Calling all music, art and lovers of beauty. The Carmel Fine Art and Music Festival is back for year two and this year it’s filled with even more beauty (if that’s possible).

The three days of cultural experiences are happening over Labour Day Weekend.

Starting on August 30th, it’s an Artist Evening Soiree, where you can meet and greet with over 100 of the most talented Ontario artists, followed by a presentation of the Juried Show Awards, wine and cheese, musical entertainment and a silent auction. All this culture for only $10.

On August 31st and September 1st, there is free admission to view the masterpieces from these talented artists, listen to 28 musicians share their vocal masterpieces over 2 stages, a Poet and Painter’s series (where 10 artists and writers will exchange their work then create an interpretation of it), Plein Air Painters, a Wine and Culinary Patio, Community Art Project and so much more. This event is where natural talent meets natural beauty. It all takes place at the Mount Carmel Monastery, a 138 year old building full of spiritual history. Last year this event generated over 3000 art enthusiasts from across the world.

The Courtyard by Marriott Niagara Falls hotel, an official partner of the event is also offering special rates for this weekend.

Read more about this event here.

Two Niagara Breweries: Oast and Silversmith add a lot of flavour to the Niagara Region.

The Niagara Peninsula is one of Ontario’s most acclaimed grape growing and winemaking districts, but not many people know that Niagara now has added two micro-breweries to the map: Oast House Brewers and Silversmith Brewing Company.

Oast is known to many locals as the “the neighbour in the big red barn with great beer.”

They are also popping up at many local events, such as the Wednesday Supper Market at Garrison Village in Niagara-on-the-Lake and will be at Stratus Vineyards on August 18th for their Sips, Swirls and Hops event.

This summer they are featuring a seasonal beer with Lavender and Cardamom, which is available in a Growler (in layman’s terms - a great big jug)….Sounds delicious.

Silversmith Brewing Company is another Niagara Brewery, with a unique location in a former church built around 1894, which was covered in vines. Yes that’s right vines.

Silversmith is also available at the Wednesday Supper Market in Garrison Village in Niagara-on-the-Lake, plus a variety of places across Ontario. Both breweries are located on Niagara Stone Road in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Niagara is definitely hopping with new breweries including Taps on Queen in Niagara Falls. Plus Niagara College has a Teaching Brewery and is known as the “centre of beer education” in the Niagara Peninsula and the only fully licensed teaching brewery in Canada.

So the next time you are in Niagara, make sure you add our breweries to your itinerary because they are hopping with flavour!

Safari Niagara is so much more than one of the best places in Niagara to take your kids to see over 750 animals, mammals, reptiles and birds. They’ve also got a great Splash Pad to cool off before, during and after visiting all of the furry, feathered and cold blooded animal friends. And if that wasn’t enough excitement, they also have a new Rhino Exhibit, Interactive Reptile Exhibit, Free Flight Budgie Experience and the White Lions. The fun is endless here.

Safari Niagara is also a great place in the evening hours for a fun-filled night without the kiddies. If you haven’t been before you need to check out the Safari Niagara Concert Series. It’s a great way to see and hear incredible talent under the stars. And you never know when you may hear the occasion “Roar” or a “Polly Likes the Sheepdogs” from a few of their biggest fans. Now can you say you’ve experienced that before? After all the animals appreciate good music too.

Here is the schedule for the rest of the summer:

Colin James - July 26th

Sheep Dogs and 54-40 - August 9th

Great Big Sea - August 24th

Tickets are still available to the Safari Niagara Concert Series.

Safari Niagara is just a short drive from the Courtyard by Marriott Niagara Falls hotel at 2821 Stevensville Road in Stevensville.

Don’t you just love it when you discover new things that are right in your neighbourhood? Well this one is sort of in our neighbourhood. Just a 30 minute drive across the border (so have your passports handy). Our newest discovery is the Buffalo Outer Harbor Concert Series. This was something that literally just landed in our laps one evening when a friend had extra tickets to the Black Keys on July 8th. It was quite the evening.

First of all, the concert’s location is amazing. The concert is located off the Fuhrmann Blvd. exit of Route 5/The Skyway in Downtown Buffalo, New York in the great outdoors. This venue can hold up to 12,000 people, so there is lots of space to walk around, grab some food from some fabulous and famous Buffalo Food Trucks, and plenty of places to grab your favourite beverage or two. It is general admission, so you can either brave the crowd and try and get up front or sit back and watch the concert from a distance. There are also VIP tickets available.

This summer’s line-up included Guns N’ Roses, Alice Cooper & Marilyn Manson, The Black Keys (which was fabulous by the way).

Here is the line-up for the rest of the summer:

On Friday, July 19th - the “one and only” Tragically Hip will be taking the stage, with special guests Grace Potter and the Nocturnals.

There are still tickets left for this show. You can show up to the doors after 4pm on Friday, July 19th.

On Friday, July 21st - Mac Miller and Odd Future

On August 2nd - Flogging Molly

There is plenty of parking close by and even a shuttle available for parking spots further away. So if you are looking for something a little different, you’ve got to check out this newly discovered venue.

And don’t forget, you can stay at the Courtyard by Marriott Niagara Falls hotel. We are just a short drive from the Buffalo Harbor Concert Series. Stay a night, 2 nights or a week. There is plenty to do in Niagara this Summer.

