An Afternoon in Burk's Falls

The natural setting and outdoor adventures may be the biggest draws for visitors to the area, but the towns and villages of the region offer their own charms as well. Huntsville, being the largest town in the region (pop. 18,500) is well-known to tourists and popular with our guests for shopping and dining. But it's not the only town within an easy drive of the inn.


The Village of Burk's Falls lies just north of us, 16 km up Highway 11. With a population of just 1,000, it is definitely a small town, and a lovely place to spend an afternoon. The Magnetawan River winds through the village. Houses, shops and churches perch on hillsides or cluster along quiet streets. Stores and restaurants are spread out, mostly along the main street, so driving between stops is more common than walking, but parking is free and plentiful.


Here is a selection—by no means complete—of some stops to include when you spend an afternoon in Burk's Falls.

Burk's Falls Welcome Centre & Cafe

Not just a repository of tourist information, the centre has public washrooms, a covered outdoor picnic spot overlooking the river, and an excellent cafe. This is the place for a great latte, cappuccino, or other specialty coffee. Plus their selection of fudges and baked goods are absolutely delicious. I highly recommend the butter tart muffins! Beside the centre is the covered footbridge which is the starting point for the in-town Heritage River Walk.

Hwy 520, just east of Ontario Street.

Circling Hawks Centre 
A retail store selling jewelry, books, crystals, drums and all things of various spiritual beliefs and faiths. A tarot card reader is sometimes available at the store for readings. Beyond the store, the back garden is open to visitors to enjoy a labyrinth, quiet gardens, teepee, bottle tree, peace pole and more (visiting is free). The barn out back houses an art studio showcasing works from local artists.
156 Ontario Street, Burk's Falls

Wooden Roo 
Located in a big old barn, this retail store offers two floors of giftware and home furnishings, many of them hand-crafted. You'll find things such as pottery pieces, solid wood furniture, framed artwork, jams & jellies, jewelry and souvenirs. 
311 Ontario Street, Burk's Falls

Burk's Falls Arts & Crafts Club
A gallery displaying various artwork and handcrafts of local artists. 
113 Young Street, Burk's Falls

Burk's Falls Flea Market
It bills itself as a flea market, but it's more like one mammoth, indoor rummage sale. Crammed into a big warehouse, you'll find all sorts of household and recreational pieces from years past. The first time we were in there, Jim and I were surprised to see a Flintstones car (barely visible under piles of everything else). There are crates of old vinyl records, stacks of books (fairly well organized, actually), housewares, hardware, appliances, furniture, boats.... stuff! Last time I was in, I found a table full of file boxes containing old magazine cover art and advertisements, each carefully protected in a plastic sleeve. I could've spent the entire afternoon just sorting through those.
I took a picture of one old ad for jello. It is a time capsule on paper, providing a glimpse back to a different era. The gist of the message is that if your cook quits, don't worry. You can feed your family jello until the employment agency can send you a new one. I love it! If you go, be sure to share your finds with us.
Young Street, Burk's Falls.

Restaurants
Burk's Falls offers a small selection of eateries, with something for everyone.


Dee's Bistro: Family and fine dining. Ontario Street.
Al's Diner: Classic diner fare. Ontario Street north of the bridge (beside the bowling alley).
Bakery by the Bridge: Baked goods, beverages, small but excellent lunch menu. Ontario Street.
British Boy Fish & Chips: hand-battered fish fillets, assorted menu, take out or eat at the picnic tables outside. Ontario Street.
Danny's Justa Pasta: this one is not in Burk's Falls but further north and very popular. On Hwy 11 between Burk's Falls and Sundridge. 


Around Burk's Falls
Other things to do and see when you're around Burk's Falls include...
Burk's Falls and District Museum 
Screaming Heads 
Magnetawan River Rapids 


Enjoy your visit to Burk's Falls!

A Mighty Wind

 Fern Glen Inn • www.ferngleninn.blogspot.com

A mighty wind blew through here recently, along with heavy rains and a thundering lightening storm. It uprooted trees, snapped trunks and left a mess of branches, limbs and pine needles to clean up. 


