Our quest for winter family fun took us to The Forks, Winnipeg just recently. It was the first warm winter day in January and the place was packed! It was really great to see so many people enjoying the free activities with their kids. If you've never been to The Forks, (officially the Red River Mutual Trail) to skate I can offer you a few tips. 1) Go early. At 10AM on weekends you will still find free parking but know that the parkade fills up quickly. After that you might find convenient meter parking, but that's $4 per two hours on your credit card or by coins. By 1pm on weekends, you'll be walking from parking lots as far as the baseball stadium. Free family programming/organized events are held Sundays 1:30-3:30pm. And the better the weather, the more people that are in attendance. 2) Bring your own equipment if you have it. (Skate rentals are $3 for children, or $5 for adults, subject to availability.) Also, bring a backpack to tote your boots in. Some people leave their boots in the warming huts or under benches where you put your skates on, but this seems high risk. Since we forgot a backpack that day, we opted to bury the boots (upside down) in the snowbank behind the warming hut. It was a creative and effective solution, masterminded by my son. Our boots were still there 2 hours later when we were done skating for the day. 3) Bring a stick and puck if you like. There are specific hockey areas and nets. 4) The ice is groomed, but it is also river ice (not indoor rink ice) and used by thousands of people. This means you should bring a helmet even if you think you are an accomplished skater.  You are at risk of catching a skate in chips, cracks, soft spots and random debris. Risk of falling is high. You can check out the reported ice conditions at The Forks website. (www.theforks.com) I have found the ice under the bridges to be particularly rough and hazardous.     5) There is more than just the river to skate on. There are iced sidewalk trails which lead you several kilometres around the park site, over bridges and down to the Esplanade Riel Bridge as well. In fact, I'll let you in on a secret. The ice in front of the Scotiabank Stage, or in the 'festival park' area is hardly used. It was in excellent condition and even had music for our skating enjoyment.  We were there nearly an hour and maybe a dozen people or so were in sight, as opposed to the thousands just on the other side of the buildings on the river. 6) The coffee shop in the Johnson Terminal, first floor has fantastic cappuccinos. I like mine with a shot of coconut syrup. And if you're lucky enough to get a seat in their sunny window, you will have an ideal view of the skating oval and main plaza. A perfect place to people watch and soak in the perfection that is in my opinion, one of the greatest public spaces in our province. 7) Making a weekend of it? Or why not make your own overnight stay-cation and book a room at the Inn at The Forks during the week? Rates are as low as $169 per night. The location and convenience gets 5 stars for sure. I'm a big fan.  You are also a hop and a skip out the front door to the Children's Museum. www.childrensmuseum.com Admission is $11 per person, regardless of age. And now, until January 31st admission to the neighbouring Canadian Museum for Human Rights (www.humanrights.ca) is just $5.  See for yourself why everyone is calling Winnipeg, one of the hottest destinations and calling The Forks a must-see attraction in 2017.  Check out these video clips of action from in, and around the forks.       View of the main skating area. Red River Mutual Trail       Best kept secret, crowd free skating location at The Forks.         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});  

The 1st ever Ladies Road Trip, a bus trip leaving Brandon for a day filled of fun and Christmas shopping is set to take place on Saturday, December the 3rd. The day begins with a 9:30 am departure from the Tim Hortons South parking lot, and will travel to neighboring communities in Souris, Killarney and Boissevain. Six businesses are included in the days activities: Lagasse Studio, Timeless Treasures, Jaime Lynne's, Metamorphosis Salon and Spa, Community Florists and Gifts, The Station and The Sawmill Coffee and Tea Company. These businesses have sponsored the trip to make it affordable and have included some great exclusive offers for the Swag Bags that each lady will receive. The event is being organized by Jaime Lukacin, owner of Jaime Lynnes, a clothing store in Souris, MB. Jaime tells bdnmb.ca that she came up with the concept shortly after opening her clothing store. She kept thinking what a gem Souris was, and that more people needed to come out to the small communities and experience what they have to offer. One weekend a mother and daughter were shopping in her store and talking about a trip they take each year to the towns surrounding Brandon checking out the local shops. She thought to herself, what a great idea, why can't we do that on a bigger scale with a bus tour. Her goal is that the ladies will have the opportunity to visit some shops that they might not have been to before, and want to come back in the future. “This is a great opportunity to either start of finish your Christmas Shopping or just come and enjoy the day with friends and family” said Jaime. They have have 55 seats to fill and would love for the first trip to sell out. A deluxe motor coach, swag bags, water, exclusive draws, specials and lunch is all included for $25. Tickets are starting to sell quick, cutoff date to get tickets is Wednesday Nov 30th. Contact ladiesroadtrip@gmail.com or Jaime Lynne's for your tickets today!!!!    

