Fall Fuel & Fun Package

Autumn is a beautiful time for a country getaway and it gets even better when you get $100 in free vouchers just for staying two nights!

Book your fall getaway by September 15 for a 2-night stay at Fern Glen Inn between September 4 and November 15. Register your reservation while quantities last and you'll receive a $50 Gas card and $50 in spending vouchers to use-as-cash at participating shops, restaurants, outfitters and attractions. Quantities are limited so act quickly to avoid disappointment.

Book your Fall Fuel & Fun Getaway at Fern Glen Inn

There's no catch! Use the spending vouchers like cash (yes, you can use them on sale items and there's no minimum purchase amount). This is courtesy of Explorers' Edge, our regional tourism organization representing Muskoka, Algonquin Park, Parry Sound and the Almaguin Highlands. They're doing this to encourage people like you to come and discover places like ours.

So when to come for your Fall Getaway?

Early to mid September: Great hiking weather, sometimes even swimming weather; no bugs; no crowds; fall colours are starting.

Mid to late September: Fall colours are really going good and working up to peak; great time to hike the hardwood forests; take lots of photos; stay up late and watch the stars; Film Fest, Literary Fest, Studio Tours.

Early to mid October: Colours peak (sometimes sooner); hear the leaves swish around your feet as you walk the trails; slow country drives to take it all in; Thanksgiving long weekend lets you get a longer break to really shake the city off.

Mid to late October: Maples have finished their show and the tamaracks are putting on the Golden Encore; invigorating walks; toasty fires.

Early to mid November: Catch the last of the Golden Encore; save more with Quiet Season rates in effect; no crowds; time to relax, catch up on reading, get away from it all; Girlfriends' Getaway weekend in Huntsville.

Jim and I are so happy to participate in the Fuel & Fun promotion again because it lets us give such a great gift to our guests -- who doesn't like to get free gas and spending vouchers? -- but also because it lets us showcase this beautiful season. We hope to share it with you!

Call, email or book online. Visit Fall Fuel & Fun at Fern Glen Inn for details.

In partnership with

Autumn Events in Muskoka and Almaguin

Fall getaways in our neck of the woods are great for hiking, country drives and unstructured R&R, but there are also many scheduled events and happenings to get you out and about. I've listed some below. Check back for updates, or send me info about your own events in Muskoka and the Almaguin Highlands.

Book a two-night getaway for any of these events and receive $100 in Fuel & Fun cards (book by Sept 15 and stay by Nov 15). See Fall Fuel & Fun for details.

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Burk's Falls Fall Fair
Burk's Falls Community Centre and Fair Grounds
Horse shows, horseshoe tournament, horse pull, poultry, art show, exhibits, displays, concessions, entertainment and midway.
Sept 1-2


True Colors Photography Workshop
Algonquin Park, East Beach Picnic Pavilion
Take a guided walk in the park and learn why Algonquin’s hardwoods turn such beautiful shades of yellow, orange, and red. Explore and photograph along the way, with a focus on use of wide angle and telephoto lenses, use of focus and metering functions, and change settings to enhance the color and detail in your images. Each workshop is limited to a group of 15 participants. Visit Friends of Algonquin Park for details.

September 9, 9am – 3:30pm

Subaru Ironman 70.3 Muskoka

Huntsville

Athletes come from far and wide to compete in this test of speed and endurance. The 1-loop swim will take place in picturesque, Peninsula Lake. The 1-loop bike course circles Lake of Bays. The run winds through Muskoka scenery past pink granite rock and cascading waterfalls. Visit Ironman Muskoka for details.

Sept 9

Harvest Festival

Screaming Heads, Midlothian Ridge

Autumn Equinox arts and music celebration in the style of "Burning Man". Installation and performance art, live music, personal expression. Camping on site for total immersion or just spend an afternoon at the event. Visit Harvest Festival for details.

Sept 14-16

Shades of Autumn Antique, Classic and Custom Car Show

Downtown Huntsville

If four wheels are your passion, this one day car show is an adventure that will accelerate your heart rate. Check out 300 exhibits all along downtown Huntsville's main drag, trophies and door prizes. Visit Downtown Huntsville for details.

Sept 15

Heritage Place Ghost Walk

Muskoka Heritage Place, Huntsville

Follow your lantern-carrying guides to explore the haunted village and meet some ghosts firsthand. Venture into the darkness of an Orange Lodge, explore the terrifying history of a crossroads inn, and strain your ears to hear the spectral echoes of the blacksmith at work in his forge. For more information about this annual event, visit Muskoka Heritage Place museum and historical village.

