This [...]]]> LivingSocial Escapes can save you big bucks on travel destinations. Most of these deals are discounted at up to 50% Off, so it’s a great way to travel on a budget. