Back when I was a kid, I loved to ride my bike everywhere. With a bike, it seemed you could go anywhere! Now that I have kids of my own, we have been enjoying the family bike ride.
A couple of years ago we were told about the gravel path that runs north of highway 5 (aka Dundas Street) from Riley Street all the way out to past Highway 6... in fact you cycle right under Highway 6. It is a short run, but for a family with kids it is the perfect length to spend 45 minutes to an hour cycling.
Our local Waterdown bike shop Bicycle Works is a great resource if you are a serious or casual biker. You can buy top of the line bikes from knowledgeable staff or take your bike in for tune up/repair. They also organize Group Bike Rides weekly for beginning, intermediate and advanced riders.
http://www.bicycleworkswaterdown.com
Even organizers of the Ride to Conquer Cancer have Waterdown as part of one of the routes you can choose to take... for more information on the 2012 ride please visit... http://to12.conquercancer.ca
As a mom of two girls that seem to grow faster than I can keep up with, I discovered a great little place to get used bikes. Big Red's on Parkside Drive, just west of Parkside Farms (almost at Evan's Road) has lots of choice when it comes to getting a good used bike. For $35 each, we have now purchased two bikes from Big Red, and we even traded in our old bike. He usually has an assortment at the end of his driveway leaning up against the fence. Some days there are lots to choose from, other days not so much. The later in the day, there seems to be more, as Red works on new bikes that come in and he puts them out as they are done. Red works out of his home garage and often has bikes, lawnmowers and snow blowers all over the yard waiting to be worked on. We have been very happy with our purchases there and will continue to buy our bikes there for our growing girls!!
Biking is a great activity for families to be involved in together, get some good exercise and see parts of the community you don't normally notice as you quickly drive around town.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Best Animal Encounter
The the Flamborough countryside has a fantastic destination that attracts people from all over... and it's right in our backyard. African Lion Safari is a great way for you to spend the day and an awesome way to get up close to wild animals from the safety of your car or the Safari transportation.
I grew up in the Hamilton area, and as a kid we had heard of and seen commercials for African Lion Safari... but it wasn't until last year when we took our kids that I actually had my first visit. It was a beautiful warm August day and I have to say that I became a kid again and thoroughly enjoyed all that the safari had to offer.
We started our day off with the safari tour of the animal habitats. We chose to drive in our car instead of the park transportation... one because of the wait to get on the park transportation and we also thought that it would feel more personal to choose what areas we wanted to spend more/less time in and experiencing the monkey exhibit, having them sitting on the hood or your roof is an animal encounter not to be missed!! I could have spent all day there with the joy of having the monkeys crawling all over our car. But, I think I enjoyed seeing them on the cars in front, behind and beside us even more as it gave us a better view.
I grew up in the Hamilton area, and as a kid we had heard of and seen commercials for African Lion Safari... but it wasn't until last year when we took our kids that I actually had my first visit. It was a beautiful warm August day and I have to say that I became a kid again and thoroughly enjoyed all that the safari had to offer.
We started our day off with the safari tour of the animal habitats. We chose to drive in our car instead of the park transportation... one because of the wait to get on the park transportation and we also thought that it would feel more personal to choose what areas we wanted to spend more/less time in and experiencing the monkey exhibit, having them sitting on the hood or your roof is an animal encounter not to be missed!! I could have spent all day there with the joy of having the monkeys crawling all over our car. But, I think I enjoyed seeing them on the cars in front, behind and beside us even more as it gave us a better view.
Our favourite areas of the safari park were the lions, monkeys, giraffes, ostrich, rhinos and buffalo. After we enjoyed our "safari time", we took our kids to the amusement part of the park. There is a waterpark area (more like a splash pad & small water slides) which my girls enjoyed, but at 7 and 9 yrs old, they felt like they might be a little old for this area.