It also left us without power for a day and a half, but that's not as big a deal as you might think. We have a gas-powered generator we can hook up to our electrical panel and run all the essentials such as water, heat, lights, fridges, computers, coffee maker (essential!). We just can't run them all at the same time. And of course, we conserve our energy use. When we're the only ones here, and when there's no pressing need for electricity, we shut off the generator and spend the afternoon in the sunshine, or the evening in candlelight. 

After this particular storm, there was plenty to keep us busy out in the woods. A walk along our trails revealed many trees down, blocking the path in at least a dozen places. Some were small or dry-rotted and therefore light enough to simply lift and move out of the way. But there were also a number of big, mature trees down as well. Maple, cedar, beech, poplar. These would take a bit more work—and Jim's chainsaw—to clear out of the way.

So we spent two afternoons making the trails passable. Jim used the chainsaw on the big trees to cut them to manageable lengths. The thin leafy branches we just dragged into the bush. The trunks we set beside the trail to collect later.


The hardwood species will be put to use as firewood, but not this year. Most of the maples that came down were large, seemingly healthy, living trees. Their wood is too green for burning now and will need a year or two to dry out.


Maintaining the trails and getting enough firewood to see us through the winter is demanding physical work. But we love it! Especially at this time of year when there are no bugs and the air is cool and fresh. Plus there's enormous satisfaction to this type of work. The results are so tangible. The cleared trail that had been blocked by a massive game of pickup sticks. The fat logs of hardwood piled in the back of a trailer to be carted out of the bush. The piles of split wood ready to be stacked in neat cords by the woodshed. Real work. Simple pleasure. Bring on more wind!

Autumn Events in Muskoka & Almaguin

There are many reasons to treat yourself to a Fall Getaway in Muskoka and Almaguin... the colourful maple leaves, the perfect hiking weather, the fresh air (just to name a few). For the planned events and activities, see our list below. As ever, if you know of an event that we've missed, please let us know. Check back often for updates.


Ironman Muskoka 70.3
A challenging race through some of Muskoka's most beautiful terrain, including a 1.2 mile swim in bracing Peninsula Lake; a 56 mile bike ride through Lake of Bays including the hamlets of Dwight, Dorset and Baysville; followed by a 13.1 mile run. Visit Ironman Muskoka for details.
Sept 12


Algonquin Park Fall Workshop Series
The Friends of Algonquin Park are offering nine workshops (most of them one full day each) from mid-September to mid-October. There's fire-making, paddle-carving, animal-tracking, and five different photography workshops. Visit the Friends of Algonquin Park facebook page for dates, descriptions and registration details.
various dates from Sept 18 - Oct 17


Film North
Muskoka's first international film festival, held at Huntsville's Algonquin Theatre, showcases an eclectic lineup of films over three days. The focus is on the films and the filmmakers. Visit Film North for details. Peruse the program lineup here.
Sept 23 - 25


Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour
Two weekends for visitors to witness the artistic process at work through demonstrations and displays in the studios of Muskoka's diversely talented artists. Free self-guided tour. For printable map, brochure and more information, visit Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour.
Sept 25 - 26
Oct 2 - 3


North Words Muskoka Literary Festival
The inaugural festival featuring authors who have written about or been inspired by this breathtaking region. Two days of readings, Q&A's and book signings by such authors as Joseph Boyden, Roy MacGregor, Tish Cohen, Giles Blunt, John Ibbitson, Jeffrey Moore, Peter Robinson, Jack Whyte, Shane Peacock, Alan Pearson and Alayna Munce. Visit North Words Muskoka Literary Festival for schedule of events and ticket information.
Oct 8 -9


Thanksgiving Long Weekend
See the fall colours, walk in the woods, drive quiet country roads, relax and enjoy a long weekend away from it all.
Oct 8 - 11


Art After Dark
An open house for the Almaguin Highlands Arts Council. An evening of guest speakers, music, dance, poetry, and original art. Refreshments served. Hosted by the Burk's Falls Arts and Crafts Club at the Burk's Falls Arts Centre. Visit the Almaguin Highlands Arts Council for details.
Nov 3, 7pm

