Win a Family Pass to Santa's Village!

Let me make this clear: if you have young children, you want them to experience the magic and fun of Santa's Village in Bracebridge, Ontario.

Last year, we took the girls (for the third time) and they had an absolute blast! (You can read the full review of our visit to Santa's Village here: http://thismomloves.blogspot.ca/2013/07/win-family-pass-to-santas-village.html)

Did you know:

• Santa’s Village is the oldest and the largest attraction in the Muskoka Region, drawing families, cottagers, youth groups, schools and many others to the region each year

• It’s Santa’s one and only Canadian summer home - visitors can meet and chat with him all summer long

• Santa’s Village offers amazing attractions for kids of all ages, including a roller coaster, riverboat and train rides, merry-go-round,  petting farm, splash pad, beach, playgrounds, inflatable bouncers, arcade, paddle boats, and more

• It’s celebrating its 59th magical season

• It is Bracebridge’s premier destination for kids of all ages, having welcomed almost 6 million visitors since opening in 1955

• Santa’s Village averages 100,000 visitors a year; and

• It sits on the 45th parallel, halfway between the North Pole and the equator

Right next door to Santa's Village is their Sportsland (with free admission), for those who no longer experience the magic of Christmas quite the same way as the little ones. Sportsland offers fun pay-as-you-play activities, including go karts, batting cages, laser tag, mini golf, a bungee trampoline, and an arcade pavilion.

New this year at Santa's Village: An awesome aerial park! Their newest memory-making adventure, Muskoka Tree Trekking and Zip-Lines at Santa’s Village, offers beginner, intermediate and advanced courses for adventure seekers 9+, 54 inches tall and less than 250 lbs. The aerial park includes zip-lines (some as long as 106+ metres/350 feet), monkey lines, wobbly and flipping bridges, balance beams, Tarzan ropes, and a climbing wall. All this at 3-15 metres (10-50 feet) above Santa’s Village’s famous whispering pines.

For those who have further to drive - or, unlike me, actually like camping - Santa's Whispering Pines campground has been voted the best campground in Muskoka for three years in a row, and I know several families that have taken advantage of its location right across from Santa's Village.

So...have I convinced you that this is a must-see for young families? While their prices are reasonable, wouldn't FREE be even bettter?

Thanks to Santa's Village, I'm giving away a free family pass for 4 to visit them anytime during the 2014 season!

To enter, simply leave your email address below, with extra entries for following This Mom Loves and Santa's Village on social media. The contest will run until Saturday, July 26th at 11:59 p.m. Eastern, after which time a winner will be chosen through random number generation. Good luck, and...Merry Christmas?

Pssst: since I know you want those bonus entries, sign up here first:

This Mom Loves on Twitter
This Mom Loves on Facebook
Santa's Village on Twitter
Santa's Village on Facebook

Swimsuit Confidence Tips From Celebrity Stylist Alexis Honce AND Win a Special K Pack!

Do you hate shopping for a swimsuit? Or wearing one in general? 

Today on the blog I'm pleased to share a special guest post with some great swimsuit-shopping tips from fashion expert and celebrity stylist Alexis Honce (you may have seen her on The Marilyn Denis Show, which you know I'm very familiar with!)

But wait! There's more! Read to the end for a fantastic (and quick) giveaway from Special K!

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The warm breeze, the bright sunshine, the backyard gatherings and beach excursions – there’s so much to celebrate now that summer has arrived. However, summer is also swimsuit season, and for many women, wearing one is met with mixed emotions. 

According to the recent Kellogg’s Special K Swimsuit Confidence Survey, 44 per cent of Canadian women  feel the most self-conscious about their bodies when in a swimsuit. And a majority (86 per cent) of women say their body type affects what bathing suit style they choose.

“Looking great in a swimsuit starts with confidence. You have to eat well, exercise, know your body type and choose a swimsuit that suits you,” says Alexis Honce, Canadian fashion expert and celebrity stylist who has worked alongside celebrities such as Michelle Williams, Shenae Grimes and Tatiana Maslany. “A large part of feeling confident comes from making smart food choices. Starting your day with a healthy breakfast and choosing smart snacks, like the range of delicious options available from Kellogg’s Special K, is a great way to stay on track without sacrificing taste.”