Then we headed over to the rides and shows. Great little rides (highly recommend the wait and extra cost of the elephant ride) and we loved the shows... the bird shows were good and we just loved the elephant show. We also loved the petting zoo area with the baby goats and deer. One of the best parts of the park that we enjoyed so much was at the end of the day, they walk most of the elephants to the big pond and the elephants have some fun playing in the water. It is a real, honest and insightful look into the personality of the elephants.
We love the African Lion Safari, it is a short drive from Waterdown, Burlington and Hamilton... a great way to spend the day with "wild" animals!!
Friday, July 1, 2011
Best People
We've just spent the last two days enjoying the OH Canada Ribfest in Memorial Park Waterdown. I am just overflowing with pride in my town and country at this moment.
When we were looking to buy our first house in 2002, I felt a pull to look in Waterdown. From the time we moved here, I was impressed at the feel of this small bedroom community nestled between commuter cities of Burlington and Hamilton. The friendliness of everyone from the local grocery store, schools, churches, YMCA, neighbours and local businesses is so different for me. Having lived in big cities like Hamilton and Toronto, you tend to feel anonymous... you go somewhere and you don't know or recognize anyone.
Not in Waterdown! Spend about a year here, get involved in the community and you will never shop at the grocery store and not run into someone you know.
Going to Ribfest totally re-inforced that fact to me. The countless volunteers who have given their time to plan and staff the 4 day event is mind boggling. The girl clearing tables tonight of all the garbage with a smile on her face, the friendliness of the people working the VERY busy alcohol tent, the support of local retailers taking out boothes to chat with everyone about the great services offered around Waterdown, and the pride I felt today watching so many turn up to watch new Canadians being sworn in... moving. My own kids spent time volunteering to entertain rib-goers today... dancing on stage with their dance studio... many other studios will also be performing over the 4 days.
I also thank the organizers of the Ribfest for not only putting on a fantastic and packed event, but for finally bringing fireworks back to Waterdown after a 10 year absense. It meant so much to me to be able to bring my family to the park to watch the fireworks tonight... I could have cried I was so proud. There are still 2 more days to get out to Waterdown, enjoy ribfest and meet some great people.
I love this town... great people, great local business, and great small town feel. Don't ever change!
www.ohcanadaribfest.ca
When we were looking to buy our first house in 2002, I felt a pull to look in Waterdown. From the time we moved here, I was impressed at the feel of this small bedroom community nestled between commuter cities of Burlington and Hamilton. The friendliness of everyone from the local grocery store, schools, churches, YMCA, neighbours and local businesses is so different for me. Having lived in big cities like Hamilton and Toronto, you tend to feel anonymous... you go somewhere and you don't know or recognize anyone.
Not in Waterdown! Spend about a year here, get involved in the community and you will never shop at the grocery store and not run into someone you know.
Going to Ribfest totally re-inforced that fact to me. The countless volunteers who have given their time to plan and staff the 4 day event is mind boggling. The girl clearing tables tonight of all the garbage with a smile on her face, the friendliness of the people working the VERY busy alcohol tent, the support of local retailers taking out boothes to chat with everyone about the great services offered around Waterdown, and the pride I felt today watching so many turn up to watch new Canadians being sworn in... moving. My own kids spent time volunteering to entertain rib-goers today... dancing on stage with their dance studio... many other studios will also be performing over the 4 days.
I also thank the organizers of the Ribfest for not only putting on a fantastic and packed event, but for finally bringing fireworks back to Waterdown after a 10 year absense. It meant so much to me to be able to bring my family to the park to watch the fireworks tonight... I could have cried I was so proud. There are still 2 more days to get out to Waterdown, enjoy ribfest and meet some great people.
I love this town... great people, great local business, and great small town feel. Don't ever change!
www.ohcanadaribfest.ca
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Best Summer Freebie
My kids are counting down the days til the end of school. While I enjoy spending time with them during the summer, they seem to think I am "Julie, your Cruise Director" (am I dating myself with the Love Boat reference??!!). Each day they seem to wake up and say, "so what are we doing today Mom?", As a mom who is trying to balance working at home and figuring out what to do with the kids everyday, I struggle to come up with what to do with my kids during the summer.
