I am proud to announce that on June 15, 2012, I will become the head chef at Patterson-Kaye Resort & Spa. Our new restaurant will be operating under the name “Muskoka Memories Steakhouse & Seafood Restaurant”.

I am a long time Bracebridge resident.  My background includes working for the past 15 years as a chef at Casino Rama’s fine dining restaurant on-site at the casino.  However I have always wanted to find a position in my home town where I could ply my trade, and I was very happy when the position at Patterson-Kaye’s new restaurant became available. I can assure you that the experience of an entire life time in the food service industry as gone into the menu I have created for this restaurant, which includes succulent steaks and prime rib, and multiple seafood entrees including lobster tails, crab legs, and a catch of the day of fresh fish.  If you wish to have a look at this menu Click Here.

We are also pleased to announce that in conjunction with the opening of the steakhouse, we will also be opening a waterfront patio and bar. For those looking for a less formal dining experience where they can enjoy a beer from Muskoka’s finest micro breweries, or simply a great glass of wine while looking out over the beautiful Muskoka River as it enters Lake Muskoka,  this will be your little piece of heaven. To check out what is available on the menu I have put together for the patio, click here.

Finally for our guests staying on-site, or for our visitors coming to either of our other restaurants that are looking for a delicious ice-cream after their meal, we will be opening AJ’s Panini & Ice Cream Bar in our new spa building with a patio opening up to our in-ground pool. AJ’s will feature delicious hand made panini’s grilled while you wait, and ice cream by the scoop. For a look at the menu offered at AJ’s, click here.

Finally, I consider myself a hand’s on chef.  I love to talk to people about food.  If you have any questions about our menu, or are thinking about Patterson-Kaye as the venue for your wedding or other special event, please call the resort or send us an email to my attention, and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

Chef Glenn

Welcome to our first edition of “What’s Up in Muskoka”   In this section of our newsletter we will be focusing on up-coming events in the Bracebridge and Muskoka area that might be of interest to our guests.  Bracebridge and all of the other communities of Muskoka are very active places with all sorts of fun and entertaining events being held throughout the year.  Whether you are looking for fun for yourself or for the whole family, there’s something for everyone in Muskoka.   If you have any questions on any of these events, please do not hesitate to contact us or drop us an email.

MAY 2012

May 16

The Gravenhurst Farmer’s Market holds its first market  of the season today from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the special events field at Muskoka Wharf (across the road from Boston Pizza). The market is held every Wednesday until Oct. 3.

May 19

Ross Haven Equestrian will be hosting a schooling show at the Severn Bridge Fairgrounds. As well, there will be a small market-like group of vendors to keep participants busy between classes and a food booth to provide hot lunch items and coffee, tea and hot chocolate. For more details visit rosshavenequestrian.weebly.com .

The 844 Norseman Air Cadets will be holding a yard sale from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot of Branch 232 Huntsville Royal Canadian Legion. Anyone wishing to donate items can drop them off at the Cadet office  at the back of the Legion, May 17 and 18. Anyone wishing to rent a table for $15, please leave a message at (705) 789-7858. Spaces are limited.

The first Bracebridge Farmer’s Market of the 2012 season runs from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday May 19, 2012, and is  located in Memorial Park on Manitoba Street, beside the Norwood Theatre. The market runs every Saturday at this time and location under Thanksgiving weekend.  Market Manager: Margaret Smith (705) 645-9592  or visit www.thebracebridgefarmersmarket.com.

May 24

The Muskoka Trails Council will once again be helping with the Annual Scavenger Hunt and Hike with the Family Help Network and the Fathering Coalition.

Dads and their kids are invited to  the Hike for Dads. This outdoor event, rain or shine, will be taking place in the following locations in Muskoka: Bracebridge – Kerr Park – 11 a.m. until noon. Huntsville – to be announced! For more information, please contact us by email: info@muskokatrailscouncil.com or by telephone: (905) 714-4181.

Victoria Banks and The Jeffersons will play a double bill at the Gravenhurst Opera House at 8 p.m. This will be an acoustic evening of great songs and stories from two of Nashville’s top songwriters and artists. For more info and tickets visit www.gravenhurstoperahouse.com

May 26

The Ontario SPCA Friends for Life walkathon will be held at Annie Williams Memorial Park in Bracebridge. For more details or to register, visit www.muskoka.ontariospca.ca.

