Family Day in Elora

Take advantage of Family Day (February 16^th) this year with fun activities and events suitable for all ages. Spend the day relaxing with family and loved ones and taking a break from busy schedules to appreciate those around you. To ensure residents of the Sandstone Apartments and Executive Suites have a day full of activities planned, our preferred property management company, Williams and McDaniel, has put together some suggestions located near their Elora apartments.

Winterloo Nights

From February 14^th – February 16^th 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. get outside of your apartment and celebrate Winterloo 2015 with fantastic outdoor and indoor events. Enjoy winter activities that include dog sled races, ice sculpting, free public skates, free movies and a scrumptious chili cook-off featuring top Waterloo restaurants. Feel free to consult the festival’s schedule page, festival map or call (519) 885-1921 for additional inquiries. Make sure to drop by Chicopee Ski and Summer Resort and continue the celebration with $25 all-access lift tickets after 5:00 p.m. The opening ceremony will be held at Waterloo Public Square located at 75 King Street South, which is a 33-minute drive from the Elora apartments.

Hoot-N-Howl Hike and Campfire

Get back to nature with an evening hike accompanied by two of Rockwood Conservation Area’s nature interpreters. Admission to the park and this event is completely free. During the hike, you’ll have an opportunity to hear all the amazing sounds of nature and its inhabitants. After the hike, sit around a campfire, roast marshmallows and share stories. The hike, which runs on February 15^th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:15 p.m., will meet at the park’s main pavilion. Located at 141 Fall Street in Rockwood, the conservation area is a 31-minute drive from the Sandstone Apartments and a 29-minute drive from the Executive Suites.

The Big Chill Outdoor Fun Day

Spend Family Day at Guelph Lake Nature Centre’s Big Chill Fun Day and take part in horse-drawn sleigh rides, dog sledding, cross-country skiing, skating and ice fishing. If you start to get hungry during the festivities, be sure to visit the on-site food trucks and enjoy some hot, fresh grub. Admission to the event is free. Voluntary donations are welcome and will fund the new nature centre. The Big Chill runs on February 16^th at the Guelph Lake Nature Centre. The Executive Suites and Sandstone Apartments are a 20-minute drive from the centre located at 7677 Conservation Road in Guelph.

Shade’s Mills Family Ice Fishing Day

Shade’s Mills Family Ice Fishing Day is held on Ontario’s license-free Family Fishing Weekend. The event is open to inexperienced and veteran fishers and equipment and bait will be provided for new anglers. Throughout the day, there will be numerous contests, draws and prizes awarded to participants. This is a catch-and-release event and regular admission fees apply. The event runs on February 15^th from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. with prizes drawn at 2:30 p.m. Located at 450 Avenue Road in Cambridge, the event is a 44-minute drive from the apartments.

Spend Family Day with those close to you and explore all the events and festivals in Elora and the surrounding area. Located at 120-122 David Street East and 145 Kertland Street, Williams and McDaniel’s Sandstone Apartments and Executive Suites offer residents ideal rental options in Elora’s charming village atmosphere.

Learn something new this winter

It’s never too late to pick up new skills and passions. Whether you’re interested in challenging your mind, your body or both, there are classes available in Elora that will keep you on your toes. Our preferred property management company, Williams and McDaniel, has put together some interactive and creative classes that will give residents of the Sandstone Apartments and Executive Suites the opportunity to learn something new this winter.

Elora Fergus Dance

Discover new styles of dance and movement with the help of Elora Fergus Dance’s friendly instructors. Zumba, yoga, belly dance and ballroom are among the adult classes currently offered at the studio. Enjoy fun, interactive classes that will get you moving and grooving. Located at 75 Melville Street, Elora Centre for the Arts is a two-minute drive and eight-minute walk from the Sandstone Apartments and Executive Suites.

Drew House Cooking Classes

Drew House proudly presents Elora Gourmet Classes, a series of expertly crafted courses by Roger Dufau. Located at 120 East Mill Street, this enchanting retreat is a one-minute drive and six-minute walk from the Executive Suites and a three-minute drive and eight-minute walk from the Sandstone Apartments. Those attending get to experience two and a half hours of cooking followed by a full buffet-style meal. Admission is $70 per person, including tax and gratuity. Email the Drew House for more information on reservations, rates and dates.

