family travel

Dining Out: Mont Tremblant Edition

September 20, 2015 By Lena

I’ve been holding out on you guys.

You see, for the past little while, I’ve had these gorgeous food photos on my phone, just waiting to be shared. But life is hectic, and this summer has been one for the books. So, they’ve just been sitting here, buried in a folder, begging to see the light of day.

And no one puts Poutine in a folder.
The sinfully delicious concoction above – a must-do when in Quebec – can be found at La Forge Bistro-Bar Mont Tremblant, THE place to have an après-ski drink or a delicious seasonal meal on the terrace overlooking Place St-Bernard. I opted for the Classique (cheese and gravy) because I’m a traditionalist at heart, but you can just as easily indulge in Saucisse fumée tout bœuf C.A.B. (smoked C.A.B. all-beef sausage), Viande hachée et oignons caramélisés (ground beef and caramelized onions) or Bœuf effiloché (house smoked beef brisket, pepper sauce, onion rings and fried pickles)….

Ready for a Change? Join the #TDAeroplan Twitter Chat!

August 24, 2015 By Lena

There is it. That moment when you look at the calendar and realize that summer is on its way out the door, ushering in the brisk, fresh fall weather. Yes, the days will get shorter and the nights will be cooler, but fall happens to be my favourite season for travelling; you can appreciate the beauty of the Canadian landscape without fighting the opposing elements of summer and winter.

To answer the questions of where to go and what to do, join the #TDAeroplan Twitter Chat. We’ll share some of our favourite Canadian destinations that are perfect for weekend getaways (with or without kids). From a classic mountain retreat in the Rockies to a scenic stay in a European-inspired village, these laid-back escapes promise relaxation and offer a unique appreciation of the season!
To thank you for participating, we’ll be giving away some pretty amazing prizes! RSVP below for a chance to win, and see you on Thursday night. …

Can You Experience the World… Without Leaving the Country?

August 14, 2015 By Lena

Disclosure: I received IHG Rewards Club points towards a hotel stay and this post. The opinions on this blog, as always, are my own.

Okay, so maybe you’ll never be able to effectively recreate eating pizza in Italy or taking in a safari expedition in Tanzania. However, for a large portion of Canadians, worldly adventures are often out of reach financially. In fact, one of the key responses from readers of my blog is that they’d like to duplicate family travel adventures – but on a smaller scale, and at a lower cost.

According to a recent survey of Canadians conducted by InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG):

1. The majority (78%) of respondents don’t consider two days long enough to unwind, and suggest their ideal holiday should be longer than three days. However, it’s often difficult to plan a trip abroad for extended periods due to cost constraints. Finding an equivalent destination in Canada means your money (and vacation) is stretched farther.

2. 38% of respondents suggested they would most like to vacation with their partner – time to focus on each other. In order to compound “us time”, it’s beneficial to stay within Canada, as flights to destinations are often shorter. Therefore, you spend less time getting to your vacation spot, and more time enjoying your vacation.

3. The survey results suggest that the top three ultimate summer vacation destinations in Canada according to Canadians are British Columbia (33%), Ontario (18%) and Quebec (15%). Are you ready to start planning your adventure?

Today, I’d love to share coast-to-coast travel destinations that will allow you to experience the world without leaving the country. …

Inspired to Travel? Get $250 Closer to Your Dream Vacay

August 3, 2015 By Lena

NOTE: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

If you haven’t noticed the influx of travel posts on my blog lately, then you haven’t been paying attention. (Tsk, tsk.) The thing is, the whole point of accepting family trips, taking photos non-stop and then sharing our experiences is to inspire you, my readers, to take your own dream vacation!
11326439_391282444403300_2002966964_n Of course, I realize that sometimes, it’s easier said than done. So, I’m here to help! Courtesy of my friends at TD Canada, here’s your chance to win a $250 Visa Gift Card! Now *I know* you could be totally boring and use it on groceries or a new rug for the family room, but I sincerely hope that you’ll put it towards travel. Go somewhere! Do something! …

Vacationing with Kids? Piece of Cake.

