This week in new getaway inspiration
Open houses
From Oct. 14 to 16, the luxury goods empire LVMH will open the doors to 93 of its locations across 14 countries. The initiative, “Les J ournées particulières,” invites visitors behind the scenes and into the ateliers, factories and houses of its brands. For example, you could see artisans at work in Fendi’s new Tuscany factory; explore the recently renovated 30 avenue Montaigne in Paris, home to the new Galerie Dior exhibition space; or watch suitcases rolling off the line at Rimowa’s production facilities in Cambridge, Ont. Entry is free, with space reserved for walkins at most (though not all) venues, but it’s best to book in advance at lesjourneesparticulieres.com while tickets last.
Into the woods
If you missed out on securing a camping spot during the busy summer season, it’s not too late to get back to nature. A number of Ontario Parks sites have extended their camping season into fall, so visitors can soak in the autumn colours. In southwestern Ontario, Inverhuron, Long Point, Turkey Point, Selkirk and Rondeau provincial parks are each accepting bookings into October or November. Of course, you can still pitch a tent after snowfall, with Pinery and MacGregor Point provincial parks — both roughly a three-hour drive west of Toronto on Lake Huron’s shores — open for camping year-round.
Horn of plenty Cornucopia,
Whistler’s annual celebration of food and drink, will be back this fall (Nov. 4 to 6, 10 to 20, 25 to 27). With a reputation for legendary parties — including a murder mystery dinner party, a silent disco and even a hangover-themed brunch — this year’s festival will also offer seminars, cooking workshops and multi-course menus (activities range from free to $229). Not to be missed is the Bearfoot Bistro World Oyster Invitational and Bloody Caesar Battle on Nov. 20, when oyster shuckers and mixologists from around the world will compete for prizes. Tickets for individual events are available at whistlercornucopia.com.
100 years of wonder
Visitors to Disney Parks in 2023 may spot Mickey Mouse decked out in his new platinum suit. He’ll be wearing it to mark the 100th anniversary of the Walt Disney Co., with events, attractions and shows unveiled throughout the year. At California’s Disneyland, a new show will light up the night, while the Pixar Place Hotel — complete with a “Finding Nemo” waterpark — will open its doors. At Epcot in Florida, an interactive “Moana” attraction will open in late 2023, while Hong Kong Disneyland will unveil a “Frozen” park area. And “Disney100: The Exhibition” will open at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia in February, before going on a world tour. The 15,000-square-foot exhibition will showcase rarely seen memorabilia, including costumes, props and drawings.