Huntsville's Girlfriends' Getaway Weekend
A weekend of shopping, pampering and culinary delights in downtown Huntsville. Giveaways, prizes, discounts and demonstrations. Get your holiday shopping done in one weekend (away from the big box stores!). Girlfriends get $25 off their 2-night stay at Fern Glen Inn for this Girlfriends' Getaway Weekend.
Nov 11 - 14

Summer Breaks and Almond Cakes

August is a busy month around here, with people coming and going in a steady stream. Some stay just one night, others for up to a week. One thing is pretty consistent though: whether they've crossed an ocean to get here or driven a couple hours up the highway, they make the most of the time they have amid the lakes and woods of this natural environment.

Perhaps it's because of this that Jim and I make time to enjoy it, too. Even though we've been here five and half years now, we don't take for granted all the simple pleasures the region offers. Our guests won't let us. By sharing their day's adventures and delights with us, they remind us how lucky we are to have beaches, rivers, hiking trails and vistas within easy reach.

So no matter how busy we are, no matter how long our own To Do lists get, we still make time for summer breaks. Sometimes that means just a 15 minute swim in a cool, clear lake (that's a 15 minute holiday!). Sometimes it means simply sitting on the upper deck, sipping a glass of wine, feeling the sun on our faces while we watch the clouds drift across a blue sky. We don't often have the slow pace that we thought would be part of country living, but every now and then we can stop the clock entirely and just be in the moment.

Of course the clock does start up again, but by then I'm refreshed and ready to get back at it. Plus, I have an arsenal of easy-yet-delicious recipes perfect for these hot and lazy August days. One of my favourites is this recipe for almond cakes. They're made with ingredients I always have on hand and they come together quickly and spontaneously (no need to wait for butter to come to room temperature). Because it makes a small batch, it's perfect for the times mid-week when I only have one room of guests. And I can bake them in the counter-top toaster oven instead of heating up the whole kitchen with my big oven.

These are a nice baked good with breakfast or make a lovely afternoon snack. You can also serve them as a simple dessert, perhaps with a bit of whipped cream and fresh berries on the side.

Jam-filled Almond Cakes

These are best—moist and flavourful—made a day in advance.

makes 4, recipe can be doubled or tripled

1/3 cup all purpose flour
3 tablespoons ground almonds
scant 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
pinch of table salt
3 tablespoons plain natural yogurt*
1/3 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon almond extract and/or grated orange zest (optional)
3 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled
4 heaping teaspoons jam, any flavour
sliced almonds (optional)

Preheat oven to 350°F. Generously butter 4 muffin cups OR line them with paper liners.

In a small bowl, whisk together the four, ground almonds, baking powder and salt. In a medium bowl, whisk together the yogurt, sugar, egg and almond extract and/or zest (if using). Add the dry ingredients to the wet and stir to combine. Stir in the melted butter.

Divide most of the batter between the muffin cups. Top each with a heaping teaspoon of jam. Top with the remaining batter. Sprinkle the sliced almonds on top (if using).

Bake until the tops spring back when touched and a toothpick inserted near the centre comes out clean or with moist crumbs attached. Cool on a wire rack then store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for up to three days. If you like, drizzle with a simple icing made from icing sugar and a bit of milk or orange juice.

* Use plain, natural yogurt containing NO gelatin or pectin. Thick, balkan-style yogurt gives the richest results but lower-fat yogurts can be used as well.

Variation: use fresh or frozen raspberries, blueberries, blackberries or cherries in place of the jam.

Starry, Starry Nights

Fern Glen Inn • www.ferngleninn.blogspot.com

There are many things I love about living here: the fresh air, the abundant greenery, the uncongested roads, the plethora of outdoor adventures within easy reach. These are all things I would long for when we lived in the city, and savour sweetly on our brief escapes "up north". But perhaps what I relished the most—and still thrill to—are the dark, star-filled skies.

Away from the light pollution of cities, towns and highways, we are treated to a spectacular show of stars, planets and other celestial eye candy. And it's available year-round!