July 23, 2015 By Lena

NOTE: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

The original concept for this post was to share my very best tips for vacationing with kids. After all, I’ve got kids… and I’ve travelled with them…. so that makes me supremely qualified to dole out advice, right? Right?

The thing is, I wasn’t always down with family travel. I actually avoided it for years, rationalizing that any vacation where you’re forced to bring your kids along is NOT A VACATION at all. If my suitcase was headed down south, the last thing I wanted to pack next to my swimsuit was swim diapers.

However, that’s in the past. Because somewhere along the way, I realized that vacationing with kids is not scary at all! In fact, with a little preparation and a lot of patience, it’s actually one of the most rewarding things in life. And after I sucked it up and took that first family vacay, we’re somewhat stealth travellers. Case in point: since 2012, my kids have been on an airplane 18 times. Crazy!
20140819_115521 (2) So maybe I haven’t quite reached “expert” status, but I’m certainly confident enough to share my favourite tips for vacationing with kids. It’s just what worked for us – and for those families embarking on their first trip together, I’m hoping my suggestions will work for you too. …

Ce Weekend a Quebec

June 26, 2015 By Lena

I *really* should be packing, but OF COURSE I had to share with you my destination for the next few days – the absolutely, positively gorgeous Mont Tremblant in Quebec! As part of Mont Tremblant’s #TremblantInstameet, we’ll be discovering this tourist hotspot and uncovering all the ways it’s perfect for family vacations this summer. From world-class accommodations and dining to family-friendly sports and activities, I’ll show you why Tremblant is a preferred destination all year round.
Tremblant-resort2 Please follow the hashtag to keep up with our adventures! And, if you have any questions about the location, resort or activities, I’m always a tweet away. And now… I really MUST start packing!

Have a great weekend all! (I promise I’ll eat tons of poutine. Honestly, you don’t have to ask twice.)

Meet Your Texas Traveller!

April 29, 2015 By Lena

It all started with a simple photo contest, where I was asked to select four pictures which represented my ideal Texas vacation. Having never been, but possessing a strong desire to visit, I decided to stick to tried-and-true “Texas To Do” bucket list items… food, fashion, road trips and rodeos.

It was a recipe for success.

Hey, folks! You’re looking at the WINNER of the Texas Tourism contest! Because you voted for my photos (and a HUGE THANK YOU to y’all for each and every vote of support!) I’ve won an all-expenses-paid trip to San Antonio, Texas! Yee-haw!
LenaTexasWinner It gets better. Because we are passionate about family travel, we’re bringing the kids too! After nabbing a seat sale on flights for the two little guys, we decided it was too good a chance to pass up. Therefore, there will be four Texas Travellers this spring!

We’re presently in the process of planning our epic vacation. First up: accommodations. We’ll be staying at the stunning Grand Hyatt San Antonio. Set along the spectacular River Walk, the Grand Hyatt San Antonio is steps from trendy downtown bars, hot clubs, Zagat-rated restaurants and all the sites and attractions that make San Antonio one of the most culturally rich cities in the country.

Two words: Rooftop Pool.
472-p037r-pool-satgh “Take in dramatic views of the city below from the sundeck surrounding our stunning outdoor heated lap pool. The hustle and bustle of the renowned River Walk seems to vanish within the sanctuary of our roof top setting. Crystal clear water awaits you as you swim your daily laps in serene silence.” << I’ll take you up on this, Grand Hyatt San Antonio. …

A Hotel for Every Toronto Destination

March 31, 2015 By Lena

I’ve been spoiled. I’ve lived in and around Toronto my entire life, so I often forget just how amazing it is. The vibe, the culture, the food, the arts… I could go on.

(Did I mention the diehard Leafs fans? Yeah, the dream just won’t die.)

Of course, when visiting a world-class city like Toronto, there’s no shortage of things to do. And if you’re visiting my fair city, you’re in luck – from thrill rides to theatre shows, sports to scenic tours, Toronto offers the best in family entertainment!

Turn your trip to Toronto into jam-packed days of discovery by partaking in these fun-filled attractions and activities – targeted toward school-aged children, but guaranteed to please kids (and kids at heart) of all ages.

