Sandbanks Living Easy Blog http://www.sandbankssummervillage.com/ en Mon, 20 Feb 2012 23:14:00 +0000 Contao Open Source CMS Sandbanks Summer Village: Play Easy After a long week at the office, getting away for some relaxation and fun is on everyone's mind, but packing up the car can be such a drag.  But as an owner at Sandbanks Summer Village, you won't have to pack a thing!  Playing at Sandbanks Summer Village is easy when you can arrive to sparkling clear pools ready for a swim, kayaks waiting at the beach for you to take out on East Lake, events and activities already scheduled, and pocket parks designed for gathering with neighbors and friends. With less time to pack and get your vacation home ready, you’ll have more time to play and make the most of your vacation!

]]> http://www.sandbankssummervillage.com/blog-details/items/sandbanks-summer-village-play-easy.html Mon, 20 Feb 2012 23:14:00 +0000 http://www.sandbankssummervillage.com/blog-details/items/sandbanks-summer-village-play-easy.html Sandbanks Summer Village: Finance Easy Not all vacation properties qualify for bank financing. Unlike timeshares and land lease vacation properties, the full ownership, free-standing condominium cottages at Sandbanks Summer Village qualify for bank financing. Howard “Chip” Hall, president of the Cottage Advisors of Canada explains, “We structured our vacation community with mortgage underwriting guidelines in mind. One of our missions is to make vacation homeownership more affordable to more people and that meant we needed our vacation cottages to qualify for bank financing.” Own your dream vacation home today, and finance easy with 15% down, low condo fees, and low taxes - we have preferred lenders ready for you!  Please contact our sales office for information on our bank partners and programs.

]]> http://www.sandbankssummervillage.com/blog-details/items/sandbanks-summer-village-finance-easy.html Mon, 13 Feb 2012 23:10:00 +0000 http://www.sandbankssummervillage.com/blog-details/items/sandbanks-summer-village-finance-easy.html Sandbanks Summer Village: Own Easy™ lifestyle Sandbanks Summer Village's Own Easy™ lifestyle will have you enjoying your dream vacation cottage in just 4 simple steps:

  1. Visit our cottage community for a tour of our six furnished cottages and our amenity-filled community.
  2. Select your cottage lot and cottage design.
  3. Choose from a variety of finish selections and upgrade options to personalize your vacation cottage.
  4. Sit back as we bring your dream vacation cottage to life!  The sail boats and kayaks will be waiting for you lakeside, the activities and events will already be coordinated for you, the pool will be cleaned, and the resort landscaping and maintenance will be taken care of for you.

Contact a Cottage Advisor at 613-476-5286 for more information.

]]> http://www.sandbankssummervillage.com/blog-details/items/sandbanks-summer-village-own-easy-lifestyle.html Mon, 06 Feb 2012 23:05:00 +0000 http://www.sandbankssummervillage.com/blog-details/items/sandbanks-summer-village-own-easy-lifestyle.html Prince Edward County recognized as top world travel destination for 2012 The Toronto Star recently released a list of 2012 vacation destinations to watch, and it's no surprise to us that Prince Edward County made it on to this elite list. Travel Editor Jim Byers exlained The County is, "on a continuing rise with fresh food and wine and fabulous, sandy beaches." Our Sandbanks Summer Village residents already know the farm-to-table cuisine and the many vineyards and wineries in our VQA make for the perfect complement to the sandy beaches at Sandbanks Provincial Park. If you haven't experienced the well-kept secret charms of The County, learn more about Princ Edward County here. 

]]> http://www.sandbankssummervillage.com/blog-details/items/prince-edward-county-recognized-as-one-of-the-top-world-travel-destinations-for-2012.html Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:02:00 +0000 http://www.sandbankssummervillage.com/blog-details/items/prince-edward-county-recognized-as-one-of-the-top-world-travel-destinations-for-2012.html Longing for that summer feeling? Sip a bit of summer! Already have the wintertime blues?  Longing to be back enjoying the lazy days of summer sipping an iced cold drink by East Lake? Wishing you were back at the one of the Sandbanks Summer Village pools laughing in the sunshine with family and friends?  We can’t bring the sunshine back, but kick up your feet and try this summer-inspired cocktail to give yourself an infusion of summer spirit. You’ll be imagining sunglasses, suntan lotion, and the sound of splashing water in no time!  

