Square Foot Show at The Loft Gallery

Square Foot Show    Oct 25 - Nov 9, 2014

The Square Foot Show is back and is looking better than ever! The 12x12 paintings have been arriving by the box load and they are looking great. Be sure to come for the great party on Saturday if you can and if not the show continues until Nov 9.

Some people are concerned the best paintings get taken on the first night but that's not so - we have so many good paintings and chosing art is so subjective that many people find great pieces even on the last day of the show.

Square Foot Show at Loft Gallery
October 25 - November 9

Saturday October 25
Reception:  5pm

Show time:  6pm - 9pm

Gallery opens: 10am

Live music, food and refreshments.

Music by professional singer Kelly McIntyre who is also an artist in the gallery.

Approximately 400 original 12x12 paintings velcroed to the wall, all priced at $144 each.

Instant gratification - if you like it, pull it off the wall and buy it. Buy two, buy five. Create a collection or buy for gifts.

No previews. Buy as many as you like. Think fast before someone grabs your favourite.
note: Loft Gallery will be open all day from 10 am so come early  and see what's new in the gallery

Goal Setting for Ski Season

With Thanksgiving over it was back to the gym this morning for an early morning spin class to flush out the toxins from the weekend.  My goal is to downsize enough so that my ski pants are so loose that I need to buy a new pair before January 1, 2015.  My favourite all around active winter pants are from Columbia in the Blue Mountain Village.

Book Launch - A Slice of Happy

Book Launch Party on Thursday October 2nd, 2014 from 7:30pm - 9:00pm at ASHANTI CAFE Collingwood to celebrate the release of Author Heather Korol's new book A Slice of Happy.  Signed copies will be available for purchase. This will be a red carpet event, so bring your glitter and your gold (card).
Author Heather Korol, a wife and working mom-of three believes that our happiness is masked by the struggle to balance the competing forces in our lives. The more she examined who had the whole pie, the more she recognized that no one had all of the slices at once. Her journey from "motivational know-it-all" to "holy crap, I can't do-it-all" is told in an honest humorous style that will make you feel like you're hanging out in your kitchen with your best friend while you lament unloading the dishwasher for the millionth time.

Come and celebrate with us at Ashanti Cafe Collingwood  I'm offering free coffee, pie and a glass of champagne for all my guests! Signed copies will be available for purchase. This will be a red carpet event, so bring your glitter and your gold (card).
Heather's story will help women in their quest to find perspective, pick a slice, and enjoy a bit more happiness along the way.  RSVP to heather@heatherkorol.com
 
"This is not a book with a secret answer or plan that will transform your life from misery to magical existence. A Slice of Happy reminds women that they are not alone, they won't be tired forever and that there is hope. The book will inspire you to grab a coffee or a glass of wine and find, your own "Slice of Happy" -Tina Comi, Author of: Till Dance Do Us Part.

Centurion is this weekend!

Centurion Cycling is in its fifth year and continues to evolve with the addition of The Subaru Endurance Games. To evolve the world endurance sports and being active in Canada, national competition of endurance sport, from grassroots to high-performance levels, [Subaru Centurion Cycling Canada] is hosting it’s first ever Endurance Games an event made for TV as a part of Centurion Blue Mountain September 12th-14th 2014 “Sport can be a powerful and positive influence in our communities,” says Graham Fraser, President and CEO of Centurion Cycling and Endurance Games Canada. The voice of endurance sports in North America. The Subaru eGames is a great opportunity for families and kids of all ages to celebrate their favourite sport or try their hand at something new – it’s all part of finding fun, easy ways to live a healthier, more active lifestyle.” 

“The Subaru eGames & Centurion Cycling, September 12th-14th 2014, demonstrates that sport has the power to build community, fortify national spirit and promote healthy, active living. This event is made for the spectators in mind! A fun weekend for the whole family, something for everyone” Louise Jackson, Of Centurion Cycling and CEO of Move Canada. 

The official kick off is Friday September 12th with the King of the Mountain Hill Climb up Scenic caves. Visit the Subaru tent in the events plaza to meet Simon Whitfield and get your noise maker. Then head up the hill to cheer these amazing athletes on. 

Saturday September 13th is an action packed day starting off with C25 mile road race, kids bike ride and then the action packed excitement of the Subaru eGames in the heart of Blue Mountain Village. Including top prospects in triathlon and cycling competing to be crowned the overall eGames champion. A silent auction and guest speakers will take place from 2:45pm -3:15pm at the village awards stage. David Peterson Chair of the Pan Am games will be speaking as well as four time Olympian Simon Whitfield. Kids run with Simon will take place at 3:30pm The proceeds raised during the silent auction and kids events will go to the Move Canada Foundation and help fund up and coming Canadian athletes. 

