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Spring
has sprung!
For the past month we have been enjoying the daffodils,
the birds as they return from the south and generally warmer weather than
Bruce County offers at this time of year. There is lots of great driftwood
on the beach, along with the usual bits of fishing gear and the occasional
shoe, and while the wind is cold, walks along the water are very pleasant.
We are entering our thirteenth year of business at Chantry Breezes, and
the Chinese say that 13 is an auspicious number! We look forward to seeing
you again this year and have reported all the news we have to offer below.
Don and Jenny took a holiday in
February to Portugal, visiting a number of small towns, staying in
“Pousada” very old (but renovated) convents, monestaries and castles
as well as two lovely Bed & Breakfast facilities: Quinta Cebola
Vermelha near Boliqueime in the Algarve (www.quintadacebolavermelha.com/),
and Quinta Bonita, near Lagos (www.boutiquehotelalgarve.com/)
that we highly recommend to those of you who travel overseas.
We came back with some great ideas
based on their offerings, and will be implementing some of them over the
next few months. Don is building a guest kitchenette on the main floor; we
are purchasing new tables for the sun porch, slightly larger than what we
have. We have also expanded the back patio are by removing the big juniper
bush. The projects for Fall include building an outdoor fireplace and BBQ
area near the pond. Our hostess, Noor at Cebola Vermelha has a large
collection of lanterns that she lights every evening. Jenny went to Pier 1
and purchased a number on our return, so right now the front porch and the
dining room are lit up at night – but we are using battery operated
candles.
We have taken the
Sigurdson-Johannson Room (the green room on the second floor) out of
service to create a storage and workroom area. Jenny wants to slow down a
little – getting lazy as she gets older? That means there is one less
room to offer this year, so please book as soon as you know what your
plans are so we can accommodate you.
| Jenny has been involved in the
local food movement in Grey and Bruce counties for the past 5 or
so years. She has been Chair of the Grey Bruce Agriculture and
Culinary Association for over two years. She was asked to attend a
dinner meeting of the Bruce County Federation of Agriculture last
Friday (the 13th) and came home with this! An Award of Merit for
her work in support of Agriculture, an honour which she had not
anticipated. You will see the trophy on the mantel in the living
room or on the sideboard in the dining room. (One of her friends
has offered to give her lessons in driving a tractor. She is
thinking about that.) |
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Events:
There is always lots going on between Southampton, Port Elgin and Saugeen
First Nations events: fireworks, festivals, fish fries and beef barbecues,
etc. We are hosting the Art on the Fence event again this year –
Saturday of the August long weekend (rain date Sunday). This is the same
weekend as the Marine Heritage Festival with many events planned to
remember the War of 1812 and the General Hunter, the ship that was
excavated on the Beach near the end of Morpeth Street a few years ago. The
Museum has a great display on this as well as a revisit of the Titanic
Exhibit from about ten years ago, so lots to do on rainy days or
just for a change from the usual! Don’t forget the big Sister’s Sale
in late August. Some of our guests are great supporters of this event. (No
names, but you know who you are!)
Just
a reminder about the three most popular adventures in Southampton (It is
best to book in advance of your arrival to insure that you can
participate.)
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Chantry
Island Lighthouse Tour
As you
take the 15 minute boat ride to the island you will enjoy the
outstanding views of the sandy beach shoreline and the deep blue
waters of Lake Huron. During your two hour guided visit on Chantry
Island, you have the opportunity to climb to the top of the
Imperial Lighthouse for extraordinary views of the island. Stroll
back in time as you visit the Light Keeper's Cottage as it existed
in the late 1800’s, decorated with period furnishings
Price:
$30 per person
Duration:
2 hour
Web
site: www.chantryisland.com |
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Kayaking
& Canoeing on the Saugeen River
Thorncrest
Outfitters, a block from Chantry Breezes, provides
a variety of paddling experiences in the area. The Saugeen River,
that terminates in Southampton is a popular adventure. Check out
their web site for details and costs.
Price:
from $35/da. per person
Duration:
Half day plus
Web
Site: www.thorncrestoutfitters.com
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Art
School
The Southampton Art School
offers 140 classes throughout the year. For information about this
exciting course lineup please browse through the school’s online
catalogue. www.theartschool.org/programs.php
Around
Town
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Kimberley’s By The Shore closed in
January. Kim retired and closed the store – grandchildren are
a powerful draw and she wanted more time to be with her growing
family.
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Intimates Lingerie has relocated to
the Kimberley’s shop. More product and more selection
available. It is a beautiful shop, so plan to shop when you are
in town.
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On March 2, Schendel and Sullivan expanded
into the old Intimates area with accessories and some youthful
tops, leggings and similar product. Colourful array of great
casual wear.
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Work on the old Drugstore seems
to have halted. We had hoped that new shops would be open in
Late Spring, but that may be delayed.
·
Guest House Inn- They are well into
construction of a new 52 room facility to replace the old 24
room building that burned last May. We are delighted that they
are to be back in business again..
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Huron Haven Motel – Art Weir passed away
in November; Rita announced to us that she has sold the
property. The new owners will continue the motel use.
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Armen opened the Café on March 1 and Off-Shore
Bakery is open again so Flax Seed Bread lovers can come up
and refill their freezers.
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Enchanted Fusion reopened with more
“Chinese” food than Thai on the menu. Reports are good from
townsfolk who have eaten there.
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Loose
Leaves Tea
is combining forces with a coffee shop from Port Elgin, Kemble
Mountain Roastery
and will be able to provide specially roasted coffee as well as
tea. They moved in last week, and the place is hopping
with clients, so be sure to stop there when you get to town.
Kathy and Larry
Simon of Bayberry’s on High have sold the shop to Selena,
Tara, and Lori who are keeping up the tradition of beautiful
flowers and interesting giftware. Kathy is helping out during
the transition so you can see her there periodically. Please go
in and welcome the women to Southampton, when you are here.
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Jenny
& Don Amy
Phone: (519) 797-1818
Toll Free: 1 (866)-chantry (242-6879)
E-mail: Chantry@bmts.com
W e b S i t e: www.chantrybreezes.com
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