Five years ago the town of Virden was a buzz with the big Hollywood movie production of A Dog’s Purpose. The movie starred Dennis Quaid and was a big box office hit, grossing over $64 million in North America alone. For this week’s road trip feature we’re going to travel to Virden and re-visit a few of the locations that were the setting for this famous film. Virden Manitoba is just 45 minutes west of Brandon on the Trans Canada highway. The town itself is south of the highway and the CPR rail tracks run right thru it. The movie was filmed on 7th Avenue at Nelson Street. While some of the storefronts were outfitted with movie props and neon signs, you can absolutely recognize the buildings in the movie. Whether it’s the front alcove of Shari Lyn Fashions, or the bright blue frame of Pitter Patter, the buildings they will catch your eye in the movie. (Visit YouTube for this behind the scenes glimpse into the movie making. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=t2jrU_I6TGE It seems clear that Virden was chosen as a filming location to stand in for a 1950s era town for its outstanding preservation and collection of historic buildings. You don’t have to walk far to see ghost signs (turn of the century painted on advertisements) on buildings or a restored CPR hotel in downtown Virden. On Nelson Street, and across from the Old CPR Station, you will see the Alexandra Hotel. Build in 1907 and renovated as recently at 2016, it boasts the original round-arched windows and brick work which was a signature of Canadian Pacific Hotels. The gorgeous fieldstone railway station itself is home to the Virden Chamber of Commerce and Arts Council. In the parking lot you’ll see a retired rail car but also a very modern electric car charging station. While in Virden, you may wish to stop and snap a few photos in the community gardens and parks. Virden takes a lot of pride in their public spaces. There’s a picnic park downtown on Nelson Street, a sitting garden on King Street (just off the Trans Canada Highway) and a community recreation park (Victoria Park) with tennis courts, lawn bowling, swings and a band shell. Do stop by and see the war memorial in the centre of Victoria Park. As for hidden gem in Virden, find T’s Dining & Lounge for upscale dining. It’s on Nelson Street a block away from the Derrick Theatre. Incidentally, the Derrick Theatre, which has hosted movie goers since the 1950s, is for sale. Listed by Sutton Realty its asking price is $399,999. It would be fantastic to see this town’s movie legacy continue whether it’s hosting new movie shoots or reviving the one-screen theatre. Virden is worth a drive. To fully enjoy this fun drive and a movie experience, watch A Dog’s Purpose first, then travel to Virden. For a movie double-header also catch the sequel, A Dog’s Journey (filmed in Winnipeg and released in the big screen in 2019). The sequel was equally successful at the box office bringing in more than 75 million dollars world-wide. These movies have been a beacon for attracting new movie making projects to Manitoba. Even in Covid times, Hallmark has chose to film their latest Christmas here in this province. Seems we have more star power here than just the northern lights. For more tourist information or to plan your visit go to Virden.ca

Established in 2018, King Korn Maze is a family-owned, 13-acre corn maze in Notre Dame de Lourdes, MB. In addition to offering a number (4) of corn mazes, they added a new sunflower path in 2020 as well. Other attractions on the property for the kiddos include a bale pyramid, human hamster ball, mini-golf, and a tire playground. The corn maze opens annually every August and typically runs into October, weather permitting. Cost is only $5 per person, 3 & under free. September & October hours: Open Friday evenings, Saturday & Sunday. Friday evenings:  6:00pm-8:00pm Saturday & Sunday:  11:00am-8:00pm **SEPTEMBER HOURS ONLY BEGIN ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 6th. Location: 1 mile south of Notre Dame de Lourdes on Hwy 244 & 1/4 mile west of GDT Transport on Rd 35N For additional information, please visit their Facebook page or their website. On your visit to the maze, if you're looking for an outstanding burger/meal then stop by Big Al's Burgers in Notre Dame de Lourdes. The burgers are both tasty and huge.