1. The CN Tower

It’s no secret – children like to climb to the top of things (and the taller, the better). Mini daredevils can enjoy a bird’s eye view of Toronto and surrounding area from the observation deck at the CN Tower, the tallest free standing structure in the world. Take an adrenaline-pumping ride up in a glass elevator and capture the heart-stopping moment when your child jumps on the glass floor.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA Where to stay: Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre. Bordered by Yonge, Carlton, Church and Wood Streets, Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre is in the centre of it all. Some of the finest shopping venues in the world such as the Toronto Eaton Centre, the shops at Yorkville, Holt Renfrew, The Bay, Winners, Marshall’s and Bed Bath and Beyond are only minutes from its doorstep.

The entrance to the Yonge/College Subway line, part of Toronto’s famous TTC, and the main artery of the city, is less than a block from the hotel, providing immediate access to all attractions, shopping, dining, hospitals, theatres and the financial district. Jump aboard and visit The CN Tower, Art Gallery of Ontario, Air Canada Centre, Rogers Centre, Dundas Square, Ripley’s Aquarium and more. …

Flying this March Break? Tips to Breeze through Security.

March 1, 2015 By Lena

My family is no stranger to airports. In fact, I think of myself as somewhat of an expert on the subject of family travel. Yes, we’ve survived plane delays. Yes, I’ve prepared for mid-flight meltdowns. No, I haven’t figured out how to ditch the kids for a glass of champagne in business class *still working on it*.

If you’re like me, and the thousands of Canadians who will take to the air for a vacation this March break, the Canadian Air Transport Security (CATSA) has advice that will help you go through security in no time.

Family Friendly Tips: Good news! When you’re travelling with children under the age of two, you can bring liquids such as milk, breast milk and juice that exceed the 100ml restrictions in carry-on baggage. Just have the containers ready to present to screening officers for a quick inspection. For older kids, solid foods such as apples, granola bars and sandwiches can go in your carry-on without restrictions.
CATSA 1 Before you leave for the airport, make sure everyone is wearing easy-to-remove outerwear and avoid clothes with metal clasps or snaps that may trigger the metal detector.

At the airport, get boarding passes ready and check for a Family/Special Needs lane. They offer extra space to accommodate larger items like strollers and car seats. …

Whatever You Love, It Lives Here.

February 25, 2015 By Lena

I’m pretty sure – in fact, I’m almost 100% certain – that in a past life, I was a Texan.

Now before you laugh and say, “Sure, Lena!”…. think about it: I love big hair. In fact, I keenly subscribe to the notion the higher the hair, the closer to God. Next, I say “y’all” at least once every day, and according to a search of my entire site, y’all appears in 286 blog posts.

I’m not making this up. Hand on heart, y’all.

Finally, I’ve been known to whip out my “Real Girls Eat Meat” t-shirt over the summer months, even though I’ve been ridiculed by my vegetarian friends. And to them, I say relax! Eat a burger.
newtex Therefore, it’s obvious to me that a) I’ve either lived as a Texan in a previous lifetime, or b) I am a Texan at heart, and am long overdue for a vacation to the Lone Star State. …

Winter Escape: Walt Disney World!

February 11, 2015 By Lena

As I sit in my home office, banging away at my keyboard, the light coming in through the window is hurting my eyes. Because it’s bright white. All over. As in, everything outside is covered with snow. Waaa!!!

Also? I’ve been having dreams. Dreams about cold, creamy Dole Whip – the soft-serve pineapple miracle you can only find at select Disney Parks. Could it be because just one week ago, we were in sunny, warm and perfectly balmy Orlando, enjoying one of our best family vacations at Walt Disney World Resort?
Yeah, probably so.

As we arrived at the Contemporary Resort (our home away from home), I was surprised to find the hotel teeming with guests; you see, the wait times at the park suggested we were actually in “low season”.

“It’s the conferences,” a cast member said. “When the parks are empty, conference resorts are full.”

