Vintage Golf Getaways

A Look at Four Historic Get-Aways for Familes, or Romance.

The seasonal serial killer strikes again, burying old man winter in frost-free fairways, and bringing golf back to the lives of pining players across the province. There’s nothing like a merciless melting to get your mind on the perfect summer getaway with your sticks.

You’ve spent the past few months birthing new eye wrinkles by squinting through white outs. In a tribute to even tougher winters, we’ve found some of the best vintage golf getaways around. What better way shake off the winter blues than surrounded by symbols of simpler summer times?

Fern Resort: Fern Resort is the quintessential family vacation. The diversity of social activities and entertainment reminds one of the movie Dirty Dancing (minus the underground staff dance parties; to the best of our knowledge). Fern Resort, a family venture since 1895, is home to the shortest golf course in operating in Ontario. Full story...

The Briars: Hugh Sibbald, the fifth generation Sibbald managing the resort, began earning his keep at nine years old by filling the pop machine and carrying luggage. “I got a penny for a can of pop, which was pretty good commission in those days,” he said with a laugh. “Luggage was heavier then too…full of bottles as we didn’t have a bar at that time.” Full story...

The Millcroft Inn & Spa: The moment we were greeted by two wooden carousel horses at reception, I thought it was a hint I may see some things at Millcroft that I don’t see everyday. The second hint was the petrified wool on a stone wall. The third was a 9000 square foot spa. This is not your run-of-the-mill sleepover. Full story...

Clevelands House: Clevelands House suits its status as one the first grand hotels to grace Muskoka. It’s laid out on 408 acres with over 3000 feet of prime Lake Rosseau waterfront. The winding road leading into the resort’s entrance makes it easy to see why the first guests would have come by boat. It has a long tradition of being a family getaway, offering a children’s club with over 55 councilors on staff and adult social programs. Full Story....