Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Guelph Brewery Tours!


 Guelphites like their beer.  
Currently, Guelph is home to four beer breweries and one winery. All of which offer tours and samplings.



Sleeman Brewery
http://sleeman.ca/en
The Sleeman family has brewed beer in Guelph since 1847. Their story is one of intrigue and perseverance. When prohibition came, Sleeman’s kept brewing their beer, using bootleggers and making deals with gangsters like Al Capone. In 1933 that all came to a screeching halt when Sleeman’s was caught smuggling. In addition to losing their licence to brew, they were also slapped with a ban that prohibited them from brewing beer for 50 years. True to their nature after the 50 years had passed, Sleeman was resurrected, and in 1988 their doors were open again.
Sleeman’s Cream Ale was the first brand brewed in Guelph and is still the most recognized for their ales, but there are many other varieties to get acquainted with. Visit the brewery to get a behind-the-scenes look at how these beers are made.

How to book: Call in advance
                         Toll Free: 1-800-268-8537 x4454
                         Local: 519-826-5454

Tour dates & times: Thursday & Friday, 6:30 – 8:30pm

Cost: $10 each (gift included)

Group size: 10 – 20 people

Store Hours:    Monday – Wednesday: 10am – 5pm

Thursday – Friday: 10am – 6pm

Saturday – Sunday: 11am – 6pm

Location: 551 Clair Rd W., Guelph, ON  N1L 1E9


StoneHammer Brewing
http://www.stonehammer.ca/
StoneHammer has been brewing quality beer in Guelph for the last 20 years. Family owned and operated, they use only the highest quality malted barley and fresh hops in combination with the pure water found only in the artesian wells of Guelph. All of this makes for a taste that is second to none. StoneHammer Brewing produces the StoneHammer family of traditional beers in small batches, fire-brewed in a direct-fired copper kettle. The beer is then slowly aged in horizontal takes in the aging cellar until they reach their peak. They also have a number of seasonal and limited release ‘one-off’ beers so drop by the brewery and see what new things they have to offer!

How to book: Tours on Saturdays only. Must be pre-booked. Please call 519-824-1194

Store Hours:    Monday – Wednesday, 10am – 5pm

             Thursday – Friday, 10am – 6pm

                          Saturday, 10am –6pm


Cost: $5 each

Group size: 5 – 20 people

Location: 355 Elmira Rd., Guelph, ON N1K 1S5




Wellington Brewery
http://www.wellingtonbrewery.ca/
When Wellington Brewery first opened its doors in 1985, they had envisioned a brewery that would produce English style Real Ales (also known as Cask Conditioned Ales). These cask-conditioned ales are unfiltered, naturally carbonated and served at cellar temperature. Over the years, Wellington Brewery has carefully crafted their beer into the brand it is today. Their tap-handles are easily recognizable, as they're a little Wellington boot! In 2010 for their 25th anniversary, they marked the start of the Welly One-Off series, a year-round series of small batch specialty beers brewer in small batches.

Wellington Brewery brews time-honoured, traditional beers in small batches, using all natural ingredients, a lot of care, and patience. You’re welcome to check it out yourself with a guided sampling tour!

How to book: No reservation required for groups of less than 10 people, just drop by on any Saturday from 1 – 4pm. For groups larger than 10, please call ahead. 519-837-2337

**Please note: Currently Wellington Brewery is undergoing construction to add over 12,000 square feet to their facility. Parking is limited and visitors are encouraged to take public transportation or carpool**

Contact information:     Toll free 1-800-576-3853
                                            Local: 519-837-2337

Cost: Free!

Group size: 1 – 10+ people

Store hours:    Monday – Thursday: 9am to 6pm

Friday: 9am to 8pm

Saturday: 10am – 8pm

Sunday: 11am – 6pm 

Location: 905 Woodlawn Rd W., Guelph, ON, N1K 1B8


Royal City Brewing
http://www.royalcitybrew.ca/
Guelph’s newest brewery, Royal City Brewing, is so small it’s considered a nano-brewery. Because they brew such small batches, the selection and types of beer they have to offer changes regularly. They are also the only brewery to offer ‘growlers’ – large 1-, 2-, or 4-litre glass jugs of beer that can be returned and refilled. This brewery is so small that a visit to
the store is as good as a tour!





