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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday April 5, 2008 - 15 Muskoka is a haven for artisans Continued from page 14 and Lake Muskoka is the Village of Port Carling, Ella's Place Restaurant is worth the drive, not to mention the view. On the other side of Hwy. 11 from Bracebridge is Port Sydney. Port Sydney's Trillium Resort and Spa is an adult-only lakeside resort with six waterfront chalets and 11 bed-sitting cottages set among towering hardwoods. Buddy the golden retriever greets all guests, and is offended if he can't join you on the hiking trails. You need to sign him out of course, just as you do the cross country skis and snowshoes. He'll doze patiently while you enjoy an indulgent experience in the spa. Spa professionals offer a full range of spa treatments including stone massage, full-body mud wraps, reflexology, facials and men's manicures. There is a fitness facility and yoga. And no you don't have to stay there to enjoy the services. Through the magnificent arched windows, which soar up to the imposing, beamed cathedral ceiling, you can view the serene beauty of Devine Lake, as you enjoy the breakfast and a fourcourse dinner included in the package. Don't save scraps for Buddy, he isn't allowed people food; besides you'll want to lick the plate yourself. Don't try to buy the antique chest in the bar either, it isn't for sale, nor is the enormous restaurant ice box that came from an Inn that no longer exists. Hidden Valley Resort, just outside Huntsville, an old favourite of mine, has had an update, wonderful beds, and the bedding is a real highlight. The Muskoka rooms are decorated with a moose theme, and face the lake, and the ski hill. Executive chef Jamie Clarke uses local suppliers and products in Hidden Valley's restaurant The Birches, which is bringing more and more locals in to dine. A drive along highways 35, turning on to 60 in Dwight takes you to the gates of Algonquin Provincial Park. The park is not only the oldest provincial park in Canada, it is also one of the largest with 7,725 sq. km of wild forest, lakes, rivers, bogs, cliffs and beaches. There are 17 self-guided trails. Trails that my great grandfather, Tom Salmon used when he was guiding tourists. When Mother Nature changes the weather, there are still lots of things to do. A must is Robinson's General Store in Dorset, owned by the same family since 1921. Nestled in beside the one-lane bridge, it offers a fascinating shopping experience. You'll be hard pressed to leave without buying something. The store which now includes a Home Hardware and Foodland seems to go on forever. This is the place to buy moccasins, or warm socks, or interesting pottery. You name it, they most likely have it. All of the towns and villages have interesting shops, owned and operated by people who seemingly have time to chat. Some like Flotrons Tweed and Hickory in Huntsville have been around as long as I can remember; others no less interesting have just arrived. Artisans abound in this area, one of the reasons Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour is popular year after year. Nights don't necessarily mean watching videos, there are lots of things to do, besides eat. The Algonquin Theatre on the Main Street of Huntsville has been a huge success, with both visitors and locals. Coming up in April is Annie, the Black Fly Muskoka Fest, Northern Blues Review V and Valdy. The prices are so amazing, it is worth coming up. Muskoka has long been a place to get rid of the stress. Adventurous Americans began coming in the late 1800s. They'd be amazed at the changes, but not surprised at the serenity that the rocks, pine trees, lakes and loons still provide. -- Sam Ion can be reached at sion10@cogeco.ca.