In summer, the Milky Way spills across the sky from the north-east to the south-west. The moderate temperature means you can get comfortable and star-gaze long into the night.

In the winter, there is perhaps less to see, and you can't really spend hours at a time watching, but the cold air makes for incredibly clear viewing. Plus, since the winter sun sets so early, you don't have to stay up late to get a good look at the heavens. We sometimes see a halo around the moon, which is caused by ice crystals high up in the atmosphere.

August, though, is perhaps my favourite time for star-gazing. The Perseid meteor shower starts in late July and reaches its peak in mid-August, around the 11th to 13th of the month. Known as the Perseid shower because the meteors appear to be coming from the constellation Perseus, it's actually made up of debris from the comet Swift-Tuttle. Some years are better than others for viewing, with a good year offering around 100 meteors per hour. That's a lot of wishes! If the sky is free of clouds and moon, we can see so many shooting star we lose count!

For watching meteor showers, get yourself away from light pollution. Time your gazing for the darkest hours possible. Some year's we've set our alarm clock to get up in the wee hours after the moon had set. Have a chair or blanket and get in as horizontal a position as you can to avoid neck strain. Dress warm as even summer nights can be chilly. And then hope for clear, cloudless weather.

Learn more meteor shower viewing tips and the 2014 schedule of meteor showers.

Of course, you don't need a meteor shower, fancy equipment, or any kind of astronomical knowledge to appreciate a starry sky. As long as humans have been peering upwards, we've been enthralled, awed and inspired by the majesty and mystery above. 

Lying outside on a moonless night, the sky an infinite dome above, I somehow feel both small and immortal, a minuscule part of a grand, unfolding narrative.

The vastness of the universe stretched out before us has a way of putting things in perspective. It reminds us not to take our lives so seriously, reminds us that our own time here is brief. That if we don't make the most of it now, when will we? For Jim and I, we'll make good use of our time this week by spending some of it under the night sky, casting wishes at shooting stars.

: :   : :   : :   : :

Thank you to our guests Bryan and Jessica for sending us the photos above, which were taken in our back lawn. They used a long exposure on their camera and a software program to rotate their tripod in time with the rotation of the planet in order to capture the detail of the night sky without motion streaks.

Photo Contest 2 - "Day Trips"

We're having another photo contest and there are two ways to win... 

Enter a photo for your chance to win a Free Night at Fern Glen Inn plus a Fern Glen Gift Package! Every vote your photo gets will be entered in a draw. More votes means better chances to win!

or
Vote for a photo and be entered in a draw to win a Free Night at Fern Glen Inn!

Contest Theme: Day Trips
Photos of the activities, adventures, sights and scenery you enjoyed during day trips around the area while visiting the inn.

How to Enter
Read the Photo Contest Rules and Regulations (below). Email your photo to contest@ferngleninn.on.ca. Enter up to three photos, one photo per email submission.

In your submission email, include the following (don't forget to attach your photo!):

Your name:
Email address:
Phone number:
Approximate date photo was taken:
Location or Activity represented in the photo:
Name of attached file:
Title of photo (optional):
"I, (insert your name), certify I am the photographer of the attached photo; and I have read and agree to the Photo Contest Rules and Regulations."

Fern Glen Inn will post your photo(s) to the Photo Contest album on our facebook page within 24 hours of receiving a complete submission email. As soon as your photo is posted, it's available to start collecting votes—so enter soon!

How to Vote
Visit the Fern Glen Inn facebook page and Become a Fan by "Liking" Fern Glen Inn. View the Photo Contest 2 album. To vote for a photo, click to enlarge it; then click on the "Like" button.

Photo Contest Grand Prize
In addition to untold fame and glory, the winner of the photo contest receives a Gift Certificate for One Free Night plus a Fern Glen Gift Package. Valid for one night accommodation and breakfast for two at Fern Glen Inn; approx. $110 value plus a special gift approx. $30 value.

Some restrictions apply*. 

Random Draw Prize
One randomly selected Fan/Voter will receive a Gift Certificate for One Free Night. Valid for one night accommodation and breakfast for two at Fern Glen Inn; approx. $110 value.

