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Dawn Ireland-Monsees

Dawn enjoys sharing her knowledge of the hidden gems in Genesee County, as well as promoting the rich artistic heritage found here. If you come to visit, you’re likely to find her in a play, leading a ghost walk, performing music, woodcarving, writing . . . well, you get the idea.

Posts by Dawn Ireland-Monsees

Maple Irish?

To my surprise it’s all about maple syrup this weekend and next.
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Posted March 16th, 2012 in Seasonal Events
Posted by: Dawn Ireland-Monsees // Tagged: Maple Weekend, St. Patrick's Day

Jan Revier at

Who’s at “First Night?”

My husband and I like to spend New Year’s in Le Roy at the “First Night” celebration. So, about 7pm we donned our coats and scarves, put the pot roast on the wood-burning stove, and walked down Main St.
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Posted January 16th, 2012 in Arts & Entertainment, Seasonal Events, Shopping
Posted by: Dawn Ireland-Monsees // Tagged: New Year's Eve, fireworks, first night, hobby horse, locally made, scratch bakery

Our Furry (or rather - Fleecy) Friends

Genesee County is fortunate to have so many farmers who believe that raising Alpaca’s can be fun and profitable.
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Posted December 16th, 2011 in Gotta Try It!, Staff Picks
Posted by: Dawn Ireland-Monsees // Tagged: alpaca, natural fiber

Fresh pie from McPherson Orchards!

Fabulous Fall Food

Last night my husband and I stopped at McPherson's. It wouldn’t be fall if we didn’t visit the “Frosts” and pick up apples or pumpkins. Of course, I was wishing it was the weekend so we could purchase one of their yummy pies or fry cakes.
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Posted November 9th, 2011 in Food and Dining, Seasonal Events, Staff Picks
Posted by: Dawn Ireland-Monsees // Tagged: Thanksgiving, food, local treat, mcpherson orchard

Batavia Wine Walk

Fall, Friends & Phantom

Spooks and activities abound in GeneseeCountythis time of year. Fall offers all kinds of fun for friends and families. My sisters and I like to visit the many farmer’s markets in search of apple cider, pumpkins and mums.
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Posted September 13th, 2011 in Don't Miss It!, Seasonal Events, Staff Picks
Posted by: Dawn Ireland-Monsees // Tagged: Downtown Batavia, Fall, Wine

O'Lacy's Irish Pub

Sure & Begorrah!

I love St. Patrick’s Day! Those of you who know me understand why. Let’s see, I’m fair complexioned, have red hair, my maiden name is “Ireland” and I’m learning to play the harp. I guess you’d call me “stereotypical.”
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Posted June 9th, 2011 in Food and Dining, Seasonal Events, Staff Picks
Posted by: Dawn Ireland-Monsees // Tagged: O'Lacy's Irish Pub, St. Patrick's Day

Maple Weekend

Sugar Highs

There’s nothing better than pancakes with REAL maple syrup. Now that I think of it, maple syrup would probably make Cod Liver Oil palatable. Sugar Maples are a true gift - shade in the summer, vibrant red leaves in the fall and sweet sap in the spring.
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Posted June 9th, 2011 in Outdoor Adventures, Staff Picks
Posted by: Dawn Ireland-Monsees // Tagged: Indian Acres Maple Farm, Maple Weekend, Randall's Maple Products

En Garde: Batavia

Rapiers & Duck Tape

Fencing inspires thoughts of a “hero - or heroine” in swashbuckling attire, besting the bad guy. Maybe it’s that image, or the elegance and mental challenges fencing demands, but when a course was offered at Nazareth CollegeI lunged (pun intended) at the opportunity. During my studies, I was surprised to discover there are Olympic level fencers that have come from the Western NY area. Rochester has several fencing clubs, and now we’re going to have our own.
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Posted June 9th, 2011 in Arts & Entertainment, Staff Picks
Posted by: Dawn Ireland-Monsees // Tagged: Fencing, Fitness