A fund-raising barbecue and silent auction will be held at Kerr Park in Bracebridge for Karri Ann (Hammond) Houston, to offer support in her fight with pancreatic cancer. All proceeds will go to Karri Ann and her family. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information contact Lori Grainger at 705-571-0468.

May 27

The Georgian Bay Biosphere Quarter Marathon Run, Walk or Pole is the largest fundraiser for cottage country health care. Hosted by West Parry Sound Health Centre Foundation (WPSHCF) the spectacular route mirrors the sparkling waters of the shoreline along Georgian Bay. There is a $500 purse for the fastest male and female. Pledges purchase life-saving equipment for the only Emergency on the 300 k route between Barrie and Sudbury. For details or to register:  www.PSRun.com.

JUNE 2012

June 2–

1:00 pm – 4:00 pm - Savour Muskoka Culinary Experiences 2012 Spring Farm Workshops.  The classes are designed for absolutely everyone. You do not need to know much about farming or cooking but you DO need to have the desire to learn, get your hands into it and enjoy yourself immensely!  $30.00 per person, includes a delectable local foods tasting.  Call (705) 705-646-7118 or email admin@savourmuskoka.com to register.  Hands-On Learning.  Learning Hands-On.  Today’s Workshop: Growing Potatoes. Ken and Katya Riley will share their years of knowledge on the techniques of planting, growing, cultivating and storing potatoes in Muskoka. This hands-on workshop will offer you the opportunity to learn to grow this family favourite and winter storage root vegetable.  $50.00 to register for this workshop and the Growing Strawberries Workshop on May 12 or $30.00 each.  Location: Brooklands Farm, Milford Bay.  www.savourmuskoka.ca/events.html

June 9 & 10

(10:00 am – 5:00 pm) The 10th Anniversary Muskoka Lakes Spring Art Tour.  Visit 11 studios. See 22 artists.  Painting, basketry, beading, carving, glasswork, fabric art, pottery, metal, photography, wood, sculpture and jewellery.  Just follow the yellow signs  Take home a piece of Muskoka!  (705) 762-5663  www.muskokalakesspringarttour.com

June 10

(1:00 pm – 4:00 pm) Savour Muskoka Culinary Experiences 2012 Spring Farm Workshops. The classes are designed for absolutely everyone. You do not need to know much about farming or cooking but you DO need to have the desire to learn, get your hands into it and enjoy yourself immensely!  $30.00 per person, includes a delectable local foods tasting.  Call (705) 705-646-7118 or email admin@savourmuskoka.com to register.  Hands-On Learning.  Learning Hands-On.  Today’s Workshop: Poultry Workshop. This informative workshop is geared to teach the whole life cycle of poultry keeping for the backyard hobbyist & the small farm producer. The family at Severn Sunset Eco-Farm will focus on pasture/grass based production and keeping poultry in winter housing. You will be working with chickens, ducks & turkeys with ideas ranging from egg mobiles, chicken tractors, free ranging and more.  Location: Severn Sunset Eco-Farm, Severn Bridge.  www.savourmuskoka.ca/events.html

June 23 – 24

10:00 am – 4:00 pm - Doors Open Muskoka.  Come join us in Muskoka for our seventh Doors Open weekend! Muskoka communities and waterways invite you to explore our boating heritage, museums, cultural centres and more.  Hosted by the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario Muskoka Branch and the Muskoka Heritage Founation in partnership with the Town of Gravenhurst and Township of Muskoka Lakes.  www.arconserv.ca and   www.doorsopenontario.on.ca balamus@muskoka.com  (705) 762-5876

June 25

12:30 pm – 7:00 pm - Canadian Blood Services Blood Donor Clinic at Faith Baptist Church (Gym), 169 West Rd., Huntsville. You could save up to 3 lives! Call 1-888-2-DONATE to book your appointment. www.blood.ca . Quote Partner For Life # BRAC010504 to have your donation count toward the Bracebridge Chamber of Commerce 2012 giving goal.