By why are the parks remarkably less busy in the months of January and February? All vacation planning websites point to February as being one of the best times to visit Walt Disney World due to the smaller crowds. And for Canadians, while the weather is *only* on the 20’s… it’s NOT in the -20’s, you feel me? So what gives?

It turns out that January and February are sandwiched between the Christmas holidays and March Break – two of Disney’s busiest stretches – and therefore, often overlooked in family vacation planning. And, because the beginning of the year is also considered “winter” in the sunshine state, many travellers opt for the intense heat of the Caribbean to ease their cold weather suffering.

But today, I want to show you why it’s the perfect time of year to experience Walt Disney World Resort. If you’re thinking of booking a last minute vacation or planning for next year, here’s what you need to know.

The Pros

First, knowing that any vacation to Walt Disney World can be a sizable investment in time and money, let’s discuss the benefits of visiting over the winter.

1. Discounted Hotel Rates. Of course the very first point is that you can save money! The second week of January right through to the middle/end of February is considered value season at Walt Disney World. Staying at a resort hotel is attractive due to the cost savings – anywhere from 10-30% per family – and your choices for hotels and rooms are even greater if you plan ahead. …

Disneyland Resort, California: Disney, On Your Terms

September 28, 2014 By Lena

Having recently returned from a fun-filled #DisneyVacayCA in sunny Anaheim, California, I am invariably confronted with the following question:

So, which one do you prefer, Disney World or Disneyland?

It is a question I know I cannot avoid, having posed it myself countless times to friends and family who have experienced both parks on opposite coasts. And even though I have forewarned myself that the query should be expected – even prepared to make a choice and stand by it – I am nevertheless unable to give a satisfying response.

I like them both, I hedge mildly.

Way to take a stand, Lena! At this point I should warn you that I also make a terrible expert witness, mediator and/or customer in line at Starbucks.

What’ll that be? asks the barista.
Hmmm… I can’t decide. I quite like lattes… but I like cappuccinos too.

Pathetic.

Honestly, you can’t blame me. Asking me to choose between Disney World and Disneyland is like asking me to select a favourite among my offspring! It simply can’t be done – I love both my boys irrevocably and unequivocally for very different reasons. (Except when Ryder does that weird yodeling thing… or, perhaps, especially when he does that weird yodeling thing.)

However, since I’ve described my love affair with Walt Disney World in previous posts, I think it’s only fair that I make the case for Disneyland, too. Simply put, a visit to Disneyland Resort in California offers Disney, on your terms.
Let me explain. Using a numbered list, of course. …

BACON MANia, Huntington Beach: Because, Bacon.

September 3, 2014 By Lena

All I ever wanted… all I ever needed is here in my arms.
Words are very unnecessary… they can only do harm.

Enjoy the ~~silence~~ bacon.

Pictured Above: Bacon MANia Food Truck’s “Jack Back Sammie” – Thick-sliced egg bread, crisped and stuffed with Sharp Cheddar Cheese and Hickory Smoked Bacon.

If you find yourself in the OC (Orange County, California), there are a few things you *need* to do. First, make your way down to Huntington Beach – Surf City USA. Then, take a leisurely stroll on the boardwalk, and seek out BACON MANia Surf City, just steps from The Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel. Here, you’ll dine on bacon, bacon and more bacon (with a side of bacon).

What’s on the Menu? Here are my picks of the bacon bunch:

STARTERS

Bacon Ball Trio: Three of our most delicious bacon-wrapped bites of brilliance – The Mac’n Bac’n (Cheddar Bacon Mac n’ Cheese), the Bacon Mignon (Petite Filet and Gorgonzola) and the PB&J (on crustless Wonder Bread). Wrapped in Applewood Smoked Bacon and Deep Fried.

Speedy Gonzales: Arriba! Whole jalapeno stuffed w/ Sharp Cheddar Cheese and wrapped with Applewood Smoked Center Cut Bacon. Sauced with our Spicy Chipayo.