Honce offers these tips when considering which type of swimsuit suits you best:

Perfectly Pear Shaped

Pear-shaped physiques typically have broader hips and a smaller bust. When selecting a swimsuit, find a style that accentuates your best assets and adds volume to the top half. Ruffled bikini tops are a great option and are a popular style this season, too. A bandeaux or tube-top bikini style also helps to widen the shoulders and balance the hips. Brightly colored prints add visual intrigue up top, and are best paired with solid colour bottoms. Be sure to also look for high-cut bikini bottoms which figure flatter by helping to elongate the leg.

Lovely and Large Chested

Bigger busts require the right lift and support in a bathing suit top. Look for styles that have underwire which help shape the chest and keep “the girls” secure, whether you’re playing with your kids at the beach or swimming at the pool. Wider shoulder straps also help to provide support. Keep an eye out for swimsuits made of Lycra®, as this more structured material helps to shape the body and create a sleek, smooth line to really enhance those curves. Colour blocked swimwear styles are also very on trend this season and a great choice for this physique.

Amazingly Athletic

Athletic body types are typically lean with a muscular and more rectangular shape. The perfect suit for this shape is one that complements the silhouette, but simultaneously creates a feminine shape. A halter-top swimsuit style with a V-neckline broadens the shoulders, which helps to highlight and define the waist. For bottoms, look for high-cut styles that tie at the sides. Lastly, mix up the colour and print of your tops and bottoms as this helps to balance and accentuate a longer torso.

On-Point in Plus Size

A really flattering look for plus size physiques is a one-piece suit in a trendy colour-blocking pattern. Keep the colours on the top half of the suit light and look for styles that have darker colours over the tummy and hip area to bring attention up towards the face while enhancing your beautiful silhouette.

The most important thing to remember when choosing a swimsuit is that you should feel like the best version of yourself. Wearing the right swimsuit, just like wearing a fabulous outfit, should give you a boost of confidence knowing that you look as good on the outside as you feel on the inside. 

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Thanks so much for sharing your expertise with us, Alexis! 

To help you snack smart this summer, Special K is giving one lucky Canadian This Mom Loves reader a great prize pack with a limited edition tote bag and an assortment of tasty treats like cracker chips, pastry crisps and granola (see photo of prize pack)! All you have to do to enter is submit your e-mail address in the form below, with bonus entries for following This Mom Loves on social media. 

The contest ends on Friday, July 25th at 11:59 pm Eastern, after which time a winner will be chosen through random number generation. Good luck!

Behind the Scenes at THE SOCIAL on CTV

Behind-the-scenes interview with Cynthia Loyst
Behind-the-scenes interview with Melissa Grelo
Behind-the-scenes interview with Traci Melchor
Behind-the-scenes interview with Lainey Lui

The first season of CTV's new talk show THE SOCIAL has been a hit. Launched last September and hosted by Melissa Grelo, Cynthia Loyst, Lainey Lui and Traci Melchor, the series was touted as "what feels like a can't miss lunch date with friends", and I would have to agree (although I PVR the 1 p.m. episodes and watch them in the evenings, providing me with treadmill motivation, rather than a lunch date).

While most of us immediately assumed that this would just be a Canadian version of THE VIEW (there's no denying the similar format: four women discussing hot topics around a table, followed by lifestyle segments) we were told that it wouldn't be that simple, and THE SOCIAL has proven itself to be distinctive, especially with a high rate of viewer interaction through social media.

As they gear up for a second season which will kick off this September, I was thrilled to have the chance to hang out with the team and get a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into a day at THE SOCIAL.

First, of course, was my personal preparation, starting with the mani and pedi, even though I already knew I would be wearing closed-toe shoes. Carefully chosen ones, since they had a big conversation on the show one day about judging people by their footwear. I was especially worried about Lainey's opinion, but she did qualify on air that she holds the highest standards to those who are supposed to be fashion experts, not just the everywoman on the subway. I in no way identify myself as a fashion expert, so I was fairly confident I would be safe.

I also made time to get my brows done pre-SOCIAL, and in one panicked moment even thought "bikini wax!" before reassuring myself that it was most likely unnecessary for this event. I mean, they may have discussed "pelvage" on the show, but I'm pretty sure they don't require visitors to bare their own. 