June 30

10:00 am – 4:00 pm – Join us for the 100th Anniversary Celebration of Bent River School S.S. #7  1912 – 2012.  Rosseau Lake Rd. 1.  Opening ceremonies at 1:00 pm.  Please bring any copies of family or school photos that you have to share.  Light refreshments.  For more info. please contact Glenn at (705)769-3442 or June at (705) 769-3515.  We are looking forward to seeing you.

JULY 2012

Tuesdays & Thursdays – EXERCISE CLASSES for MEN & WOMEN 50+ at the Bracebridge Sportsplex. Call Bobby at 645-8174 for rates and information.

Weekly – Martial Arts Training at Temple Knights Wu Shu Academy. Call 767-1177 for rates and information. www.templeknights.com

June 23 – July 15

As you may know, June 27th is Multiculturalism Day in Canada. In celebration, the Muskoka Multicultural Association will be hosting our annual Muskoka Multicultural Art Festival (MMAF) from June 23rd until July 15th, 2012. Our event which will be held at Zensations Emporium Art/Gift Gallery in Gravenhurst will showcase pieces of work from local artists and possibly students. The Muskoka Multicultural Association (MMA) is a not-for-profit organization that has been in existence since early 2010. MMA has participated in and hosted many local community functions. We have organized the Chinese New Year celebration in partnership with Bethune House, weekly art group meetings in Bracebridge, and regular ¡°getting to know you¡± socials for newcomers. We are partnering once again with Zensations Gallery, whose owner is Sarah Goossen and is originally from Taiwan. She, along with the other members of MMA wish to support diversity in our community and make this year¡&hibar;s Art Festival a raging success! Patricia Larocque, Project Assistant and Youth Intern, Muskoka Multicultural Association 705 646 9874 pat@muskokamulticulturalassociation.com www.muskokamulticulturalassociation.com

July 1

The Rotary Club of Bracebridge presents Canada Day Fireworks in Bracebridge Bay Park. The Rotary Club of Bracebridge invites you to attend the best fireworks show north of Highway 7.  www.bracebridgefireworks.com

July 5

Bracebridge Bullnanza at the Bracebridge Fairgrounds / J.D. Lang Activity Park, 331 Fraserburg Rd.  Experience the thrill of man versus beast with North America’s top rated Bulls and Riders at Bracebridge’s newest event.  doublerodeo@hotmail.com or 705-788-1104

July 7

9:00 am – 7:00 pm - ART IN THE HEART celebrates its 5th annual outdoor art market in public spaces and alleyways of historic Downtown Bracebridge. Each Saturday July 7th to August 4th, new and emerging artists will display their work for you to discover. Experience downtown and choose your favourite paintings, pottery, carvings, jewellery, baskets and more – you will be amazed and inspired. www.artintheheartbracebridge.com

July 13 – 15

28th Annual Muskoka Pioneer Power Show at the Bracebridge Fairgrounds (331 Fraserburg Rd.). This year’s theme will be All Colours.  Featuring heritage display rooms, log cabin, waterous saw mill, Linn tractor, Mowry shingle mill, country store, blacksmith shop, kiddie, lawn, tractor & antique tractor pulls, classic & antique vehicles, engine displays, grand parade Sat.  Pancake & sausage/peameal breakfast from 7-10am Sat. & Sun. Barn Dance Saturday night 8:30pm  Gates open Fri. 5:00pm, Sat. & Sun. 7:00am.  Free parking.  Admission $5.00.  Accompanied children under 12 free.  For more information call Paul Sisson (705) 645-9245 or Murray Jibb (705) 645-1954.   www.bracebridgechamber.com/mppa

July 14

9:00 am – 7:00 pm – ART IN THE HEART celebrates its 5th annual outdoor art market in public spaces and alleyways of historic Downtown Bracebridge. Each Saturday July 7th to August 4th, new and emerging artists will display their work for you to discover. Experience downtown and choose your favourite paintings, pottery, carvings, jewellery, baskets and more – you will be amazed and inspired. www.artintheheartbracebridge.com

July 14 – Aug. 4

Muskoka Arts and Crafts Inc. presents Second Exposure: A Photographic Installation by Elspeth Wood. An installation showing the many facets of canoeing on the St. Lawrence River just before WWI. Location: The Chapel Gallery, 15 King St., Bracebridge. Open Tues. – Sat. 10am – 1pm and 2pm to 5pm. www.muskokaartsandcrafts.com (705) 645-5501.