Store  Hours:

Monday – Tuesday: Closed

Wednesday: 3 – 7

Thursday: 3 – 7

Friday: 2 – 9

Saturday: 11 – 9

Sunday: 12 – 5

Contact information: 1-888-485-2739

Location: Unit 8C – 199 Victoria Rd S., Guelph ON, N1E 6T9








Cox Creek Cellars
http://www.coxcreekcellars.on.ca/
First opened in 1998, Cox Creek is currently Guelph’s only winery. All of the fruit used to make these wines is locally grown. The apples, black currants, and even some of the grapes come from the orchards out the back door. Any other fruit is sourced from local farmers and additional grapes come from the Niagara region. Located just a 10 minute drive north of Guelph, Cox Creek is easily accessible on Hwy 6 north. 

How to book: Public tours are available Sundays at 2pm. Please call in advance for private groups
519-767-3253 info@coxcreekcellars.on.ca


Store hours:

Wednesday 11am - 6pm

Thursday: 11am – 6pm

Friday: 11am – 6pm

Saturday: 11am – 6pm

Sunday: 12pm – 5pm

Tour and Tastings:

Sunday 2pm

Cost: $6 per person

Group size: 2 – 50 people

Location: 7687 Wellington Rd 22, Guelph ON, N1H 6J2

Thursday, June 25, 2015

School's Out for Summer - Part II

Need more ideas with what to do with your children this summer? Here are five more suggestions! 

Be a Puddle Duck

You can rent canoes or kayaks from Speed River Paddling and explore the Speed and Eramosa Rivers, or you can rent paddleboats at the Guelph Lake Conservation Area. If you deicide you’d rather be in the water than on it, you can swim at the conservation area, or at the West End Rec Centre, the Victoria Road Rec Centre, or Centennial High School during public swim times. In the summer, come by City Hall to play in the fountain or visit a splash pad.
Admission and Hours of Operation:
Rec Centres:  for hours of operation and applicable prices.
Speed River Paddling: for hours of operation and prices



Chuck Pumpkins!

Strom’s Farm has a ton of fun activities during the harvest season. Where else can you launch pumpkins through the air in a pumpkin slingshot? The corn maze is another fun challenge if you’re feeling adventurous, or you can enjoy the marketplace, pedal cards, puppet shows…the list goes on!

Hours of Operation:
Open Weekends: September 19 – October 31
Saturday/Sunday 9:30–5:30 (last admission 4 pm)
Admission fees:
Ages 4 and up: $10.62 + HST = $12.00
Ages 4 & under: FREE



Play Frisbee Golf

The Magnolia Frisbee golf course is one of the best kept secrets in Guelph. This 9-hole course is a fun way to explore The Arboretum. With its many gardens and trails, and it’s wonderful in the fall when all the leaves are changing.

Hours of Operation and Admission Fees:
The Arboretum is open to the public free of charge, year round.



Check out the Market

Wake up early on Saturday and be rewarded with the most vibrant place in the city. The many vendors sell produce, fresh bread, artisan goods, and the highlight for many, doughnuts made fresh – right in front of you!

Hours of Operation:
Every Saturday, 7 am to 12 Noon



Play with Clay

Get your hands dirty and make something unique at Play with Clay. You can either choose to build something from scratch or decorate an existing piece of pottery. They also offer pottery classes for all ages.  Think you can’t paint? Let the staff show you a variety of easy techniques to help you make your piece as unique and individual as you. Don’t worry about rushing to finish, you can come back as many times as you need to finish your piece for no additional cost. Pieces are priced individually, starting at $13. The average cost is $18 to $25. 

