Sally’s View of the River

Jan and I have visited close to 450 b&bs in our travel career and there are clearly a difference between the “pass by b&b” and the “destination B&B” and I will try to share the difference here. I am not sure there is any real definition for the two kinds of B&B. There is however a difference in the war you are treated during the reservation process and upon arrival.

During the “pass by B&B” reservation process you may be asked for the very minimum of information. These folks are not interested in the information for follow up contact…for example a snail mail address or an email address. They just want your credit card information. You may have noticed that the phone number is the same for 4 or 5 different b&bs…this often means that one person owns a bunch of houses or there is an answering service that answers the telephone.

The “pass by b&b” likely has a host who will meet you upon arrival and then you never see them again. Or there is just a key hidden for you to find and you never see a host. Often in these circumstances breakfast is either in a basket out side your room in the morning or in the dining room as a continental breakfast. This kind of B&B is for the folks who are Travelling from one place to another and who do not really want to be held up by chit chat. There was no host contact…you were not staying in a host home.

Personally Jan and I are not fond of the “pass by B&B” as we would much rather the personal touches that you receive when you are welcomed by the owner and host. There is a very different pride that the hosts have when you find a ” destination B&B”. There are more stories shared and the guests learn more about the community you are visiting.

The “destination b&b” is an owner occupied home. Usually a home with very special features, stories, history or close to many activities or tourism interests. This is usually a place where you would stay for at least 2 or more days. The guests would be served an incredible breakfast in the morning usually tailored to the tastes of the guest.

Well as you can expect the (Sunny Rock Bed & Breakfastis clearly a “destination B&B”. In fact our guests are simply amazed by all the service they receive when they stay with us. We have stories of the pervious owners, how the property came about, stories of the life on the river and the birds and animals that delight us day in an day out. At the reservation process we take lots of information about our guests because we want to keep contact with our new friends. We are proud of our 85 percent return rate and the friends that we have met in the past 16 years.

You will need to see if you would rather enjoy either the “pass by” or the ” destination” b& b. Both bed and breakfast types have their place and there will be guest preferences. Which one would you rather?

The Month of May is certainly the time of year to head to the popular tourist destination of Cape Cod’s Provincetown in Massachusetts. We headed to Cape Cod without considering the need to have our accommodation planned in advance. Jan and I knew that the tourist season had not really begun yet for the Provincetown folks.

There are literally 100 accommodation options all along the Cape Cod Coast line. We still had time in our driving day so we headed for Provincetown MA. Driving into the village along Commercial street we considered only accommodation near the centre of the village. With a number of options available one of the ones that stood out as our choice was the Prince Albert Guest House. So we had arrived to 164 and 166 Commercial Street two historical house merged into one Guest house now know as the Prince Albert Guest House.

Cape Cod, Provincetown MA: Prince Albert Guest House boast of having "one of Provincetown Massachusetts' largest outdoor living areas located on Commercial Street and the homes are historical landmarks once belonged to sea captains from the whaling days!" Well no wonder it is known as "Provinvetown's Crown Jewel". Sitting in the comfy and relaxing court yard we soon realized this was the best location in PTown to let the world pass by, people watch, and to enjoy the harbor views. We clearly scored one of the best.

If you find your way to The Prince Albert Guest House to visit Stephen please tell them that Sally and Jan of the Sunny Rock Bed and Breakfast in the Haliburton Highlands Ontario Canada sent you.

Land’s End Inn: Provincetown Massachusetts USA
On a recent 5 day holiday Jan and I “escaped everyday life as we know it” and headed on a driving tour into the USA which lead us to Cape Cod Massachusetts. While in Provincetown Cape Cod we visited and toured an Inn that has the same “WOW” qualities that our Sunny Rock Bed and Breakfast in the Haliburton Highlands Ontario.

Jan and I had no accommodations planned so we drove up and down Commercial Street and Bradford Street in Provincetown. Two Inns made impressions on us The Prince Albert Guest House Inn and the Land’s End Inn. As we had a limited time visit and wanted the Centretown experience, walking through the galleries, stores and eating at a couple of village restaurants we ended up staying at the Prince Albert Inn. However we asked Stephan, our innkeeper/owner of the Prince Albert Guest House Inn, to contact the owner/Innkeeper of the Land’s End Inn and ask if we could visit and tour. Our request was honoured and Joe, an Innkeeper/associate of the Land’s End Inn took us on a very extensive tour.