July 20 – 22

Muskoka Arts and Crafts presents the 50th Annual Summer Show at Annie Williams Park (50 Santa’s Village Rd.) in Bracebridge. Two hundred sensational artists and craftspeople from Muskoka and across Canada show and sell their original and handmade work to over 20,000 enthusiastic people.  Hours: Fri. 10am-7pm; Sat. & Sun. 10am-5pm.  Admission by donation.  Free parking. (705) 645-5501  www.muskokaartsandcrafts.com

July 21

9:00 am – 7:00 pm – ART IN THE HEART celebrates its 5th annual outdoor art market in public spaces and alleyways of historic Downtown Bracebridge. Each Saturday July 7th to August 4th, new and emerging artists will display their work for you to discover. Experience downtown and choose your favourite paintings, pottery, carvings, jewellery, baskets and more – you will be amazed and inspired. www.artintheheartbracebridge.com

July 21 – Aug. 12

10:00am-5:00pm - The Artful Garden. Original artwork created by over 40 artists inspired by the gardens and displayed in an outdoor Muskoka garden gallery.  Location: Suzann & Jon Partridge, 1016 Partridge Lane, 2 km West of Bracebridge on Hwy 118 to South Monck Dr, North 2km to Partridge Lane.  705-645-8618  www.theartfulgarden.ca

July 28

9:00 am – 7:00 pm – ART IN THE HEART celebrates its 5th annual outdoor art market in public spaces and alleyways of historic Downtown Bracebridge. Each Saturday July 7th to August 4th, new and emerging artists will display their work for you to discover. Experience downtown and choose your favourite paintings, pottery, carvings, jewellery, baskets and more – you will be amazed and inspired. www.artintheheartbracebridge.com

July 31 – Aug. 3

Muskoka District Kennel Club Dog Show at the Bracebridge Fairgrounds (J.D. Lang Activity Park), 331 Fraserburg Rd., Bracebridge. www.mdkconline.com

A New, Improved Patterson-Kaye

The big news from the Resort in 2012 are the changes being made to our operations, and the extensive upgrades and renovations being done prior to our opening this year.

The first and biggest change we are making to the operation of the Resort is to move from a model whereby our guests are required to pay for both food and accommodation on a per person basis, to a model whereby guests receive a straight rental rate for our classic Muskoka cottages, with the ability either to cook for themselves within their cottage, or eat out at our new restaurant. This will result in a substantial reduction in the rates this year.  In order to facilitate this change, the old dining hall is being totally renovated into a world class licensed steak house and seafood restaurant operating under the name “Muskoka Memories Steakhouse & Seafood Restaurant”, which will include a licensed waterfront patio and lounge.  The motel rooms in the old lodge have been removed opening the entire building to the roof.  Heating and cooling will be geo-thermal.   The fireplace has been redone by a master stone mason. The patio will be done in flagstone and over look the lake.  The  resulting structure will be in our humble opinion the most spectacular restaurant in Muskoka. Our new chef is Mr. Glenn Kitchen who is coming to us from Casino Rama in Orillia.  The menus for both the restaurant and patio have been posted on the webpage, but in summary they will have something for everyone’s tastes and budget.  This renovation will allow the Resort to be open year round as the old hall was not even winterized.

The second big change coming this year is that we are adding a new spa where the old pool building was located which will offer traditional spa services to our guests.  We are upgrading the landscaping around the pool area, and adding a Panini and ice cream bar which will open to the patio around the pool.  We are also upgrading the docking facilities at the Resort. Weekly docking privileges can be acquired for your stay at the Resort.  In addition rental fishing boats, canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards will be available (‘Like Us’ on Facebook and receive free 1/2 day boat rentals). The existing swimming area with its sandy beach and slide will remain.  We are also updating the furniture and beds in the cottages, and adding satellite T.V., telephone, and internet service to each cottage.