Okay, so most days they will be playing in the backyard (or some other organized program) while I'm trying to work or if I need to be out during the day I rely upon the kind assistance of my mom (aka Granny). Sometimes work can get so busy, that each week I try to dedicate an hour or two to spend quality time with my girls. Last week I came across a great freebie from one of my Facebook friends sharing a link.
Waterdown Lanes is offering a coupon for your kids to bowl for free if you register them on-line. So for just the cost of shoe rentals and my adult price, we can have a great activity to do together once a week. Here's the link www.kidsbowlfree.com/waterdown or check out Waterdown Lanes on Facebook or visit their website www.waterdownlanes.com ...where you can click on the link for Kids Bowl Free. Best part is you get a coupon in your email inbox every week, all summer long.
I hope you and your kids can take advantage of the coupon, bowl for free, and spend some fun time at this great Waterdown business.
Okay, so most days they will be playing in the backyard (or some other organized program) while I'm trying to work or if I need to be out during the day I rely upon the kind assistance of my mom (aka Granny). Sometimes work can get so busy, that each week I try to dedicate an hour or two to spend quality time with my girls. Last week I came across a great freebie from one of my Facebook friends sharing a link.
Waterdown Lanes is offering a coupon for your kids to bowl for free if you register them on-line. So for just the cost of shoe rentals and my adult price, we can have a great activity to do together once a week. Here's the link www.kidsbowlfree.com/waterdown or check out Waterdown Lanes on Facebook or visit their website www.waterdownlanes.com ...where you can click on the link for Kids Bowl Free. Best part is you get a coupon in your email inbox every week, all summer long.
I hope you and your kids can take advantage of the coupon, bowl for free, and spend some fun time at this great Waterdown business.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Best Country Surprise
We've been going to the Dutch Mill Country Market for years. We found the market on one of our Sunday drives not long after we moved here 9 years ago. Located at 533 Millgrove Side Road, it is just a 2 minute drive from Clappison's Corners. The Dutch Mill has had a few changes over the years, and ownership did change hands a few years ago, but all the things we love about the Dutch Mill remain.
Outside: Our kids love going there in the summer to see all the animals wandering around on the property... ponies, roosters, goats, llamas, bunnies, ducks, geese and swans. The property is beautiful with a bridge and path over and around the pond you can walk around to see all the animals and fully enjoy the property.
In the summer you can also buy lots of local grown fresh produce and nursery stock in the garden centre (hanging baskets, urns, window boxes, flats of annuals and some perennials... you might also find some bushes and trees). These are all sold on the front porch and around the side in the open air greenhouse. On the porch, you'll also find a great collection of Amish made muskoka chairs, tables and benches made out of resin.. you NEVER need to sand or stain the chairs again!!!
They are also hosting celebrations on Friday July 1st with lots of great family activities and a Classic Car show on Saturday July 30th. Make sure you visit this great spot, and check out their website:
www.dutchmillcountrymarket.ca
Outside: Our kids love going there in the summer to see all the animals wandering around on the property... ponies, roosters, goats, llamas, bunnies, ducks, geese and swans. The property is beautiful with a bridge and path over and around the pond you can walk around to see all the animals and fully enjoy the property.
In the summer you can also buy lots of local grown fresh produce and nursery stock in the garden centre (hanging baskets, urns, window boxes, flats of annuals and some perennials... you might also find some bushes and trees). These are all sold on the front porch and around the side in the open air greenhouse. On the porch, you'll also find a great collection of Amish made muskoka chairs, tables and benches made out of resin.. you NEVER need to sand or stain the chairs again!!!
