A Quest from Casteau to Arras: Our Most Moving Roadtrip

12/1/2015

Casteau, Vimy Ridge, and Arras make for an unforgettable roadtrip.

From the crest of Vimy Ridge, overlooking the towns and valley below.

Every good travel experience contains a quest of some kind, a search for something special. When you're in southern Belgium and northern France, there's no end to the opportunities to explore with exceptional sites to discover. We started out on a quest of sorts in Belgium, paying homage to Canadians of the past, and what started out as a simple ride became one of the best roadtrips of our life.

Tales From The Anti-Adventurist: Vanessa Goes Ice Fishing

7/1/2015

On the icy surface of Lake Simcoe, I went fishing for adventure...

One reason why the hut is so cozy - there is a wooden floor! You're not standing on pure ice.

I've often thought that there is no better way to enjoy the splendor of the great outdoors and the beauty of the Canadian winter than from the warmth of a cozy window seat, with a latte and good book in hand. But a girl cannot live on caffeine and Jane Austen alone - sometimes you just need to get outside for a breath of fresh air. I'm sure that this is what was going through my head when I agreed to go ice fishing on rural Ontario's Lake Simcoe. This was going to be as anti-adventurous as it gets!

Dining Aboard A Historic Railcar

5/1/2015

There's over 125 years of history at the Tatamagouche Train Station Inn. And the Tatamagouche train restaurant might just be the most memorable dining experience in Nova Scotia!

Train Station Inn Tatamagouche Nova Scotia dining car menu pasta of the day

This blog post is brought to you by MOM! My mom treated us to dinner at the Train Station Inn and this is the fantastic meal she enjoyed, the pasta of the day. But it was the garlic bread that I found the most irresistible.

There's a fantastic scene in one of my favourite TV shows, The Big Bang Theory, where Sheldon and Amy enjoy a weekend away with the highlight (or lowlight, depending on your point of view) being a meal and ride on a historic train-turned-dining car. While their particular experience had lots of funny ups and downs, it's easy to see the appeal of enjoying a gourmet meal in a memorable setting. Fortunately, when we ate at the Train Station Inn in Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia, there were no sitcom worthy fiascoes - just lots of delicious food! This is what it was like to dine at the Tatamagouche train restaurant.

What I'm Loving in January

3/1/2015

Here's what's making January a happy month for me.

NOT traveling - yep, you read that right!

Me with the CBC Christmas tree

Sometimes, it's just nice to stay at home and be lazy. Or stay at home and be super productive (hello, organized linen closet!) Or just stay home and just be. That's what January is going to be like for me and that suits me just fine!

I had a great time chatting with the team from CBC Radio's Ontario Today program about the trials and tribulations of holiday travel. My verdict? Just stay home.

My next trip (destination: London ON) is in February and I can't wait to go into it relaxed and refreshed.