There has been such a great response from our last two mini-Manitoba road trip articles, we’ve decided to keep going. For this trip, pack the car with a few snacks and head south on the #10 highway out of Brandon. The highway is in excellent driving condition and before you know it you’ll be crossing the Souris River and enjoying the view of the valley. First stop is Boissevain. It’s located right on the highway.  Once you slow down for the school zone you’ll see signs directing you to turn left to start the Art Drive. There are numerous murals around town and they are bright and beautiful. You can’t miss them. Clearly a progressive town, Snap Chat picked up a filter for Choy’s Restaurant right away. Just down the street from Choy’s and across from the Community Theatre is a beautiful little park aptly named “Arts Park.” Definitely walk through and enjoy the eclectic displays! It’s a gem. If you’re ready for a coffee, do stop in at Sawmill Tea and Coffee company. Ask about their daily flavour of cheesecake, or pick up a bowl of their homemade soup. Once you’re back on #10 and heading south, you’ll come to a junction where you can choose to head east to Killarney or west for Deloraine. I picked west for Deloraine! Farm families are hard at work here in the harvest season. The golden fields of the area are as pretty as a picture.  The town of Deloraine isn’t far and the drive will go quickly but, I’m going to suggest a 3km detour off the highway at Turtlehead Creek Dam before you even get there. (It’s clearly marked by highway signs.) As you head towards the dam and the golf course you’ll see an intriguing sign that says “bank vault.”  This signals a gravel detour to an old field stone bank vault. One of only 2 left in western Canada, it’s an intriguing piece of history.  You see, Deloraine wasn’t always where it is today. In fact, it was first established in 1882 about 10km east of town. But in 1886 the Canadian Pacific Railway settled their line north and west, so nearly all the buildings were transferred over to the new site. Unfortunately the bank vault could not be moved, so it was left behind on what is now private property. One you get to Deloraine you can stretch your legs and walk about in the Flags of the World Park. It’s also next to their tourist booth. Over on Broadway Street I spied the post office building. It reminded me of the clock tower building in the movie Back to the Future. Actually, with all the great heritage buildings and wide open green spaces, Deloraine would be a great place to make a feature film. If you do plan to take a Manitoba road trip soon, take your mask and your hand sanitizer with you. Spread only kindness.

Let’s just go for a drive.  The weather’s nice, the fields are turning colours and we’re supposed to stay away from groups. Let’s just go for a drive. I’ll offer two options, for this article. Both are within an hour away. If you choose left (south) you’ll visit Souris. If you choose right (north) you’ll head to Hamiota. Souris is about 30 minutes from Brandon, and Hamiota is an hour. To start this adventure head west on the Trans Canada Highway #1. It won’t be long before you reach the turn at highway #250. This road will lead you right into the town of Souris. If you take a pass on Souris, and go 10 minutes further, you’ll see highway #21 to the north. It will take you on a few twists and turns, and through rolling hills, but soon enough, you’ll reach the beautiful town of Hamiota. In Souris you’ll find many outdoor attractions (Victoria Park, The Plum, the Rock Shop agate pit) but the must-see attraction is Canada’s longest swinging bridge (pictured above). This suspension bridge was originally built in 1904 and was rebuilt after the flood of 2011. It takes less than 10 minutes to walk across the bridge and is especially beautiful at sunset. While in Souris, expect to see wild peacocks roaming the town. If you are lucky enough to see them strutting around with their feathers on display, have your camera ready. Just be careful to keep your distance, and keep a watchful eye on traffic. If you hear the peacock whoop, and you are a fan of the Disney movie UP you’ll instantly think of Kevin. The peacock whoop, or screeching call sounds just like the bird from the movie. Your kids will love it! To see an online visitor’s guide and learn more about the attractions and businesses in Souris visit www.sourismanitoba.com. The town of Hamiota has a gorgeous mural that will catch your eye the minute you turn onto Maple Street. The heritage building and former bank, is officially known as the Heritage Arts Centre. Further along Maple Street you’ll see a small but beautiful public garden. A second bigger park, Millennium Park is along highway #21. If you want to do more than just stretch your legs, bring your golf clubs and play 9 holes at the Hamiota Golf Course. You’ll be pleased to see all this beautiful town has to offer. While I’ve yet to visit during bakery hours, I’m told that Country Crocus Bakeshop has THE best donuts in the region. I’m willing to go for a few more road trips and do some taste testing to prove this theory. More details and event information can be found at www.hamiota.com or on their Instagram page @hamiota_municipality If you do plan to take a drive, don’t forget to take your mask and your hand sanitizer. Spread only kindness.

If you are looking for a family day trip that won't break the bank then you need to check out CJ's Snack Shack and Mini Golf.  Located at Rivers Provincial Park (beach and campground), CJ's has been in operation for approximately 25 years now. Lorne & Sue Green have operated the business since the summer of 2015. The couple told bdnmb.ca that one of the first things they did when taking over the business was to expand the menu. The burgers, perogies, and mozza sticks are all homemade and the fries are hand-cut daily. They recently added several flavors of wings to the menu. In addition to all the hot food, CJ's also offers a variety of ice cream treats like hard ice cream, floats, milkshakes, deep fried ice cream, and a funnel cake sundae. One of the first things you will notice about Cj's Snack Shack and Mini Golf, in addition to the outstanding customer service, is how reasonably priced everything is. The food portions are not only large but also very easy on the wallet. A round of mini golf is only $5 for adults and $3 for children. Cj's Snack Shack and Mini Golf has a number of activities for visitors to participate in including an 18-hole mini golf course. Kayak and paddle boat rentals (life-jackets provided) are also available for rent by the hour, for those looking to spend a relaxing afternoon on the lake. Hours of Operation: Daily from 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/cjssnackshack/ CJ’s Snack Shack and Mini Golf is open from mid-May to mid-September.