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Edition 21: May 6,
2002
In the twenty-first
issue of the Bed and Breakfast Traveller, we take you to Bracebridge,
the "heart of Muskoka".
 Muskoka
is located ninety minutes north of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. A picturesque
town at the centre of Muskoka, Bracebridge sits on a hill over-looking
roaring waterfalls and both branches of the Muskoka River. It's a vital
town that's alive with attractions and events to suit every interest.
With 22 waterfalls, Bracebridge is Canada's waterfall capital. The cascades
can easily be found along the roads and trails of this vibrant town. The
Festival of the Falls, held the first weekend of May, celebrates this
unique heritage and emphasizes the impact that the falls has had on the
development of Bracebridge from early settlement times to present day.
It was this readily available hydropower that sparked the Town's development
in 1894.
 Bracebridge
is the perfect town to explore on foot. The main street rises in tiers
of shops, services and restaurants, many with vintage architectural facades.
At night the Town's clock, bell tower, courthouse and "silver bridge"
are outlined in unique, colorful lighting. Visitors can step back in time
and experience the charm of turn of the century living through the stately
old homes and churches by venturing off of Manitoba Street or following
the Historic Heritage Walk which takes you along the streets first settled
and built up as Bracebridge expanded.
 Anchoring
the downtown core, at the top of the falls is the renovated Bird Mill.
The last remaining building of a bygone era and entrepreneur Henry Bird's
woolen mill, it is now home to the Town's Visitor Information Centre.
Bird's impressive home, Woodchester Villa, is perched on a hill opposite
the falls. This intriguing octagonal historic home is open to the public.
Features including a 'dumb waiter' and a fenced widow's walk.
Today the basin and
the falls can be viewed from a variety of vantage points. An 'historic
walk' will take you from Bracebridge Bay Park at the base of the falls
to Woodchester Villa and the interpretive signage and displays tell all.
Take your camera! You will not be disappointed.
 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 BRACEBRIDGE AND AREA
May 2002
3-4 - 5th Annual Festival of the Falls www.muskoka.com/falls
8 - 8:30 a.m. - King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway will visit the
Muskoka Airport, during their state visit to Canada.
18 - The Wenonah II sailing season begins. (705) 687-6667 www.muskokafleet.com
June 2002
1 - 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Bracebridge Farmer's Market begins its season
17 - 30 - The Gravenhurst Opera House Straw Hat Festival 2002 presents
"Wingfield Unbound" starring Rod Beattie. (705) 687-5550 or
1-888-495-8888 www.gravenhurst.net
July 2002
1 - Canada Day - The Bracebridge Kinsmen Club annual fireworks display
at dusk over Bracebridge Bay.
3 - Aug 3 - The Gravenhurst Opera House Straw Hat Festival 2002 presents
"The Originals" starring Ted Follows, Dawn Greenhaulgh, Araby
Lockhart and more. (705) 687-5550 or 1-888-495-8888 www.gravenhurst.net
4 - 6 - 19th Annual Bracebridge Antique Show and Sale at Memorial Arena.
40 selected dealers.
6 - Business & Professional Women's Flea Market at Memorial Park.
12-14 - Muskoka Pioneer Power Show at the Bracebridge Fairgrounds.
12 - 14 - New this year! Paddlefest Muskoka at Bracebridge Bay Park. www.muskokapaddlefest.com.
19 - 21 - 40th Annual Muskoka and Crafts Show in Annie Williams Park.
www.muskokaartsandcrafts.com
26 - 28 - 3rd Annual Riverfest at the Bracebridge Fairgrounds www.muskokaentertainment.ca.
August 2002
6 - 18 - The Gravenhurst Opera House Straw Hat Festival 2002 presents
"2 Pianos 4 Hands" starring Ted Dykstra and Richard Greenblatt.
(705) 687-5550 or 1-888-495-8888 www.gravenhurst.net
9 - 11 - Model Train Show at the Bracebridge Fairgrounds
16 - 18 - Bracebridge Lions Club Woodworking Show at the Bracebridge Fairgrounds.
www.muskoka.com/lions
21 - Sept. 8 - The Gravenhurst Opera House Straw Hat Festival 2002 presents
"The Drawer Boy" by Michael Healy. (705) 687-5550 or 1-888-495-8888
www.gravenhurst.net
September 2002
13 - 15 - 135th Annual Bracebridge Agricultural Society Fall Fair &
Horse Show at the Bracebridge Fairgrounds.
28 - 29 - 24th Annual Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour www.muskoka.com/tour.
October 2002
18 - 20 - 18th Annual Bala Cranberry Festival http://www.traveltomuskoka.com/balafestival.
15 - 17 - 22nd Annual Muskoka Arts and Crafts Christmas Show & Sale.
http://www.muskokaartsandcrafts.com
With appreciation
to Bracebridge Chamber of Commerce www.bracebridgechamber.com
for text and photos.
The Muskoka Bed
and Breakfast Association
http://www.bbcanada.com/associations/muskoka/
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