After arriving downtown early, I hung out at the Starbucks across the street from the studio on Queen Street West, so as not to appear too eager and uncool. I enjoyed a slice of cinnamon loaf and went over my notes, which included questions for each of the co-hosts. I was hoping to get a chance to chat with the ladies one-on-one, but there were no promises due to the tight timelines of a live TV show. 

As I waited in the lobby a short time later, I watched a portion of the live taping of THE MARILYN DENIS SHOW until Tanya, the publicist for THE SOCIAL, greeted me and we began our whirlwind day. 

First stop: wardrobe. There we ran into Traci Melchor, who was warm and welcoming despite her pressing task at hand, which was getting dressed to go and interview her crush (or, as she put it, her "next husband"), Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, who was at the Ritz-Carlton. She even found time to look me up and down, point at my outfit and say "This is nice. I like it." If the compliment was a ploy to get on the good side of a writer, then I would like the funny and charming Traci to know this: it worked.

Next, we were headed to the office where the four ladies have work stations. Cynthia greeted me with a big hug, and although we've only ever communicated on the phone and through email, she already feels like a friend. A producer was just finishing up a quick meeting, and then the co-hosts were hard at work on their computers, researching the discussion topics for that day's show. They have to be on top of what's trending each day in news, pop culture and lifestyle topics, and make sure their conversations will be supported by facts. The show floats different topics out to viewers through social media early in the day to get responses which are often shared on air, either verbally by the co-hosts or shown at the bottom of the screen. 

At that time they were looking into the fact that Brody Jenner, who skipped his stepsister Kim Kardashian's wedding, had just attended the wedding of her ex, Reggie Bush, leading into a discussion on the tricky etiquette of wedding attendance.

As you can see in the photo below, the hairstylist was doing her thing right there in the office as the co-hosts prepped.

I was then invited down to the makeup room with Melissa, and not a moment was wasted as a producer worked with her to run through the comments she might make about the day's hot topics (reminding her that one point would require the disclaimer of "allegedly" tacked on to it. That's what producers are for.)

As I listened, it was clear that some of the funny comments Melissa threw in were never meant to be shared on air, and though I was never once asked during the day to keep anything off the record, I don't think her ex really wants all of you to know what was said. What's discussed in the makeup room stays in the makeup room. 

Nice collection, right?

It was also important for the co-hosts to let staff know what photos they may need to have ready for topics of discussion. Those who work behind the camera don't have time in a split second to react to a mention and search out a picture (e.g. Jessica Simpson in her infamous "mom jeans"); they need to have them ready beforehand just in case.

One thing that surprised me was how the co-hosts seemed to be moving in all directions, with different times in wardrobe and makeup, and differing schedules before and after the show, especially because Lainey and Traci also work for eTalk. When I took a look at a week-at-a-glance that was posted for the ladies it absolutely boggled my mind. 

I also couldn't believe what a maze the place was, though I shouldn't have been surprised, knowing that several CTV shows are housed there. Up this elevator, down this hall, past a bunch of doors, up these stairs, around a corner...oh, hey Ben Mulroney over there on the set of eTalk. I felt a bit guilty taking up the publicist's day as she so generously escorted me around, but really I would have been lost without her.

Once the ladies are prepped for segments 1 and 2 (the hot topics), they head down to the studio and rehearse for segments 3 and 4 of the show, when guests come visit to cover topics ranging from travel to relationships to hair (my favourites) to food and fitness (not so much). Segment 5 is when they wrap things up with a quick chat on the couch.

The day I was there, Jess Allen was in the studio for a segment called The Social Chapter, where the ladies give their ratings out of five for their latest book club selection, and their casting call - who they would choose to play the lead roles from the story.  You can see them with a producer and the floor director in the photo below rehearsing for this part. While the "Talent" (i.e. the co-hosts) is fantastic, there's a whole lot of unsung "talent" behind the scenes as well. There were people bustling about everywhere and I couldn't even keep up with their names and titles, and they all work together like a well-oiled machine to get this live show out to the world every day.

I was happy to have a quick chat with Jess, where she shared that staff from THE SOCIAL actually came to her and offered her this role, impressed with her work writing for Maclean's and her blog Foodie and the Beast, as well as videos she made covering the Toronto International Film Festival.