Some restrictions apply*.

Photo Contest Rules and Regulations

1. Photos must fit the current theme of the contest (ie. taken off the property during a visit to Fern Glen Inn).
   
2. The contest is open to past and current guests and visitors of Fern Glen Inn who are 18 years of age or older. The inn proprietors and their immediate families are not eligible to win.
   
3. The contest runs until October 31, 2010. Submit photos by midnight EST October 28, 2010 to be eligible. The winner will be announced on or about November 1 on the Fern Glen Inn facebook page, and will be notified by email that week.
   
4. Submit photos by email to contest@ferngleninn.com. Entries will be posted by Fern Glen Inn to the Photo Contest photo album.
   
5. Only digital submissions will be accepted. Photos should be in JPG format and should not be any larger than 4mb each.
   
6. Determining the winner: Every vote ("Like") your photo gets as of 11:00 pm EST on October 31, 2010, will be entered in a random draw for the Grand Prize. The more votes you get, the better your chances of winning.
7. By submitting a photo to the contest, you certify that you are the photographer and sole copyright owner of the photo. You consent to and give Fern Glen Inn the right in perpetuity to publish, display, post and otherwise use the photo for advertising, trade, publicity and promotional purposes in any media, worldwide, including on the internet, without review, notification or approval, all without limitation or additional consideration, unless prohibited by law. You agree that the photo may be cropped, edited, electronically manipulated or otherwise altered, and that whether or how the photograph is used is entirely for Fern Glen Inn to decide. You certify that any identifiable persons represented in the entry have supplied express permission for their likeness to be used for advertising, trade or publicity without consideration, in perpetuity.
   
8. This offer is void where prohibited by law.
   
9. Fern Glen Inn is not responsible for lost or misdirected entries, or for technical difficulties which may interfere with submissions and/or voting.
   
10. Fern Glen Inn reserves the right to post or remove all/any entries.

Voting and Random Draw Rules and Regulations

1. Fans of the Fern Glen Inn facebook page may vote for a photo by clicking on the "Like" associated with the photo. Each "Like" counts as one vote. Fans are invited to comment on photos, but only a "Like" will count as a vote.
   
2. Fans may vote for multiple photos. Each vote is counted towards a photo's tally. Each voting Fan is entered once into the random draw, regardless of the number of votes they cast.
   
3. Fans may vote for their own photo submissions.
   
4. One voting Fan will be randomly selected after the contest closes on October 31, 2010. The winner will be announced on or about November 1 on the Fern Glen Inn facebook page, and will be notified via facebook.
   
5. The Grand Prize Winner is not eligible to win the Random Draw Prize, nor are the inn proprietors and their immediate families. Winner must be 18 years of age or older to claim their prize.

*Gift Certificate is valid for one night accommodation and breakfast for up to two people in one room of the Coach House at Fern Glen Inn. Subject to availability. Minimum 2-night stays apply on High Season weekends. Not valid long weekends or holidays. Use by January 31, 2011. No cash value. Transferable with prior approval by issuer.

August Events in Muskoka & Almaguin

What's happening in and around Muskoka and the Almaguin Highlands this summer? Lots! 

Check back often; I add events as I hear about them. Do you know of an event I missed? Tell me and I'll add it, too.

Wednesday Evening Kayak Tour

Every Wednesday, Algonquin Outfitters offers a fun and relaxing evening on the Muskoka River with a guided kayak tour. Meet at their downtown store before 6pm and you'll be on the water by 7pm for a couple of hours of paddling. $15/person includes your kayak and all the gear you need.

Huntsville

Wednesdays, 6-9pm

Summer Ski & Snowboard Sale
Once again, Algonquin Outfitters is offering great savings on winter clothing, gear and outerwear; as well as deals on snowboards, skis, mountain and road bikes. Up to 70% off last winter's stock. Visit Algonquin Outfitters.
Huntsville
July 30 - Aug 2

Kearney Regatta
Big party in the neighbouring town of Kearney. Saturday offers market & craft sales; rock climbing wall; land sports & games; log rolling; beer garden; silent auction; long distance canoe race; BBQ; and a street dance at night. Sunday offers the Regatta Parade; dog show; water sports including canoe races, cardboard boat races and the mile swim race; dinner; the Northern Lights Steel Band; and the grand finale fire works.
Kearney
July 31 - Aug 1

Jazz Festival - Outdoor Music

Bask in the sun at River Mill Park in downtown Huntsville while listening to a great lineup of Jazz musicians. Free admission. Visit the Huntsville Festival of the Arts for the schedule of performers.

