Grey't Ladies Weekends in Grey Highlands

Ever just want to leave it all behind, even for just a weekend and hang out with the girls?  Well have I got some Grey't Ideas for you to getaway for the weekend and have some fun in Grey Highlands!  My ladies weekend is an annual event that I always look forward to and so do my friends.  Faces have changed over the years but the fun is always welcome.  Check out this Grey't Ladies Weekend itinerary:

Friday night:

• Arrive at the Treehouse Bed & Breakfast to settle in with drinks & snacks. www.thetreehousebb.ca

Saturday:

• Breakfast at The Treehouse Bed & Breakfast
• Enjoy the Flesherton Farmer’s Market for local crops, food, fun, arts & crafts.
• Discover the creative forces at the ARTSONTEN Gallery & Boutique, including the amazing Cuckoo Valley Garden.  
• Time for a manicure appointment at Markdale Nails & Spa. 
• Shop for that one of a kind treasure at Classic Consignment where you will find antiques, arts, crafts and so much more.  
• Enjoy lunch at the old fire hall that is now Fire & Ice Restaurant. 
• Hike at Old Baldy to take in the spectacular view of the Beaver Valley. 
• Experience the harvest at Beaver Valley Orchard & Cidery with a tasting & an artisan cheese platter.
• Enjoy local culinary creations with dinner at The Flying Chestnut Kitchen.

Breakfast is served at The Treehouse Bed & Breakfast

The Flesherton Farmer's Market 

ARTSONTEN Gallery & Boutique and Cuckoo Garden in Flesherton

The food is always delicious at Fire & Ice

Classic Consignment is like walking into a treasure box!

The Flying Chestnut Kitchen is amazing...be sure to make reservations!

Sunday:

• Follow The Art Map Open Studio Weekend and visit the many art studios in Eugenia and Kimberley.
• Visit the alpacas at Kickin’ Back Alpaca Ranch and shop their alpaca boutique. 
• Lunch at the Bicycle Café, offering an eclectic menu and décor. 
• Enjoy a shopping experience at The Rusty Star in Maxwell where we will find hand crafted Mennonite furniture and fabulous home décor.
• Continue our shopping trip at Home Accents Emporium in Feversham.  
• Back to the Treehouse Bed & Breakfast to pack up & head back to those husbands and kids

Kickin' Back Alpaca Ranch is an amazing place to visit

The Bicycle Cafe is such a great place to gather with friends.

The Rusty Star in Maxwell

Webwood Falls and Stops Along the Way

This past Thanksgiving weekend gave me so many things to be thankful for as we gathered with family and shared a fantastic thanksgiving meal.  But getting from the table to the trail was my favourite part of the weekend.

Thanksgiving Monday was this amazing, unseasonably warm and sunny day which enticed everyone to get out and enjoy.  I took full advantage of the gift that was this gorgeous day, heading out for a drive and with no particular place to go I would stop each time I saw some scene that inspired me and I had to capture.

I took in the view from the Top of Talisman.

My favourite barn along Grey Road 7.

I loved this old truck for sale.

Living in the moment and letting the day take me where it may, I turned onto Sideroad 25 and just over the bridge I stopped to experience the trails at Webwood Falls.  The trail to the viewing deck built by the Bruce Trail Conservancy is easily accessed from the road and provides a nice vantage point of this cascading waterfall.

If you follow along on Map 28 of the Bruce Trail there is a great Side Trail loop for you to take, making it easy for parking in the same spot where you start and end your hike, which is perfect for a family hike.

There once stood a mill here that served the community, the remains of which are still visible with the stone wall that still stands just above the falls.

On the other side of the falls stands the remnants of a shed which has much more significance than just an old charming building.  It is a Barn Swallow Nest Rehabilitation project where artificial nest cups have been placed inside the shed to encourage nesting of the Bran Swallow, who's numbers have declined in the area.  As a kid we had these birds nesting at our cottage and I would hate to see them disappear from the area.  There is an information sheet on the outside of the shed, please follow the request and do not enter the structure, I took these photos standing outside.

Webwood Falls and the surrounding lands were generously donated by James Horwood and is actually a nature reserve, protecting the diverse habitat with over 200 plant and fauna species.  Jim named the falls in memory of his parents and close to this commerative plaque you can see the remnants of the original homestead perennial garden still evident surrounding the trail as well as a hand water pump. It just makes me picture Mrs. Horwood tending to her garden which makes it so special.

Having read about the family donation it made me feel so honoured to be enjoying the beautiful trail that day.  On a day of Thanksgiving it seemed so fitting to be at Webwood Falls and I was very thankful that Mr. Horwood gave the gift of these lands for all of us to explore and enjoy.  I encourage you to get out and share is his gift if you have not already been.

The view of the falls from the other side of the trail.

Some of the plant life that was thriving.

A friend I found along the trail.

The trees guarding the trail.