Travel Blog

Taste of the TSW with Jeff Bray: The El (P)

May 31, 2023

I am restaurant obsessed. I worked in the industry for 20 years doing everything from washing dishes to owning a business myself to teaching Restaurant Operations at Centennial College.

When I go out I have high expectations, but not unreasonable expectations. I expect the food to be of a quality related to the concept. I expect to feel some value in the experience, and I expect friendly and fairly prompt service. Not unreasonable, but extremely rare. The El (P) gives me these things.

Lilac in the foreground, with people walking in the background

Spring Is Sprung: Visiting the Warkworth Lilac Festival

May 25, 2023

There’s a moment every year when you walk out the door and realize, “spring is really here!” Temperatures climb upward, buds appear on the trees, and birdsong suddenly seems louder. Nothing drives the feeling home quite like spring flowers, though—and the avid gardeners at the Warkworth Lilac Festival have found a way to turn that sensation in a weeks-long celebration along the Millennium Lilac Trail.

Jeff Bray holds a burger up to the camera

Taste of the TSW with Jeff Bray: Lock & Anchor

May 24, 2023

The village of Youngs Point may look tiny, but boaters exploring the Trent-Severn Waterway know it packs a lot in. For instance, there’s the historic Young Points Bridge, one of the oldest metal bridges in Ontario—and plenty of good eating. Dock a boat at Lock 27 and you’re not far from Lock & Anchor Eatery, a family-owned and operated restaurant that feels more like a home than a business after 30+ years and many owners and variations.

With no prior restaurant experience, Janice and Max Costa purchased Granny’s Kitchen back in 2016 in the hopes of inspiring their kids to move nearby and get involved. Having owned a restaurant myself, I can confidently say this is not a great reason to open a restaurant. The husband and wife team dug in nonetheless, and transformed the space into something they and their kids would be proud of.

Two men toast pints of beer at Focal Brewing Co.

Taste of the TSW with Jeff Bray: Focal Brewing Co.

May 16, 2023

Focal is a portmanteau of focus and local, and it’s more than just a name—it’s the philosophy that makes Hastings’ latest brewery so exciting. Brandon Bickle and Matt Filion may have just opened the doors of Focal Brewing Co. in 2022, but the plans have been in motion for about 12 years.

Small building displaying MoreRoses Apiary sign

Taste of the TSW with Jeff Bray: MoreRoses Apiaries & Honey

May 9, 2023

What started as a hobby has turned into an award winning operation.

About seven years ago, John and Linda Moroz got into beekeeping. John did it a little as a kid and always imagined it being a wonderful retirement hobby. Quickly, though, a small apiary turned into 200 hives across Hastings. It was too much, too fast, so they found their way to a comfortable 150 hives and hit their stride, producing award-winning honey and wax.

Overhead view of Fells Meadows stone labyrinth

Unique Places to Stay in Kawarthas Northumberland

April 26, 2023

Getting away from it all doesn’t have to mean getting on airplane—finding something out of the ordinary close to home can evoke a similar sense of surprise. That’s why we chose to highlight a few of the accommodations around Kawarthas Northumberland that are off the beaten path. Whether it’s the décor, the location, or the

Outdoor ticket booth with receptionist inside at Westben

Go Play Outside: Unique Summer Theatre and Music Venues

April 19, 2023

With the warmer weather upon us, it’s almost a shame to spend time indoors. Yet the summer is also a time for vibrant cultural events, so what’s a lover of the arts to do? In Kawarthas Northumberland, they can check out the wide range of musical and theatrical performances taking place in the lap of

Green Thumbs Up: The Ennismore Secret Garden and More

April 12, 2023

Ennismore Waterfront Park is a charming place. It has shady trails, a sandy beach on Chemong Lake, and a playground for the kids. This summer, keen-eyed visitors may stumble across its latest attraction—the Ennismore Secret Garden, a lovingly designed green space filled with wildflowers growing inside the foundation of an historic barn. The new garden

Two smiling kids skate towards the camera

Things to Do on Family Day 2023

February 8, 2023

After the new year, the lights and the excitement of the holidays fade and winter doldrums can set in. But there’s hope! Family Day weekend provides a welcome pick-me-up and a reminder of the fun to be had in the colder season. In 2023, businesses and organizations throughout Kawarthas Northumberland have organized family-friendly events that

A couple lean in together, silhouetted against the sun

9 Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Kawarthas Northumberland

February 7, 2023

Love is in the air this February—have you made plans to celebrate? Throughout Kawarthas Northumberland, businesses and organizations are looking forward to Valentine’s Day and planning special events to mark the occasion. Whether you’re looking for a traditional romantic dinner for two, a Galentine’s get-together with good friends, or a bracing outdoor experience with a

A child plays with blocks of coloured ice

Polarfest: A Selwyn Township Tradition Comes Roaring Back

January 19, 2023

Forty-three years ago, a group of brave souls jumped into Chemong Lake on a chilly February weekend. Little did they know the tradition would not only be alive and well four decades later, but their little gathering would grow into a community-wide festival featuring dozens of events and businesses in and around Selwyn Township. On

A person bends to fix their traditional snowshoe

Where to Snowshoe in Kawarthas Northumberland

December 20, 2022

People who don’t like winter probably haven’t tried snowshoeing—there’s a quiet beauty to the woods on a snowy day that makes the season all worthwhile. If you’ve already got a pair of snowshoes, you’re ready to strike out for any one of Kawarthas Northumberland’s hiking and skiing trails. For those who want to give the

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