Best Airport

With March Break coming up, many people are looking for ways to escape to warmer climates.   If I have to fly somewhere, I ALWAYS check to see if I can fly out of Hamilton's John C Munro International Airport rather than having to fly out of Toronto.    Best thing is from Waterdown you can make it there in less than a half an hour.    Hamilton's little airport is the BEST way to fly... period!    For years my family from Nova Scotia have been flying in to Hamilton, which helps them stay away from the Toronto traffic which they prefer to avoid at all costs.

In February 2007, our family flew into Orlando on WestJet from the Hamilton airport and it was such a positive experience.    My husband had never been to the airport so when we pulled into the parking lot and saw all the available parking he questioned me "Is this it?".   "Yes, this is the Hamilton Airport." I replied.    We parked the car grabbed our luggage and within two minutes were at the ticket counter.... His reaction when we got inside "Wow!"    He was so pleasantly surprised with the ease of parking and no line ups.

(from Wikipedia...)  History

The airport was originally built in 1940 as the Mount Hope Airport, a Royal Canadian Air Force base. During World War II, the field hosted two units for the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan: first, No.10 Elementary Flying Training School (later moved to RCAF Station Pendleton) using the De Havilland Tiger Moth and Fleet Finch, then No.33 Air Navigation School using the Avro Anson. After the war, the airport gradually shifted towards civil use, until the military ceased using it as a base for Air Reserve operations in 1964.

Hamilton turned over operation of the airport to TradePort International Corp. in 1996. In 2007 YVR Airport Services (YVRAS), which runs the Vancouver International Airport, took over 100 per cent ownership of TradePort in a $13-million deal.

Future

The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) has pushed for the construction of the Pickering Airport to relieve Toronto Pearson International Airport, claiming that Hamilton is too far from the city of Toronto core to be practical as a major hub for travelers. Critics point out that the reliever airports for Boston, Massachusetts (T.F. Green State Airport in Providence, Rhode Island and Manchester-Boston Regional Airport in Manchester, New Hampshire) are utilized effectively despite being further from the Boston city centre than Munro Airport is from the Toronto city centre. Should the GTAA decide not to build the proposed Pickering Airport, which could prove controversial due to the required expropriation of land, Hamilton may have an increase in passenger traffic and possibly new airlines.

Accidents and incidents

The airport received notoriety when a chartered Boeing 707 carrying rock band Bon Jovi skidded off the runway in January, 2006.

Airlines and destinations

Airlines	Destinations
CanJet	Seasonal: Cancun, Holguin, Punta Cana, Varadero
WestJet	Calgary Year Round Seasonal: Cancún, Edmonton, Halifax, Las Vegas, Moncton, Orlando, Punta Cana, Winnipeg

You can also fly many other places via connecting flights.    To learn more about the Hamilton International Airport, what airlines fly out of there where and how often check out their destination map (link below)

http://www.flyhi.ca/destinations-and-airlines/route-map/

Best Source for your Single Cup Brewer

Christmas 2010 I received a great Christmas present from my hubby, and I use it at least once a day, if not more.     I got a Keurig Single Cup Brewer.     I had done the big debate... Keurig or Tassimo?   What is this Dolce Gusto thing?    After much deliberation, I chose the Keurig.    (this reminded me of the debates in the 80's between VHS or Beta...)    

At that time, the K-Cups weren't as popular as they are now in your grocery store.    Basically any grocery store has a pretty good selection of them now, and there are many on-line sites for stocking up on everything you could possibly need for your single cup brewer.

About the time I received my machine, I had seen a segment on CH Morning Live and there was a segment with ESC Coffee.   They talked about their busy and growing showroom filled with all things needed for your brewer and even sold the machines too.    As soon as I could Dec. 27th, I immediately after Christmas and family obligations made a trip down to ESC Coffee in Burlington, just north of Appleby and North Service Road.   