Huntsville

Aug 1, 11:20am - 5:15pm

Under the Stars Screening

Attend a free screening of the short film "Pretty Big Dig" and the feature documentary "Land" under the stars in Huntsville's River Mill Park. Bring your lawn chair or blanket. Both films rated "G". Hosted by Film North, who are bringing us the Huntsville International Film Festival in September. Visit Film North for details.

Huntsville

Aug 1, 8:30pm

Madison Violet, Brass Transit, John McDermott

It's a busy weekend at the Algonquin Theatre, with up-and-coming folk singers Madison Violet on Thursday night; Brass Transit belting out the best jazz-rock of 1969-1976 on Friday night; and the much-loved crooner John McDermott on Saturday night. All part of the Huntsville Festival of the Arts.

Huntsville

Aug 5 -6 

Perseids Meteor Shower

This annual meteor shower is considered to be one of the best for viewing bright, fast "shooting stars" -- and 2010 promised to be a great year for them! The thin, waxing crescent moon will set early in the evening, leaving a dark sky for viewing. The shower starts in late July to early August and builds to a peak around Aug 12-13. Far from the light pollution of town, guests at Fern Glen Inn can stretch out on loungers, benches, decks and the ground to watch the show... then sleep in and have a late breakfast. Read more about the Perseids and meteor viewing tips.

Fern Glen Inn (and the Northern Hemisphere)

Aug 11-13

International Women Riders Congress and Festival

Celebrating motorcycles and the women who ride them! This 3-day event is designed to appeal to both men and women riders of all disciplines and experience levels. Details and program schedule at International Women Riders Congress and Festival.

Huntsville

Aug 12-14

Artists of the Limberlost Studio Tour

Tour the studios of scenic Limberlost Road, meet the resident and guest artists, and see an incredible array of top-quality artwork in a variety of media. Visit the Artists of the Limberlost for map route and details.

Limberlost Road

Aug 14 & 15

Sundridge Sunflower Festival

Big festival in a small town on the shore of Lake Bernard. The two-day event includes outdoor movie screenings, live music performances, canoe and cardboard boat races, and a plethora of market vendors, and a street dance to wrap it all up. Visit the Sundridge Sunflower Festival for details.

Sundridge

Aug 13 & 14

Famous People Players

Canada's world-renowned black light theatre company brings their Shake, Rattle & Roll performance to the Algonquin Theatre for two nights. Ticket details at the Huntsville Festival of the Arts.

Huntsville

Aug 14 & 15

Art & Lyrics Show and Sale

Inspired by song lyrics of their choice, each artist submits their best themed work for this 2-day exhibition. The event opens with a wine & cheese reception with live music entertainment on Friday and continues all day Saturday. Attendees are invited to vote for People's Choice Best in Show as well as browse the many booths and creative works. Visit the Huntsville Art Society for details.

Huntsville

Aug 20 & 21

Summer Sidewalk Adventure

The shops and merchants of Huntsville's historic downtown will be bursting with activity (and probably some good sales!).

Huntsville

Aug 21

Sarah Harmer

Canadian singer/songwriter Sarah Harmer has a passion for music and the land we live on. Performing live at the Algonquin Theatre. Ticket details.

Huntsville

Aug 22, 8pm

Andrea Martin

The queen of Canadian comedy, Andrea Martin gives us an evening of outrageous comedy and song in her one-woman show "Final Days! Everything Must Go!!". See your favourite SCTV characters, hear your favourite Broadway tunes and listen to Ms. Martin dish about her life and career. Two nights at the Algonquin Theatre.

Huntsville

Aug 27 & 28