There is absolutely nothing finer than vacationing where your mind, body and soul are at peace. For us, place to “pass a good time” has always been New Orleans, Louisiana. Call it "City That Care Forgot," or Crescent City. Either way, it’s a wonderfully eclectic and steamy gumbo mixture of food, music, people, fun things to do, and interesting things to see. But wait, you’ll never have time to fully undertake this casual and friendly place all on your own. Trust us, we’ve been to N’awlins so many times that we still haven’t experienced all culture and history that continually beckons us to visit time and time again.

Never fear, for Laid Back Tours, LLC is here. With expert guidance of husband and wife owners and operators, Mousa and Veda, you too can tour New Orleans at a relaxed and easy pace. Take your pick from their many individually guided tour options as there’s always a lagniappe, or a little something extra, when you’re on a Laid Back Tour. Whether it’s a shorter kayak tour through city’s only bayou — St. John, or a full day kayak trip through bayous, swamps, and wetlands, you will experience many of gifts that this magnificent area has to offer. With this top notch adventure tour company, you will enjoy a unique view of New Orleans, land of decadent pleasures, up front and personal while among an intimate group. Nope, no air conditioned mega buses full of touristy geezers here. That’s not style of Laid Back Tours, sorry.

Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com Read this entire feature FREE with photos at http://jetsettersmagazine.com/archive/jetezine/globe02/canada02/deerCan/deerhurst.html

Despite stereotypical questions I have heard from non-Canadians along way, I have never believed I would have opportunity to rnush my own dog sledding team. You know questions I'm referring to; "Have you ever mushed?", "Have you ever seen a polar bear?", or my own personal favourite, "Do you live in an igloo?"

Fortunately at Deerhurst Resort in Muskoka, Ontario, you can indulge in a true Canadian experience.

Driving up one Friday afternoon from Toronto, I feared my well planned weekend of taking advantage of "Old Man Winter" would not be possible — there was no snow at all in GTA. (Greater Toronto Area). Deerhurst is located approximately 2.5 hours from Toronto and I was about 30 minutes away. Then suddenly within a turn or two I literally drove into a winter wonderland. It was like I had driven into a secret world around corner and over rainbow. Before me was a beautiful landscape of rolling hills, wooded terrain and an incredible partially frozen lake, and situated right in middle of it all was Deerhurst Resort. My weekend was begging to begin.

Deerhurst is located in Huntsville, Ontario, on Peninsula Lake. in Muskoka. and has been open for business since 1896. The original resort was built by an Englishman, Charles Waterhouse, and only available access to resort at that time was by steamboat! Today resort is reached by road and train; there is also an on site landing strip for those who choose to travel by plane.

DEERHURST RESORT - "Best in Canada" by North American Inns, Bed & Breakfast and Resorts Magazine.

Deerhurst was passed down through two generations: first to Charlie's son, Maurice, and then on to his son, Bill. One hundred and five years in operation and it is still going strong. It's now owned by Cornerstone Real Estate Advisors. There are 425 guest rooms and suites, with choice of 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom accommodations located throughout 800 acres, complete with living room, kitchen, and appropriate dining facilities. Some rooms feature fireplaces and whirlpools! For gatherings there is 30,000 square feet of meeting space and 10,000 square feet of exhibit space, along with two ballrooms and 32 function rooms. Rooms range in price from about CND$99.

Silently, I was welcomed by large entrance way, gushing fountain and beautiful ice sculptures of a sleigh and Deerhurst crest, all located outside main building referred to as Pavilion. My feet could not move fast enough as I lugged my baggage (although resort's bellman did offer help) through front doors to check-in. I was greeted a number of times with warm smiles and polite demeanor. Before going to my room, I thought I would steal a moment and sit in front of warming and relaxing lobby fireplace.