As a young couple living in the downtown core, simon and Nina (not yet a member), do not have the need for a car... And the associated costs that go with it - parking, insurance, maintenance, gas, and so on. From where they are the "Better Way" is easily accessible, albeit a pain in the arse sometimes!

And for those times when the gang heads out to Mississauga, or run errands that require a vehicle, they call on Auto Share to provide the ride. It's convenient - simon just goes online and reserves a car, hassle free! All it costs him is the initial application, membership fee and roughly $6/hour for the time used! How smart is that?

Auto Share are also partners with major car rental companies, which means special rates and discounts on longer trips for members.

I'm biased when it comes to this particular greenhouse. I always make sure to make a trip here whenever I'm in Newmarket. Their specialty are begonias, good for landscaping or as potted plants. Aside from the staple begonia, they also offer seasonal plants as the shamrock, cactus and pointsettas. As growers and wholesalers, they supply retailers such as Wal-Mart, local grocery chains and flower shops.

I enjoy watching events at the Hershey Centre because I have yet to get a bad seat. The place isn't big enough to have a "nosebleed" section. I've watched hockey games and my nieces' cheerleading competitions here - all with great views.

On Friday and Saturday, the Hershey Centre held the Men's Vball World competition between Brazil and Canada. The place was jumping and very yellow. It really shows how much pride Brazilian fans have in their sports - and with good reason. The Brazilian team defeated Canada in every game, although they did come close in a few games.

The n49.ca shirts would have helped their game or at least make them and the Canadian fans look good.

... and I mean that literally. Everytime our raft lost to the rapids, we drank a bit of the Rouge River. Exciting, exhilirating nevertheless.

Aside from rafting, New World offers variety of activities like horseback riding, beach volleyball and bungee jumping.

There are lots of accommodations if you don't mind tenting. The majority of adventurers are the drinking partying kind so don't plan on getting much sleep while you're there.

There's a cafeteria on-site to serve up breakfast and dinner that comes with your package. Just be sure to get up on time for breakfast or, just like us, you'll be eating at Harvey's in Ottawa! Good thing it's just across the bridge.

The rafting guides are wild and crazy, making the whole rafting experience exhilirating. They attack every rapid, guaranteeing you'll flip everytime!

My "Oh crap" rapid is the Draino, because just like in the tv commercials, you get sucked into a whirlpool and get spit out nowhere near your raft praying for a kayaker to pluck you out of the rapids.

It's cottage season and I'm sure everyone itches to get away. If you're looking for elegant, luxurious accommodations right on the water... this place isn't it:(

Their "cottages" are actually cabins that come with the basics - a place to sleep, shower, cook and eat. But the view is amazing - check out the pics - which, I think, more than makes up for the lack of quality accommodations.

... Go for Tea. After 1 o'clock in the morning nothing much stays open in Markham suburbia, with the exception of Go for Tea. That's why there's always a line up, but great company and good conversations make the wait time short. They offer different concoctions of tea and a variety of dessert selection. But if you arrive late in the evening (or really early in the morning) you'll have a limited selection.

The Doctor's House is beautiful, from the landscaping to its interior structure. Considered a historical landmark, it earned its name during the 1860's when it housed Kleinburg's many doctors. Every dining area has the touches of the old colonial architecture, but my favourite is "The Verandah".

It's a little pricey. The buffet brunches is the best deal. For $40 (adult) the selection is great. Lots of variety from salads; seafood (lobster, shrimp, calamari, mussels, salmon); cold meats (prosciutto, capicollo, smoked ham); hot items and desserts.

And while you're there, you can visit the McMichael Art Gallery, another one of Kleinburg's gem.

Out with the three-fold laminated menu and in with the polished wire-bound BOOK. It's a polished look but when you're hungry sometimes all you want is the usual. They replaced some of our faves with more healthier choices - some good, some not so good. I had the tilapia over brown rice all covered with lobster sauce. The sauce was delish but too much makes the dish runny. The guys were not impressed with the new bruschetta. It comes in the shape of a teepee and you have to put it together before you can enjoy it.