Mother’s Day is just around the corner. How will you be celebrating the love of your mother, mom, mommy, mama? Niagara is one of those places where the celebration of mom doesn’t just have to happen on one particular day of the year, it can happen all year round.

However, moms do appreciate a particular day named after them and sure do enjoy the pampering. Allow us to share a few of our favourite ‘hot spots’ to bring your special lady.

Niagara-on-the-Lake (or N-O-T-L as we Niagarians like to call it) is filled with some mother-loving festivals, such as the Wine & Herb Festival, which is every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in May. Spend the day or weekend sampling delicious Niagara wine and fresh herb pairings in the lovely Wine Country of Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Touring passes are $43 per person (plus HST), which entitles you to a VQA wine and food pairing at each winery. Valid every event weekend.

Most celebrations involve food and wine, so don’t be surprised if you are starting to see a theme here. This event takes it one step further and includes beautiful hand-crafted gifts by local artisans. Take your mom to the Handmade Market, at Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery, on May 11th or 12th. Featuring over 60 local artisans, plus homemade goodness from local Food Trucks and of course wine at Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery.

And lastly (yes this hot spot also includes food and possibly wine), who doesn’t love delightfully, delectable, sweet Dungeness crab? If you are one of the many who fall into this category, you can’t miss The Keg Steakhouse and Bar’s Dungeness Crab menu, which is available until June 2nd. Can we tempt your taste buds with a Dungeness Crab Wedge Salad or a Crab & Shrimp Sirloin? Come and check out the newly renovated dining space at the Keg in the Courtyard by Marriott hotel. The transformation is unbelievable.

If you’re looking for accommodations for you and your mom, visit the newly renovated Courtyard by Marriott. Our space is completely refreshing. From our lobby to our spacious guest rooms, it’s a ‘Mother’s Day Kind of Stay’ at the newly renovated Courtyard.

Football Fans - Monday night football just got even more exciting! Not only is the Courtyard by Marriott the official sponsor of the NFL, but we are offering special NFL travel packages from September 20th - February 3rd. Stay one weekend night and receive a $50 Courtyard Refreshing Savings Weekend Coupon, which is good for your next two night weekend stay, plus receive a 15% NFLshop.com coupon and late check-out.

Book your weekend stay soon and start planning your stay at THE Niagara Falls hotel located in the “centre of it all.” The Niagara Falls Courtyard by Marriott is just minutes from Niagara Falls, Casino Niagara, the Fallsview Casino, Clifton Hill and major Niagara Parks attractions.

Plus you could win trip’s to your favourite NFL Team’s 2013 Regular Season Road Games, trips to Super Bowl XLVII, the 2013 Pro Bowl, the 2013 NFL Draft and more.For full contest details, visit http://www.facebook.com/courtyard/ or marriott.com/courtyard

And during your staying at the Niagara Falls Courtyard by Marriott, be sure to check out all the NFL specials at The Keg Steakhouse & Bar. Every Sunday, Monday and Thursday night enjoy some of the following mouth-watering meals or for some late night snacks:

1/2 rack of dry rub ribs and a pitcher of beer

Nachos and a pitcher

1lb of wings and a pitcher

Burger and a pint

So who are you predicting will make it to SuperBowl XLVII? According to the Bleacher Report, they are predicting the Houston Texans, San Francisco 49ers, New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles, or the Green Bay Packers.

My prediction are the Green Bay Packers and New England Patriots. Only time will tell…

If you haven’t been to Artpark this summer, you must add this place to your “summer fun” list. Artpark is known for its excellence in performing & visual arts. This summer was jam-packed with fun-filled activities for both families and adults such as: Sundays in July, Free Family Saturday’s, Tuesday in the Park, and Coors Light Wednesdays. Featuring bands such as the Lowest of the Low, Jane’s Addiction, Sheryl Crow, Steve Miller and more. Tickets ranged from $0 to $15.

However there is still time. Tuesday in the Park will be be finishing its spectacular summer line-up with The Machine, Performing Pink Floyd on August 28th at 7pm and The Charlie Daniel’s Band on September 4th. General Admission is only $5.00 (you can’t beat that price).

The last concert of the summer is being performed by an American singer- songwriter, musician and artist who does not need an introduction, Bob Dylan. Tickets for this September 6th event are $40.00 (for general admission lawn seats). From previous experience, there is not a bad seat in the house and you can work your way up to front row.

If you are either a kid, art-adorer or nature-lover, don’t miss Emerald Grove. Emerald Grove is a whimsical, interactive, art installation created by Sculptor Extraordinaire, Jesse Walp. This exhibit features interactive elements such as: bridges, windmills, sculptural seating, an earth mound, a sundial and large pod-like huts which stand 15 feet tall.

Niagara is the place to be for a week-day or week-end getaway. There is so much to do in the Niagara Region, so start planning your last chance for a summer vacation revelation today. The Niagara Falls Courtyard by Marriott is just a short drive to Lewiston. Out of all the Niagara Falls hotels, the Niagara Falls Courtyard is in the “centre of it all.”

Be sure to add Artpark to your vacation agenda for next week, the following week and next year, as it is a must-see Niagara event.