The staff are super friendly, helpful and encourage you to grab a sample of the product first, and brew before you buy.    They have everything for your Keurig, Tassimo, Dolce Gusto etc...  Any product to brew in them from coffee, tea and hot chocolate, as well as accessories (like frothers, syrups and dairy products) to make any fancy drinks.   

If you are not local to the Burlington, Waterdown, Oakville area, then you can always order from them on-line.    Their website is www.ecscoffee.com   In the year I have been going there, the showroom keeps growing bigger and bigger and the store is always busy (Christmas is insane!)

If you live closeby, I really encourage you to check them out.    You have no idea just how much product is out there for them until you go.    So many interesting brands that you will just not find at your local grocery store.   

You can find them at:

5035 North Service Road Unit C1-C3
Burlington, ON L7L 5V2
Call: (905) 631-1524 or 1-800-263-3890

SHOWROOM HOURS:
Monday – Wednesday: 9am – 5:30pm,
Thursday 9-8,
Friday 9-8
Saturday: 10am – 5pm
Sunday 10am-5pm

Best Tobogganing

So far it has been a warmer and greener winter than we have be used to in this area.    With the fall of snow today, I thought I'd share some great spots to go tobogganing this weekend and take advantage of the natural snowfall.

In Waterdown, people love to flock to Memorial Park to take advantage of the rolling hills for tobogganing, but the City of Hamilton (which Waterdown is a part of), began putting up signs in it's parks last year warning of a $5000 fine for tobogganing in it's parks.    Seems the City was being sued for injuries that people suffered while tobogganing in City Parks so they began posting those signs last year.    I have not heard of anyone actually being fined, but still, I would not risk it.   

As a girl I loved to toboggan at the "Reservoir" in Hamilton located at the corner of Garth & Stonechurch.    I have not been there for years and do not know if there are signs posted there warning of fines but it was always a great spot to toboggan for free.

In looking up great places to go tobogganing in the area, I found recommendations for:

Lowville Park   http://cms.burlington.ca/Page428.aspx

Bronte Creek Provincial Park   http://www.brontecreek.org/explore-bronte-creek.htm

Dundas Valley Conservation Area   http://www.conservationhamilton.ca/area-information/conservation-areas/area-information/dundas-valley

...I also saw comments from parents on-line who recommended Orchard Park (Burlington) just off of Sutton Drive in the Orchards area in East Burlington which

Tobogganing/Sled Recommendations:
#1 – Crazy Carpet – Out of control tobogganing which makes it our number 1. Not ideals for parents doubling up with young children. Safety first!
#2 – Inflatable Tube – This fan favorite is easy on the backside, it’s fast and is awesome over jumps.
#3 – MX Sled – These seem to be rising in popularity in part to x games marketing. Part bike, part snowboard the MX Sled delivers a stand up experience that promotes new tricks and the evolution of tobogganing!
#4 – Snow Moto – Similar to the GT Snow racer of the 80′s and 90′s, this little sled stands up well to abuse. Good for jumps, speed and durability. Many reviews though do insist that kids over 11-12 years old will find it too small to use.
#5 – Wood Toboggan – Had to put this on the list, but more so to say that it’s a waste of money! Do not buy a wood toboggan if you want to toboggan. It’s like the silent rule that almost everyone knows. Don’t be that person that shows up at the hill with your kids carting in this heavy coffee table…

Make sure you are thinking safety too. Especially with toddlers and younger. Helmets are always a good idea and make sure you dress warm. Hot chocolate in a thermos is always a good idea too. Most of all have fun tobogganing!

Best Winter Skating

New Years was a week ago and the kids still have a whole weekend before they head back to school.    If you're like me, you've been trying to find things for your kids to do this week.   One thing you might like to do is try out some of the local arena's and take yourself or your family for a little skate.
In Burlington, Tim Horton's has sponsored free skate days during the Christmas Break.   Admission during the Tim Horton's Holiday Recreational Skating is free, but has limited space and based on first come first served.    Normally, if you do not have a Burlington address, there is an extra $8 fee for non-Burlington Residents on top of normal fees.    This is a great chance to explore the Burlington arenas free of charge.   Skate times this weekend are:

Appleby Ice Centre Arena B:  

• Sat. Jan 7th from 630p-730p, 730p-830p, 830-930p                    
• Sun Jan. 8th from 12p-1p and 1p-2p

Nelson Arena:  Sun Jan 8th from 1p-2p and 2p-3p.