Another new development is that this summer we will be launching the Patterson-Kaye Vacation Club.  By joining this club, guests will receive a transferable membership in the Resort which will give to the holder the right in perpetuity to one week in the cottage of their choice in our peak summer period, and an additional two weeks in that same unit that can be used at any time in the rest of the year.  If you can’t use any of your weeks, you can put them into our rental pool, or you can make it available to your family or friends. We will also be enrolling this program in the RCI time share exchange program.  As stated these memberships are fully transferrable and be can be sold at any time, or gifted to the persons of your choice.   You can pay cash for these memberships, or finance them through the Resort.  The price will depend on the size of the cottage you want to have a membership in.  We are also offering financing to purchase these memberships over time at rates as low as 3.9% with 10% down. The down payment will is substantially less than the rental rate for the 3 weeks a member will be entitled to in the first year alone.  For those of you who have only ever been to the Resort in the summer, you are missing out on the beauty of Muskoka in the spring, winter and fall.

We believe that these changes will offer all our guests a greatly enhanced vacation experience, while maintaining the charm and ambience that Patterson-Kaye has offered to its guests since 1936.  If you have any questions about the changes described in this email, please do not hesitate to contact us, and we hope to see you soon at Patterson-Kaye Resort & Spa.

During the summer our activities coordinator will visit you each day at breakfast to let you know about the activities for the day. Each day through the summer we run activities through out the property. Each activity is organized by our activities coordinator and is a great way to get to know the other guests and simply to have some fun! We kick off the week with a resort wide game of Capture the Flag! Followed by other activities such as a Shuffle Board Tournament, Bocce Ball Tournament, Horse Shoes, Water Valley Ball and a Tennis Tournament run different days of the week. Each night of the week we have different activities too, from a marshmallow and wiener roast on the front beach to live entertainment in our main lodge living room. Six nights a week we show a movie in the recreation hall on our huge projection screen TV, so bring your popcorn! On Wednesday nights is our famous Talent Show, our staff will entertain you with a few laughs and we also ask for guests to get involved so bring your guitar or other instrument or you can use our piano!

Water Skiing, Wakeboarding & Tubing!!

You can book our Supra Ski boat in July and August by the hour to take the family out for  water skiing, wake boarding and tubing.  The boat is available to be booked every day between 10:00 am 4:00 pm four at the front desk.

Fishing & Boat Rentals

If you enjoy fishing, then Patterson Kaye is the place for you.  Lake Muskoka is loaded with bass, pike, pickerel and lake trout. If you want assistance in finding the hottest fishing spots, you can book fishing guides through the front office. We have three 16 foot aluminum boats with four stroke motors than can be rented, or a 20 foot bow rider for larger groups. We also have stand-up paddleboats, kayaks and canoes available for rental on-site for half day and full day rentals.

Children’s Program

Included with your rate we provide an organized children’s program that runs Monday to Saturday for July and August. With daily activities and crafts the program gives the parents an opportunity to relax and enjoy some quiet time! Each day has different times the program runs and is for children 3 years old and up, please call for details.

Other Lodge Amenities

Other amenities at Patterson Kaye Lodge include Heated Pool, Hot Tub, Shuffle Board Court, Horseshoe pits, Children’s Play Ground, Double Tennis Courts, Zip Line, Bocce Ball, Sandy Beach and Water Volley Ball!

Golfing

We have a number of world-class golf courses in Muskoka! South Muskoka Golf and Curling, Kirrie Glen, Muskoka Highlands Golf and Driving Range and Bracebridge Golf Course are located within 15 minutes of the lodge. There are many other Golf Courses within a half hour of the lodge! We organize a weekly golf tournament at one of the nearby courses, please call for details.

Other Local Attractions

Horseback Riding at Maple Lane Farms

Back Country Paint Ball

Follow this link to a number of events related to Arts and Crafts and other festivals through out the summer! Click HERE

Rate based upon 6 people. Maximum 9.

Private verandah, queen-sized bed, whirlpool bath.

No. 20 one room – 2 adult minimum

One room units – 2 adult minimum

One bedroom units – 3 adult minimum

No. 37 two bedroom units – 3 adult minimum in summer season and 4 adult minimum in winter season

No. 38 two bed room units – 3 adult minimum in summer season and 4 adult minimum in winter season

No. 43 three rooms – 4 adult minimum (summer only)

No. 44 two rooms – 3 adult minimum