Sept 15, 7:30pm - 9:30pm

Film North Film Festival

Algonquin Theatre, Huntsville

Third annual film festival with a mandate is to provide a user-friendly environment for emerging Canadian and international filmmakers to exhibit, promote, entertain and inform the audience with carefully selected Canadian and international films and celebrity-led panels. Festival goers can also participate in opening and closing night receptions, dinners, and celebrate at the awards gala and after party. Visit Film North for program schedule and details.

Sept 20-22

Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour

Muskoka

Now in it's 34th year of presenting diversely talented artists. Take a glimpse into the studios and witness the artistic process at work through demonstrations and displays. The Muskoka landscape and the artists who draw their inspiration from it extend a special welcome to visitors for two weekends. Visit Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour for map and details.

Sept 22-23 & Sept 29-30

North Words Literary Festival

Huntsville

World class authors come to Muskoka for a weekend of literary excellence. Attend author readings and Q&A sessions, learn the ins and outs of the writing and publishing world with a full day of writer's workshops, rub shoulders at the gala dinner, film screening, children's events and more. See North Words Literary Festival for program schedule and details.

Sept 28-30

Thanksgiving Long Weekend

Fern Glen Inn

Not attending a big family dinner this weekend? Then head up north for some lovely fall scenery, invigorating hikes, slow country drives, stargazing by the fire, and of course some delicious seasonal food. Visit Fern Glen Inn for information about rooms, rates, the property, the breakfasts, or to book online.

Oct 5-8

Huntsville Girlfriends' Getaway Weekend

Huntsville

Time to get away with your best gal pals for shopping, demos and special events. Amanda Marshall performs at the Canada Summit Centre and Jeanne Beker hosts a Diva Soiree of fashion. Visit Huntville Girlfriends' Getaway Weekend for schedule of events and details.

Nov 8-11

A Word about the Weather

I just had an enquiry for a visit in September and one of the first questions the caller asked was whether we have air conditioning. It took me by surprise because it's generally a moot point in September. In fact, with all the trees, water and shade around here, artificial air conditioning is not typically used or needed out in the county "up north".

Still, it made me realize that people who are used to hot summer cities might not understand how different the weather can be here. More specifically -- how widely the temperature fluctuates between the daytime high and the overnight low.

At this time of year, in the heart of summer, the days are warm-to-hot with only occasional humidity (but far less than the oppressive mugginess that often settles over southern Ontario). It's the kind of weather perfect for a morning hike in the woods or an afternoon swim in a fresh lake. Daytime temperatures in July and August are often 26-29°C.

Evenings, though, are surprisingly cool. Even with hot, sunny days, the overnight temperature can drop down to 12-14°C. We had one morning two weeks ago when I woke up to 9°C; it had climbed to 16°C by 9am, and reached 28°C by mid-afternoon. These cool nights are perfect for sleeping and the fresh mornings make you want to get going and enjoy the day.

Sometimes when I show guests to their room they ask if we have air conditioning and I just point outside and say the trees take care of it for us! They really are nature's air conditioner, cycling cool ground water up to the leaves and absorbing sunlight. In a city -- even in a town the size of Huntsville -- all the concrete, asphalt and steel of buildings and roadways reflect the heat, intensifying it, and holding the heat so that the city doesn't cool down overnight.

It's one of the many small differences between urban dwelling and cottage country getaways, but it's one of the great pleasures. Just make sure to pack for it all (from swim suits to fleece pullovers) and enjoy the fresh air, warm sunshine and time away from it all.

Double Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Fern Glen Inn • www.ferngleninn.blogspot.com

There are few true emergencies on a sunny Thursday afternoon, but when I posted a photo of these cookies on our facebook page, I created one. These chewy, crackled gems caught the attention of some friends and guests who deserve to indulge in this chocolatey goodness. Double Chocolate Cherry Cookies recipe needed stat! So here it is...

Double Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Makes about 18 cookies 

These moist, chewy cookies get their "double chocolate" moniker from the cocoa powder and the chocolate chips, but you could make these "triple" by replacing half the regular chocolate chips with white chocolate chips. You can omit the dried cherries or replace them with nuts, but they add a bright note and extra chewiness. 

• 1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour 
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 
• scant 1/4 teaspoon salt 
• 1/4 cup (2 oz) unsalted butter, melted 
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar 
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar 
• 1/3 cup plain natural yogurt 
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 
• 1/3 cup chocolate chips 
• 1/4 cup chopped dried cherries 

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. 

In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugars, yogurt and vanilla extract. Sift the cocoa powder over top and whisk until smooth. Add the flour mixture and stir to just combine. Stir in the chocolate chips and cherries.

Drop the dough in mounds, a scant 2 tablespoons for each cookie, onto the prepared cookie sheets, spacing 2" apart. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the tops of the cookies are dry and slightly cracked. Let the cookies cool the sheets for 10 minutes then transfer them to the rack to cool completely. Repeat with remaining dough.

