Six great getaways for fall

While planning your fall adventures, include a trip to Ontario’s Lake Country. This picturesque region is filled with interesting villages, beautiful lakes, and rolling hills. A world class casino complex is around the corner from a charming city, filled with fascinating shoppes, theatre, and historical sites. Located one hour north of Toronto, the area is easily accessible by heading north on Highway 400.

Ontario’s Lake Country offers six distinctive fall getaways full of exciting festivals, celebrations and adventures. The getaways are self-guided and self-booked; visitors can plan their itinerary and pace.

While exploring this great region, you can also enter Ontario’s Lake Country’s new contest, The Cottages at Port Stanton Passport To Fun Contest. Pick up a contest passport at several locations throughout the region and obtain stamps on the passport as you explore. The more stamps you obtain, the greater your chances of winning. The contest runs from September 8 to November 30, 2009. Five Weeks of Cottage Living in 2010, in a luxury three-bedroom Cottage at The Cottages at Port Stanton on beautiful Sparrow Lake is the prize.

Getaway # 1 – Adventure Getaway

Be adventurous as you zipline or trek through the colourful treetops at Arbraska Treetop Trekking . Head to Hardwood Ski & Bike, recognized as the home of some of Ontario’s finest mountain bike trails. Take in the 3rd Annual Beatles celebration in Downtown Orillia, September 18-19.

Getaway # 2 – Harvest Fun Getaway

From Orillia Farmers’ Market in Downtown Orillia to fall fairs, the great outdoors in Ontario’s Lake Country is superb. Many of the Savour Simcoe County farm locations will be open for passport holders including Chappell’s Farms and Ego’s Farm Market a favourite stop for buying fresh local produce.

Getaway # 3 – Celebration Weekend Getaway

The 160th Anniversary of the African Methodist Episcopal Church is on Saturday, October 3. The church was established in 1849 by black Empire Loyalists and families escaping slavery in the US. Attend the gala concert given by The Nathaniel Dett Chorale, and Canadian jazz artist Tiki Mercury-Clarke.

On Sunday, October 4, some of the area’s leading chefs will showcase their skills at the 2nd Annual Savour Simcoe 2009 Autumn Harvest Celebration at Georgian College in Barrie. The day will be full of sampling of locally grown foods, local beers and wines, and cooking demos.

Getaway # 4 – Thanksgiving Art & Culture Getaway

Soak up the vibrant fall colours and discover the art of the talented artists and artisans as you meet them in their fascinating studios at the 26th Annual Images Thanksgiving Studio Tour, October 9 to 12.

Then travel to Rama, the home of the Chippewas of Rama First Nation for the Thanksgiving POWWOW Celebration, October 10-11, held at the MASK. The spectacle of competition dancing, and colourful regalia is mesmerizing. Inside the Casino Rama Hotel Complex, view the story of the Chippewas of Rama First Nation at the Rotunda.

Getaway # 5 – Orillia Jazz & Blues Festival Getaway

The 19th Annual Orillia Jazz & Blues Festival runs from October 15-18. Bring your passport and plan your own itinerary. There are 17 locations to choose from for delicious dining and mellow jazz.

Round out your visit at The Leacock Museum National Historic Site on beautiful Brewery Bay, Orillia, the summer home of Stephen Leacock, humourist and author. Plan a visit to Downtown Orillia to see the Orillia Opera House where great performances have been staged since 1895.

Getaway # 6 – Flavours of Ontario’s Lake Country

From November 8-21 experience a diversity of culinary delights. Area restaurants will prepare three-course mouth-watering dinner menus for the amazing price of $20.10. The restaurants will join forces with Simcoe County Farm Fresh to include locally grown and harvested foods.

For further information on The Cottages at Port Stanton Passport to Fun Contest call 1-866-329-5959 or visit www.ontarioslakecountry.com/passport.