Dog Nuts: Always served in pairs, this occasionally featured ball is a Greek Pepperoncini wrapped in Carne Asada and then wrapped in Applewood Smoked Center Cut Bacon! …

Tips: How to Handle a Hot Superhero

August 28, 2014 By Lena

The sun is high in the noon sky, casting rays of powerful heat onto the civilians below. As you make your way through the hoards of mortals gathered by a galactic structure, a broad shadow looms, covering the land in darkness. Wary – but determined – you amble forward, stepping across the threshold. And instantly, you’re transported into another time. You’ve crossed the “cosmic bridge” into Asgard.

One of the highlights of our #DisneyVacayCA at Disneyland, California was the ability to get up close and personal with some of our favourite Superheroes at Innoventions. Located in Tomorrowland at Disneyland Park, Innoventions is a 5,000-square-foot home of the future, where you can learn how the advancements of today—and the technology of tomorrow—seamlessly interconnects within the home, the surrounding community and the whole world.

It also happens to be the home of Thor, the Mighty Avenger!

“Ready yourself for a thunderous encounter as you come face-to-face with the crown prince of Asgard.”

Hint – he’s hot. No really, I know he’s Thor and all – and never once did he break character, so it’s all good for the kids – but really, kudos to Disneyland for this casting decision. Someone up there decided that a young Brad Pitt-lookalike made perfect sense for the role, and set out to find him. Well, he’s there folks. From 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day.

“Begin your journey by first entering a fascinating display where you can learn about the rich culture and history of Thor’s home planet. Examine the walls where you’ll find formal portraits of Thor and Loki, in addition to other treasures and artifacts—including the fabled book of Yggdrasil.”

Yes, there’s the anticipation. In fact, no one does anticipation better than Disney – from the many “artifacts” of Asgard on display (recognizable props from the Thor movies, such as weapons used by the Warriors Three and Heimdall) to the possessions of the dark elves, we’re given a glimpse into Thor’s world. And then, upon entering the Bifröst, the voice of Odin himself can be heard, welcoming us at the gateway to Asgard. Finally, Odin’s throne room opens – revealing Thor standing in splendour.

So… how do you handle a hot superhero?

Tip #1: Bait the hot superhero into a sidelong glance. You know, the type where he looks at you from the corner of his eye. Confirm his hotness, and then move over to a more central location to get a better photograph.

Thor: Treasures of Asgard Disneyland Tip #2: Creatively blur out your husband (accidentally on purpose?) and focus on the hot superhero. Note that your 6-year old is touching his mighty hammer, Mjolnir – which Thor is also touching – which means that in a way, Thor is actually touching you. Be secure in this knowledge and accept it as truth. …

Ste. Anne’s Spa: The Art of Chocolate

May 13, 2014 By Lena

By now, I hope you’ve read up on my Culinary Retreat at Ste. Anne’s Spa. Nestled in a private cottage just a stone’s throw away from the main inn, my husband and I enjoyed the many delights of the property, in addition to a private lesson with their celebrated Pastry Chef Khushroo Khambata.

Ste. Anne's Bakery Demo Interested in learning a few new culinary tips while you’re at Ste. Anne’s Spa? Join Pastry Chef Khushroo on Monday, Wednesday or Friday at the Bakery for a complimentary demonstration. The topics of these demonstrations vary from day-to-day, but could be on anything from moulding chocolates and bonbons, to creating marzipan fruits, to designing artistic sugar creations. On our visit, we made colourful handmade moulded chocolates. …

Gastropost: Ste. Anne’s Spa Dining Room Menu

April 19, 2014 By Lena

Indulge without the guilt; as a Canadian health spa, Ste. Anne’s believes in nourishing the body on all levels.

My recently Culinary Retreat at Ste. Anne’s Spa in Grafton, ON was everything I could have imagined, and more. Nestled in a private cottage just a stone’s throw away from the main inn, my husband and I enjoyed the many delights of Ste. Anne’s Spa, in addition to a private lesson with their celebrated Pastry Chef Khushroo Khambata. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing my experience – everything from the accommodations to our chocolate-making triumph. Today’s entry is a gastropost dedicated to the sumptuous delights you’ll find at the main dining room.