Serve warm or at room temperature. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Freeze for longer storage. If they last that long.

Waterfall Tour

 Fern Glen Inn • www.ferngleninn.com

We're making it easy for guests to discover waterfalls, cascades, rapids and hidden gems of Muskoka and Almaguin Highlands with a self-guided tour of Waterfalls from Arrowhead to Algonquin Park.

The two-night package is one of our featured Great Canadian Summer & Fall Getaways which are all about experiencing the best of the sunny season and fall foliage in cottage country and Algonquin Park. The waterfall tour includes a hearty picnic lunch plus map and directions to favourites such as:

Brook's Falls in Emsdale

Ragged Falls near Oxtongue Lake

Stubbs Falls in Arrowhead Park

Whiskey Rapids Trail in Algonquin Park

There are more scenic spots and sights of interest on the map, like the Magnetawan River rapids north of Burk's Falls, the Dyer Memorial, Screaming Heads, numerous beaches and more. The challenge will be fitting everything into one getaway!

Magnetawan River rapids

The Waterfalls from Arrowhead to Algonquin Park package includes: 

• 2 nights accommodation for two people 
• Fresh and delicious breakfast each morning 
• Packed lunch on your full day 
• Self drive day tour of waterfalls and natural highlights of the area 
• One-day Ontario Parks Pass

The rate starts from $289/couple + tax

For more information or to book online, click here to visit our Great Canadian Summer Getaways package page.

Brook's Falls in Emsdale

Ragged Falls near Oxtongue Lake

Magnetawan River rapids

Chunky Monkey Vegan Cookies

 Fern Glen Inn • www.ferngleninn.blogspot.com

I have two different sets of vegan guests coming this weekend and wanted to bake something that could double as a little welcome treat in their rooms but also serve as a baked good on the sideboard at breakfast (in place of the banana bread the omnivores will get).

I browsed a few dozen vegan cookie recipes for inspiration and came up with an end result that I just have to share. They are that good, if I do say so myself. And, no, you don't have to be vegan or have an egg allergy or lactose intolerance to enjoy these babies.

I call them Chunky Monkey cookies because they're chock full of banana, peanut butter, peanuts and dark chocolate chunks. I'll be making them again the next time I have an over-ripe banana.

Chunky Monkey Vegan Cookies

• 1 tablespoon ground flax seed
• 3 tablespoons warm water
• 1 medium very ripe banana, mashed
• 1/3 cup natural peanut butter
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (add an extra tablespoon if your peanut butter is so thick it holds it's shape when scooped)
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 cup unbleached all purpose flour
• 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
• 2/3 cup chopped dark chocolate (use dairy-free if making vegan)
• 1/3 cup unsalted roasted peanuts

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line cookie sheets with silicone baking mats or parchment paper.

In a small bowl whisk together the ground flax seed with warm water and set aside for at least 20 minutes. It will become somewhat thick and viscous and acts as a replacement for an egg.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mashed banana, peanut butter and vegetable oil until smooth. Whisk in the sugars, vanilla, and the flax seed mixture.

Sift the flours, baking soda and salt over top and stir until almost combined. Add the rolled oats, chocolate and peanuts and stir until no dry bits remain. Dough will be very thick.

Shape about 2 to 3 tablespoons of dough into a ball (a bit smaller than a ping pong ball). Set on prepared cookie sheet and flatten slightly. Repeat, leaving an inch of space between cookies.

If dough is sticky: wet your hands with cold water and shake off excess before handling dough. The extra moisture won't hurt the cookies. Repeat when your hands get sticky again.

Bake until toasted and dry on the top and golden around the edges, about 11 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes on cookie sheet then transfer to a rack to finish cooling. Serve warm or at room temperature. Cool completely before storing in an air-tight container for up to three days or freeze for longer storage.

Makes about 18 cookies.

Summer Events in Muskoka and Almaguin

July and August are full of organized events of every type including festivals, art gallery tours, competitive sports, live theatre, community fairs, wildlife education... and the list goes on. Find something that tickles your fancy and come on out for a great getaway.

This list is some of the highlights around Huntsville, north Muskoka, Algonquin Park and the south end of the Almaguin Highlands. Check back often as we'll add events as we hear about them. Got an event going on? Let us know so we can add it, too.