Inside: You can spend a good hour wandering around on the two levels of the Dutch Mill. Downstairs on the main level, lots of different kinds of merchandise... clothing (including a section dedicated to the red hat society!) toys, toiletries, candles, bird baths, garden decor, special occasion gifts, dutch/german food items, seasonal decor and ready made food from the freezers. You can also have a bite to eat in the tea room, or get some ice cream. In the very back, is a fair sized banquet room with a stage which they apparently rent out... in the past they would host 50's and 60's dances but I don't think there are currently any scheduled. Then you can head upstairs where you can find lots of great home decor including quilts, paintings, and charming "country style" items.They are also hosting celebrations on Friday July 1st with lots of great family activities and a Classic Car show on Saturday July 30th. Make sure you visit this great spot, and check out their website:
www.dutchmillcountrymarket.ca
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Best little shops - one is going out of business!
One of the things I love about Waterdown, is the many unique shops around town that you can buy interesting one of a kind items. Many of these shops I have already written about.
Driving down Hamilton street today, I was so saddened to see the big sign at "Sobey's Plaza" (can't recall the official name of the plaza at the moment)... on it I read "Closing Sale on now at the Willow Tree... Thanks for the 22 years".
How can that be? The Willow Tree is often the reason so many people come to Waterdown to shop. I have bought many things there over the years. They have great decor items, pretty smelling lotions/sprays/candles, unique giftware, high end seasonal items and housewares. I am truly saddened to lose such a great store. Times have been tough for retailers in town. Three factors have greatly impacted smaller retailers in town...big stores like Zellers, Walmart, Canadian Tire & Rona may have taken some business away, parking meters in the core streets in town (Mill, Main & Dundas between Mill and Hamilton) have somewhat deterred shoppers from the core, and then there's the downturn of the economy since the latest recession began. The Willow Tree used to occupy three storefronts in the plaza, but condensed down to two spaces a couple of years ago (I think sometime in 2009). I figured it was due to the recession, but was so glad to see that the quality of the merchandise and the helpfulness of the staff didn't diminish with the smaller space.
For the last few Christmas seasons, I have helped organize the Drummond House Christmas Home Tour (usually held the 3rd Saturday in November). Each year, I was always excited to see what lovely treasures would be donated to Drummond House from the kind and generous owners at the Willow Tree. Beautiful, high end Christmas treasures would be donated every year from collections that didn't sell during the Christmas Season or Boxing Week specials. We were always truly grateful for the blessings bestowed upon Drummond House by the Willow Tree each year.
I have always made it a priority to shop local. So many great shops to explore and find unique treasures around town. Here's a list of some of the one of a kind shopping and excellent customer service you can find around town:
The Willow Tree (closing sale on now), Kitchen Impressions, The Busy Bee, Lareina's, Pot o Gold, Goodness Me, Weeks Home Hardware (sure it's part of the Home Hardware chain but I will always choose them first over the big box stores for the small town customer service they provide there), Tea at the Whitehouse (I never knew there were so many tea accessories and products), Second Time Around, Jitterbug Cafe (neat coffee items & local artisan work for sale in the shop), Leylands British Foods, Bicycle Works, Circle of Light Wellness Centre and Wishes and Fine Jewellery. I'm sure I'm probably forgetting some other great little shops... don't let my list limit you... go out and find them.
Did you also know that Waterdown is a destination for bridal shops?? Eager brides love shopping Waterdown for the three shops all within walking distance of each other. The Coach House Bridal Salon, Michelle My Belle Bridal and Angie's Bridal Boutique have great dresses which are sure to please any bride. Brides travelling to Waterdown will also come across a sign on Dundas Street where a dressmaker works out of her home... Lisa VanHattem Custom Wedding Gowns is located at 344 Dundas Street East.
For such a small town, Waterdown is also quite a destination for hairdressers, spas and dance studios. There are so many choices in all three areas. You will never want for any of these in Waterdown.
I encourage everyone if you don't already, make it a point to support small business in Waterdown. The Waterdown Business Improvement Area and the Flamborough Chamber of Commerce will thank you, and make this town better for it!
Thank you, The Willow Tree for your 22 years of great service and merchandise. This shopaholic will certainly miss you.