Antje’s Pottery & Studio

Showcase your sculpting skills by visiting Antje’s Pottery and Studio in St. Jacobs. For over 20 years, Antje has been teaching both children and adults while expertly working with pottery. Classes are offered four days a week and all students have the opportunity to work on the potter’s wheel. Classes are offered once a week for eight weeks with a $150.00 admission for adults and a $95.00 admission for children. All materials, tools and firing procedures are included in the admission fee. The studio at 4 High Crest Lane West is a 23-minute drive from the Sandstone Apartments and a 25-minute drive from the Executive Suites.

Awareness Yoga Studio

Nestled on the picturesque Grand River in Elora, Awareness Yoga Studio offers clients a peaceful setting for meditation and total relaxation. Located at 44 Mill Street West, the studio is a 13-minute walk and three-minute drive from the Elora Apartments. The studio offers classes for all ages and experience levels ranging from beginner to intermediate. Classes include Yoga for Chronic Pain, The Power of Flow, Energy Flow Yoga for Lunch and Awareness Flow Yoga All Levels. Make sure to register early and remember that a 10% discount is applied to a second class registration and a 15% discount on a third class registration.

Located at 143 Kertland Street and 120-122 David Street East, Williams and McDaniel’s Executive Suites and Sandstone Apartments offer rental options situated in the charming town of Elora, Ontario.

Hot drinks to make at home

Nothing is quite as satisfying as a warm drink on a cold day. Avoid the cold altogether by preparing your own delicious hot drink in your Elora apartment. For today’s post, our preferred property management company, Williams and McDaniel, has put together a list of easy-to-make hot drinks that will warm you up during the winter days ahead.

Hot cocoa

One of the most popular drinks for a cold day is hot cocoa. Instead of relying on store-bought mixes, have fun preparing a simple batch of delicious homemade hot cocoa with your friends or family. This recipe only requires a few ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your kitchen.

Coffee drinks

Are you craving your go-to coffee beverage but dreading going out in the cold to get it? Save yourself the time and skip the cold by recreating your favorite coffee drink at your Elora apartment. For example, try following one of these tasty Starbucks-inspired recipes or make your own Tim Horton’s mocha. Buy your coffee beans at a local coffee shop before the bitter cold sets in. Ashanti Café Elora (8 West Mill Street) is a three-minute drive or ten-minute walk from Sandstone Apartments (120-122 David Street East).

Tea beverages

Not a coffee lover? Not only is tea a satisfying hot drink, it is also full of amazing health benefits. Make the perfect cup of tea at your Elora apartment this winter. Before you start, find the answer to all of your tea-making questions online. If you are feeling adventurous, try a unique tea beverage, such as a creamy Homemade Chai.

Mulled wine

Mulled wine is an adult drink that is simple to make. Buy a great bottle of wine from Cox Creek Cellars Inc. (7687 Wellington Road 22). This cellar uses only locally grown fruits for their wines. It will take you around ten minutes to get here from the Executive Suites (143 Kertland Street), but this local business also delivers orders to your apartment. Once you have the wine, all you will need for this hot drink recipe is a few more ingredients such as honey and cinnamon.

Beat the cold this winter by enjoying a hot drink at your Elora apartment. For more information about the Williams and McDaniel apartments in the neighborhood, visit their website today.

Where to work out in Elora

Many of us are so busy with daily responsibilities, jobs and chores that taking care of our bodies and health falls to the wayside. Whether you’re looking to get fit or want to challenge yourself to a new fitness class, the Elora apartments are surrounded by an assortment of exercise studios, gyms, paths and community centres that are ideal for those looking to workout. To ensure residents of the Executive Suites and Sandstone Apartments stick to their fitness routine, our preferred property management company, Williams and McDaniel, has compiled places where you can work out.

Anytime Fitness

Offering a variety of fantastic services and amenities including 24-hour access, low monthly fees and Anywhere Club Access, which allows members to visit fitness centres in other cities, Anytime Fitness is truly a full service gym. Anytime Fitness is currently the world’s largest co-ed fitness centre chain and largest 24-hour gym, an accomplishment that has members renewing their memberships and referring friends. With access to the best fitness equipment and friendly, supportive staff, there is no excuse not to join and get moving. Members can enjoy classes, cardio equipment including elliptical machines, treadmills and exercise cycles and strength training equipment consisting of free weights, racks and circuits. Drop by the club during staffed hours and enjoy a complimentary tour of the facilities. Located at 735 Tower Street South, the club is a 10-minute drive from the Sandstone Apartments and an eight-minute drive from the Executive Suites.

