Manitoba is my home province and I have always delighted in experiencing the four seasons, no, not the hotel chain, I'm talking about Autumn, Winter, Spring and SUMMER.

Often when I'm asked about why so many fine artists come from Manitoba, I believe it is because we have the climate and the time to focus on our talents; music, dance, visual arts etc. With summer just around the corner you can bet our communities are already priming up for the amazing festivals and the wealth of arts and culture and entertainment at your fingertips.

All you have to do is look at the signs, keep your eyes and ears open, read the papers or magazines and choose the places you want to go for the family fun you love to share. While you are at it, the fabulous beaches and parks across Manitoba might be a nice stop along the way.

Wherever you go and whatever you do this friendly prairie province is welcoming you!

Read my "It's My Moment" story: "Left turn? Right turn? Straight ahead?"

Parks Canada offers some unique experiences this summer at National Historic Sites!

History has been modernized with Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site's new, interactive Visitor Centre exhibit featuring interactive video screens, SMART Boards, and touch-screen surface computer tables. While in the centre, be sure to see the dramatic, larger-than-life sculptures of historic tripmen portaging a York boat.

While newly enhanced visitor experiences are offered to everyone that visits Lower Fort Garry, each day of the week has a unique focus such as seniors' activities, children's programs, crafts and trades, theatrical presentations or behind-the-scenes opportunities - fun for the whole family. And if you are looking for that personal touch, take a few minutes to fill out a short questionnaire at the Guest Cottage and we'll design a visit just for you at no extra cost!

Lower Fort Garry is just 15 minutes north of Winnipeg on Highway #9 (Main Street). Pack a lunch or let the recently opened Riverview Café tempt you with its delectable menu.

If you prefer to explore Winnipeg's history, The Forks National Historic Site has some great opportunities for you and your family. Danny Schur has collaborated with Parks Canada in the writing of a fabulous interactive tour based on a key character in Winnipeg's general strike of 1919. "Mike's Bloody Saturday" theatrical walking tour will be offered on selected days in July and August.

The Forks National Historic Site is also introducing an archaeology walking tour, "The Forks Uncovered: Footprints from the Past". Spend an enjoyable hour with a Parks Canada interpreter as they peel back the layers of The Forks history to reveal what's been buried beneath your feet and the stories these objects tell.

Churchill Expedition

Churchill Expedition: Drive the seven hours from Winnipeg to Thompson, then take the 10-hour train ride, or fly two hours from Winnipeg to Churchill to see the Polar Bear Capital of the World. The bears are gone, but you'll see whales, birds and seals.

Winnipeg Museum Day

Start at the Manitoba Children's Museum near The Forks and move on to the awesome Manitoba Museum, Manitoba Planetarium and Touch the Universe Science Centre.

Oak Hammock Marsh Interpretive Centre

Oak Hammock Marsh Interpretive Centre, just north of Winnipeg: Stroll the boardwalk over the marsh, view the animals on display inside or laugh at the antics of the Richardson's ground squirrels outside. Paddle a canoe through prime birding territory.

Prairie Dog Central

Prairie Dog Central, Winnipeg: All aboard a turn-of-the-century steam train for its Saturday or Sunday excursions to Grosse Isle and back. Two hour round trip.

Assiniboine Park

Assiniboine Park, Winnipeg: The major city park, co-designed by New York's Central Park designer, offering a sculpture garden, cycling paths, a miniature passenger train, the Assiniboine Zoo, a duck pond and a statue of Winnie-the-Pooh (named after Winnipeg).

Friends of Riding Mountain National Park

Friends of Riding Mountain National Park: At the Visitor Centre in the Wasagaming townsite, kids can sign up for the Junior Naturalist's program to sample Aboriginal foods, take a hike or visit bears at night. Stop at the KeeSee Sharing Lodge to learn about First Nations culture and heritage in Riding Mountain. Take the circle drive to see the bison herd near Lake Audy.

Spirit Sands

Spirit Sands, Spruce Woods Provincial Park: Look for pincushion cacti or slide down the dunes while on a horse-drawn wagon tour or hike through Spirit Sands, the fragile desert-like area of shifting sand at Spruce Woods.