Driving down Hamilton street today, I was so saddened to see the big sign at "Sobey's Plaza" (can't recall the official name of the plaza at the moment)... on it I read "Closing Sale on now at the Willow Tree... Thanks for the 22 years".
How can that be? The Willow Tree is often the reason so many people come to Waterdown to shop. I have bought many things there over the years. They have great decor items, pretty smelling lotions/sprays/candles, unique giftware, high end seasonal items and housewares. I am truly saddened to lose such a great store. Times have been tough for retailers in town. Three factors have greatly impacted smaller retailers in town...big stores like Zellers, Walmart, Canadian Tire & Rona may have taken some business away, parking meters in the core streets in town (Mill, Main & Dundas between Mill and Hamilton) have somewhat deterred shoppers from the core, and then there's the downturn of the economy since the latest recession began. The Willow Tree used to occupy three storefronts in the plaza, but condensed down to two spaces a couple of years ago (I think sometime in 2009). I figured it was due to the recession, but was so glad to see that the quality of the merchandise and the helpfulness of the staff didn't diminish with the smaller space.
For the last few Christmas seasons, I have helped organize the Drummond House Christmas Home Tour (usually held the 3rd Saturday in November). Each year, I was always excited to see what lovely treasures would be donated to Drummond House from the kind and generous owners at the Willow Tree. Beautiful, high end Christmas treasures would be donated every year from collections that didn't sell during the Christmas Season or Boxing Week specials. We were always truly grateful for the blessings bestowed upon Drummond House by the Willow Tree each year.
I have always made it a priority to shop local. So many great shops to explore and find unique treasures around town. Here's a list of some of the one of a kind shopping and excellent customer service you can find around town:
The Willow Tree (closing sale on now), Kitchen Impressions, The Busy Bee, Lareina's, Pot o Gold, Goodness Me, Weeks Home Hardware (sure it's part of the Home Hardware chain but I will always choose them first over the big box stores for the small town customer service they provide there), Tea at the Whitehouse (I never knew there were so many tea accessories and products), Second Time Around, Jitterbug Cafe (neat coffee items & local artisan work for sale in the shop), Leylands British Foods, Bicycle Works, Circle of Light Wellness Centre and Wishes and Fine Jewellery. I'm sure I'm probably forgetting some other great little shops... don't let my list limit you... go out and find them.
Did you also know that Waterdown is a destination for bridal shops?? Eager brides love shopping Waterdown for the three shops all within walking distance of each other. The Coach House Bridal Salon, Michelle My Belle Bridal and Angie's Bridal Boutique have great dresses which are sure to please any bride. Brides travelling to Waterdown will also come across a sign on Dundas Street where a dressmaker works out of her home... Lisa VanHattem Custom Wedding Gowns is located at 344 Dundas Street East.
For such a small town, Waterdown is also quite a destination for hairdressers, spas and dance studios. There are so many choices in all three areas. You will never want for any of these in Waterdown.
I encourage everyone if you don't already, make it a point to support small business in Waterdown. The Waterdown Business Improvement Area and the Flamborough Chamber of Commerce will thank you, and make this town better for it!
Thank you, The Willow Tree for your 22 years of great service and merchandise. This shopaholic will certainly miss you.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Best Park
I don't know about you, but I am LOVING all this fabulous warm weather this week. Besides spending time in my garden, I love to take advantage the wonderful space we have here in Waterdown, at Memorial Park.
Year round, anytime the temperature is above zero... you will find dozens of teenagers hanging out at the skateboard park. In the winter-time, you will find lots of families and kids taking advantage of the little hill which is great for tobagganing. (please note...this year the City of Hamilton banned tobagganing at City parks due to the unfortunate amount of claims from people hurting themselves). My personal favourite time of year is spring/summer/fall at Memorial Park.