When Jan and I arrived to the Land’s End Inn we parked the car on the Commercial Street road side and ascended the stairs to the most incredible view. With each step up came another and then again another “WOW”. Both Jan and I were in “AH” of the view. Mmmmm….It was at this point that we were reminded that this is the same ‘WOW” our guests experience when they arrive at the Sunny Rock Bed and Breakfast. In both environments guests/visitors must get out of their parked car, walk the stairs or onto the higher ground to see what sets both B&B’s apart from all the other Bed and Breakfasts in our respective areas.

We were struck by the blue of the ocean, the view, the solitude of the space, the view, the collection of comfy sitting areas, and oh…did I mention the view!

This is a quote from the Land’s End Inn Website:

“Set high atop a hill in Provincetown’s charming West End, Land’s End Inn offers exquisite inn accommodations with panoramic ocean views. The New York Times describes Land’s End Inn as “a lavishly decorated outpost atop the West End with extravagant views and gorgeous grounds.” Seventeen luxury guests rooms commanding ocean views, just steps to the beach and just a short walk to downtown Provincetown makes Land’s End Inn the perfect place for romance and relaxation. has Michael Macintyre created a signature destination that is like no other. Treat yourself, or a loved one to some of the finest luxury lodging accommodations available on Cape Cod.”

You will notice that I rave about the view and have not at all talked about the interior of this incredible Inn. With the exception of maybe two rooms Joe, Jan and I visited the bedrooms. I was invited to take picture if I liked. I did take a few however they we amateurish. So I would like to lead you to see the video that the Land’s End Inn has on their website. This Land’s End Inn video takes you inside and out.

Owner/Innkeeper Michael MacIntyre has certainly made the decore work for this property. There are things everywhere in the colloection of neat things from all over the world.

For those who know Sunny Rock B&B and who might want to travel to Cape Cod and Provincetown there are interesting parallels to be drawn between the Lands End Inn and Sunny Rock Bed and Breakfast: each have a “WOW” view, a very large house with interesting nooks and crannies, decks/padios with a view and a breeze, beautifull room decore and bed settings, ensuite bathrooms, breakfast nook and deck sitting for breakfast and a hospitality package that includes first class service and a value added experience.

Families, individuals, beginners and professionals – there’s something for everyone at the Haliburton School of The Arts. Nestled on the shores of Head Lake in the Haliburton Highlands Ontario, the School offers over 350 courses and workshops to choose from. Immerse yourself in a rich experience and awaken a creative vigour that can be motivating and energizing or reflective and relaxing.

“It’s so much more than just an art school. The mix of ages, techniques, skill levels and extra-curricular activities generates a creative energy that new students marvel at and returning students look forward to being a part of again.”, says Shelley Schell, the Co-ordinator of the part-time program. “Beyond the classroom doors there are gallery receptions, art talks, walk-about exhibitions, entertainment, and instructor features. The local galleries, shops, summer theatre and Haliburton Sculpture Forest play a significant role in a creative immersion in the Haliburton Highlands. It really is Where it’s Art!”

Weeklong adult courses are accepted as credits toward Fleming College’s Visual & Creative Arts Diploma. There are also courses that are part of the Express
ive Arts Ontario Graduate Certificate from Fleming College.

Visit www.HaliburtonSchoolofTheArts.ca for the schedule of courses and workshops. With over 90 new offerings and 28 new instructors blended with favourite returns, it’s an exciting program. Painting, guitar, glassblowing, pottery, jewellery, doll making, belly dancing, chainsaw carving, beading, clowning, musical instrument construction, bookbinding, choral singing, floor cloths, writing, quilting, reconstructed garments, fiddle playing, glass painting, and more. Retreat on your own or bring the family! Accommodation assistance is available.

Registrations now being accepted for the 2011 schedule!

While attending the School of the Arts come stay with us at the Sunny Rock Bed and Breakfast. We have a “School of the Arts Special” when you stay from Sunday to Friday. Please mention “School or the Arts special” when you call to make your reservation.

Call Toll Free for your reservation 1888-786-6976

www.sunnyrock.on.ca

The Amazing Kreskin with Sally and Ace of the Sunny Rock Bed and Breakfast in the Haliburton Highlands

With a showman’s flair, a comedian’s wit, and the capacities of a bona fide Mentalist or thought reader, The Amazing Kreskin has, for some six decades, dramatized the unique facets of the human mind…his own. His very name has become an integral part of pop culture throughout the world, invoked in comedy clubs, comic strips, print stories, and TV shows from sitcoms on through national magazines.