Narcisse Snake Dens

Narcisse Snake Dens: The world's largest concentration of snakes-tens of thousands of red-sided garter snakes-mate in a writhing mass of snake flesh in the limestone rock dens about two hours north of Winnipeg. A wonderful Mother's Day excursion. Family hikes and interpretive programs offered.

Mennonite Heritage Village

Mennonite Heritage Village, Steinbach: Tour the outdoor heritage village and get up close to the huge blades of the famous windmill. Eat lunch in the village's Livery Barn Restaurant.

Pine Point Trail

Pine Point Trail, Whiteshell Provincial Park: Pack a picnic for the family and hike the gentle trail to the Pine Point Rapids on the Whiteshell River. If energy levels are high, add a second loop to view Viburnum and Acorn Falls.

All summer and right through to fall you can fulfill your every dream from outdoor theater to music concerts with a little of home grown sports for good measure, come enjoy Manitoba: and at the end of the day come relax with family and friends at one of our great Holiday Inn hotels in Winnipeg. Visit www.holidayinnmanitoba.ca to check-out or great packages. And from June 1 through to August 31st Check Inn & Win with every stay.

Looking for a convenience of the city, but the serenity of the country? Visit Manitoba's Central Plains where there's fun the whole family!

Central Plains highlights;

The City of Portage la Prairie, always a reason whatever the season! Head out to Portage la Prairie and take in Splash Island, an outdoor water slide park on an island in the heart of the City of Portage la Prairie. The island is also the host of a campground & berry farm and home to the annual Portage Ex. Jog, roller blade, or take a leisurely stroll on the crescent path that surround the island. If it's a little heritage you're after, visit the Fort la Reine Museum. If it's culture you crave, be sure to take in a show or feast your eyes on the work of talented artists from near and far at the William Glesby Centre or the Portage and District Arts Centre and Gallery.

Parlez-vous français? Brush up on your French or get thrown in jail in Saint-Claude. Saint-Claude's Gaol Museum is the only place you can have fun in jail. Once you've posted bail, be sure to head over to the Manitoba Dairy Museum. Along the way enjoy the beautiful gardens on Saint-Claude's main street. Did you know Saint-Claude is home to the world's largest smoking pipe?

Step into the past when you step into the Manitoba Agricultural Museum in Austin. This museum, built in 1952, was meant to preserve some of the past for future generations, sits on 55 acres and has 75 buildings that house thousands of artifacts. This is also the home to the Thresherman's Reunion & Stampede in July!

In Treherne you can set up camp at Cottonwood Campground, cool off at the Aquatic Centre or visit the Glass Bottle Buildings (4 building made from over 5000 glass bottles).

In Holland you can escape to a home away from home at the Whispering Woods Cabins. Fully serviced cabins tuck away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life with your own deck and hot tub. For the more adventurous, Busted Boot Guest Ranch can help you get in touch with your wild side.

Visit the Central Plains Tourism Network website for information on things to do, things to see and where to stay. You can also request a free copy of our 2009 Fun Guide.

Town and country, we have it all. See you soon!

Keep sending in your unique Manitoba moments. Send us your favorite Unforgettable Manitoba story, photo or video to itsmymoment.ca and you'll be entered to win a Manitoba Homecoming 2010 VIP travel package to see the entire province. Full contest details available soon. In the meantime, here's a great moment:

I have to tell you that some of my fondest memories include our yearly trips to Clear Lake and the beautiful Park and it's gorgeous lakes. I have been coming here since I was a little girl, then with my parents and brother. And then my husband and I chose to pass this amazing tradition on by taking our children. We did many of the same things with them; walk to the bakery in town and have cinnamon buns or lunch, maybe a fun day at the beach, maybe a hike around the lake, or how about a afternoon of shopping in the great stores? All of the above and more we were priveledged to be able to this year pass on to the next generation, our grandaughter Rianna. She came with us for the special anniversary in July and stayed in a cabin in town. She was thrilled by the sights and opportunities that she was able to take advantage of. We can't tell you how much it meant to me to have three generations of family love the Clear Lake experience. We will be back. Manitoba really has it all!!!

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