Hours of Operation:
Mondays – Closed (except holidays!)
Tuesday to Friday – 10 am to 9pm
Saturday – 10am to 8pm

Sunday – 10am to 6pm

Monday, June 22, 2015

Schools Out for Summer

In the words of Alice Cooper, school's out for summer. Or it will be soon! With the last day of classes quickly approaching, some parents might be wondering what to do with their little ones until Labour Day weekend. 

There’s lots to see and do in Guelph for children of all ages and abilities. Whether your children are outdoorsy, artistic, or just need to burn off some extra energy, there’s always something for them to do. Even if you don’t have children, you can still embrace your inner child and do these activities too!

Visit the Donkeys

Take a self-guided tour with your family or attend a Donkey Talk to learn about what donkeys eat, and how they are cared for. Children can pet and brush the donkeys, and there are walking trails to enjoy as well. Finish off your visit with a stop at the Long Ears Boutique.

Hours of Operation: Open to the public May to October, on Wednesdays and Sundays, 10 am to 4pm.
Admission: Adults $15, Children $5 (3-12), Students/Seniors $10

Ride the Carousel & Train at Riverside Park

Riverside Park is one of Guelph’s biggest parks, with an antique carousel, a small train for children to ride, and paddleboat rentals. There are also trails, benches, picnic tables and an accessible playground to enjoy. Riverside Park is also often host to festivals and events, so check out your events calendar to find out what going on.

Hours of Operation: May 16 to June 21: weekends only, 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
June 22 to September 7: daily, 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
September 12 to October 12: weekends only, 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
Cost: Single admission tickets can only be purchased at Riverside Park Concession for $2.54 each (includes taxes)
2015 Amusement Park Ride Card2015 season’s pass: $17.79 plus tax per individual

Learn Something New

The Royal City Families Gallery at the Civic Museum has many crafts, interactive computer stations, and hands on activities. Come and see what it was like for children growing up in Guelph’s past through activity stations. The Civic Museum is also host to a variety of temporary exhibits, so check out their website for the most up to date listing on what’s going on.

Hours of Operation: Tuesday to Sunday – Open 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Monday – CLOSED
Fourth Fridays – The Fourth Friday of each month, the Guelph Civic Museum will be open until 9:00 pm with Free Admission from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Admission: $5.00 Adult
$5.00 Senior (65+), Student (15 years old to College/University), Child (4 to 14 years old)
$15.00 Family — 2 adults & 4 children maximum

Draw Something

The Guelph School of Art, run by Wyndham Art Supplies offers classes and workshops run year-round, with day camps during Winter and March Break, and the summer months. They have classes suited to both the beginner and seasoned artist in a range of media specialities.  Check out their Spring/Summer brochure to see their latest class offerings and prices.
 The Guelph Public Library has crafts and activities for children of all ages at various times through the week as well and these activities are free with a library card. Check out their website for details

Find a Park

There are oodles of parks in Guelph. Some have splash pads in the summer, some have outdoor skating rings in the winter, and many have playgrounds. You can rent bikes from Speed River Cycle and try the trails through Preservation Park, or take the Royal Recreational Trails north through Riverside Park up to the Guelph Conservation Area. In the winter take a walk on Starkey’s Trail to see chickadees and sparrows at bird feeders.

All parks and trails are open to the public free of charge, though though there may be a fee to enter a special event that is being hosted at one of the parks.


Stay tuned for the rest of this list, later this week! 

Thursday, June 18, 2015

Father's Day in the Royal City

Father's Day is this coming Sunday. Once again it has snuck up on us! There's lots to do with Dad this weekend, depending on what his interests are. So if you're stuck for ideas on what to do with Dear Old Dad on Sunday, read on!


Visit the Donkeys




As with every Sunday during the warm months, Donkey Sanctuary of Canada is open to the public from 10am to 4pm on Father's Day. Taking Dad to see the donkeys is the perfect way to spend time with him in the outdoors. Go for an hour or two, or take a picnic and make a day of it.