Sunday September 14th - The big road race day for Centurion Cycling. The C50 and C100 mile road race take place. Who will be crowned the over Centurion winner for the 2014 season. These participants take on this challenging course throughout Grey County and smile when they cross the finish. These rides are a true test of what you can accomplish. You can cheers these riders along on the Apple Pie trail as they ride by. A beautiful ride through the rolling hills and a fun day surround by an amazing group of people.

We’re fortunate to have some of Canada’s finest and most scenic cycling routes surrounding Blue Mountain, for every level of rider. Centurion Canada is an excellent opportunity for families of all ages to experience a cycling event at any level with several distance options. This is our 5th year partnering with the Town of The Blue Mountains to host the event and each year it gets more and more exciting! - Blue Mountain Village 

New Foals at Mountain View Stables

 
Congratulations to Mountain View Stables on the arrival of two new foals at the stables. Mountain View stables is located at the corners of Osler Bluff Road (Grey Road 21) and Monterra. 

Apple Pie Trail Blog Trail Stop #11

Currie's Farm Market, Collingwood

At the corner of 6th Street and the 10th Line in Collingwood right across from the Georgian Meadows subdivision, you’ll find Currie’s Farm Market, a charming and authentic family run farm market that has been in operation since 1957. Candice and Chris Currie are the third generation of Curries to operate the market and much of the produce offered comes right from the adjacent Currie Farm, the last working farm in Collingwood.

They’ve created the most delicious Apple Caramel Muffin just for the Apple Pie Trail and I can tell you first hand that it’s a fantastic way to start your morning because the muffins are baked fresh daily and perfect with an aromatic cup of Kicking Horse Coffee fresh brewed.

With a focus on offering as many non GMO culinary options as possible and firm beliefs in sustainability, the Curries are very keen on supporting other local farmers and suppliers through their farm market. You’ll find products from Meredith’s Ginger Syrup, The New Farm in Creemore, milk from Miller’s Dairy in Creemore, meat products and frozen entrees from Blue Ridge Meets in Collingwood, delicious pies from The Blackbird Pie Company in Heathcote and cheeses from Dags and Willow in Collingwood - and that’s just a start.

The market is open seven days a week from Victoria Day right through to Christmas and is an excellent place to source that all important very tasty Thanksgiving bird or the family Christmas tree. Getting a Christmas tree from the Curries is an experience in itself…you’ll likely find Chris Currie outside in the tree lot beside the market bundled up beside the fire waiting to shake your hand, give warm greetings and even offer you a cup of warm, locally produced Blue Mountains Cider – a bonus as you take home the most fragrant trees ever to grace your home for the holidays.

 

New things in the area

With no shortage of events and activities available this summer in the area it's a great opportunity to check out new stuff so we've highlighted some of the new businesses and things to do (yes shopping is an activity) that have opened in the area recently.

Check out the Apex Bag Jump at Blue Mountain and test your limits as you free fall from heights of up to 21 feet. Start small, and work your way up to the highest platform where you'll leap onto the air bag waiting below. With four platforms of increasing height, every jumper will have the chance to challenge themselves.

The Paint Bar located at 167 Hurontario Street in Downtown Collingwood is a great place to spend some creative time with the kids.

Coriander, a beautiful clothing, home and gift boutique has opened at 83 Hurontario Street and they've got some great stuff in the store.

Echo Trends has opened a gorgeous new store at 38 Pine Street in Downtown Collingwood earlier this summer.

The Collingwood Bread Company is now open in Cranberry Mews!  Fresh handmade organic bread baked fresh daily.  Pop in and see Glenn and wish him well with his new business and while you're at it pick up a loaf of bread or two.

Jasper Life opened a couple of months ago in the Balsam Street Plaza - check them out for indoor/outdoor furniture and home decor items.

Northwinds Brew Pub is scheduled to open soon and you can keep track of their progress through Facebook or check out their website.  

The Collingwood Brewery also opened recently and is open for tours, plus they've got some great pint glasses for sale. Stop by, take a brewery tour, taste test and take home some Downhill Pale Ale.

Giffen's Country Market once again has a satellite store just south of Poplar Side Road on County Road 124 (which is what Hurontario Street turns into). Their main operation is in Glen Huron so it's a great treat that Giffen's famous butter tarts are available just around the corner.

New in Thornbury for ladies fashions and home decor you might what to check out Nantucket & Co.  located at 51 Bruce Street S. Tel:  519.599.5050. Also on the home decor side is Ashbury Cabin located at 21 Bruce Street S. Tel:  519.373.9628. 

Speaking of new - have you checked out the Collingwood Buy Sell Facebook page?  Great way to save money, be sustainable, recycle, get rid of stuff you don't want and so on - check it out. It's a closed group to you have to ask to be added. You can pick up some incredible deals and new stuff is posted daily.

As always check out our Events Calendar and Activities Calendar for options on how to spend your time or keep the little people in your life a little unplugged and away from the TV.