The Amazing Kreskin was invited to the Ontario Senior Games as a final night entertainer for the athletes, volunteers and guests. The following night he entertained 350 adults at the Northern Lights Pavillion in Haliburton Village as the Guest entertainer of the Haliburton Highlands Lions Club. I had the good fortune to attend that show and it was incredible and very entertaining.

The Anazing Kreskin (Glenn Ottaway and Richard Forget friends of Kreskin) stayed at the Sunny Rock Bed and Breakfast in the Haliburton Highlands Ontario.

Clark Robertson recently was a guest of the Sunny Rock Bed and Breakfast in the Haliburton Highlands. Clark is a Don Cherry Impersonator and travels to special events accoss Canada sharing his craft.

With his eclectic array of props and razor-sharp comedic timing, Clark’s high-energy entertainment will be the highlight of your event.

In 25 years of performing, he’s polished his act to a high level of professionalism, delighting audiences at conventions, corporate events and trade shows. Clark can customize his show with original material for any audience or corporate theme.

He’s quick to develop a rapport with the crowd with his improvisational banter and innovative audience participation routines.

As Don Cherry he entertained the athletes, volunteers and visitors of the Ontario Winter Games held this February in the Haliburton Highlands Ontario.

To contact Clark Robertson call 1-877-877-1907 www.clarkrobertson.com
clark@clarkerobertson.com

CELL PHONES AND SAP BUCKETS tells stories of living in the Haliburton Highlands Ontario.

Not long ago, Neil Campbell and his best pal, The Brown Dog Jiggs, celebrated with champagne and liver treats when one of them was declared Ontario’s best weekly newspaper columnist.
These award-winning columns for the Minden Times (Minden Ontario) about their lives together in the Haliburton Highlands woods have been collected in a book called Cell Phones and Sap Buckets: Six Years on Sapsucker Ridge.

For a preview of the book, please click on:
www.crystalimagestudio.com/preview/cpsb.pdf
Neil Campbell, retired from a long career at The Globe and Mail, typed the stories, however Jiggs is the real star of the book. Jiggs takes Neil on long walks and gives him little glimpses of the secret lives led by the creatures who live all around them.

They watch a romance between two snapping turtles and the unfolding of a sibling rivalry in a heron nest that turns fatal. A hungry fawn sucks on Neil’s pantleg and a bear swats Jiggs.

Jiggs noses out clues while Neil savours the changing of the seasons. Along the way, he deals with the challenges of living off the hydro grid on 50 acres of upland hardwood forest in the Haliburton Highlands Ontario two miles from the nearest public road.

When Campbell’s not being walked by the dog, Neil makes maple syrup, cuts his own firewood and works to preserve the Haliburton Highlands landscape as a member of the Haliburton Highlands Land Trust.

Also in the book are 15 original drawings by Haliburton artist Charlie Teljeur.

Campbell’s 40 year as a professional journalist included Ontario stops with the Richmond Hill Liberal, Oakville Daily Journal-Record, Oakville Beaver and Owen Sound Sun-Times, along with the Edmonton Journal, The Canadian Press, and 26 years with The Globe and Mail.

To contact Neil Campbell at neilcampbell@xplornet.ca for information on how to order directly and for Author signature.

Copies of Cell Phones and Sap Bucketscan be purchased from the following outlets throught Ontario

Bancroft — Ashlie’s Books.
Belleville — Greenley’s Bookstore.
Carnarvon — That Place in Carnarvon.
Gelert — Wintergreen Maple Products.
Haliburton — Country Rose, Foodland, Haliburton County Echo, Maple Moon, Master’s Books, Studio Rose, Undercover Books.
Kinmount — Artisan’s Market Place, Gateway Variety.
Lakefield — Happenstance Books & Yarns.
Lindsay — Joyce’s Place.
Minden — Dollo’s Foodland, The Fast Lane, Home Hardware, Organic Times, Pharmasave, R.D. Lawrence Place, Whispers North.
Orillia — Manticore Books.
Owen Sound — Downtown Bookstore.
Peterborough — Chapters, Titles Bookstore.
Rosedale — Kawartha Lakes Trading Post.
West Guilford — Cottage Country Log Cabin Trading.
Wilberforce — Agnew’s General Store.