In person, Jess comes across just as she does on TV (smart and earnest with a bumbling, self-deprecating sense of humour). She's thrilled with what she's doing now for THE SOCIAL: writing The Jess Files blog for the show's website, doing location shoots (for example at a farmer's market), and joining them on air for The Social Chapter (or whenever they need her).

Next the co-hosts ran through the segment on herbs which would take place near the end of the program (sometimes only two co-hosts do these segments, but this time it was all four of them), and made a few jokes about a couple of tools the guest brought with her. Let's say one looked particularly phallic, and the other looked like another part of the anatomy which, when combined, give a male his reproductive system (hey, Lainey's the one who put the two together!) Lots of laughter on the set for sure.

Behind-the-scenes note: the teleprompter shown below is prepped with scripts (especially for Melissa, the moderator, who does the opening and transitions) but a lot of the conversations really are off-the-cuff. 

The photo below was part of my audition to be a future guest co-host. 

No, not really, but you never know who's reading this post, right? 

Throughout the day, there was certainly no diva-ish behaviour in my eyesight or earshot from the ladies, who were extremely accommodating of me and friendly with each other.

When Sarah, the talent coordinator, offered to get the co-hosts sushi, Lainey declined as she had a big breakfast, and Melissa proudly waved her packed lunch. (You can see the cute little black bag on the table below.) "We eat well here, but I have food at home that needs to be eaten," she explained. She's also open about trying to make good choices as she works to lose the baby weight - though she looks amazing considering little Marquesa is only four months old!

Not a shocker to anyone who knows Melissa (especially viewers of THE SOCIAL), she spent lots of time on her smartphone! Since she was favoriting and retweeting some of my tweets, I certainly didn't mind!

As viewers are aware, fashion plays a big role on this show. "Our amazing stylist Alisa knows us so well, and tries to push us just past our comfort zone," says Cynthia, who's rockin' the outfit shown below as she gets a pre-show touch-up from a makeup artist. "One of the best parts of the job is playing dress-up like this every day!"

As I was whisked backstage for a quick group photo before the show, Cynthia commented: "You look like you're ready to join us out there today!", which I took as an ultimate compliment. And she didn't even see me sitting at the table! Uh, in her chair...

The co-hosts are working right through the summer, and the first week of August they'll be busy doing photo shoots and a new opening sequence for the second season - these need to be updated, especially considering Traci's major haircut and Melissa's major addition to her family! Season 2 kicks off in September, and I know my PVR will be set. 

If you haven't already, make sure to join the conversation:

The Social on Facebook
The Social on Twitter

Over the next couple of weeks, I'll be posting about each of the co-hosts, sharing my impressions and tidbits from the little chats we managed to squeeze in during the day. Some teasers: Melissa and I talked about the backlash she took for her decision to return early from mat leave, Cynthia shared why she thinks The Social is not like The View, and Lainey (with whom I disagree fundamentally about the importance of sleep) gave me the inside scoop on my favourite celebrity. Stay tuned!

And in case you missed them, catch up on the two hottest posts on my blog so far in 2014:

My Momterview with Cynthia Loyst
My recap of Lainey's most recent Smut Soiree

That Day We Cuddled Lion Cubs: Family Fun at The Bowmanville Zoo - Plus Discount!

So, it was just a totally normal weekend for us. Do some laundry, run some errands, cuddle some lion cubs. Wait, what???

Yep - we were invited to a very special blogger event at the Bowmanville Zoo, and I'm going to skip right to the highlight: the opportunity to play with, cuddle and get photos taken with the five-week-old lion cubs, up close and personal!

Maggie didn't want to get quite as close!

They're just starting to teethe, so there was a lot of finger-nibbling going on!  

I was interested to learn the Zoo's plan to hand-train two of the three cubs to prepare them to be released into the wild (training that their domesticated mother could not provide). Apparently it's a tough task, but they've done it before, and it works.

Photos with the cubs are now available each day for $10. Photos will be taken by the tent outside of the Splash Pad and the schedule will be posted at the gate each morning. They're also running a "name the cubs" contest on their Facebook page.

The adults got an additional photo op with Robbie the tiger, who was rescued from (of all places) a strip club in Toronto.