Here are 10 tips for capitalizing on Black Friday travel deals. 1) Dust off your credit card and be prepared to book. Deals are snapped up quickly. Wait a day or two and you'll miss out. 2) Know your travel dates and think into the future. Consider booking your Spring Break vacation now. 3) Take time to research. At the very minimum, read recent Trip Advisor reviews before committing your hard earned money. It's no bargain, if the hotel's a dump. 4) When booking hotel reservations, book through their official site. If your plans change, the chain will generally modify the reservation without hassle. 3rd party sites can be nothing but grief when trying to modify a bargain booking. 5) Don't be discouraged if you don't find a Black Friday deal you love. On-line travel deals continue on through Cyber Monday. 6) Follow your favourite brands on Twitter. Like Marriott Hotels? Holiday Inns? Then follow them and be among the first to know about their offers. 7) Read the fine print. Some hotel bargains require full pre-payment. 8) Look back at last year's offers. This will help you predict the deals and give you time to research in advance. For example, Hyatt Hotels offered 25% off bookings, up to a year in advance. 9) Book a repeat visit. Take the stress out of a picking a new destination on short notice, or gambling on a bargain. Instead choose a tried and true favourite. You already know you love it, so if you see a price you can live with, then it's an easy winner. 10. Find a hot deal, but you have to pass? Well, pass it on too! Share your finds with your friends. Maybe it's the right deal for someone else. You're always invited to stop by SheTalksTravel.com. The latest travel deals are posted there, including a bargain to Varadero, Cuba at just $655! (Hotel, flights, taxes and tropical drinks included.)

Pantages on Park would like to welcome everyone to their art show on Saturday, November 19th from 6:00-7:30pm at their location on 1360 Park Avenue. Check out their displays of hair transformed into Winter Wonderlands and enjoy some beverages and snacks. They will have tonnes of free swag bags to giveaway as well as other goodies! Come for the art stay for the wine and cheese! The staff is looking forward to seeing you there!  

Brandon Wheat Kings Why not spend a night at the rink watching future NHL'ers like Kale Clague, Tanner Kaspick and Nolan Patrick. The Wheat King's birthday pack includes: 8 child tickets, 2 adult tickets, a medium Pizza Hut pizza and an Autographed Birthday Card! Call their office at 726-33535 to place your order, or for more information. Fun Time Pottery Their Party Packages includes: an instructor for the painting portion of party, Each child's work of art will be glazed and fired to a durable food-safe finish, B.Y.O.C. - Bring your own cake, snacks, drinks etc.as they have a fridge and freezer for your convenience. They also do face painting for an additional fee. Minimum of 5 children per party. http://www.funtimepottery.net/party-packages Fun-n-Games An extremely popular birthday destination spot in Brandon. Their most popular package includes 50 tokens per child, 2 slices of Dominos pizza and a slushie, and the private use of of one their party areas for 1.5 hours. You can bring your own cake and they will supply everything else...plates, candles, and cutlery. A minimum of 5 kids is required and parents can attend for FREE, unless additional food is required. Weekday pricing is slightly cheaper than weekend parties. https://www.facebook.com/FUNNGAMESHQ/     PlayTime They take care of the plates, cups, cutlery, napkins, and entertainment. Inside their 9,000 square foot entertainment facility, they have several different party packages available for you to select from. Many packages include the use of one of the two themed party rooms for one hour, a pitcher of pop, and choice of a slice of pizza or hot dog per guest. Upgraded packages include the use of one of the two themed party rooms for one hour, unlimited fountain pop, and choice of pizza and/or hot dogs. Party guests will enjoy exploring the ropes, tunnels and slides aboard their gigantic jungle and ship themed play structure. There is also electronic games and table gaming space, including dome hockey, foosball and ping pong tables. http://www.playtimebrandon.com/parties Thunderbird Bowl They have 5 great birthday packages to choose from. A huge benefit for most