Summer is here, and if the weather seems to be the topic of preference, our Westport season is off to a fine start. Rain or shine, there is fishing, hiking, boating (you can even rent a houseboat and cruise the Rideau Canal) and fly-in events at the Westport Airstrip. Summer fairs are underway in the surrounding towns and Westport now boasts a new Saturday morning farmer’s market.

The Dandelion Studio Tour in May, the Antique Show in June, and the Westport Heritage Festival in July were all fun-filled and well-attended events. Our Bed and Breakfast was selected to be part of the Heritage House Tour benefiting the Rideau Museum last week, and we were please to see hundreds of visitors pass through our home in support of this Westport institution.

The next big event is the August 15 music festival, and everyone has been chipping in to make this the biggest and best yet. (Visit www.westportartscouncil.ca for the festival lineup and schedule.) This free event is made possible by generous donations of the Westport business community and through fund-raising events such as last March’s Kitchen Party (Ceilidh) which drew musicians and dancers from many corners of the region for a celebration of traditional music and Irish stew. We have other exciting events coming up – music, writers reading – as we gear up for next year’s program. It is never too early to start. Announcements will be made on the B&B blog and on the Westport Arts Council web site as details become available.

Also this month is the Rideau Valley Art Show & Sale (August 21, 22, and 23) at the Westport Community Centre. Over 60 of the countries finest artists and artisans attend this prestigious festival. Funds raised from this event go to support other community associations.

Stay tuned for information of upcoming events –Writers Reading (September), Fall Colours Studio Tour (October 10-12) .

The daylight hours are getting longer, spring is just around the corner and it is time to get out and around again. We are pleased to report that culture is alive and well in Westport. The Blues on the Rideau music series entertained us all winter, and these musical events featuring Juno-award winning blues artists are continuing monthly through June (http://www.choosetheblues.ca/).

Here are some of the events lined up for the coming months. We will update our blog page with details as they become available. Be sure to check back regularly for news on Westport musical and arts events. (www.avictorianreflection.com/blog).

March

Kitchen Party / Ceilidh (March 14th): A Kitchen Party is an informal gathering of music and dance and In case you do not speak Newfoundlander, the Gaelic word for Kitchen Party is “Ceilidh”. We will have non-stop lively music and dancing, from 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Cash bar, dinner available. At the Westport Legion Hall. This event is sponsored by the Westport Arts Council in support of the MUSICWestport event to be held in August.

April

Poetry Along the Rideau (April 3 th -5 th): Join us for a weekend of poetry readings featuring Elizabeth Glenny (St. Catherines), Terje Thorsen (Norway), Carol Little (PEI), and Audrey Ogilvie (Westport). Anders Carson (Portland) will perform along with music in between.

Choose your venue and your experience. The venues are

• April 3rd 8:00 pm at The Cove Inn, Westport. No fee for the poetry. Have dinner at the Cove beforehand.
• April 4th Afternoon at North Crosby Hall with same poets along with child contestant winners from local schools. $5 fee money goes to North Crosby Hall
• April 4th 6:00 pm at Newboro Hall in Newboro. $20 includes meal. Same poets with a Cabaret atmosphere.
• April 5th 7:00pm at the Smiths Falls Railway Museum. Same poets. Pass the hat with money going towards the Railway Museum.

May

Dandelion Gardens Studio Tour (May 16-18): The Westport Area Dandelion Gardens Studio Tour is being held at various studios in Westport and Rideau Lakes.

50s and 60s Party (May 23rd) featuring Eddy and the Stingrays, Canada’s #1 Rock and Roll Show and Dance Band. At the Cove Inn, Westport. (http://www.eddyandthestingrays.com/)

June
Westport Antique Show & Sale (June 6 and 7): The ever-popular show returns to the Westport Arena.

Westport Heritage Festival and Farmer’s Market (June 20): Come to Bedford Street in Westport for our 3rd Heritage Festival. Locally produced crafts, food, and fun for the whole family.

Rideau Lakes Studio & Garden Tour (June 28-29): Saturday - Sunday 10am - 5pm. Spend a day in beautiful Rideau Lakes Township exploring the country roads as you visit the many talented Artists and Artisans of the Rideau Lakes Studio and Garden Tour. A free brochure will guide you through the tour and is available at most area stores, restaurants and welcome centres.

August

Third Annual MUSICestport (August 15th). A day of free music at three outdoor venues in Westport, including our front lawn. Bring a lawn chair.