Animal keeper and trainer Robert offered lots of educational information for the parents and kids, encouraging those who want to protect species in the wild to donate to organizations that really make a difference in terms of conservation, rather than activist groups which may not actually be doing anything to help.

He also reminded anyone who visits countries overseas not to bring back any products made with tiger parts, and here in Canada not to purchase items containing imported palm oil (as its use has a impact on animals' habitats). Instead look for products with oils like canola or vegetable that can be found in Canada. 

When it comes to animals in general, my interest is probably below average (no pets growing up, had a dog for a few years as an adult but felt guilty we couldn't spend more time with it, no pets now) but I do really enjoy zoos, and the opportunity to see wildlife from around the world that I can't see next door (literally) at the farm. This zoo delivers, and is condensed enough that even little ones can handle walking around the whole property.

As always, lunch is a big event for the kids...

...and the animals!

Getting close to the giraffe

Enjoying one of the little rides in Funland

All in all, it was a pretty fantastic day which none of us will forget soon!

Interested in checking out the Bowmanville Zoo yourself? 

***They're offering a special discount for This Mom Loves readers - just print the coupon below, which doesn't expire for the rest of the 2014 season, and receive adult or child admission for only $10!***

Facts about the Bowmanville Zoo:

• It's North America's oldest operating private zoo, running since 1919
• It spans 42 acres
• The Zoo also has a Splash Bash and Funland 
• There are several cafés and a gift shop
• Animal shows are offered several times a day in the Animatheatre
• Camel rides are available for an additional fee

Disclosure: We were provided with zoo admission, lunch and the lion cub encounter for review purposes. Opinions are, as always, my own. If I didn't think holding a baby lion was supercool, I would have said so. But that would have been crazy.

Sarah Richardson + Hallmark = Stylish New Collection

My momterview with Canadian interior designer Sarah Richardson was my first post to "go viral" (ish). After she shared it on social media, I watched one night as my stats absolutely skyrocketed. She's that big.

Now, she has partnered with Hallmark to design an exclusive collection featuring greeting cards, stationery and gift wrap (with accessible prices ranging from $1.99 to $29.99). There are 16 individual greeting card designs for everyday occasions including birthday, wedding, baby, congratulations, friendship and blank cards along with boxed note card sets, sheet wrap, gift bags, tissue paper and journals.  Sarah's fans will also notice that two of her elegant design themes from her collection with Kravet fabrics have also carried over into the collection and are featured on two stationery box sets. 

What does Sarah have to say about the new collection?

"As a designer, I'm focused on the importance of the tactile experiences we have in our day-to-day life, so 'touch and feel' plays a huge role in everything I design. In the world of email and text messages, sending a hand written note is a thoughtful way to connect with someone - it's also a reflection of personal style and expression.   I'm excited to partner with Hallmark to bring my signature approach to print, pattern and design to a collection of paper products that can be embraced by everyone."

Here's a peek at the samples I was sent. I would say that I can't wait to use them...but in fact, I have this instinct that I should save them. But no, I will enjoy these gorgeous goodies darn it...and spread the beauty! 

My absolute favourite item is the marbled paper-design notebook (top middle in my photo). Blank notebooks are so full of promise, aren't they? Sarah actually shared a cute photo on Facebook of the notebook in use just the other day: 

Post by Sarah Richardson.

First Sarah Jessica Parker, now Sarah Richardson...which of my idols will work with Hallmark next?

Disclosure: I was provided with the samples shown above for review purposes. Opinions are, as always, my own.

Varicose Veins - Pregnancy and Beyond

I have to admit that I had fairly smooth pregnancies. Morning sickness was horrible (drugs were helpful) but I had it much easier than many moms-to-be. No matter what I tried though, I could not escape the common pregnancy issue of varicose veins.

They appeared a bit on my calves at the beginning of my first pregnancy, but quickly the real issue became my inner thigh (singular - just the left one. I don't know why.) When writing about this topic for Today's Parent, my go-to OB/GYN source, Dr. Jillian Coolen, made a point of stressing that these veins often go even higher than the inner thighs. I of course have no personal knowledge of such a sensitive subject to share with you here, but I have this, uh, friend who says she did experience varicose veins that continued past any area that could be correctly identified as "leg". Don't picture it.