]]> http://www.sandbankssummervillage.com/blog-details/items/longing-for-that-summer-feeling-sip-a-bit-of-summer.html Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:42:00 +0000 http://www.sandbankssummervillage.com/blog-details/items/longing-for-that-summer-feeling-sip-a-bit-of-summer.html Personalize your cottage Once you decide on a cottage design, our Design and Options consultants will help you create your perfect summer haven.  Our customization process allows you to add a half bath in the master bedroom, a cathedral ceiling for extra air flow and aesthetic appeal, a second story loft area for added storage. You can choose luxury appliances, stone counters, and your  preferred cabinets. You can even personalize your lighting package. Contact a Cottage Advisor for more info. On how you can create the cottage of your dreams 613-476-5286.

 

]]> http://www.sandbankssummervillage.com/blog-details/items/personalize-your-cottage.html Mon, 23 Jan 2012 02:58:00 +0000 http://www.sandbankssummervillage.com/blog-details/items/personalize-your-cottage.html Timing is everything in life, and NOW is the time to buy "I learned that we can do anything, but we can't do everything... at least not at the same time. So think of your priorities not in terms of what activities you do, but when you do them. Timing is everything.” - Dan Millman

Although summer might seem like a time in the distant future, it’s now time to start thinking summer. Now is the time to choose your cottage lot location, select your preferred floorplan design, and choose your finishes and upgrades. When you make your vacation cottage a priority right now, you will benefit by having your dream cottage completed by the season opening and you’ll be spending the entire 2012 season floating in your pool, fishing and kayaking in your lake, and enjoying an array of games and activities throughout your amenity-filled community.

 

]]> http://www.sandbankssummervillage.com/blog-details/items/timing-is-everything-in-life-and-now-is-the-time-to-buy.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:04:00 +0000 http://www.sandbankssummervillage.com/blog-details/items/timing-is-everything-in-life-and-now-is-the-time-to-buy.html Take time to enjoy your life "If a man insisted always on being serious, and never allowed himself a bit of  fun and relaxation, he would go mad or  become unstable without knowing it” – Herodotus.


In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to be consumed by deadlines and forget to take time out for ourselves.  Relaxation and reenergizing is important for the mind, body, and soul.  Several ways to relax include exercising, meditation or prayer, reading/writing, and laughing with family and friends. At Sandbanks Summer Village you can do all of these.  In fact, it’s hard NOT to do these things here.

For exercise, head down to our fitness center for your own power workout or to join an exercise class, walk or jog our hiking trails, partake in a game of tennis, or get the blood flowing by jumping into East Lake or one of our pools.  For meditation or prayer, take one of our sailboats or kayaks out on the lake for some tranquility and reflection  For a place to escape and read/write, wander off to read a book, sketch in a notebook, or take a nap under a tree in our acres of woodlands. Lastly, for laughter, join in on one of the live music, entertainment, dances, or movie nights with other Sandbanks Summer Village residents.  Regardless of your preferred route to relaxation, Sandbanks Summer Village offers them all. It’s up to you to take choose your own perfect adventure.

 



 

 

]]> http://www.sandbankssummervillage.com/blog-details/items/take-time-to-enjoy-your-life.html Mon, 09 Jan 2012 12:44:00 +0000 http://www.sandbankssummervillage.com/blog-details/items/take-time-to-enjoy-your-life.html Have you made your New Year’s Resolutions yet? The celebration of the new year, the oldest of all holidays, was first observed in ancient Babylon about 4000 years ago. In the years around 2000 BC, the Babylonian New Year began with the first New Moon, and the tradition of a new year’s resolution began.  The early Babylonian's most popular resolution was to return borrowed farm equipment.  Today, some resolutions include eating healthier, losing weight, managing debt or stress, quitting smoking, and volunteering/giving back.