parents is that Thunderbird Bowl looks after all the little things so you don't need to. They take care of all the preparation, decorating, cooking and entertaining during the party. Best of all is that they clean up after you leave. A sample birthday package (Spare Birthday Package) includes 1 hour of 5pin or 10pin bowling, an hour in a reserved party room, choice of personal one-topping pizza, chicken dinos/fries, or hot dog/fries. Drinks are included with the meals. You also get time in the Play Planet and loot bags. https://thunderbirdbowl.ca/birthday-party-packages/ Sportsplex You can rent one of their party rooms (minimum of 1 hour) and enjoy a public skate or swim for $2 a person! Bring your own food, cake, etc. or order one of their Birthday Party Packs from the Concession, as noted below. Please note that children under the age of 7 will need to be accompanied by an adult in the water. Booking is easy. Just contact the Sportsplex at 729-2470 and they will try their best to find a date and time that works for you. BIRTHDAY PARTY PACKS Hot Dog & Small Slush or Drinking Box (8 people minimum) $4.00/person Cheeseburger & Small Slush or Drinking Box (8 people minimum) $5.00/perso http://thesportsplex.ca/book-a-party YMCA With swimming, the gym, and a spaceship bouncer, the YMCA has many options to select from. Birthday parties can be booked at the Member Services Desk or online. They run Saturday and Sunday afternoons. When booking you will have the option to choose between a swim or a gym birthday party. Both options give you the use of their party room. There are two different swim party's to choose from: Party 1: Swim from 1:00 – 2:30 and use of the Multipurpose Room from 1:00 to 3:30. Party 2: Swim from 4:00 – 5:30 and use of the Multipurpose Room from 4:00 to 6:30. Bouncer Party The Bouncer Party includes the use of the gymnasium with the bouncer from 2:00 – 3:00 and use of the Multipurpose Room from 2:00 – 4:00. http://www.ymcabrandon.ca/programs/birthday-parties/     Albert's Bistro Cost is $15 per person and includes the use of all activities: mini-golf, rock climbing wall, playground and basketball hoops. Each child receives 2 slices of pizza and a drink. The best part about having your child's birthday party at Albert's is that as the children are completing their round of mini-golf, the parents can be enjoying some of Brandon's best prime rib. Michaels Themed parties for up to 8 guests are based on age and include options like dinosaur adventure, pretty princesses, superhero squad and more. Included with the birthday party package is the craft supplies, blank invitations and thank-you notes for up to 8 guests, a drawstring party bag for the guest of honor, a team member to lead activities, and the use of their classroom. You are required to provide your own snacks/drinks/cups/plates, etc if required. http://www.michaels.com/birthday-parties.html Landmark Cinemas Birthday parties are for children 13 and under and a minimum of 6 kids is required to book a party. A few different package options to select from. Their Superstar Package includes child admission, snack pack, a Landmark Cinemas Cast Member to assist with your party, reserved seating and a FREE “next visit” movie pas for the birthday child. Add-Ons include cotton candy and hot dogs. For an additional $2 per child, you can also receive the use of their birthday party room for one hour following the movie where you will be supplied with utensils, napkins, paper plates and two refillable pitchers of fountain beverage or water. https://www.landmarkcinemas.com/brandon/parties   Additional Options for Consideration: Looking at hosting a backyard party? Tag'Em Mobile Laser Tag in Brandon is the newest and hottest entertainment in mobile kids parties. They also offer a variety of inflatables like human foosball, an extreme obstacle course and slam dunk basketball. Next call Pizza Hotline and take advantage of one of their many bulk Pizza Deals and you have a very easy to plan and execute birthday party. If you're interested in having your child's party in the evenin and looking for something a little different, then check out Brandon Bouncy Castles & Inflatables. They offer an inflatable movie screen projector and sound system which can turn any backyard into an old school drive-in with ease. Enjoy a movie under the stars. Project photos, videos, music videos, or even your own party...