A hereditary condition, I've been told that varicose veins are very common in women on my father's side (and some on my mother's) and my late grandmother underwent surgery at one point to ease the discomfort and improve appearance.

In most women, varicose veins improve significantly after pregnancy, which mine did, but even now - more than six years post-partum - every time I pull on a bathing suit I remind myself that I really should look into having something done about them. But then I remind myself not to be vain, and the weather gets cooler and they're pretty much forgotten for another year.

For the full story on varicose veins (what causes them, why they're worse when expecting, what you can do yourself to prevent them and ease symptoms during pregnancy, and the professional treatment options available afterwards) please check out my article from the July issue of Today's Parent: http://www.todaysparent.com/pregnancy/varicose-veins-pregnancy-symptoms-treatment/.

If you'd like to share photos of your own varicose veins below, you will be entered in a contest to win...totally kidding, I couldn't even get through that sentence!

Important Note and Summer Screen Time Rules: What Are Yours?

Exciting note almost totally unrelated to this post:

In the next few weeks, I'm going to have the opportunity to go behind-the-scenes at two of my (and maybe your) favourite TV shows. I'll be posting here after the fact, but I'll be live-tweeting and Facebooking while I'm there, and I don't want you to miss any pics or tidbits of information! If you're not already, pretty-please:

*Like me on Facebook here
*Follow me on Twitter here 

and I encourage (since "beg" is a bit strong) you to reply/retweet, like/comment, etc. to share the fun with me!

Thanks, everyone!

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And now for our regularly scheduled program...so to speak...

One beautiful weekend in June, I decided to implement a random rule about summer TV-watching for my daughters. They get:

• An hour when they wake up (and I attempt to sleep in - they've even started toasting their own waffles and pouring their own cereal!)
• An hour at bedtime (when I like to put the house in order and start winding down myself)

I told them that if they ask in between those hours, they will lose the next time they've been allotted. (I gave one reminder about this, and they haven't asked again. Granted we've only put in one week of holidays.) The girls know which channels are always safe, and hit the "info" button on the remote to double-check a program if unsure (8-PG is the most sophisticated rating they are permitted without one of us actively watching along with them.)

I know one family that unplugs the television altogether for the summer months, but I would honestly cry (and I mean now, as an adult) if someone took my television away...ever.

That said, we live out in the country with a swimming pool, playset and nice safe yard, and we have the luxury of spending most of the summer home with our kids (other than the two weeks they attend performing arts day camp). There's no way that they "need" television during the day to entertain them. They also have so much stuff it blows my mind (which you'll read more about when I share their bedroom renos with you!)

When we're indoors, they still spend a bit of time on our computer or tablet (or Frannie on her iPod - which is another blog post in the making) as long as they're doing some sort of interactive game (not just watching videos, thereby sneaking around the no-TV rule). I especially like when they play a computer game together. In 2014, is there really a lot of difference between bonding over a tech game or a board game with your sister?

I've actually been proud of myself for sticking to the rule. After a only a few days at home, I've been tempted a few times to say "Just go watch TV!" (i.e. "Just sit somewhere out of my way, stop fighting and be quiet!") but I have resisted thus far.

They've been in the pool daily, they're playing with their toys lots as well as doing crafts, and they've even taken to listening to the radio through our satellite dish (Maggie loves the classical station, which always seems to inspire her to ballet dance around the house, and her father will never let her live down the ballerina moment when she stood on the living room bench and called out "Catch me, boy!" as she jumped into her sister's arms.) 

That's my house...how about yours? Do you set special screen time rules during the summer? Or just in general? I'd love to hear what other parents are doing...and how it's going!

Vacation (or Staycation) In Beautiful Peterborough, Ontario

As many of you know, I grew up out in the country, a 20 minute drive east of Peterborough, which we always referred to as "town". Then when I started teaching, I lived right in the heart of the city (Charlotte Towers to be exact) for three years, before building a house out in the country in the other direction, 30 minutes west of Peterborough.

Whether hanging out in this city is a staycation for you, as it is for us, or whether you're planning on visiting from afar (it's worth the trip!), today I'm sharing tons of ideas for things to do in the beautiful city of Peterborough. Some are from my own personal experience, while others come from a social media roundup where locals and frequent visitors shared their suggestions with me for this post.

