Can you feel the energy and excitement in the air as summer approaches?  Next weekend has two great events happening, which mark the unofficial start of summer in the capital city!  First up:  the Ottawa Marathon!  With only 8 days left, registration is very limited, as only the marathon and Y Kids Marathon have availability.  I will admit that I am not a dedicated runner, but I am actively trying to become one!  As the excitement builds, make sure you check out some of the events going on next weekend, such as a Q + A  with Canada’s Olympic Marathoner - Eric Gillis, Pfizer Health and Fitness Expo and Tips For Race Day and After The Race.  Why not come down and cheer on those participating?    (Image Courtesy of www.ottawastart.com)

The 60^th edition of the Canadian Tulip Festival kicks off on Friday, May 4^th and will run until Saturday, May 21^st.  Millions of tulips will blossom again (some already are in full bloom), creating diverse colour and beauty in Ottawa.    You can check out the beautiful tulip gardens at Commissioner’s Park, Dow’s Lake and at Major’s Hill Park.  The celebration of the festival will occur in various parts of the city, such as Little Italy, Chinatown, and the ByWard Market.   Highlights of this year’s festival will include the Great Canadian Tulip Treasure Hunt, a Mad Hatter Tea Party on Mother’s Day, and a Commemorative 60th anniversary Garden Party for the international community at “Blue Gables”, a former residence of the Dutch Royals in Canada during the Second World War.  For more information concerning dates and times and even gardening instructions, check out tulipfestival.ca

Need plans this weekend?  Well here are three great choices that you may want to check out!  From April 26^th-30^th Ottawa will host the Spring Writer’s Festival.  This festival offers a wide variety of events for all ages, and literary tastes!  You can check out slam poetry classes, a song writer’s circle, or even have lunch with Giller Prize winner Vincent Lam. 

Not interested in literature?  How about checking out a Nobel Peace Prize winner?  His Holiness the Dalai Lama will host a public talk on Ethics for A Whole World.  Ottawa will be the only Canadian city he visits along his worldwide speaking tour.   Active Buddhist and long-time supporter of the Dalai Lama and his initiatives, Richard Gere, has been selected to emcee the event.  Tickets are $42.00 plus applicable taxes & fees.  This event takes place at the Ottawa Civic Centre on April 28, 2012 at 10 a.m, and you can purchase tickets from Ticketmaster.

Our last option is food!  Attention all vegetarians and foodies, Ottawa Veg Fest ’12 happens this Sunday, April 29th!  You can check out lots of different exhibitors, guest speakers, food demos, and free samples!  Did I also mention there’s Free Admission?!  You can check out everything food at the Glebe Community Centre from 10am-5pm.

Image courtesy of www.earthdayottawa.ca

This Sunday marks the 42^nd anniversary of Earth Day!  Did you know that Earth Day is the most celebrated environmental event worldwide??  With more than 6 million Canadians joining over 1 billion people in staging events and projects to address local environmental issues.  Wondering what you can do to celebrate our planet?  Well Ottawa is offering numerous activities and events to show your love, here’s a few for you to check out! 

The Eco Expo will be held this weekend at the RA Centre.  This event is an annual Ottawa tradition, which features three events in one; an Eco Festival, a Local Food Fair, and a Health & Wellness Show.  This expo will feed the mind, soul, and hungry tummy, while inspiring participants to give back to Mother Earth.  This unique event is great for the whole family, and runs both Saturday, and Sunday. 

Another great place to check out is the Canadian Museum of Nature.  During Earth Day (April 22^nd) there is FREE general admission!  Learn about Canada’s natural history through many of the world-class galleries, such as RBC Blue Water Gallery, Vale Earth Gallery, Talisman Energy Fossil Gallery, and Animalium.  There will be hands-on activities for kids, or you can check out the 3D movie, Turtle Vision.

No matter if you choose to catch some rays on a sun deck, or volunteer - get out there and enjoy the weekend, and show Mother Earth some love!

(Image courtesy of http://junoawards.ca/)

It’s just three short days until Canada’s amazing talent takes the stage in our own backyard!!  The legendary William Shatner will be hosting the awards at Scotiabank Place, with such acts like Blue Rodeo, City and Colour, deadmau5, Feist, Hedley, Hey Rosetta!, Nickelback, and  Simple Plan performing.  This is sure to be an unforgettable evening, and there are still some tickets left for purchase!  Head to capital tickets to grab your seats! 

If you cannot make it to the big show, there are lots of other events this weekend for both adults and kids alike!  Across the city at various locations you will find pop up pianos!  These pianos can be found at the Centrepointe Theatre, the ByWard Market, the Canada Science and Technology Museum, the Casino Lac Leamy, the Carleton University Art Gallery, La nouvelle scène, and the Conservatoire de musique de Gatineau.  So make sure you stop by tickle the ivories!  The public can enjoy impromptu musical performance on various corners in the ByWard Market, where you can hear our local talent.  This is just a short walk from various family friendly hotels.  You can also check out Juno Fan Fare on Saturday from noon until 3pm at St. Laurent Centre.   You can get the chance to meet such artists as Alyssa Reid, Anjulie, Carly Rae Jepsen, Classified, deadmau5, Down With Webster, Kardinal Offishall, Simple Plan, Victoria Duffield, and many more!  For a full listing of events in the city, check out junoawards.ca.