Locally right in and near Waterdown we are blessed with many arenas.     There is North Wentworth Arena in Waterdown, Carlisle Arena in Carlisle and Beverly Arena in Rockton.    Please visit the City of Hamilton website to learn more about what is offered at these arenas...  

http://www.hamilton.ca/CultureandRecreation/Recreation/CentresPoolsArenas/

Below is  what you can expect to pay if you are a resident of the Greater City of Hamilton which services these facilities...

Arena and Rink Admission Fees

	Youth	Adult	Senior	Family	Parent & Tot
Daily	2.80	4.10	2.80	7.90	3.15
Yearly Skate Pass*	34.00	53.75	34.00	74.75	----
Daily Shinny**	----	6.40	----	----	----

(*) Note: If your home address is not within the official City of Hamilton boundary, a $11.25 non-resident surcharge plus applicable taxes will be charged on each clip card, monthly pass and yearly pass that you purchase.

(**) Note: Yearly Skate Pass does not include Shinny.

Fee Descriptions

Youth = under 18 years old
Adult = 18 to 54 years old
Senior = 55+ years old
Family = 1 or 2 adults with dependent children, under 18 years of age, living at the same address

Best Ride Home on New Years Eve

Another year almost over and done.    At the end of the year, most people like to look back and think of all the things they feel blessed about, and take stock in things they'd like to change.    For many, the passage of another year is spent celebrating the New Year drinking with friends and family.

It's New Year's Eve Eve, and as I think about how blessed we are, I can't help but think of those who will "celebrate" a little too much tomorrow night and still need to find their way home.    There are many services in the area that specifically on New Years Eve or even all year round provide a service to pick up those who need a ride home after a night of drinking.     Many of these services will also drive your car home for you.  Here's a little list of designated driver services)...  

MISSISSAUGA , OAKVILLE,
BURLINGTON AREAS

ST. JOHN AMBULANCE's "Operation Red Nose" Burlington
http://www.sja.ca/Ontario/CommunityServices/Pages/BurlingtonOperationRedNose.aspx
PLAN AHEAD! HAVE A DESIGNATED DRIVER, STAY OVERNIGHT, CALL A CAB OR CALL OPERATION REDNOSE! For more information call 905-634-6665 or 905-484-3467

DDADD INC. Designated Drivers Against Drinking Drivers
www.cylex.ca/company/ddadd-inc--desgnated-drivers-against-drinking-drivers-17190691.html

BURLINGTON / OAKVILLE (905) 805-4DAD (4323)

MISSISSAUGA (416) 752-4DAD (4323)
Toll Free - 1-888-750-4DAD(4323)

TORONTO AREA

Professional Designated Driver Service
www.reliabledd.com
Local: 647-350-1775  or  Toll-Free: 1-877-647-1775

GTA Designated Drivers
www.gtadd.ca
Telephone: 416 951-9355

WatchMen
www.watchmenletusdrive.com
Telephone: 647 380-2989


GUELPH, KITCHENER, WATERLOO, CAMBRIDGE

Designated Drivers
Designated Drivers offers the people of Guelph, Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge and its suburbs a safe alternative to driving under the influence
Phone 519-760-3748

Happy New Year and Best Wishes for a Happy, Healthy and SAFE 2012.