Rideau Valley Art Show & Sale (August 21, 22, and 23): This exhibition and sale takes place at the Westport Community Centre on August 21, 22, 23. Over 60 of the countries finest artists and artisans attend this prestigious festival. Funds raised from this event go to support other community associations

And stay tuned for …

Country fairs (July and August)
Writers Reading (September)
Fall Colours Studio Tour October 10-12
Pumpkin Festival - October 24

Just in the last few weeks, visitors to the Dandelion Gardens Studio Tour enjoyed quality crafted items on a glorious May weekend while the June Westport Antique Show, for two decades the kickoff event of “the season”, was busier yet.

On the music scene, Juno award winning folksinger Ian Tamblyn entertained with his captivating stories and songs and the ever-popular Blues on the Rideau series wraps up at the Cove Inn this week with announcement that there will be even more shows next year. Stay tuned for the 2008-09 lineup.

We are continuing our improvements at A Victorian Reflection Bed and Breakfast as well, with a newly decorated Granny Suite and a television in the Doctor’s Suite. And be sure to visit our expanded Antiques Barn. www.avictorianreflection.com.

Foley Mountain opens a new Children’s Discovery Centre and Mobility Trail

Children of all ages can now experience the Foley Mountain Conservation Area in their own way. Open this spring, the new Centre, in the lower level of the Interpretation Centre provides a wide variety of activities including identification of animal tracks, exhibits of live animals from the area, a puppet theatre, an arts and crafts corner, and information and knapsacks for discovery hikes.

The Mobility Trail is a gently sloping 300 metre walk though the Foley Mountain area allowing mobility–challenged people or visitors with young children or strollers to enjoy a stroll in the park.

High atop a granite ridge overlooking the historic Upper Rideau waterway and the Village, Foley Mountain is famous for the scenic lookout, its sandy beach, its 9 kilometres of hiking trails, and especially its dynamic, hands-on, education programs for
school children and youth groups. The interpretation Centre is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and various family programs are offered during the week all summer. Check it out on http://www.rideauvalley.on.ca/careas/foley/.

Westport Heritage Festival, Saturday June 28th, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Come celebrate Westport’s heritage with us as we close Bedford Street to traffic and turn it over to farmers, crafters, music, petting zoo, face painting, balloon animals, and more. Visit the Rideau District Museum. And don’t forget the Rideau Lakes Studio & Garden Tour that same weekend.

And don’t forget Music Westport, August 16th, nine bands outdoors, free entertainment sure to please. The lineup will include an a capella group and two other groups on our front lawn. See you in Westport!

Gasoline prices got you thinking about a vacation
closer to home?

Make Westport your summer getaway destination.


We are just a few hours from Montreal or Toronto
and a short drive from Ottawa or Kingston.

Bring your golf clubs (the courses are open), bicycle, airplane, kayak, fishing gear, swimsuit, or come as you are.

Visit an old-fashioned country fair.

Relax and enjoy a quiet evening in the country.

Many people have asked what there is to do in Westport. Well, what is your pleasure? Golf, hiking, nature walks, swimming, cycling, boating, fishing, horseback riding, flying, history, art, crafts, music, shopping? All these are in and around Westport.

If you go a bit further, you can take a day trip to Ottawa (Parliament, tulip festival, museums and market), or the Thousand Islands, or bring your passport and visit picturesque Alexandria Bay, NY, and Boldt Castle.

Check out our website www.avictorianreflection.com for more details.

We look forward to seeing you this summer. We will be sending a newsletter again in a couple of months with our fall schedule. If you wish to be removed from this list, please reply with “Unsubscribe” in the subject line.

See you soon.

Denise and Barry

Upcoming Events in and around Westport (read on or click on music, art, outdoors)

Westport Music

Julian Fauth Band (Friday, May 16): in the popular Blues on the Rideau Series at the Cove Inn. Live Blues & Buffet features some of Canada’s Best Blues Artists. Juno and Maple award winners play live to sold out crowds! A portion of the event proceeds go to local charities. Tickets are only $49 per person (taxes and charitable donation included) and advance reservations are required. 1-888-268-3466 (COVEINN)

An Evening with Ian Tamblyn (Sunday, June 8 at 7:30 P.M.): Enjoy an evening with Juno Award winning singer-songwriter, musician, and adventurer Ian Tamblyn at the Westport United Church (corner of Spring and Church). All tickets $20. A presentation of the Westport Arts Council. (Tickets available locally, contact us)

Finis Tasby (Friday, June 20): in the popular Blues on the Rideau Series at the Cove Inn. Live Blues & Buffet features some of Canada’s Best Blues Artists. Juno and Maple award winners play live to sold out crowds! A portion of the event proceeds go to local charities. Tickets are only $49 per person (taxes and charitable donation included) and advance reservations are required. 1-888-268-3466 (COVEINN)

Westport Outdoor Music Festival (Saturday, August 16): Nine groups perform jazz, blues, country & western, blue grass and good old rock & roll on outdoor stages at Foley House Historic Inn, The Cove Country Inn and A Victorian Reflection Bed & Breakfast beginning at noon. Bring your own lawn chair! Come and enjoy the day. Sponsored by the Westport Arts Council.