The Athletic Club

Since 1997, The Athletic Club has been offering fitness services and facilities that promote health and wellness. Operating with the mission “to offer fun solutions to those embarking on the journey to better health,” the club has continued to offer fitness options suitable for your unique lifestyle and needs. Co-ed studio, women’s studio, cycle studio, aquatics, yoga/Pilates and co-ed cardio floor are among the classes offered and featured on the group fitness schedule for the club’s Fergus location. For more in-depth class descriptions, see here. Both of the Elora Apartments are a 29-minute drive from the fitness club located at 80 Stone Road West.

The Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex (Fergus)

Formerly known as the Fergus & District Community Centre, the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex offers an array of activities and facilities for those looking to get moving. The center features a swimming pool, aerobics room, expanded weight and fitness room, plus two ice pads that are ideal for casual skating or hockey. Located at 55 Belsyde Avenue East, this community center is a 12-minute drive from the Sandstone Apartments and a 10-minute drive from the Executive Suites.

Belwood Lake and the Elora Gorge are two options worth considering if you’d rather get your exercise outside. Visitors to the Elora Gorge can enjoy riverside trails and beautiful views of the Grand River valley while visitors to Belwood Lake can venture down the lake’s manmade staircase and walk close to the Grand River’s edge.

Keep your body healthy and moving by incorporating physical fitness or weekly classes into your routine. With a variety of facilities in and surrounding the Elora region, there is no excuse to skimp on your workout. Located at 120-122 David Street East and 143 Kertland Street, Williams and McDaniel’s Sandstone Apartments and Executive Suites offer an ideal rental option for those looking to rent in Elora.

Date night in Elora

Whether it’s after a busy day at the office or in between school assignments and exams, it is nice to go out and enjoy a relaxing night with your partner. Keep date night alive and well by making an effort to try out new restaurants or cuisines. You won’t have to look far for your new date night venue in Elora because there are a variety of options to choose from. To ensure residents of the Sandstone Apartments and Executive Suites experience a night out to remember, our preferred property management company, Williams and McDaniel, has put together some restaurants where you can spend an evening enjoying delicious food with great company.

Mill Street Bakery & Bistro

Whether you visit Mill Street Bakery & Bistro’s covered patio on the edge of the Grand River in the summer or their indoor dining room where you’ll enjoy a full view of the Grand, this restaurant offers the perfect place to spend a romantic night. Located at 15 E Mill Street, Mill Street Bakery and Bistro is a two-minute drive and 13-minute walk from Sandstone Apartments and a two-minute drive and 12-minute walk from the Executive Suites. Enjoy mouth-watering menu options that include Caesar salad, seafood cobb salad, mushroom pate, baked brie, spicy chicken, Montreal smoked meat, pad thai, meatloaf and salmon. To ensure that your date night goes as smoothly, reserve a table by calling (226) 384-2277, as limited seating is available.

Gorge Country Kitchen

For more than 16 years, family-owned and operated Gorge Country Kitchen has been offering diners delicious comfort food in a casual setting. If you visit Gorge Country in the summer, enjoy your meal on their large outdoor patio. No matter what you’re craving, the restaurant’s extensive menu is sure to satisfy your craving and exceed your expectations. French onion soup, tilapia filet, breaded shrimp, NY steak, chicken melt, fettuccine alfredo, veal parmesan, triple decker sandwiches, garden BLT and chicken cordon bleu are among the dishes you can order. The Elora Apartments are a four-minute drive and 23-minute walk from the restaurant located at 82 Wellington County Road.

Cork Restaurant

Serving an assortment of fresh, local ingredients that have been transformed into tantalizing dishes, Cork Restaurant should be your next date night destination. Be sure to prepare your appetite and come hungry so you can enjoy jambalaya, prime striploin, seared scallops, chicken supreme, roasted eggplant and many more. In addition to their delicious menu, customers can listen to live jazz and local artists during dinner. Located at 146 Metcalfe Street, Cork Restaurant is a one-minute drive and nine-minute walk from the Sandstone Apartments and a two-minute drive and 11-minute walk from the Executive Suites.