Or, contact Neil Campbell at neilcampbell@xplornet.ca for information on how to order direct.

The Sunny Rock Bed and Breakfast has just recently been listed as one of the Top 100 Bed and Breakfasts in the world. Can you believe that…. the whole world. I took a break from strutted around for awhile with my fingers in my suspenders feeling very proud and with excitement forwarded this link to everyone i know. so important as it is I decided to record it here for all to follow also.

Top 100 Bed and Breakfasts in the world.

This May and June Jan and I travelled to Newfoundland Labrador with Jan’s sister, Suzy, and our friend, Tokiko, from Kobe Japan. We departed and flew from Toronto to St John’s NFLDL after the May Long Weekend and arrived back home the first week of June. We stayed in 12 Bed and Breakfasts over the two weeks.The convenience of staying in the St John’s Airport Ramada Inn made our arrival and departure nights a very positive and affordable experience.

Overall we had a ball…every B&B was different in some unique way. A very commion theme in Newfoundland is the kindnesses and the hospitality offered by the people we encountered.

Near the end of our two week adventure we found a B&B or two B&Bs owned by the same folks that were the highlight of our trip to NFLDL. We originally called and made a reservation for only one night and because of the comforts, service,food and frienships we decided to stay a second night. The Inn by the Bay and George House Heritage Bed and Breakfast have everything that one would expect of an upscale B&B. These two homes were clearly most like our Sunny Rock B&B in so many ways. Our guests who feel we offer something special would delight in this experience in Dildo NFLDL. Yes I said Dildo! I can see it now this blog will show up in all sorts of places on the internet.

As pictured below the two homes, both operating as B&Bs over look the Bay in Dildo. The homes are owned by partners Todd Warren and Dale Cameron. Inn by the Bay is th lower home and George House is up on thee hill.

Inn By The Bay and George House B&B Dildo Newfoundland Labrador

Both Todd and Dale sure know how to run homes that were immaclately cared for and tidy and fabulously present their food in 5 star style Within a short few minuted following our arrival to the Inn by the Bay we were invited to have happy hour and freshly made munchies in the parlour of the George House. Not being one to pass that up we were wowed by the hospitality. We instanly found a personal connection to our hosts. The laughs were many…from the breakfast to the late night conversations.

We went out to dinner at the Dildo Grill in downtown Dildo. Todd called ahead to the restaurant and ordered our desert for us. This really decadent ooye and gooey dessert followed our dinner. I do not remember the name of the desert however see how wonderful it looks.

Gooy NFLDL Dessert

Dildo is an ideal location to stay and take day trips to various parts of the Avalon Peninsula which contains almost 50% of the population of the province. The Avalon Peninsula has four quadrants – the Baccalieu Trail forms the northwestern quadrant, the Admirals’ Coast is in the centre, the Killick Coast in the northeastern quadrant, the city of St. John’s is at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean along the eastern side, the Irish Loop is in the southeastern quadrant, and the Cape Shore forms the the southeastern quadrant. This is how easy it is to enjoy a large area and always return home to this very special venue.

If you are planning a holiday to Newfoundland consider this beautiful spot and be sure to tell Todd and Dale that Sunny Rock Sally sent you.

Inn By The Bay78 Front Road Dildo Newfoundland
Toll Free 1 888 339 7829
www.dildoinns.com

George House Heritage Bed and breakfast 80 Front Road Dildo Newfoundland
Toll Free 1 888 339 7829
www.georgehousebnb.com

Minden Hills Cultural Centre Fundraiser: Beet Beethoven Run Minden, July 4, 2010 at 9 am for a 3.5 or a 7 km walk or run.

Minden Hills Cultural Centre home of the Agnes Jamison Gallery, Minden Hills Museum & R D Lawrence Place will host the Beet Beethoven Run Minden, July 4, 2010 at 9 am for a 3.5 or a 7 km walk or run.

Walk or run in support of the Minden Cultural Centre and Highlands Brass Academy both located in Minden Village a village of the Haliburton Highlands Ontario.

Beet Beethoven is a unique family friendly racing event that combines the arts and sport in a fun and exciting way. The participants line up, the gun goes off and Beethoven’s 5th Symphony begins! The goal is to make it to the finish linebefor the symphony finishes.

Register now go to the Minden Hills Cultural centre website www.mindencultural centre.com ) for fees, route maps and info.