This year why not resolve to make this upcoming summer your best one yet? Resolve to spend your weekends and vacation time spending quality time with your family, enjoying your friends, and taking time to relax and reflect. With its pastoral landscape, culture of arts, music, wine and fine dining, and perhaps the most extraordinary beaches in Canada, what better place to enjoy vacation time than at Sandbanks Summer Village in Prince Edward County? Call our Visitor Centre for information on our cottage sales and rentals: 613-476-5286.

 

]]> http://www.sandbankssummervillage.com/blog-details/items/have-you-made-your-new-years-resolutions-yet.html Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:06:00 +0000 http://www.sandbankssummervillage.com/blog-details/items/have-you-made-your-new-years-resolutions-yet.html Auld Lang Syne, a New Year’s tradition that begins with Canada Auld Lang Syne, often played after the midnight countdown on New Year’s Eve, is a long-standing New Year’s tradition. The poem was written by Robert Burns in 1788 and set to the tune of the traditional folk song “Round 6294.”  Canadian band leader Guy Lombardo is often credited for popularizing the use of the song at New Year’s celebrations. 

Auld Lang Syne literally translates to “Old Long Since” or, more simply,  “long, long ago.” The song begins with a rhetorical question as to whether it is right those old times are forgotten, and it is generally interpreted as a call to
remember long-standing friendships.  Here’s a toast to new beginnings and lasting friendships!

]]> http://www.sandbankssummervillage.com/blog-details/items/auld-lang-syne-a-new-years-tradition-that-begins-with-canada.html Mon, 02 Jan 2012 22:18:00 +0000 http://www.sandbankssummervillage.com/blog-details/items/auld-lang-syne-a-new-years-tradition-that-begins-with-canada.html Sparkling Wines This New Year's Eve, try celebrating with one of the County's sparkling wines!  The County's cool climate allows grapes to retain their natural acidity, and the limestone in the soil allows the vines’ roots to dig deep and absorb the essential minerals. These two features of our region combine to make Prince Edward County the perfect place for making sparkling wine.

Hinterland Wine Company opened to the public in 2010, is Prince Edward County's first winery dedicated solely to the production of fine sparkling wine.  Hinterland’s Les Etoiles or Riesling 2009 Method Traditional will both make for a tasty toast to the New Year!

 

]]> http://www.sandbankssummervillage.com/blog-details/items/sparkling-wines.html Wed, 28 Dec 2011 01:47:00 +0000 http://www.sandbankssummervillage.com/blog-details/items/sparkling-wines.html Christmas Wine Pairings After all the hard work you put into creating your Christmas dinner, pairing it with the right wine will transform your meal into a masterpiece that will satisfy your guests' holiday pallets and give them something to remember right through the new year. When P.E.C.'s wine examiner Veronica Leonard asked local Prince Edward County vintners for their suggestions on the perfect wine to pair with a Christmas turkey, winemaker Paul Battilana, at Casa Dea Estates recommended their 2008 CD Rosso or their 2009 Cabernet Franc Rosé.

Caroline Granger of The Grange of Prince Edward County suggested their Gamay because of the festive colour and bold cranberry finish, which compliments the turkey. Amanda Endin at the Hillier Creek Estates also recommended their own 2007 Gamay. There are many local P.E.C. wines to make your holiday meal special, but don’t let that overwhelm you. You can’t go wrong with any of these wines! 