Harvest Moon Restaurant

Offering friendly service and a home-style charm, Harvest Moon Restaurant is an ideal dining destination. Enjoy delicious dinner options including steak sandwiches, chicken Caesar wraps, crispy chicken sandwiches, bruschetta, chicken spinach, seafood, stir-frys, Greek pita, Greek specialties and pasta all for a reasonable price. You can also enjoy breakfast. Pair your meal with a drink from the bar or from the wine cellar. Located in beautiful St. Jacobs, Ontario at 5 Parkside Drive, the restaurant is a 22-minute drive from Sandstone Apartments and a 24-minute drive from the Executives Suites.

Scozia Restaurant

Scozia Restaurant combines culinary flavors from Scotland and Italy to provide you with an unforgettable meal. Steak, salads, pizzas, pasta, crostini and calamari are among the dishes you can order. The toughest decision of the night will be deciding what you should order first. Located at 487 St Andrew Street, Scozia Restaurant is a five-minute drive from the Executive Suites and a seven-minute drive from the Sandstone Apartments.

For your upcoming date night explore a new and exciting establishment by making a dinner reservation at one of these charming restaurants. Located at 120-122 David Street East and 143 Kertland Street, Williams and McDaniel’s Sandstone Apartments and Executive Suites are an ideal rental option for those who are currently interested in renting in the quaint city of Elora.

Three ways to make your old furniture look like new

Breathing new life into old furniture not only saves money, but it also allows you to test out your creative side. Whether the piece has been in the family for generations or is something you recently picked up at the local thrift store, the possibilities are endless when it comes to making it truly your own. With so many DIY options available, you may be uncertain about where to start or what to try. Luckily, our preferred property management company, Williams and McDaniel, has put together some furniture tutorials you’ll want to try and showcase in your Elora apartment.

Photo Transfers/ Graphic Transfers

Add a truly personal touch to your old furniture by incorporating photo or graphic transfers into their appearance. You have complete creative control and the finished product will be a truly one-of-a-kind creation that you will not be able to buy in stores. This DIY is an easy way to dress up tables, chests, headboards or chairs and is also a great gift idea. ‘Madigan Made’s’ DIY Child’s Chair transforms an IKEA chair into a personalized throne fit for your little one. All you need to complete this DIY are a few ingredients including a colour photocopy of the image, cutting mat, craft knife, wax paper, brushes and mod podge. For a vintage photo transfer feel, try out ‘The Flying C’s’ Mod Podge Transfer Tutorial on your tired-looking furniture. Purchase a thrifty treasure to test your DIY skills out at Value Village located at 214 Silvercreek Parkway North. The store is a 22-minute drive from the Sandstone Apartments and a 23-minute drive from the Executive Suites.

Ombre

If you’re looking for a DIY project that requires little skill, is inexpensive and will yield stunning results, Ombre DIYs are what you’ve been searching for. With so many tutorials available including this How to Paint an Ombre Dresser illustration, you’ll be on your way to redesigning your furniture in a flash. Ombre is a style of painting that either starts off lighter and fades into a deeper colour or it starts off deeper and fades to a lighter colour. No matter which way you do it, the results will be beautiful. Located at 6458 Wellington Road 7, Elora Home Hardware will have all your painting supplies and is conveniently located less than 10 minutes away by car from both Elora apartments. For more Ombre inspiration, check out ‘Fox Hollow Cottage’ blog’s Aqua Ombre-Painted Furniture tutorial, ‘Kid Crave’s’ DIY Ombre Dresser and ‘Cape 27 Blog’s’ DIY Ombre Chest Transformation.

Fabric Wrapped

Give your furniture a new look by wrapping it in fresh and fashionable fabrics. To complete this DIY you’ll need fabric, an iron, ironing board, paint brush, razor and of course, a set of drawers or furniture. If you’re currently looking for inspiration both “Ikea Hackers’s’ Fabric-Wrapped Ikea Rast and ‘Centsational Girl’s’ Furniture With Fabric Texture tutorial are great starting points. Pick up your furniture pieces at the Salvation Army Thrift Store located at 204 Silvercreek Parkway North and purchase your fabric at Len’s Mill Store located at 3555 Broadway. The thrift store is a 23-minute drive from both Elora apartments and the fabric shop is a 28-minute drive from the Sandstone Apartments and a 30-minute drive from the Executive Suites.

Welcome new furniture into your apartment without spending money by updating items you already have with these clever DIYs. Located at 120-122 David Street East and 143 Kertland Street, Williams and McDaniel’s Sandstone Apartments and Executive Suites are an ideal choice for those looking to rent in Elora.