It's always a fun surprise to see on a Monday or Tuesday, the fair roll into town and start setting up in the park... the town starts buzzing and kids can't contain their excitement. "When can we go to the fair?" is all I hear in my house!! There seems to be about 3 or 4 fairs that come to town between Spring - Fall.
When my kids were young, they loved the swings, slides and especially the splash pad at the park in the summertime. The other bonus of our park is that the City of Hamilton has employed "Supies" in the summertime for kids to enjoy. Incase you've never heard of a "Supie" they are playground supervisors that do arts and crafts with the kids during the day.
The Pavillion is another great part of the park... many groups gather there formally or informally to use the Pavillion. Last year I'd drive by on various nights to see a bootcamp class working hard.... rain or shine and I believe it was used right up til October.
In the summer, it's not uncommon to see the baseball diamonds being used. It's fun to see baseball, softball and t-ball games happening during baseball season. A great free family activity! You can catch kids and adult games happening each week.
Our family was away last year for Canada Day so we missed the Inaugural Waterdown Ribfest, so we made sure we'll be home for it this year. This is easily turning into THE event around Waterdown, and is going to bring lots of family fun, breaking of a world record, entertainment, a small midway, a movie night on June 30th, fireworks on Canada Day and of course RIBS! I think we'll be spending at least 2 Days at Memorial Park that weekend! For more information on the event which goes from June 30th to July 3rd check out www.ohcanadaribfest.ca
Another wonderful thing that used to happen at the Park many years ago was the Waterdown Farmer's Market. We have a great multitude of fantastic farms around us in this very rich area of Flamborough. If I recall correctly, there was some talk awhile back that citizen's would love to see the Farmer's Market revived again. I love to support local business, always have. I think that a Farmer's Market would be a great idea to seasonally sell produce, meats and various local product.... Anyone else think it's a great idea???
Year round, anytime the temperature is above zero... you will find dozens of teenagers hanging out at the skateboard park. In the winter-time, you will find lots of families and kids taking advantage of the little hill which is great for tobagganing. (please note...this year the City of Hamilton banned tobagganing at City parks due to the unfortunate amount of claims from people hurting themselves). My personal favourite time of year is spring/summer/fall at Memorial Park.
It's always a fun surprise to see on a Monday or Tuesday, the fair roll into town and start setting up in the park... the town starts buzzing and kids can't contain their excitement. "When can we go to the fair?" is all I hear in my house!! There seems to be about 3 or 4 fairs that come to town between Spring - Fall.
When my kids were young, they loved the swings, slides and especially the splash pad at the park in the summertime. The other bonus of our park is that the City of Hamilton has employed "Supies" in the summertime for kids to enjoy. Incase you've never heard of a "Supie" they are playground supervisors that do arts and crafts with the kids during the day.
The Pavillion is another great part of the park... many groups gather there formally or informally to use the Pavillion. Last year I'd drive by on various nights to see a bootcamp class working hard.... rain or shine and I believe it was used right up til October.
In the summer, it's not uncommon to see the baseball diamonds being used. It's fun to see baseball, softball and t-ball games happening during baseball season. A great free family activity! You can catch kids and adult games happening each week.
Our family was away last year for Canada Day so we missed the Inaugural Waterdown Ribfest, so we made sure we'll be home for it this year. This is easily turning into THE event around Waterdown, and is going to bring lots of family fun, breaking of a world record, entertainment, a small midway, a movie night on June 30th, fireworks on Canada Day and of course RIBS! I think we'll be spending at least 2 Days at Memorial Park that weekend! For more information on the event which goes from June 30th to July 3rd check out www.ohcanadaribfest.ca
Another wonderful thing that used to happen at the Park many years ago was the Waterdown Farmer's Market. We have a great multitude of fantastic farms around us in this very rich area of Flamborough. If I recall correctly, there was some talk awhile back that citizen's would love to see the Farmer's Market revived again. I love to support local business, always have. I think that a Farmer's Market would be a great idea to seasonally sell produce, meats and various local product.... Anyone else think it's a great idea???
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