Woolystock 2





Guelph's beloved Woolwich Arrow is turning 25 this year and to celebrate, they're throwing a big, four day party. As the third day of the party happens to also be Father's Day, the Wooly is hosting the Father's Day Cask Festival, which features casks from 25 different breweries. There are two sessions: 12-2:30, and 3-5:30. Tickets are $25 per person and are available at the Wooly.










Build a bird house




Head over to the Civic Museum with Dad to build a build a bird house together. This fun activity is ideal for Dads with younger children, though he'll have to make sure that little fingers don't get hurt! Andre Belisle from JL's Home Hardware will be on site to help with this fun project. $15 per person












Go Paddling 





If your Dad loves the outdoors, go down to the covered bridge and rent a canoe or kayak from Speed River Paddling for an hour or two. Follow the quiet Eramosa River to Victoria Road, or further if you like! On your return, take a break and grab some ice cream from the Boathouse.












National Aboriginal Day



This year, National Aboriginal Day also falls on Father's Day. Bring Dad down to Market Square between 2 and 3:30 to celebrate the rich culture, unique heritage and notable achievements of First Nations, Metis, and Inuit Peoples of Canada. This is a free, family friendly event. 











Take a walking tour 


Did you know that we have historical walking tours in our city? If Dad loves history and architecture, be sure to take him on the tour that is running this weekend. This week's tour takes participants to the south side of the Speed River to explore one of Guelph's early industrial secions, formerly known as Brooklyn, as well as the College Hill area that developed around the Ontario Agricultural College. The tour includes some of the city's best examples of masonry and stone carving. Tours cost $5 per person, run approximately one hour, and operate rain or shine.



Taste Real Local Food Fest 

Is Dad into the organic, Localvore, food scene? Even if he just loves food, he will appreciate the Local Food Fest. Now in its 10th year, this food fest celebrates all food that is produced on a local scale. The event is hosted by Ignatius Jesuit Centre, which also has a small farm that supplies fresh, organic veggies to some restaurants in town. Take in a cooking demonstration, learn about brewing beer, or visit with the goat for a chance to milk one. Admission is by donation, minimum $2.50 per person, or $5 per family.



Street Car Museum 


Go for a short drive down Guelph Line and take Dad to the Street Car Museum. The collection includes streetcars, interurbans, suburbans, work equipment, gas equiptmen, buses and much more. There are more than 75 vehicles in the collection presently. Admission for Dad is free with the purchase of one youth admission ($10.50).



Cruizin for the Dog Guides 






So many Dads love classic cars. The Guelph Lion's Club is proud to present its second annual Cruizin for Dog Guides. Hosted at Stone Road Mall, this classic car show will feature lots of chrome, music, a 50-50 draw, and lots of old, classic cars. See if you can find the oldest car there! All money raised from this event will go towards the Lion's Foundation of Canada Dog Guides.

Thursday, June 11, 2015

Top 10 things to do in Guelph - Part II

Earlier this week we listed the first five things that we here at 1 Carden feel you shouldn't miss in this busy summer season. Here's the rest of the list! 


6. Art on the Street – July 11


Now in its 13th year, Art on the Street is a highly regarded exhibition and sale that has become a staple calendar event for art lovers of all ages. Come browse the originals works of art and shop for one-of-a-kind gifts. With a juried selection of artisans displaying works including just about every medium: textiles, pottery, photography, watercolours, oils, acrylic, and more, you are sure to find something you love!

Admission: Free to the public

There's something for everyone!


7. Hillside Festival – July 24 to 26


Now in its 32nd year, Hillside is the cornerstone in any Guelphite’s summer calendar. The Hillside Festival is a three-day, five-stage event with a broad artistic vision that emphasizes diversity:  of culture, of musical heritage and style, of age, geography and influence. The festival takes over the island at Guelph Lake, with many of the festival goers opting to camp at the conservation area. Performers come from around the world to share their talent at what is one of the best music festivals in the country.
Admission:
  •          Friday Day Pass (4:30pm - 11pm) - $67.24
  •          Saturday Day Pass (10:30am - 11pm) - $98.88  ​
  •          Sunday Day Pass (10:30am - 11pm) - $98.88  ​
  •          Adult Weekend Pass - $162.16
  •          Weekend passes and day passes available online
  •          Seniors Weekend Pass - $69.50 + HST/SC  Available at outlets in Guelph, Kitchener, and Toronto beginning May 2nd, as well as at the festival gate throughout the weekend.
  •          Children under age 12 are free!