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Canada Day Celebrations
Huntsville
Join the party in River Mill Park and celebrate Canada.
July 1

Muskoka Heritage Place Strawberry Social
Huntsville
Canada Day festivities include free admission to the Muskoka Museum and regular Pioneer Village and Train admission. Includes strawberry scones, Canada flags and stickers, while supplies last. Costumed narrators, historical demonstrations, strolling minstrels and the Portage Flyer steam train chugs down the track. Visit Muskoka Heritage Place for details.
July 1, 10am - 4pm

Reel Paddling Film Festival
Huntsville
Algonquin Outfitters brings this annual event to the Algonquin Theatre, showcasing the world's best paddling films. Be inspired by scenes and stories of rivers, lakes, oceans, and extreme adventure in wild places. Tickets $16. Visit the Algonquin Theatre for details.
July 4, 7pm

Photography Workshop: Flora & Wildflowers
Algonquin Park
Learn about the beautiful wildflowers that carpet Algonquin’s hardwood slopes and how best to capture them in photos. Photographer/teacher Debbie Bradley will demystify camera settings and techniques and a Park naturalist will accompany the group for plant identification and to explain the natural history of the plant species we find along the trail. Enjoy a day of photography capturing the natural beauty of Algonquin Park, including an indoor instructional session and review, and hands-on experiential field excursion for practice. Group size is limited to 15 participants. For pricing and information, see the Friends of Algonquin Park.

July 7, 9am - 3:30pm

Look, See, Paint Workshop - Adults

Algonquin Park

Experience artist Jeff Miller's unique style of instruction and participate in watercolour painting to view Algonquin's spectacular surroundings in a whole new light. During this half-day painting excursion, participants will learn the Look, See, Paint concept while appreciating the natural environment of Algonquin Park. Workshop includes all necessary paint, paper and brushes; instruction from Jeff Miller;  valid Park permit for the day of the workshop. Maximum 15 participants, aged 16 years or older. See the Friends of Algonquin Park for pricing and registration.
July 8, 1:30 - 4:30pm

Creative Changes Art Show & Sale
Kearney
Annual event showcasing local artists and artisans. Featuring paintings, pottery, woodcarving, jewelry and more. Wine and cheese reception Friday evening for $5. Free admission all day Saturday and Sunday. At the Kearney Community Centre. See the Town of Kearney for details.
July 7, reception begins at 7pm
July 8 & 9, beginning 10am

Nuit Blanche North
Huntsville
Take a walk on the wild side with a night of free interactive art and performances in downtown Huntsville. For one night, artists fill the streets and public spaces of downtown Huntsville with street theatre, music, sculpture, film, and fun exhibits. Come explore, discover, debate, create and participate in this magical event. See Nuit Blanch North for details.
July 14, beginning 8pm

The Limberlost Challenge
Limberlost Reserver, east of Huntsville
This endurance event is a trail runners dream with challenging terrain alongside lakes, through wetland, up and over steep inclines, and through the occasional creek or mud hole. Includes a well marked course, post-race meal, chip timing and points-qualifying distances. Four race distances to choose from: 14k, 28k, 42k, and 56k. Wow, that's an endurance race! See The Limberlost Challenge for details.
July 14th, first race starts at 8am

Cooking with Jeff
Huntsville
Great food plus informative and memorable entertaining and dining ideas are on the menu as celebrity chef Jeff Suddaby of 3 Guys and a Stove grills, tosses and sears up four delicious foods in the al fresco kitchen at Sandhill Nursery. Come out to Sandhill Nursery, west of Huntsville, and watch, learn, enjoy the food and sip a little wine. Tickets are $40. For menu and details, visit Huntsville Festival of the Arts.
July 15, 12 noon - 4pm

Firefly Festival
Huntsville 
Main Street in Downtown Huntsville will be closed to traffic and shops will move their merchandice out to the streets to show-off their wares and sales. There'll be live entertainment, food and fun until midnight!  For more information visit Downtown Huntsville Adventures BIA.
July 20, beginning at 5pm

Jian Ghomeshi
Huntsville
Award-winning broadcaster, writer, musician, producer host and co-creator of the national daily talk program,“Q,” Jian will share some moments from his show and thoughts on current events and pop culture. Q&A to follow. At Huntsville's Algonquin Theatre. Tickets $33. See Huntsville Festival of the Arts for details.
July 21, 8pm

Muskoka 5150 Triathlon
Huntsville
This competitive sporting event features eight races, including an international distance triathlon. Races begin at the Summit Centre in Huntsville. See Trisport Canada for registration and details.
July 22

Jazz in the Garden
Huntsville
Smooth jazz fills the air, bring your lawn chair and sit amongst the beautiful gardens at Spencer’s Tall Trees Restaurant. Tempt your tastebuds with light snacks and refreshing drinks. Tickets $20. See Huntsville Festival of the Arts for details.
July 22, 1pm - 3pm

en Plein Air
Huntsville
Cheer on renowned local artists and area dignitaries as they create masterpieces on the streets of downtown over the space of four short hours. After watching your favourite work of art being created, you'll have the chance to take it home with you at the live auction at 3pm on the Town Hall steps. Pop in to the Shutterbug Gallery or visit the Huntsville Festival of the Arts for details.
July 26