No-sew apartment accessories

Outfitting your Elora Apartment yourself will not only award you with new décor items and accents, it will also save you a substantial amount of money. Whether you’re looking to make curtains, art pieces, pillows, furniture coverings, blinds or table runners, there is a DIY project that is perfect for your budget and personal style. To get residents of the Sandstone Apartments and Executive Suites started on their DIY endeavour, our preferred property management company, Williams and McDaniel, has put together some tutorials and instructions for no-sew apartment accessories.

Drapes and Curtains

Add graphic patterns and privacy to your apartment with the help of drapes and curtains. In addition ensuring privacy, the right drapes and curtains can actually keep your apartment cool. If you’re looking for an option that has a designer influence, ‘The Yellow Cape Cod’s’ Bold-Striped DIY Drapes take a cue from fashion icon Kate Spade. A simple yet eye-catching pattern makes up these blinds and will infuse stylish sophistication throughout the space. Get creative and reuse items around your home to create the perfect curtains with this ‘Cardigan Junkie’ duvet cover curtains tutorial. In place of sewing, these tutorials use fusible fabric webbing. For all your fabric needs, drop by Len’s Mill Stores located at 3555 Broadway in Hawkesville. The Elora apartments are both a 30-minute drive from the store.

Wall Art

Brighten up your apartment walls with beautiful fabric patterns by following ‘Bella Dia’s’ Fabric Panel How To. Using foam core, double stick tape, wall putty and a fabric with a design of your choice you can easily create a series of whimsical wall artwork. Pick up necessary supplies by dropping by Wyndham Art Supplies located at 125 Wyndham Street North. The store is a 30-minute drive from the Sandstone Apartments and a 23-minute drive from the Executive Suites.

Ottoman

After a long day at work, put your feet up and relax on your No-Sew DIY Ottoman courtesy of the ‘In My Own Style’ blog. While it looks complicated, you’ll be able to complete this DIY in an afternoon with the right supplies and some patience.

Pillows
Accent your apartment couch with DIY textured ruffle pillows by following the ‘Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom’ tutorial. If ruffled pillows don’t fit into your apartment’s decorating scheme, these ‘346 living’ DIY No Sew Pillow are a perfect fit. For a more unconventional option, the ‘centsational girl’s’ no-sew pillow covers use cloth napkins to create your DIY creations. Pick up the fabrics and supplies you’ll need at Triangle Sewing Centre located at 386 Woolwich Street, which is a 28-minute drive Sandstone Apartments and a 21-minute drive from the Executive Suites.

Blinds

While at first glance it may look like the ‘A Pretty Cool Life’ DIY Roman Shades involves sewing, they actually only use glue. You’ll need vinyl mini-blinds, fabric, iron-on adhesive and fabric glue, all of which can be purchased at Stockade Wood & Craft Supply. The store at 785 Imperial North is a 23-minute drive from the Executive Suites and Sandstone Apartments.

Lamp Shades

Embellishing your tired lamps and lampshades are a great way to brighten up your apartment space, literally and metaphorically. The ‘House of Fifty’ blog offers a DIY option that looks so polished your guests will be curious as to where you bought it.

Give your apartment a designer feel without spending a large amount of money by taking advantage of DIY options like these. Located at 120-122 David Street East and 143 Kertland Street, Williams and McDaniel’s Sandstone Apartments and Executive Suites in Elora offer residents high-quality, exceptional service and nothing less.

Take your own family portraits

Family photos are a great way to capture the memories and smiles you share with your loved ones. Hiring a professional photographer can be quite expensive and may include time spent on a waiting list until the photographer’s schedule loosens up. Take matters into your own hands by planning and executing your family’s portrait on your own. To help Elora apartment residents unleash their inner professional photographer, our preferred property management company, Williams and McDaniel, has put together some equipment tips, posing techniques for a natural look and some breath-taking places in Elora that can serve as the backdrop for your beautiful family portraits.

Use a Tripod

This small investment will definitely come in handy for all of the times that you end up using it. BJ Photo Labs Limited has a great selection of camera equipment available for purchase. The store is located at 468 Phillip Street is a 30-minute drive from the Sandstone Apartments and a 32-minute drive from the Executive Suites. If you’re also in need of a camera, Future Shop at 580 King Street North has everything you’re looking for. The store is less than 30 minutes away from both of the Elora Apartments.