Best Proximity

One of the things I love most about living in Waterdown is how close it is to so many cool things to do.   45 minutes and you are in Toronto, 45 minutes and you are in Niagara on the Lake, and hour and you are at the border to the US in Niagara Falls, 45 minutes to Oktoberfest in Kitchener and an hour til you are in Stratford.   
Living in Southern Ontario we are such a short drive to so many great amenities and to me, Waterdown is the centre to easily get to so many wonderful places.     Hamilton and Burlington are a mere 15 minutes away (or less depending on which area you need to get to).    My husband grew up in Toronto and was very used to traffic and how much longer it took to get anywhere downtown if something big was going on.    A few years ago he went to a Bruce Springsteen Concert (his very favourite singer) at Copps Colliseum in Hamilton.    I told him where to park so he could get out quick and easy.    From his seat at Copps, trying to beat the crowd to the parking lot, getting out of the parking lot and home to our front door was 20 minutes!    Normally, it would only take 10 minutes to get from Copps to our home.   Gotta like that kind of traffic.

There are so many great things to see and do in this fantastic area.   At this time of year, my all time favourite thing is to see the National Ballet's Nutcracker at the Four Season's Centre in Toronto.    I am now spoiled by this version, and everything else just seems to pale in comparison.    I've taken my daughters to see the Nutcracker for the last 4 years, and last year I was so honoured to be able to take my Nan from Nova Scotia there to see the National Ballet's Nutcracker.   She had never been to the ballet (in her 86 years) and certainly there was nothing like that available to her living in rural Nova Scotia.    We've been too busy this year to get tickets, but we really MUST make it next year.    Hardly feels like Christmas without seeing it.    Of course, each time we go to the Four Season's Centre to see the Nutcracker, we MUST walk just further down Queen Street to see the Bay Christmas Windows, also make it up inside the Bay to Christmas Street to see the decorations and finally to go into the Eaton's Centre and marvel at the GIGANTIC Swarovski Christmas Tree.    It's incredible and everyone needs to see it at least once, especially on a sunny day when the sunlight from the skylights just make the crystals twinkle like fireworks.   

Waterdown is such a fantastic town, but drive around a little and you will come across alot of great venues and activities not a very far distance from town.    What's that saying from Ontario Tourism... Ontario, Your's to Discover!

Best Old Fashioned Christmas

As a young girl growing up on episodes of "Little House on the Prairie", I've had a romanticized view of what life was like as a "pioneer".    I've always enjoyed visiting Westfield Heritage Village, in the town of Rockton which is only 20 minutes away from Waterdown.    It is run by Conservation Hamilton and is open Sundays or holidays April through October, 12:30 pm to 4:00 pm with special programs running in December for Christmas and March for Maple Syrup season.   I highly recommend going for the Christmas celebrations.   There is a certain magic to the all the buildings and seeing the way Christmas was celebrated long before the commercialism of what we know now.

You can enjoy a leisurely day in the country as you visit over thirty five historical buildings or walk on our picturesque nature trails. Log cabins, one room school house, blacksmith shop, railway station, general store, steam locomotive and many other destinations interpreted by enthusiastic and knowledgeable costumed interpreters make your visit something special for the whole family. Don’t forget to drop in at the General Store soda shop for a light lunch, indulge in Eddie D. Cat confections or purchase one of a kind items in our gift shop. Tours are self guided or with a costumed guide on the hour.

In December, they run special programs to celebrate Christmas.    This year you can visit
Saurday, December 3, 10 & 17, 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm for ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas
Celebrate Christmas past from Georgian times to the modern era. Feel the warmth of the season through food samples, fireworks , horse and wagon rides, and a visit from Saint Nick. Eddie D. Cat Confectionery offers a wide range of sweet treats for the season or visit our one-of-a-kind Gift Shop for the perfect Christmas gift. Special event prices apply for this event – though you may use your Nature’s Rewards pass for this event.

• Adult admission – $11.00
• Senior (65+) or Student (13-17 yrs) – $10.00
• Child (6-12yrs) – $6.50 (children 5 and under are free)

Sunday, December 18, noon to 4:00 pm – Christmas Day in the Country
Enjoy an old fashioned Christmas and celebrate the season where traditions of an earlier time are brought to life. Join the parties, enjoy the food and shop for that special someone

To learn more about Westfield, please visit their website at www.westfieldheritage.com