cd7c69383

Who's looking forward to toasting our Icewine Marshmallows during the annual Icewine Festival this year? Almost a week away! Check out all of Peller Estates' Icewine activities: </p> <p>http://oreo.itracmediav4.com/itracEmail/view?uuid=9f96977f-6922-48e2-9ddb-6b8cd7c69383

Peller Estates- January 19-20, 2012

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Peller Estates- January 19-20, 2012

 

Peller Estates It’s back and cooler than ever…Intense Ice wine Weekend January 19 & 20, 2012

Winemaker<http://www.peller.com/cms/peller/buy-wine/winemaker.html> Katie Dickieson has a really cool job?literally. Are you tough enough to live the life of our winemaker during Icewine harvest?

Over a weekend can you: Brave sub-zero temperatures in our Icewine vineyards? Taste over 25 wines? Tend an acre of Icewine vines? Eat and sip through 16 courses?

Peller Estates’ Intense Icewine Weekend: A Boot Camp for Bon Vivants gives guests the opportunity to experience all of these activities and more. Join Winemaker<http://www.peller.com/cms/peller/buy-wine/winemaker.html> Katie Dickieson and<http://www.peller.com/cms/peller/restaurant/chef-jason-parsons.html>

Chef Jason Parsons for an intimate, non-stop journey through the exclusive world of Icewinemaking.

Check out the<http://www.peller.com/cms/peller/visit-our-winery/intense-icewine-weekend.html> full itinerary of the weekend! Price is $550 per person, $895 per couple, exclusive of taxes and gratuities (includes accommodation at White Oaks Resort & Spa, transportation in Niagara-on-the-Lake, 2 lunches, 1 dinner and an exceptionally memorable Icewine weekend.)

Queenston Heights – War of 1812 -October 13, 14, 2012

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http://www.mississauga.com/what%27s%20on/article/1517042–author-tells-tales-of-war-of-1812

Need a Cottage Rental for the Weekend?  Call  1-866-226-4730

Friends of Strewen Winery

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Strewn banner
Dear Friends of Strewn,

Autumn is such a beautiful time of year for sharing good food, good company and great wine. And in wine country, it’s harvest! We hope to see some of you if a trip to Niagara is on your agenda. If you are staying at home during vintage, we hope you’re enjoying Strewn wines on your table. In fact, in this newsletter we have included a recipe for you and yours compliments of the Wine Country Cooking School.

 

Happy Thanksgiving!
YOU ASKED US? About the 2012 Growing Season …

“I have never seen a year like this where we came out of the start so quickly and did not slow down a single step, even at sites with record low rainfall and extreme heat in the season.” – Brock University Cool Climate Oenology department associate.

2012 was a unique growing season that progressed quickly from bud-break on and grapes missed the frost damage many other tree fruit experienced this year. Generally bloom dates across Ontario were 10 to 14 days ahead based on a 10-year normal. Of course, the weather is crucial in the weeks leading up to harvest and has a significant impact.

The 2012 harvest now is in full swing. Nearly all of the white grapes-Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, 

Gewurztraminer, Riesling and Pinot Blanc–have been harvested and fermentations are well underway.
The first red grapes, Merlot, have started to come in and will be soon followed by Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Weather conditions have generally been favourable with mostly dry weather; the few rainstorms have caused no serious problems. The early spring and hot dry summer set the scene for an outstanding vintage; we are expecting spectacular wines.