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!