 



 

]]> http://www.sandbankssummervillage.com/blog-details/items/christmas-wine-pairings.html Wed, 21 Dec 2011 01:30:00 +0000 http://www.sandbankssummervillage.com/blog-details/items/christmas-wine-pairings.html Huff Estates Winery and Oeno Gallery Huff Estates Winery and Oeno Gallery encompasses  two of Prince Edward County’s favorite treasures: the arts and wine. Owners Lanny and Catharine Huff, both natives of the County, say they aim to “create a unique destination and provide not only fantastic wine but also accompanying aspects such as great food, fine art and luxurious accommodations.” The vineyard, surrounded by Lake Ontario South Bay and lined with Oak trees forming a natural wind break, is an ideal site for growing various grapes that produce wines such as Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay. 

The patio for dining and live entertainment offers guests the perfect place to relax and take in the scenery before touring the Oeno
Gallery filled with sculptures from local, national, and international artists along with contemporary fine art. Just a short drive from Sandbanks Summer Village, Huff Estates is a favorite afternoon destination for our residents and their guests.

 

]]> http://www.sandbankssummervillage.com/blog-details/items/huff-estates-winery-and-oeno-gallery.html Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:56:00 +0000 http://www.sandbankssummervillage.com/blog-details/items/huff-estates-winery-and-oeno-gallery.html What is Braising? Braising is a cooking technique often used by farmers in the winter months as frost and snow start to paint the once golden fields a sheet of white. Most often, it entails searing a tougher cut of meat then simmering it slowly in a covered pot at a low temperature to tenderize.  One of the best parts about using this technique in the colder months is the delicious aroma that permeates your kitchen all afternoon as your dinner slowly evolves into a delicious and comforting meal.

If you’re not the patient type who can bear to wait 4-6 hours for your meal to simmer, let the chef at The Bloomfield Carriage House do the work for you! This winter, the chef is featuring a red wine braised elk osso bucco with gnocchi a la Roma and braised lettuces to tantalize your taste buds and warm your soul. Delicious!

]]> http://www.sandbankssummervillage.com/blog-details/items/what-is-braising.html Wed, 07 Dec 2011 03:46:00 +0000 http://www.sandbankssummervillage.com/blog-details/items/what-is-braising.html The Barley Room Pub Located at The Warring House, The Barley Room Pub is known as the County’s meeting place with live music every Wednesday to Sunday, a dozen beers on tap, many local ciders and wines, and even a selection of single malt scotches. However,  possibly the best part of The Barley Room Pub is their burgers. Made with 100% extra lean Limousin beef from Enright Cattle Company, a local farm specializing in vegetable fed, hormone-free meat, The Barley Room Burger is served atop a halved pretzel bun. This burger has lured many a Sandbanks Summer Village resident away from their own grills and over to downtown Picton on a warm summer night!

 

]]> http://www.sandbankssummervillage.com/blog-details/items/the-barley-room-pub.html Wed, 30 Nov 2011 22:09:00 +0000 http://www.sandbankssummervillage.com/blog-details/items/the-barley-room-pub.html Lake On The Mountain Although some explanations have been hypothesized, Lake on the Mountain still remains a natural mystery today, defying all known geographical and geological theories.  60 metres above Lake Ontario, Lake on the Mountain has a constant flow of clean, fresh water, with no apparent source.  The Mohawks called it Onokenoga, or “Lake of the Gods,” and believed that spirits dwelled within its deep waters.  Each spring they offered gifts to the spirits to ensure a successful crop in the coming year.  Many early settlers believed the lake was bottomless, and although previous attempts have established the depth to be over 34 metres (112 ft) deep, the depth of the lake is still not fully known. Located on County Road 7 off Highway 33 near Glenora, Lake on the Mountain is a must see!

]]> http://www.sandbankssummervillage.com/blog-details/items/lake-on-the-mountain.html Mon, 28 Nov 2011 22:03:00 +0000 http://www.sandbankssummervillage.com/blog-details/items/lake-on-the-mountain.html The Black River Cheese Company The Black River Cheese Company was formed in 1901 by South Marysburgh farmers and is the only cheese factory that still exists in the County today. They have a selection of naturally aged cheddar, mozzarella, brick, fresh curd, and flavoured mozzarella specialty cheeses and use only animal-free rennet.

