Monday, October 28, 2013

Toronto and Niagara-on-the-Lake

This is the final post for my recent vacation in the Niagara region of Ontario.

Following a visit to Casa Loma, our day continued with a city tour of Toronto.

 
                                             Near the Toronto Convention Center.

Cute woodpecker statue.

Across from the convention center is a railroad park.
Just look at the construction going on.
 

Beer tasting at Steam Whistle Pilsner.
Tours were also offered.
 
Toronto is a bustling city with a diverse population.
As most of the tour was on a bus I didn't have the opportunity to photograph the magnificent churches, green spaces and Chinatown.
I wish I had more pictures to share.
 
Another day we spent time in a much quieter, relaxed town - Niagara-on-the-Lake.

 
Niagara-on-the-Lake  is a pretty little tourist stop with shops, restaurants and wonderful flowers.

Prince of Wales Hotel


The day in Niagara-on-the-Lake was very overcast. I spent most of my time window shopping and didn't take a lot of pictures.

Thanks for stopping by.
I've enjoyed highlighting my Niagara/Toronto vacation.
 
♥andPeace,Myra
 

Monday, October 21, 2013

Casa Loma - Toronto Ontario

Construction on Casa Loma was begun in 1911.
The architect was E. J. Lennox.

The "castle" was built by Sir Henry Mill Pellatt.
 Sir Henry was a financier, industrialist and military man.

Sir Henry and Lady Pellatt lived in the home for less than ten years.
Financial problems forced them to abandon the dream.
Just imagine being invited to stay at Casa Loma.

Let me show you to your room.
 

Or would this one be more to your liking?

Look at the size of this rug.

Or perhaps this one.

And now to freshen up a bit.


Amazing shower


The Great Hall

Social areas are plentiful.


This was my favorite part of the castle - Lady Pellatt's suite.

Beautiful rug.
The colors and patterns are amazing.


Time for dinner.
 

The Conservatory
 
When in Toronto a visit to Casa Loma won't disappoint.
 
♥andPeace,Myra

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Around Niagara

During my recent trip to Niagara Falls we visited several attractions in the area. There is plenty to do besides enjoying The Falls.

We watched a glass blowing demonstration at Rossi Glass.
Rossi is famous for its cranberry glass.

The artist at work.

Beautiful color in the showroom.
A small dark green bowl came home with me.

The parking lot at the Whirlpool Rapids.
This automobile in the parking lot got more attention than the rapids.

Cityscape
The landscaping was beautiful all around the area.

We made a stop at Chocolate Fix for a demonstration in candy making with samples.
 

Now that is lots of chocolate!

The workers were fun.
They obviously enjoy their work.

This little machine reminded me of the I Love Lucy episode with Ethel and Lucy working in the candy factory.
I missed getting a photo with the candies on the belt.

Another worker hand dipping the product.

On site candy shop.
 

Most of their business is wholesale.
Other companies put their label on the candy made here.

Halloween candies
 
Queen Victoria Park - Floral Clock

Vineyards were plentiful in the area.
Wineries were everywhere.
 

We made a stop at the Welland Canal in St. Catharines.
 


There is a nice museum on site.

Great produce market with deli sandwiches and soup as well as handmade jellies and other items for sale.

Fall is a great time to visit.
Wonderful color everywhere and the summer crowds are gone.
 
We also spent the day in Toronto and went to Niagara-on-the-Lake another day.
I hope you will visit "Journey" for those future posts.
 
♥andPeace,Myra

Monday, October 7, 2013

Niagara Falls

Last week I vacationed in Niagara Falls, Ontario.

The last time I visited Niagara Falls was at least 30 years ago.
The Falls remains the same, however, the area has really grown.

 
First on the itinerary  (of course) was The Falls.
The morning sun made it difficult to photograph.
My camera screen was nearly black and my Transition glasses were maxed out.
I did a lot of "point and shoot" blindly.

Horseshoe Falls
 

No trip to The Falls is complete without a ride on the Maid of the Mist.
Our tour guide told us Maid of the Mist was just recently sold.
 


Another way to view the American falls.
 

I like this photo taken from the Maid of the Mist with the help of the crop feature in Picasa.

I tried the black and white setting for several of the morning photos with good results.
 

We had dinner at Elements on the Falls Restaurant one evening.
The afternoon angle of the sun was much better for photography.

 

Looking toward the American falls from the Canadian falls.

Maid of the Mist

View of Niagara
 
The next day we toured Toronto with a visit to Casa Loma Castle.
Another day we visited the Welland Canals and the historical town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. I hope you will join me for the rest of my vacation.
 
♥andPeace,Myra