Maple Chai Toddy

As you may know, we're big proponents for getting outside and enjoying these beautiful, exhilarating winter days... but what about the evenings? After the sun sets on a day of snowshoeing adventures, there's nothing like getting cozy by a toasty fire and warming up with a hot beverage -- preferably one that'll put a fire in your belly!

Irish coffee or a hot chocolate spiked with your favourite liqueur are good old standbys when it comes to hot cocktails, but for something a little different, try this Maple Chai Toddy. 

The warm spices of ginger, cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon in most chai tea blends are perfect for the chilly season. Whiskey adds a bit of belly-fire, though you could use cognac or rum. The almond in Amaretto plays a mellow note. The maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness and hints at a spring that is just around the corner. But until then, we'll keep enjoying this spectacular snowy season!

Maple Chai Toddy

Makes one serving

• 1 oz whiskey
• 1/2 oz Amaretto
• 1/2 oz maple syrup, or to taste
• hot, freshly prepared chai spice black tea (I use Stash brand)
• sliced mandarin orange and cinnamon stick for garnish

In a heat-safe glass or mug, add whiskey, Amaretto and maple syrup. Top up glass with hot tea. Taste and add more maple syrup if desired. Garnish with a slice of mandarin orange and a cinnamon stick. Enjoy hot, in good company and preferably by a roaring fire.

It's a Dog's Life!

Guests often comment that our dog, Saba, is lucky to live out here in the country on a large, forested property. We couldn't agree more! We got her as a wee puppy, just seven weeks old, when we were still living in Toronto. She started life as a city dog but, like us, couldn't go back to urban life now. 

Saba just turned 12 years old, so she's not a pup anymore, but she's spry and healthy and still bounces with enthusiasm at the prospect of a walk. I'm sure that's due in large part to an active life with plenty of fresh air. Hopefully Jim and I will see the same benefits!

We marked her birthday like we always do -- with a walk in the woods (with snowshoes for we bipedal animals) followed up by some especially tasty treats. It certainly is a dog's life!

Arrowhead Park Ice Skating Trail

If you love winter, you may have already heard about the ice skating trail at Arrowhead Provincial Park, just north of Huntsville, Muskoka. Now in its third year, the trail has become a must-do attraction for winter getaways.

The skating trail is a 1.3 km loop through the forest at Arrowhead Park, and it's maintained by the park's own zamboni-like grooming machine. Cross-country ski trails and snowshoe trails also traverse the park grounds. Don't have your own skates, skis or snowshoes? Rent them at the park for reasonable rates. The park also provides inner tubes to use for free on their tubing hill.

Perhaps the coolest thing about the ice skating trail at Arrowhead Park is the weekly Fire & Ice Night. Every Saturday throughout the winter season (weather permitting), the skating trail is lit by tiki torches for night time skating under the stars.

Arrowhead Provincial Park is located an easy drive from the inn. Looking for a winter getaway package to include accommodations and a day in Arrowhead Park? Try our Snowshoe in the Park package. It includes: 

• Two nights accommodations
• Breakfast both mornings
• Handmade biscotti and gourmet hot chocolate
• One-day Ontario Parks Pass for admission into Arrowhead and/or Algonquin Park

Rate: from $279/couple + tax (higher during Christmas/NewYears holidays and long weekends)

Visit the Fern Glen Inn website for more information, or call, email or book online.

See you at the park!

All photos courtesy of Arrowhead Provincial Park