Keep Little Ones Occupied + Prepared

To encourage kids to look at the camera, tape a stuffed animal, toy or other eye-catching item on top. At some point during the photo-shoot, your little ones will likely grow tired standing in the same position waiting for you to set up the camera or simply waiting in general. Try and avoid this by explaining what the photos involve, how long they will take and if there will be a reward afterwards. Make sure to bring snacks and water along to avoid grumbling tummies and groaning mouths. While you’re setting up the camera equipment and props, allow your kids to run around and get out some pent-up energy.
Posing

Write down or print off some family portrait ideas and posing inspiration in advance so you can refer to them later. It will also give you an idea ahead of time of what props you’ll need and what locations would work best with your concept. The ‘Digital Photography School’s’ 4 Tips For Natural Looking Portraits article has some great tips including giving subjects something to hold to distract from anxiety. Ask your little ones about their favourite memory or tell them a funny joke to get a genuine laugh that will make for a stunning capture. One way to avoid frustration and still leave with fantastic portraits in hand is to plan out poses where your family doesn’t have to look at the camera. These can include hugging each other, tickling, smooching, holding hands, walking or simply looking at each other. The historic Brew House on the Grand features a breath-taking stone building on the bank of the Grand in Fergus and offers up an ideal place for your rustic family portraits. Located at 170 Saint David Street South, the Brew House is directly across the river from the Farmers’ market and is a nine-minute drive from the Sandstone Apartments and a six-minute drive from the Executive Suites.

Say No to Auto

While you may be tempted to set your camera on auto and let it do the work, you’ll have better photos and a better understanding of your camera if you do things manually. The ‘Kristen Duke Photography’ blog has a book available titled ‘Say NO to Auto’ that will have you shooting in manual in three easy steps. Make sure to focus on the centre of the group, so you have a good border of background to add balance. Remember to take test shots before the real deal and use these to gage how you should adjust the shutter speed. If overexposure occurs, crank up your shutter speed until you achieve an even exposure. On a cloudy day start the shutter speed at ISO 400. For all your photo needs or questions, drop by Pond’s Foto Source. The store is a 23-minute drive from both of the Elora Apartments.

Prepare the Camera

Before you get everyone in front of the camera holding their smiles and trying not to blink, save time by preparing the camera’s settings in advance. Get one person in the frame to act as a point of reference, then measure and focus off of that person before getting everyone else in the shot. Elora Gorge Conservation Area is another great location if you’re looking for destinations for your family photo-shoot. Located at 7400 Wellington Road 21, the conservation area is a two-minute drive and less than 10-minute walk from the Sandstone Apartments and Executive Suites.

Located on 120-122 David Street East and 143 Kertland Street, Williams and McDaniel’s Elora apartments offer residents the exceptional service that they deserve and desire.

Things to do in Elora this summer

Don’t let Elora’s small-town charm fool you, there is lots to do in this little town. In addition to all of the great outdoor opportunities for hiking, picnicking and cycling, Elora is hosting a number of summer festivals that you’ll want to be sure to put on your calendar. Our preferred property management company Williams and McDanielhas put together this guide to summer festivals in Elora to keep you busy.

The Elora Writers’ Festival is just around the corner on May 25. This annual festival celebrating Canadian writers will include readings from Scott Chantler, Susanna Kearsley, Andrew Pyper, Brad Smith, Anita Stewart and Mary Swan.

Get to know Elora and Fergus a little better during Doors Open on June 21. This annual festival encourages local landmarks to open their doors to the public for one day. Many sites include guided tours or supplementary activities to teach you a little more about our community. There are five sites in downtown Elora including the Charles Allen Homestead and the Elora mill, which are all just a short walk from the Sandstone Apartments at 120-122 David Street East.

If you’re in town on July 1, head to Metcalfe Street for a Canada Day parade. The Dominion Day celebration will kick off with a Firemen’s pancake breakfast, followed by a soap box derby for the kids and live riverside entertainment all day.

No matter your musical taste, you’re sure to find something you’ll love on the Elora Festival calendar. This annual music festival runs from July 13 to August 5 at venues around Elora and will include classical, jazz, international and contemporary music.

Summer in Elora isn’t complete without a trip to the Fergus Scottish Festival. This celebration of the region’s Scottish heritage will have everything you expect: Highland dancers, Celtic music, feats of strength and a beer tent. This festival regularly attracts visitors from around the province, so definitely mark your calendar for August 8-10.