Where To Eat

My personal faves:

• Berc's Steakhouse (we recently took my parents there for their 40th anniversary)
• The Olde Stone Brewing Company (a downtown pub)

Image: http://oldestone.ca/gallery/?a=gallery

• Gerti's (another great downtown pub, one of many on Hunter Street - most have patios and many have kids' menus)
• Rare Grill House (for special occasions)

Recommended by others:

• The Night Kitchen (made-from-scratch pizza, and they deliver)* 
• Planet Bakery* (this one had several nominations)
• The Food Forest*
• Kawartha Dairy Ice Cream
• Brick House Craft Burger - just down the street from the movie theatre, burger and movie deals available
• St. Veronus
• Hot Belly Mama's (a few recos, and one said "Best authentic Cajun good around. Excellent quality. Superb staff. Great ambiance. Best value.") 
• Ashburnham Ale House
• Silver Bean Café (open from May to October, this one's on the water downtown in Millennium Park)
• Riley's (with kids' menu)
• Ariyana Middle Eastern Food

* These three received a special recommendation for vegan families

Peterborough also offers a huge variety of the chain restaurants and fast-food joints that you know and love (heavily concentrated on Lansdowne Street and Chemong Road), and what may very well be the highest ratio of Tim Hortons per capita in the country.

Where To Shop

Growing up, we would often head out of town to shop for holidays or special occasions. With Peterborough's growth, it's now rarely necessary to venture elsewhere. (I'm not a Costco gal myself, but this addition to the city was monumental for many shoppers!)

When it comes to "the mall", Lansdowne Place offers a large array of stores and services, with enough to please most discerning teenagers (which is the real test).

Downtown shopping is a different story entirely, and you can find many independent and unique shops while strolling the city streets.

Several locals on Twitter recommended farmers' markets like the Peterborough Farmers' Market, which is open year round and offers local, fresh produce, meats, dairy, cooking and crafts. This is a must-see for an authentic Peterborough experience.

What To Do With Kids:

There is no shortage of family fun in Peterborough, and much of it is free!

• Riverview Park and Zoo: A favourite destination for families (and class trips), this zoo is FREE to visit (though you really should spring for the $2 miniature train ride). It's not just about animals: kids can spend hours on the splashpad and huge playground as well.

Image: http://www.peterboroughutilities.ca/Park_and_Zoo

• Canadian Canoe Museum (reasonable admission, children under 5 are free and there's no charge on Thursday nights)

Image: http://www.canoemuseum.ca/

• Peterborough Museum and Archives
• Play Street Indoor Playground (there's a fee, but may be worth it on a rainy day. My daughter thoroughly enjoyed the birthday party she attended here)  (Now closed)
• Galaxy Cinemas (we're a real movie-loving household and we visit this Cineplex theatre often, with kids and without. For those who enjoy the big-screen experience - even for an old movie - they offer "Family Favourites" presentations on Saturday mornings for $2.50)
• Peterborough Musicfest (free outdoor concerts in a range of genres on Wednesday and Saturday nights all summer at Del Crary Park)
• Wild Water and Wheels (go-karts, mini-golf, batting cages, etc. Every time we drive by the girls ask when they can go. "Someday!")

More free, outdoor adventures recommended by the locals: 

• Jackson Park  (walks, bike rides, popular wedding photo spot)
• Beavermead Park (with beach and camping available)
• For winter fun: Skating at the Lift Locks or tobogganing on Armour Hill. (In high school, the purpose of driving up Armour Hill with your sweetheart was not for tobogganing. Or so I was told.)  
• Rogers Cove in the East City area of Peterborough (one local remarks "beautiful with playground, lake and splashpad all in one spot!"

Since I live in the area, I don't have much expertise when it comes to accommodations, though I know the Holiday Inn downtown is in a very central spot, and backs right onto the lake. On our wedding night, we had a beautiful suite at the Best Western Otonabee Inn, but I really have no relevant details from that stay that I wish to share with you here today.

So...for all of those familiar with Peterborough, what have I missed that you would recommend? Leave a comment below to share your expertise!

If you're planning a visit, please feel free to contact me with any questions, and be sure to check out the Peterborough and Kawarthas tourism site for more info!