Westport art and antiques

Dandelion Gardens Studio Tour (May 17, 18 and 19 - Saturday, Sunday, Monday) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Treat yourself to a scenic outing. Enjoy beautiful blossoms, crystal blue lakes, and fresh air. The tour covers seven studios with the unique works of twenty local artists. Come, browse and discover something different in the woods. Maps and brochures are available at numerous local businesses for this free, self-guided tour, or at http://www.artatwork.ca/westport_studiotours/.

The Westport Antique Show and Sale (Saturday June 7 and Sunday June 8) at the Westport Arena is one of the biggest and best antique shows in Ontario, featuring a wide variety of vendors. Shop the more than 50 exhibitor booths for antiques, vintage furnishings, collectibles, Canadian pine, primitives, crystal, silver. Admission $5 daily, $4 seniors, $7 weekend pass.

Rideau Lakes Studio & Garden Tour (Saturday - Sunday 10am - 5pm June 28th and 29th): Spend a day in beautiful Rideau Lakes Township exploring the country roads, as you visit the many talented Artists and Artisans of the 2008 Rideau Lakes Studio and Garden Tour. A free brochure will guide you through the tour and is available at most area stores, restaurants and welcome centres or visit http://www.rideaulakesstudioandgardentour.com/

Chaffey’s Lock Craft Fair (Saturday, July 26): This annual event is celebrating its 27th anniversary and attracts over 40 artists and craftsmen from near and far. Visitors will enjoy the market styled ambiance of the day. Located right in Chaffey’s Locks, on the lawns of the Opinicion Hotel, on Saturday, July 26th* from 9:00am to 4:00pm rain or shine (preferably shine).

Rideau Valley Art Festival (Friday August 22 through Sunday August 24): This exhibition and sale takes place at the Westport Community Centre. Over 60 of the countries finest artists and artisans attend this prestigious festival. Funds raised from this event go to support other community associations. By searching out original works of art by well-known and new artists whose work is juried before acceptance, the Board of Directors ensures high-quality work and a showcase of exceptional talent. Artists will be on hand to answer your questions, and a variety of attractions promise something for everyone. http://www.rideauvalleyartfestival.com/

Westport outdoors

The Rideau Lakes Cycle Tour (Saturday June 7 and Sunday June 8): This annual event brings cyclists from all over to our part of the world. A favorite rest/stop-over spot is at the pavilion in North Crosby’s Shillington Park. Go to www.ottawabicycleclub.ca to see more about the tour.

Canada Day Celebrations (Tuesday, July 1): Join us as the town of Newboro celebrates during the day with activities, special events, and their famous Canada Day Parade. Enjoy your lunch at the historic Canada Day Picnic, which takes place in Chaffey’s Lock. On June 28th in the evening come to Portland by boat, or watch from the government docks as a spectacular fire works display explodes from Cow Island, sponsored by the Big Rideau Lakes Association or have fun all day at the Lions Beach just outside of Westport.

Delta Fair (Thursday, July 24 through Sunday, July 27): Come and celebrate 179 years of the Delta Fair over four continuous days of fun. Enjoy the thrill of the world’s finest shows midway. There will be something for everyone including agricultural displays, and home crafts exhibits. There will be live entertainment on the main grandstand Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Every day will include children activities. The four days will also be filled with a horse draw, family horse show, western horse game show, tractor pull, and parade etc. Admission is reasonable and parking is available. www.deltafair.com.

Lombardy Fair (Friday August 1 through Monday August 4): In 27 years this fair has grown and expanded to act as a bench mark for other fairs in Ontario. Enjoy produce, home craft, and handcraft displays. The jam-packed schedule includes beef and livestock shows, western team penning, horse and pony pulls, tractor pulls, lawn mower races, kids’ day, clowns. A Demolition Derby on Monday rounds of the four day fair. www.lasfair.ca

Winter Getaways in Westport and the Rideau Lakes

… Love the snowy outdoors in the country?