Ste. Anne’s is an all-inclusive destination spa; whether you choose a day or overnight getaway, your stay will include at the minimum two culinary experiences in their dining room. For overnight guests, your stay includes a 4-course dinner, breakfast, 3-course lunch and afternoon tea.

“Relaxation would not be complete without taking care of the great appetite that develops during your stay at the spa. We have gone to great lengths to put together a dining experience that is both healthy and wholesome. You will notice that we don’t discuss calories or fat content on our menus. If your requirements are left wanting by our philosophy please feel free to ask the chef to prepare a special meal. The dress code in the dining room is very casual, be yourself, and be relaxed!

Our culinary team considers the healing powers of food for the body and soul when creating Ste. Anne’s breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. Specifically designed to intrigue and delight, each dish generates a strong response from guests who appreciate the creativity while taking comfort in knowing that every ingredient is hand-selected after thorough consideration.”

Upon arriving at the spa, we were treated to the most delightful afternoon tea.

I highly recommend the Sampler Plate, which achieves the perfect balance between sweet and savoury. All baked goods are prepared fresh daily by Ste. Anne’s gluten free bakery, and although the menu has been created for simplicity, guests can feel free to choose their favourite items for a special, personalized plate.

Above: Smoked salmon pinwheel with a spinach flavoured wrap, fresh sprouts, herb and honey mustard; open-faced cucumber sandwich with sundried tomato cream cheese and fresh chopped herbs, served with havarti and old orange cheddar cheese, crackers and dried cranberries. …

Five Reasons We Chose to #GoSeizeTheSummer

September 13, 2013 By Lena

If you’ve been following along over the past few months, you’ll know that I accepted Travelocity.ca’s invitation to #GoSeizeTheSummer. In essence, I spent quality time with my family via mini-vacations at resorts across Ontario.

However, when I first chatted with my husband about joining the program, he brought up a very valid point: “We’re already both so busy. Do you really want to take on more work – especially a campaign that necessitates travelling with our family to resorts we’ve always wanted to visit? It’ll be tough,” he cautioned.

Of course, he was only joking. Because if there’s one thing I’ve got tattooed on my brain, it’s the infamous quote that Amy Foster of Disney Parks Consumer Insights shared at the 2012 Disney Social Media Moms Conference: “You only have 18 summers with your children.” The quote has been shared over and over again by almost every family blogger, and I rarely tire of seeing it. It’s an affirmation that life is too short; kids grow up too quickly, and soon my little boys will be (not-so-little) men.

Hence, any chance I get to spend time with them, especially in new and fun surroundings, is a chance worth taking. So yeah, we were on board :)

And without further ado, I present to you… Five Reasons We Chose to #GoSeizeTheSummer.

1. You only have 18 summers with your children. Right? This year was Ryder’s first official summer break. Soon, he’ll come to realize the significance of no school; the break for vacation that every student craves from the moment their classes become more about work and less about finger painting. And just as quickly, he may not think it’s “cool” to hang out with the parental unit, opting for weekends at the beach with his friends or worse, an afternoon spent hanging out at the mall, cruising for chicks. And I’m sure Reid will be right behind him.

So, an opportunity to seize the summer family-style was so welcome. And when I could do it at an amazing price thanks to Travelocity.ca’s summer travel promotions – which are available on a huge selection of resorts and hotels – did I really need another reason? (Er, technically, I have four more. Read on…)

2. Okay, speaking of Travelocity.ca – it’s simply one of my favourite ways to book family travel. In addition to the wide variety of properties to choose from and great prices, I love that they have a Free & Flexible Cancellation Policy. Sometimes – especially when you have kids – plans change! Travelocity.ca charges no hotel cancellation fee if you need to alter or cancel your stay. (However, hotel cancellation fees may be charged by hotel properties if you cancel outside their stated cancellation window.)…

JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa: Nature on Your Terms (Part II)

September 2, 2013 By Lena

One of the best things in life: reminiscing about a recent (or not-so-recent) vacation. A few days ago, I shared highlights from our stay at the JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa. Of course, there was so much to chat about that I decided to break up my review into two parts; the first showcased the resort and our room, and today, I’d love to give you a sense of the family-friendly aspects of the property.