The Hillside logo, a well known icon in the city


8. John Galt Day Festivities – August 1


John Galt Day celebrates the founder of our city, John Galt. The Scottish novelist founded our city in 1827. Galt planned the community with its distinctive radical design, quite different than the gridiron plan of most cities, making Guelph a unique and special place. 188 years later, the city has changed a lot since Galt first laid out his plans, but many things remain the same. This celebration offers free activities and entertainment such as face painting, hands-on crafts, and a community stage featuring local performers. A variety of Guelph Farmer's Market craft and food vendors will also be on site. 

Admission: Free! 

Don't miss out on the festivities!



9. Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games – August 7 to 9


Take a short drive north of Guelph to Fergus to experience the wonder of the Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games. Now in its 69th year, the festival embraces all things Scottish. Celtic music, bagpipes & drums, heavy events, highland dancing, clans and heritage education. There is something at the festival for everyone!

Admission: (all tickets available online)

Adult:   Weekend pass - $53.96
              Friday pass - $27.83
              Saturday pass - $27.83
              Sunday pass - $20.83

Senior:  Weekend pass - $43.96
              Friday pass - $22.83
              Saturday pass - $22.83
              Sunday pass - $16.50

Youth:   Weekend pass - $43.96
               Friday pass - $22.83
               Saturday pass - $22.83
               Sunday pass - $16.50

Sunday Family package: $43.95 (includes 2 adults and 1 youth. Additional youth $12.09)

Heavy events and kilts, who doesn't love that?



10. Guelph Ribfest – August 28 to 30


In 1997, Guelph’s Riverside Park was transformed into RIBBERside Park, for what became the first annual Guelph Ribfest. 18 years later, this three-day weekend long event is still going strong! End the summer with what has consistently been voted the Guelph favourite festival. Rain or shine this event provides first class musical entertainment, a kids area and specialized children's entertainment, classic cars, a Bavarian tent, marketplace, and of course delicious, mouth-watering RIBS! 

Admission: By donation. Money raised goes back into the community 

Mmmm, ribs....

Monday, June 8, 2015

Top 10 things to do in Guelph - Part I

Summer is a busy time here in the Royal City. Between June and August it seems like there’s always something going on at Riverside Park, or a festival happening somewhere in the city. There’s so much going on, it can be a bit overwhelming trying to decide what to do! To help, we narrowed it down to the Top 10 list of events to check out this summer.

In this list we give you the first five things we recommend you try to make it to this summer. 

Read on!

1. Donkey Day – June 14


Visit the Donkey Sanctuary of Canada for their 22nd annual open house. Visit with 70 donkeys and mules and learn about what goes into the care of these animals. There will also be live entertainment, demonstrations, and food. Something for everyone!

Admission: Adults $15, Children $5 (3-12), Students/Seniors $10
Prepare to be charmed



2. Guelph Wellington Local Food Fest – June 21


Now in its 10th year, the Guelph Wellington Local Food Fest celebrates food and agriculture in our region. This day-long event is filled with cooking demos, interactive workshops, and exhibitors offering prepared food, craft beer samples, fresh produce, flowers and more!

Admission: Free to the public.

What's not to love about local food?




3. McCrae House Tea and Tours – June 23 to August 30


Enjoy a tour of McCrae House, and then relax over a cup of tea in the peaceful gardens. It is a chance to pause, reflect, converse, and absorb the historic surroundings. Reservations recommended.