(Image Courtesy: Smartcanucks.ca)

March Break will be celebrated in Quebec this week, and Ontario next!  This means lots of kids with limited activities!  Well here are some ideas to keep the kids occupied, and spend some great family time together!  Three of the museums here in the Nation’s capital are offering lots of great ideas and fun activities from March 3^rd to the 18^th!  Here’s a closer look at what each museum can offer you and your family:

The Canadian Agriculture Museum is launching into the spring season with its annual Barnyard Break.  Families can take in a variety of demonstrations, including Butter making, and Cooking with Maple Syrup.  During March there will be a number of calves in need of naming, so make sure to bring a suggestion or two!  There will also be winter-themed crafts for children, or maybe try a fun activity.

Over at the Canada Science and Technology Museum there are tons of workshops and challenges to take part in!  From March 3-18, Genius at Play is the theme of this 16 day program!  Creating electric circuits, origami workshops and Rubik’s Cube challenges are just some of the planned events you can take part in.  For more information check out the March break Calendar at sciencetech.ca

Finally, the Canadian Museum of Aviation and Space is spreading the theme of Green Skies Ahead this March break!  This theme is designed to get visitors to think about the importance of energy conservation and of “greening” technology in every aspect of your life.  Some of the activities guests can participate in include: Junkyard Airplanes, Parachute Games, Family movies, Aircraft visits, and Hand Glider Studio tours.

Photo Courtesy www.ottawa-airport.ca

 In keeping with the theme of excellent customer service from our blog post two weeks ago about Minto Suite Hotel, it is a privilege to share another business in our community receiving recognition.

On February 14^th, the Airports Council International (ACI) announced that  Ottawa International Airport  be honoured once again with several awards in the Airport Service Quality (ASQ) customer service benchmarking program.  ACI has ranked Ottawa International Airport as first in North American (all sizes of airport), and second in the World (for airports that serve 2-5 million passengers).  Since Ottawa International has joined the ASQ program in 2004, they have finished in the top three positions in each category that they qualify for.  This is an amazing accomplishment!!  A huge congratulation is in order to the Ottawa International team, on making Ottawa an inspiring destination for visitors!

Attention all fashionistas, you weekend of fashion has finally arrived!!  Over the course of 6 seasons, Ottawa Fashion Week (OFW) has become a stage for national and international designers to showcase the newest designs in Canada’s capital.  This is not only an opportunity to showcase wonderful talent, but also unite the art and fashion industry!  Tickets are still available from Ottawa Festival Tickets.  Tickets range in price from a day pass $45-55, to a week pass for $95.  A $10 portion of your ticket price will be donated to UNICEF Canada.  For those who want to sit in the front row, like Anna Wintour, there are just a few spots left!

Elizbourk,  frAsh, DeMOYO and Ella Peru, are just some of the labels you will see represented at this weekend’s Ottawa Fashion Week, held at the Westin Hotel.  The week officially begins today, February 17th, and will run until Sunday, February 19th.

Minto Suite Hotel has received CAA/AAA’s prestigious 4-Diamond for the 18^th year in a row!  This is a feat that very few can accomplish!  The CAA/ AAA ranks lodging and restaurants each year based on rigorous evaluation and impromptu inspections.  The Four Diamond award is given to upscale establishments whose accommodations offer superior quality and style.   The establishments in North and East Ontario that have been chosen for the Four Diamond Award are part of a select group representing the highest ranks in the hospitality industry.

To be eligible for the evaluation, properties must meet Four Diamond requirements during an unannounced inspection of the establishment.  Once an establishment has been designated as CAA/AAA Approved, inspectors must then assign a rating of One to Five Diamonds based on the extensiveness of services, quality of the facilities and amenities.

Minto Suite Hotel is one of only 5 hotels (out of more than 59 hotels within the city) that received the 4-Diamond Award – an incredible accomplishment!  If you have ever been to Minto Suite Hotel you’ll understand why they have been awarded this honor year after year!  Minto Suite Hotel offers guests spacious suites, a convenient location, and of course a wonderful and friendly staff!  The team at Minto truly offers an inspired experience, just as the service vision states: “We create personalized experiences and commit to developing a culture, where we inspire our guests and one another through a genuine passion to show hospitality.” 

It is the perfect little getaway for family, couples, or business travelers, as it has something to offer everyone!   From the indoor pool and fitness centre, bike rental during the summer season, various restaurants and shopping centers that are just steps away and the new business center!  These are just some of the reasons that set Minto apart from other hotels in the area and have earned the status of a 4-Diamond property!

                                                                                                     Winterlude officially kicks off today!!  This three week event offers all ages, something wonderful to enjoy!  The official ceremonies begin tonight at the American Express Winterlude Opening, with activities at Jacques-Cartier Park and the Museum of Civilization, as well as a beautiful display of musical fireworks at 9pm tonight!  This is a light show that cannot be missed!

Here are just a glimpse of the many activities you and your family can take part in!  Head over to Gatineau to take a ride down the giant slide, try to Zumba in the snow or check out the snow maze at Snowflake Kingdom at Jacques-Cartier Park.  Or across the bridge in Ottawa, you can find Confederation park turned into Rogers Crystal Garden.  In the Crystal Garden, you will find BlizzArt, Ice-Carving Competitions, and numerous DJs!  And finally, you can always go skating at the Rideau Canal!  Don’t forget to pick up a hot Chocolate and a Beaver Tail!  If you want to check out all the activities being held across the city, check out: Canada’s Capital/ Winterlude

Grab your coat, hat and gloves and get out an enjoy all this city has to offer during this wonderful three week festival!