There is plenty to do this summer right outside your Elora apartment. If you’re looking for a new home in Elora this summer, contact Williams and McDaniel today.

Delicious herbs you can grow right in the kitchen

If you’re looking for a way to spruce up your homemade dishes, fresh herbs are a simple and delicious way to do so. While you can purchase them time and time again at the grocery store, another option is to grow them yourself. With a variety of herbs that you can grow in the comfort of your Elora apartment’s kitchen you can save yourself money and avoid pesticides that might be lingering in the store-bought variety. All you really need is a bright space and a little background research on the plants you want to grow. To get residents started on their plant collection, our preferred property management company, Williams and McDaniel, has compiled a list of herbs you can grow in your kitchen.

Bay

While Bay grows slowly at first, it will eventually blossom into a bush or small tree that can be shaped and modified to the grower’s liking. If you’re looking to get a head start and want to enjoy this herb sooner, it is best to purchase a young one- to two-foot plant. Add Bay leaves to your homemade red pasta sauces or hearty broths to make them even tastier.

Chives

Liven up those plain mashed potatoes or garnish your gourmet dishes with the delicate flavor of freshly chopped chives. Perfect for windowsill growing, this delicious grass like herb needs to be cut in small bunches back to the soil level to make room for the newest harvest.

Dill

Use dill in salads, on fish and to add an aromatic characteristic to your expertly prepared dishes. This annual best known for its leaves is often grown indoors and certain variations are compact, which makes them ideal for growing in cozy spaces. Drop by Stevanus Family Farm to pick up the seeds or ready-to-purchase plants, so you can enjoy fresh herbs in no time at all. Located at 1082 Snyder Flats road, the store is a 24-minute walk from the Sandstone Apartments and the Executive Suites.

Sage

While sage is a wonderful culinary herb, it can also function as a sore throat remedy and beauty tool. For those who prefer container gardening, it is best to purchase a 12-inch-tall dwarf sage as they are smaller but offer the same mouthwatering flavors of traditional garden sage.

Rosemary

Available in both trailing and upright forms, rosemary is an herb you’ll definitely want in your kitchen. Use it to spice meats and vegetables and even use it to cure headaches. While rosemary enjoys drier growing conditions, it is crucial that the soil is never allowed to completely dry out. Doing this may result in the death of the plant. Located on 6729 Leslie Lane, Floral and Hardy Gardens offers a large selection of plants and herbs that will fit perfectly in your Elora apartment. The Sandstone Apartments and Executive Suites are both 39 minutes away from the store.

Parsley

With delicious flavoring and healing properties, parsley is the perfect herb to include in many of your meals. When harvesting this herb, cut the outer leaves to encourage new growth from the center and keep the remaining parsley productive for several months.

Oregano

Offering a slightly spicy and sharp flavor, oregano will add a touch of authentic spice to your dishes. Oregano plants often remain productive for up to two years and should be replaced when the plant develops a woody texture. It is important to harvest leaves to keep the plant healthy and make room for new growth. LittleTree Garden Market located on St. David Street North in Fergus is a 10-minute drive from both Elora apartments has a large selection of plants and herbs available for purchase.

Basil

Add flavor to your salads, soups and aiolis or create your own pesto with the help of basil. Grow this herb as an annual or short-lived perennial and enhance the tastiness of your dishes. Get all the ingredients you’ll need to get your kitchen herbs started by visiting Sheridan Nurseries Limited located at 100 Elmsdale Drive. Both the Sandstone Apartments and Executive Suites are a 39-minute drive from the nursery and their large stock of plants.

Cilantro

Cilantro also referred to as Chinese parsley, will add a citrus-like and parsley-like flavor to whatever you add it to. It is best to grow it from seeds as it will grow quickly. However, it will not regrow once harvested. To extend the harvest, grow three pots of Cilantro at different stages (seeded, intermediate growth and one that’s ready to harvest).
Mints

Spearmint and peppermint are top choices if you’re looking for potted herbs to grow. Both of these plants have calming and soothing effects and can even be incorporated into your health and beauty routines. It is important to give mint its own container, as it can easily overtake other herbs.

In no time at all you’ll be enjoying fresh herbs in your dishes and desserts. Located at 120-122 David Street East and 143 Kertland Street, Williams and McDaniel’s Elora apartments provide residents with unparalleled amenities and are within walking distance of scenic trails and pathways.

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