… Looking for a cosy stopover between Toronto and Montreal or Ottawa / Gatineau?

… Need unusual and quality gift items without spending an arm and a leg?

… Need to just chill out for a night, away from it all?

Westport has it and more.

The leaves are long gone and golfers have played their last rounds for the season. It seems like it was just yesterday that the little goblins counted their Halloween candies on the kitchen table, yet the festive lights are switched on, Santa has paraded through Westport, and Christmas is less than a week away. The boutiques are bustling, and with the early snow cover, everyone is in the holiday spirit. Winter promises to be as exciting as any other season in Westport. Check out the details of the many activities below.

At A Victorian Reflection, we had the pleasure throughout the fall of greeting guests here to enjoy the Rideau Valley Art Show, the Fall Colours Studio Tour and the many other studio tours in the nearby towns, and, of course, the International Plowing Match. Our guests have enjoyed our Saturday afternoon wine and cheese, and many have discovered that a weekend away with their in-room Jacuzzi is the ideal way to unwind from the stress of the week.

Holiday time is family time, and like many of you, we will be celebrating this holiday season with our family. A Victorian Reflection B&B will be closed beginning Sunday, December 23, and will re-open on Friday, January 4, 2008.

We look forward to seeing you this winter or helping you plan your spring or summer getaway. And consider Westport for a romantic Valentine’s getaway. Stay with us on Valentine’s weekend and we will offer you a half bottle of bubbly and treats for any stay on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday, February 14, 15, or 16. We can also reserve a table for you at the nearby Stepping Stone Inn where you can enjoy their special Valentine’s menu. Cap off the evening with a glass of port, and a relaxing Jacuzzi in one of our spa rooms. Be sure to reserve now.

We will be sending a newsletter again in the spring – if golfing, cycling, or fishing are your idea of fun, then stay tuned. If you wish to be removed from this list, please reply with “Unsubscribe” in the subject line.

See you soon.

Denise and Barry

Winter in Westport

Shopping

• Visit the Westport boutiques and take advantage of the post-holiday specials.

Sports

• Cross Country Skiing : The Rideau Lakes area has a number of cross country trails for your enjoyment including several groomed trails on Foley Mountain in Westport.

• Hiking: The Rideau Trail is a hiking trail from Kingston to Ottawa which passes through Westport. Check out the Rideau Trail Association website for their organized winter hikes. (www.rideautrail.org/current1.htm).

• Winter Fishing: Sitting out on the ice on a clear crisp winter day, waiting for that telltale nibble – it doesn’t get any better than the Rideau system.

• Rideau Lakes Ski Chili Fly In, Westport (February 9, 2008). Join the members of the Rideau Lakes Flying Club as they welcome pilots and guests from all around with hot chili and spicy conversations (613-273-5282).

Culture

• Blues on the Rideau Series (The Cove Inn) LIVE Blues & Buffet: On the 3rd Friday of the month, from September through June, the Cove Country Inn now features some of Canada’s Best Blues Artists. Juno and Maple award winners play live to sold out crowds! A portion of the event proceeds go to local charities.
  • January 18-19 David Rotundo Band
  • February 15 Jack de Keyzer Band
  • March 21 Kenny ‘Blues Boss’ Wayne & Band
  • April 18 Anderson/Sloski w. Special Guests Shakura S’Aida & Brooke Blackburn
  • May 16 Julian Fauth Band
  • June 20 Finis Tasby

  Tickets are only $49 per person (taxes and charitable donation included) and advance reservations are required. 1-888-268-3466 (COVEINN)

Events near Westport

• Fourth International Speed Skating Event and Fireworks, Portland (January 26, 2008). Watch skaters from across the globe race on the 1 km oval on Big Rideau Lake in 5, 10, 50-km races and a team relay event. Then enjoy the show as the skies light up in a spectacular winter fireworks display, starting at 7:00 PM (www.portlandoutdoors.com).

• Winter Carnivals - February is winter carnival month. Enjoy the outdoor fun in our neighbouring towns –

  • February 1-3 in Elgin for bed races, free skating, displays, broom ball, hockey
  • February 8-10 in Newboro for skating, bonfire, candle-lit cross country skiing; Saturday events include International Dog Sled Pull Competition, Ice Fishing derby, and fireworks on Saturday evening
• Rideau Cup Dog Sled Race, Newboro (February 16-17, 2008). Alternate routes will be put in place for this exciting and fun filled event, so the race will be a go no matter what the ice conditions are on the lake. (www.twprideaulakes.on.ca/dogsledraces).