In the beginning, the factory hired several neighbours who would agree to pick up and deliver milk daily to the factory by horse and wagon in galvanized milk cans. Since there was no form of refrigeration, the perishable milk was delivered 7 days a week and kept cool in wells in the summer.  The factory was seasonally operated, usually opening in April when pasture for the cows became available, and running through the end of October. 

On October 9, 2001 the Black River Cheese Factory and all of its stored and aged products were completely destroyed by an early morning fire.  With the overwhelming support from customers and cheese connoisseurs, the factory was
rebuilt and continues to produce its award-winning cheeses at 913 County Road 13 in Milford, ON.

Today, residents and guests of Sandbanks Summer Village can purchase the award-winning, naturally-aged cheese in the factory store, open seven days a week year-round.

 

]]> http://www.sandbankssummervillage.com/blog-details/items/the-black-river-cheese-company.html Mon, 21 Nov 2011 21:17:00 +0000 http://www.sandbankssummervillage.com/blog-details/items/the-black-river-cheese-company.html Wassail: "A toast to good health and good crops!" “Wassail” is an old Danish greeting meaning “to your health.” It was first noted in 8th Century England and was referenced by both Chaucer and Ivanhoe.  The age-old tradition of wassailing is celebrated as the harvest comes to a close with music, entertainment, and a toast to good health and good crops.  Many of Prince Edward County’s local wineries celebrate Wassail with special mulled ciders and wines, seasonal activities, and holiday treats during this celebration. For partcipating wineries and more event details visit http://thecountywines.com/pecwaannualeventsc16.php.

]]> http://www.sandbankssummervillage.com/blog-details/items/wassail-a-toast-to-good-health-and-good-crops.html Wed, 16 Nov 2011 21:08:00 +0000 http://www.sandbankssummervillage.com/blog-details/items/wassail-a-toast-to-good-health-and-good-crops.html Festival of Trees The historic Crystal Palace will be magically transformed into a twinkling tree kingdom from Friday November 25th- Sunday November 27th as The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary hosts the Festival of the Trees Silent auction.  Admission is free and all proceeds from the silent auction will go to the hospital.

]]> http://www.sandbankssummervillage.com/blog-details/items/festival-of-trees.html Mon, 14 Nov 2011 21:02:00 +0000 http://www.sandbankssummervillage.com/blog-details/items/festival-of-trees.html "November Winds" Where do you go to find your peace and tranquility?  Ontario native Linda Barber seems to capture both in her painting titled “November Winds.”  Currently residing with her husband in a fourth generation family home in Prince Edward County, Barber often looks to the County to be her muse. She takes inspiration from the landscapes and waterscapes of the County and says, “I am especially passionate about the fall season, and the rich and vivid colour that it provides.”

]]> http://www.sandbankssummervillage.com/blog-details/items/november-winds.html Wed, 09 Nov 2011 20:50:00 +0000 http://www.sandbankssummervillage.com/blog-details/items/november-winds.html The Regent Theatre The Regent Theatre, opened in 1918, is a piece of history right here on Main Street in Picton.  A unique example of an Edwardian Opera House, The Regent Theatre presented both film and vaudeville shows through the years.  Its original features include an 18.7 meter (62 foot) fly tower above the stage and dressing rooms with blackboards lining the walls where performers wrote their show’s running order. The theatre was renovated in 1931 and given a new lobby, and by 1964, the daughter of the original owners, Louise Cook, was running the theatre. Louise later sold the theatre to the Regent Theatre Foundation in 1994. The theatre has been restored and, since it reopened in 1998, it has shown both live performances and first-run movies. 

The Regent Theatre is also a participant in the Cinefest Picton – a Film Circuit which is a project of the Toronto International Film Festival which presents non-mainstream films to the people of Prince Edward County. Click here for more information and a list of current movies and shows at the Regent Theatre.