But first, read: JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa: Nature on Your Terms.

Here’s Part II. And I’ll pick it up exactly where I left off…

After a simple dinner in our room – brought from home and kept cool in the kitchenette – we decided to venture out on a nature walk. After all, we were in God’s country, and while the boys would have happily opted for a return visit to the pool (the central pool is heated all year round!), we concurred that exploring the grounds was a much better way to round out an already fabulous day. Of course, the little guys were all for our plan – once they realized they could bring along some reading material and bugger off in their wagon.

We started at the front of the resort, where the grounds were lush, scenic and painstakingly maintained. There was an underlying feeling of tranquility and relaxation, which was perfect, given the location and surroundings. Large bumblebees buzzed gracefully between tall lavender bushes, and the sound of trickling water provided the most serene backdrop to an ideal summer evening.

…

JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa: Nature on Your Terms

August 29, 2013 By Lena

A few weeks ago, I casually mentioned that I was going up to Muskoka, Ontario for a few days.

“Camping?” one friend asked.
“Do you have a cottage there?” another inquired.
“Roughing it up north?” yet another assumed.

Er… not exactly…We were off to #GoSeizetheSummer with Travelocity.ca, and I was very much looking forward to my very first mini-vacation in cottage country. Just 2.5 hours north of Toronto, and located in the heart of the Muskoka Lakes region, the JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa combines luxury and adventure for the ultimate retreat. Named one of the ten best resort views by National Geographic, this Canadian resort boasts an array of indoor and outdoor activities year-round.

We are keen on planning a week-long, semi-local vacation for the summer of 2014, so it made perfect sense to take a jaunt up to the resort for a couple of days to test-drive the hotel, amenities and activities. Plus, I knew two friends who were vacationing at the property the following week, plus a host of other readers who have expressed interest in the resort, so I reasoned that my review would also help those planning their own upcoming vacations.

However, since we covered quite a lot in the two days we were there, I’ve decided to break up my review into two parts; today, I’ll chat about our first day right up to dinner, and tomorrow, I’ll conclude with our after-dinner activities, as well as our second day at the resort. Hence, sit back and be prepared to be taken to paradise… Ontario-style….

Go Seize the Summer: First Date 2.0

August 22, 2013 By Lena

For last few days, we’ve enjoyed the splendour and hospitality of the Niagara Falls Marriott Gateway on the Falls. As part of Travelocity.ca’s #GoSeizetheSummer campaign, we’ve been indulging in short family getaways, designed to make the most of our time together (and to capitalize on the fact that the boys are still young enough to want to “hang” with us).

And while I’ve got some amazing details to share of our time together this summer, I did want to touch on the most heartwarming part of our recent mini-vacay: the fact that the Marriott Gateway on the Falls has Milestones as their hotel restaurant… and offers the Milestones menu for in-room dining.

You see, just about eight years ago, I met my future husband for a blind date at Milestones. I’ll never forget that night – not as long as I live. With equal parts excitement and trepidation, I walked up to the restaurant on a chilly evening in October. Pulling open the heavy wooden door, I entered the foyer – looking first to the left, and then to the right.

And then I saw him. He was early (a good sign) and was casually sitting on a bench near the entrance. At first glance he appeared completely at ease, if not for his leg bouncing up and down – which was a dead giveaway he was as nervous as I was. As he rose and walked toward me, I let out a huge sigh…. and a single thought crossed my mind:

He looks normal enough. Thank f*ck.

So romantic, huh? That guy at Milestones and I went on to become best friends, lovers, and parents. Yet surprisingly, we never returned to the place where it all began. Hence, two nights ago, we both enthusiastically opted for dine-in at the Marriott, and proceeded to replicate our very first date. However, other than the scenery, there were two notable differences: one’s called Ryder, and the other is called Reid :)

We started with Milestones’ famous Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip.

Then, since we’re a) on vacation and b) blissfully married so we have nobody to impress, we went for the creamiest, most carb-tastic pasta dishes: Italian Sausage Ravioli and Seafood Fettuccine….

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