TREASURED MEMORIES ARE MADE AT DEERHURST RESORT

Destined to become a premier year-round resort, it began with Charles Waterhouse's vision in 1896 as the first summer resort around Huntsville - four acres on Peninsula Lake. Three generations later, the Waterhouse tradition of hospitality, recreation and entertainment extend across its 800 acres, enhanced by a recent multi-million dollar expansion.

The grand opening weekend is a balm to our well being. Nature is steps away from this Muskoka treasure, beckoning invitingly even as you enter the Great Hall amidst the grandeur of rock-encrusted columns and woodcrafted decor. Call it the country air or Charles Waterhouse's legacy, but the staff are a cordial bunch. We eat, play and relax to our heart's content. Our four-day getaway takes us

THE BIG PICTURE

Originally an 18-room lodge, 425 rooms are now available for business, pleasure and leisure throughout the complex of suites and condominiums.

Don't fret, you can't get lost, not with 430 year-round staff (700 at high season) who excel at giving directions. And a phalanx of chefs are ready to indulge every taste bud at three restaurants. But before we tempt you with our escapades, we urge you to take a self-guided tour which unfolds the 'oh so new' Deerhurst indoors and outdoors.

The Pavilion houses the indoor fitness and games facilities and the Aveda Spa is just downstairs. Use the map to find the outdoor activities and Steamer's restaurant, etc.

GO FOR THE FOOD AND ENTERTAINMENT

LIVE STAGE SHOW

Thrill to the song and dance production of Sing 2000, a lively showcase of Canadian performers belting out current and nostalgic hits (from Janis Joplin to Sly & the Family Stone to Kiss). Our favorites were songs borrowed from Celine Dion and Deerhurst's most famous cast member, superstar Shania Twain (who sent her regrets at missing the celebration).

The 90-minute performance exhibits high caliber intensity, but the costumes and choreography remain a symbol of excellence in resort entertainment throughout the show's 19-year-run at Deerhurst. Enjoy!

MUSIC

The Lobby Bar (piano) at the Pavilion is located in the main lobby, while the Cypress Lounge at the Lodge features live music and dancing.

DEERHURST CUISINE

Our 'Golden' opportunity to savor fine dining was the gala dinner celebration when executive chef Rory Golden rivaled the musical revue with his culinary repertoire.

Game consommé en croute, followed by mesclun greens in field cucumber with cider dressing whet our appetites with Chardonnay "Founders' Estate" 1998 Beringer Vineyards of California. Then Champagne sorbet prepares our palettes for maple glazed breast of pheasant filled with wild rice and dried fruit topped with cremini mushroom sauce, whiskey spiked cranberry sauce, five-onion marmalade, a medley of seasonal vegetables, roast corn and basil risotto. The perfect match for the entree was Beringer's Merlot "Founders' Estate" 1997.

To end the perfect meal our dessert of strawberry and lime mousse torte featured Stoney Ridge Cellars Late Harvest Vidal 1998 from Niagara, Ontario.

THE RESTAURANTS

The team of eight former executive chefs, two sous chefs and Rory Golden spin their culinary wands in five kitchens, and altogether a 50-member staff cater to the resort's 250,000 guests annually.

Eclipse

The newest dining experience at Deerhurst offers meals from 7:30 a.m-10 p.m. - breakfast, lunch, bistro (light menu) and dinner with 30 wines available by the glass. The spacious restaurant is uniquely Muskoka (stone, iron and wood) with its prominent Douglas Fir beam ceiling and oversized windows.

The Pub

Bring a healthy appetite for lunch and you won't be disappointed with the delicious pub-style meals available on the menu. Sit on the popular summer patio to enjoy the lakeside view and critique fellow golfers on their swings while attempting to conquer the generous servings (we couldn't).

Steamers

Our favorite for a dinner tete a tete, it's just a short drive to this log-house restaurant where you might also be lucky to catch the elusive sunset.

Steamers prides itself on offering 'serious' steaks (Alberta and New York), seafood and pasta. Appetizers range from escargot to smoked salmon and crab cake to jumbo tiger shrimp. The salad range has a standout - Blackened Salad - blackened sirloin, tossed greens, medley of vegetables and beans with roast garlic dressing. Sweet potato and roast corn soup and French onion soup had their fans among guests (we checked out the other tables).

The winning entree 'specialties' that struck our fancy were Pickerel Fillet with a sauté of chanterelles and pan seared Atlantic Scallops with fire-roasted red pepper cream. Taste and presentation scored tops on our list, we just wish we had room to try fettuccini with grilled chicken, fiori pasta with smoked salmon or rainbow penne pasta with tiger shrimp.

The crowning glory was the chocolate fondue - sweet chocolate enhanced with tart apple puree and fresh fruit. How much more fun can you have savoring bits of pineapple, strawberry, apple, melon and banana dripping with melted chocolate? Maybe with Cherries Jubilee or Grand Marnier Torte, but not for us. And for dessert wine lovers there are three on the menu plus grand finales of Spanish coffee, Muskoka mocha or blueberry tea, all laced with either Kahlua, Brandy, Grand Marnier, Bailey's or Amarretto.

GOLF!GOLF!GOLF!

If you can never get enough of golf, the resort boasts two 18-hole courses.

The Deerhurst Highlands

A decade ago The Deerhurst Highlands by Robert Cupp and Thomas McBroom established Muskoka as a top Canadian golf destination. Golfers negotiate the challenging course, all 7,011 yards of it, amidst the intrinsic beauty of the Canadian Shield.

From the very first tee your encounter with Mother Nature will lull your senses into quiet inspiration and dedication to getting past the first hole (a par-four). Settling down to the game takes little time unless the view creates a distraction, like the cliff at the second hole. Otherwise just enjoy the woodlands, meandering creeks and striking rock outcroppings, until the fun starts at the links-style holes (from No.4 with bunkers galore and roller coaster green).

It takes some golf savvy to survive the likes of a ravine, pesky winds and tough holes, but by game's end you'll be glad you played this exciting course. And don't just take my word for it, Deerhurst Highlands culled Golf Digest's 4 ˝ star rating, while Deerhurst Resort was the only Canadian resort to be placed on the exclusive Europe Relais du Golf recommended golf resort list.

Deerhurst Lakeside Golf Course

As the first golf course built at Deerhurst in 1966 and redesigned in 1988 by Thomas McBroom, Deerhurst Lakeside is suitable for corporate events, beginners and intermediate players. The 4,700-yard, par 65 course, though shorter, extends through the resort property and borders Peninsula Lake. This location also facilitates golf instruction by CPGA pros (private lessons and group clinics).

THE SPA AT DEERHURST

Nothing soothes the mind, body and soul like the treatments inspired by spa specialists, and the team at Deerhurst are equipped to handle even the most eager fan or the odd skeptic. On the celebration weekend the spa aficionado and convert rubbed shoulders as indulgent recipients of mini-massages or paraffin treatments. But why miss out on the full spa menu?

It's a whole new world for (most) guys and an oasis for gals (we love it), but by the end of your treatment(s) we're all singing praises to our expert benefactors.