 

]]> http://www.sandbankssummervillage.com/blog-details/items/the-regent-theatre.html Mon, 07 Nov 2011 20:40:00 +0000 http://www.sandbankssummervillage.com/blog-details/items/the-regent-theatre.html The Maker's Hand This Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, stop by the Picton Arena Fairgrounds on Main Street for The Maker’s Hand, a prestigious and unique show of Eastern Ontario’s finest arts. The various works of art (some for show and some for sale) range from ceramics and glass to photography and jewelry.  Friday and Saturday hours are 10AM-6PM, and Sunday hours are 10AM-4PM.  If you’d like to see some more awe-inspiring creative work after the show, visit the five designer models at Sandbanks Summer Village. Our Cottage Advisors will be happy to give you a tour.

]]> http://www.sandbankssummervillage.com/blog-details/items/the-makers-hand.html Thu, 03 Nov 2011 20:14:00 +0000 http://www.sandbankssummervillage.com/blog-details/items/the-makers-hand.html Countylicious Prince Edward County is now a top culinary destination, and with its abundance of fresh, organic, and locally grown fruits and vegetables, farm raised livestock, 50 vineyards, over 30 wineries, and numerous organic farms, it’s no wonder!  Any chef will tell you the key to a palatable dish is fresh products, and in P.E.C. this holds true for every plate.

Want to savor one of those mouthwatering meals at an incredibly great price?  From November 2nd -26th, you can!  Prince Edward County's "Countylicious" is a celebration of the county’s fine dining with ten restaurants offering three-course tantalizing creations for $30-$35 (appetizer, entrée and dessert). Visit the County and enjoy the fabulous fine dining options residents of Sandbanks Summer Village enjoy all summer long.

 

]]> http://www.sandbankssummervillage.com/blog-details/items/countylicious.html Sun, 30 Oct 2011 18:59:00 +0000 http://www.sandbankssummervillage.com/blog-details/items/countylicious.html What can you do in October? PEC Wine Tours! With an expanse of picturesque farms, Prince Edward County has been known for local food production and tranquil shoreline views.  Now, with over 30 wineries (and growing!), P.E.C. is quickly becoming distinguished for its delicious wine made from locally grown grapes.  Several of these wineries are just minutes from Sandbanks Summer Village.

Come experience, taste, and indulge in both the local foods and wines through a Prince Edward County Wine Tour. Remind your tour guide to stop by our Visitor Centre for a tour of our model cottages!

]]> http://www.sandbankssummervillage.com/blog-details/items/what-can-you-do-in-october-pec-wine-tours.html Wed, 19 Oct 2011 21:46:00 +0000 http://www.sandbankssummervillage.com/blog-details/items/what-can-you-do-in-october-pec-wine-tours.html What would you name your cottage? Giving a home a name dates back to the old British custom of naming manors, halls, and castles.  Nowadays, many enjoy naming their favorite getaways, escapes, and sanctuaries – their cottages, of course! The range of names is endless, but sometimes it’s tough to get started.  Some cottages are simply named after the residents, such as Cuttinghams Cottage, while others are a play on words, such as The Angler Management Retreat.

For some ideas on devising the perfect name for your Sandbanks Summer Village cottage, see the list below of some categories and samples to get you started:

Unique landmarks or features:
•Rolling Acres
•Lake of Leisure
 
The Wildlife:
•Deer Ridge
•Seagull's Nest
 
Retirees:
•Golden Dreams
•The Playhouse
 
Just For Fun:
•Procrastination Place
•Dew Drop Inn
 
Vegetation:
•Fern Cottage
•Dune Grass Getaway
 
Alliteration:
•Huckleberry Haven
•Campbell’s Cottage
 
Already have an interesting cottage name? Let us know what it is and how or why you chose your name!
]]> http://www.sandbankssummervillage.com/blog-details/items/what-would-you-name-your-cottage.html Mon, 17 Oct 2011 13:45:00 +0000 http://www.sandbankssummervillage.com/blog-details/items/what-would-you-name-your-cottage.html