FESTIVAL OF THE SENSES, OCTOBER 3-4, 2009

In and Around Calabogie and Burnstown

Building on the success of last year’s first, Festival of the Senses, there is something for everyone including trail hiking, garden and historical tours, shopping, beach bonfire, chair lift sky ride, motorsport track laps, decadent desserts and partner massage workshops. There will be over 20 sites, so consider staying overnight. Find details on www.calabogie.org. Some activities are free and some have a cost. Some require pre-registration. A paper-based map with a list of activity details will be at all sites including the library and Calabogie Pizzeria in Calabogie and at Neat Coffee Shop in Burnstown before and during the festival. Mark October 3 - 4 on your calendar.

Here are examples, but not all, of what is in store to engage your senses.

For a sense of exploration, join a free, two hour guided hike by Tim Yearington, sponsored by the Township’s Trails Committee, along the new Manitou Mountain Trail off Hwy #508, 2.5 km west of Calabogie Peaks. Explore the spirit of scenic Eagle’s Nest Lookout.  Discover the reason the eagle and other animal “manitous” are highly respected in traditional native culture. See with new eyes. Rain or shine. This hike climbs a few modest hills and is not appropriate for small children or inactive seniors.  In addition, Renfrew County’s Forestry Department. is sponsoring another informative, guided walk in the woods and detailed plans are in progress.

Compliments of Calabogie Motorsports Park (CMP), experience a sense of speed. Gates are open between 10 and 4. Observe the Pro Bike 6 private event on both days (motorcycle event, novice to professional). A great spectator event! CMP will also offer you guided laps around the track from 12 to1 pm. There is no charge.

For a sense of well-being, relief, vitality and self-awareness, register with any of four wellness practitioners for a partner Thai massage workshop, craniosacral/massage/energy release, mini-reflexology session or iridology and nutrition analysis.

For a sense of colour, art lovers can visit the 9^th annual Calabogie Artfest featuring the work of 21 local artists. Stay for tea served by the Calabogie Women’s Institute. Visit Bittersweet Gallery in Burnstown and Richard Gill’s 30^th annual open house, featuring his clay relief, for a sense of artistry. Check in with Inspirations Gallery for work by more than a dozen local artists and Riverstones Gallery for a sense of light. Images Gallery, with a sense of wonder in wood, will highlight fine woodwork and marquetry art.

For a change of pace, visit the Calabogie library for a sense of wisdom and see that it is not just for books. Take an historical tour of local churches for a sense of spirituality. Visit the Schaly’s private gardens for a sense of season's endings. Folks are invited to walk the grounds, including a tea house, share how the season has been, admire what has survived early frosts, enjoy a little campfire in the woods and share summer memories. At Jocko’s Beach Resort, ignite your passion for nature. Relax and feel the warmth of fire and a sense of comfort while gazing at the calming waters of Calabogie Lake. Your tastes will be awakened with complimentary bonfire fare between 11and 3. 

At Calabogie Lodge you can experience a sense of harvest with complimentary apple cider and enjoy apple desserts at the Duck Restaurant next door where a wine tasting will take place from 1 to 3. Shooter’s will be featuring a sense of decadence with chocolate desserts and Polly’s L’il Shanty will offer devine desserts. Canthooks Restaurant at Calabogie Peaks Resort invites you to enjoy a sense of community. Reserve for lunch or dinner for a culinary delight of local and sustainable foods sourced within 100 miles. They will also offer chair lift sky rides and a sky walk. Calabogie Highlands Golf Resort will be featuring specialty hot beverages for a sense of warmth. Calabogie Pizzeria will be offering a new pizza to celebrate the festival with a sense of aromas.

For those who love to shop in Burnstown, visit Somethin’ Special for unique gifts and women’s clothing and a sense of enchantment. Hang out at Neat Coffee Shop. Sip specialty coffee and tea and savour wood-fired pizza and more. Call Neat for reservations for live music in the old schoolhouse. Visit its local market Friday evening and Saturday morning. Between Burnstown and Calabogie, stop at Creative Glass Studio for a sense of illusion.

Exciting activities are still being added. Check out www.calabogie.org in September for full details. Then drive out and indulge your senses!!

The event details will be updated on www.calabogie.org as they become available including which activities are free and which have a cost. Some require pre-registration. Paper-based brochures with a list of activities and a map will be at the library and at Munford’s Restaurant and Gas Bar in Calabogie and at Neat Coffee Shop in Burnstown before and during the festival. Mark October 3 - 4 on your calendar today.