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Edition 22: May 15,
2002
In the twenty-first
issue of the Bed and Breakfast Traveller, we take you to Gravenhurst,
the "gateway to Muskoka".
Muskoka is located ninety minutes north of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Known
as the first town in Muskoka, Gravenhurst offers visitors a picturesque
resort town catering to all ages. As a four-season destination, Gravenhurst
is famous for its irresistible natural beauty.
 Wilderness
trails, steamship cruises, artisan colonies, quaint boutiques, live theatre,
history and heritage, a farmer's market voted the best seasonal farmers'
market in Ontario - Gravenhurst has it all.
Canada's newest cruise
ship will take her maiden voyage on May 18 2002. Wenonah II, the
newest addition to the Muskoka Fleet (www.muskokafleet.com)
is the first passenger vessel to be built in Muskoka for nearly 100 years.
She joins her sister ships the Segwun and Wanda III in a
variety of cruises ranging in length from one to eight hours with a few
special multi-night cruises. Lunch and dinner cruises are also available.
 New
this year on May 17-18 is Doors Open Gravenhurst. In partnership
with the Ontario Heritage foundation, Gravenhurst is opening buildings
and heritage areas that are traditionally closed to the public. Some of
the sites include Muskoka Steamship Museum, Sloan's Restaurant, The
Muskoka Fleet, Ungerman Gateway Park, and Gravenhurst Archives.
Free entry to most sites. A great way to celebrate the Victoria Day weekend
and Gravenhurst's 125th Birthday.
Each Sunday evening
during the summer enjoy Music on the Barge, a Gravenhurst institution
for over 50 years. Many well-known musical acts perform on the stage perched
over the water in Gull Lake Park. Bring a lawn chair! For schedule
see http://www.gravenhurst.net/barge
 Public
swimming areas with picnic tables and public washrooms can be found
within moments of the town centre. Local hiking trails range in
length from the 2.3 km Brydon's Bay Trail to the 8 km Gravenhurst portion
of the Trans-Canada Trail and are described in a handy and colourful brochure
published by the Gravenhurst Chamber of Commerce. http://www.gravenhurstchamber.com/Tourism/index.html
and click on Hike Gravenhurst.
The Gravenhurst
Opera House and Arts Centre (TheOp) is the home of summer theatre
in Canada. Live performances are presented year round. Featured this season
will be Wingfield Unbound June 17-29, The Originals July
4 - August 4, Two Pianos Four Hands August 6-18, The Drawer
Boy August 20-September 8. www.gravenhurst.net/theOp
Bethune Memorial
House is designated a National Historic Site and is the birthplace
of Dr. Norman Bethune, the internationally known battlefront surgeon and
humanitarian. More than just a museum, the house brings to life the stories
of his accomplishments and the enduring friendship he helped to develop
between Canada and China. Website info is here
 The
Muskoka Bed and Breakfast Association welcomes you to our over 40 inspected
homes in the Muskoka region. Check us out at www.bbmuskoka.com
UPCOMING EVENTS IN GRAVENHURST AND AREA
For further information
on any of the following events, please see the Gravenhurst Chamber of
Commerce website www.gravenhurstchamber.com
or call 705/687-4432.
May 17 & 18
- Doors Open Gravenhurst
June 15 - 9th Annual
Antique & Classic Car Show Gull Lake Park, 10:00 - 4:00. Over
400 antique & classic cars and motorcycles from across Ontario on
display.
June 23 - Bach,
Beethoven, Brahms & Beer - Gull Lake Park
Think parasols and picnics, chamber music and sunshine! Add in artisans,
bratwurst, and beer. An olde-summer Sunday afternoon by the lake. Music
and fun is the focus.
July 1 - Canada
Day Celebrations in Gravenhurst - Begin the day with the family celebrations
in Kilworthy Park at 12 noon. This free community event features children's
games, BBQ, free draws, dunk tank and more. Travel back in time throughout
the afternoon at Bethune Memorial House. Costumed staff will transport
visitors to the 1890s by performing traditional activities throughout
the home and gardens. Free for all, the afternoon will include Victorian
games, cake and lemonade. Extend your stay in Gravenhurst into the evening
at Sagamo Park. Free to all! Come and enjoy an evening performance by
Jam Sandwich, a great family show, followed by a finale of FIREWORKS!
 July
13 - Antique & Classic Boat Show
An excellent display of the Toronto Chapter Antique & Classic Boat
Society members. Over 100 boats on display at Sagamo Park. Still the largest
in-water boat display in Canada.
Aug. 9&10 -
Sawdust City Days - downtown Gravenhurst. Logging demonstrations,
outdoor beer garden and street dance, vendors, artisans and music.
Aug. 16-18 - Dockside
Festival of Arts, Sagamo Park - Features over 140 artisans from across
Canada as well as live entertainment for the whole family.
Sept. 21-22 - Autumn
Studio Tour of Muskoka - An annual event featuring tours of artisan
studios in Muskoka. www.muskoka.com/tour
The Muskoka Bed
and Breakfast Association
http://www.bbcanada.com/associations/muskoka/
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content for the Bed and Breakfast Traveller? Click here
for details.
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