Fee: $15 per person, available online


Explore some Guelph history




4. Canada Day Celebrations – July 1


Join your fellow Guelphites at Riverside Park for the annual Canada Day celebrations. Open at 11am, the park will be hosting a wide variety of activities for people of all ages. Spoil yourself with tasty treats from over a dozen food vendors. Try your scoring skills in a puck shoot out with the Guelph Storm. Visit the midway for rides or try your luck at a game of chance. Conclude the evening with fireworks as we celebrate the 148th birthday of our amazing country!

Admission: Cash by donation, $2 per person or $5 per family. Money raised goes towards local charities and events
Happy birthday, Canada!




5. Outdoor Theatre: A Night in Flanders – July 2 to August 29


With John McCrae’s poem In Flanders Fields turning 100 this year, playwright Donald Mccrae put together an original play about the writing of this famous poem. Enjoy theatre in the open air, as it was meant to be enjoyed. Featuring original music, this is a night of theatre you won't soon forget, one that will change the way you read the poem forever. Tickets can be purchased online at www.guelphmuseums.ca

Tickets: $20 per person 


Take a step back in history




Stay tuned for our next update later this week. It will contain the exciting conclusion to this Top 10! 

Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Tourism Week 2015 - What is it?


Tourism Week  is upon us once again here at 1 Carden. This means lots of time spent on Facebook and Twitter, getting out into the community, and inviting people in behind the scenes to see what it is we do.  But what exactly is Tourism Week? I’d never even heard of it until I started working at 1 Carden. And why is it important?

Organized by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC), Tourism Week is a week long campaign to help promote tourism within the local community and the country.  TIAC was founded back in 1930 as a way to help encourage the development of tourism in Canada. These days, TIAC acts as national private sector advocate for an industry that brings in billions of dollars every year. In 2012 alone, the tourism sector saw 16 million people come to this country to visit. All those visitors brought with them over $17 billion in revenue. That’s a lot of money!

When we think of tourism in Canada, our thoughts usually go to places like Montreal, Banff, or Vancouver. But people come to Guelph too! And not just for the university either. People come here for Storm games, our museums, and even to watch our rollery derby teams  in action. Guelph receives over ten million visits annually, and while most of these people come from Ontario and Quebec, they bring with them $171 million into the area. This in turn provides almost six thousand jobs for locals. 4.7% of the population of Guelph is employed in tourism in some form or another!

With almost 450 businesses in Guelph involved in the tourism industry, it’s our job here at 1 Carden to promote this beautiful city year round. Some parts of the year are easier to promote than others. The Hillside Festival, for example, is huge for the city. People come from around the world to participate in the three day music fest. Turning 32 this year, Hillside recently made a list top ten summer music festivals. The event practically promotes itself.

That awkward lull between when all the university students move out, and the high school and elementary students finish their year? Not so much. There are actually a lot of things going on in the city during May and June. It’s just a matter of finding out about it. Did you know that every Thursday evening, Buon Gusto has a special on oysters? Every Sunday and Wednesday the Donkey Sanctuary of Canada opens its doors to the public.

Our annual visitor guide is a valuable resource for such information. At the end of every year we go to great lengths to connect with our partners and the community to find out what they have planned for the upcoming year. Come visit us to pick one up! Our online calendar is also a valuable resource. We update it with events and things that are going on in the city several times a week and do our best to keep the information as current as possible.

The tourism sector is so much more than just travel agencies, flight attendants and tacky tourist traps. Restaurants, hotels, and even transit fall under tourism. Having a wedding reception at a hotel? Even that is tourism. It’s important to know the impact that tourism has on our economy, both local and national. It’s a far reaching industry, and if one part of it is impacted, every area is affected. Remember 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina? While those are extreme examples, they demonstrate the way a city or region can be shut down after something happens.

Tourism is a tough little sector, though. It might take some time, but it always bounces back after something happens. People said that no one would come to Toronto after the SARS outbreak in 2003. It took a little bit of time for Toronto to repair its image, but it did. And now, in just over a month, Toronto is hosting the 2015 Pan Am and Parapan Am Games.

That’s why Tourism Week is important.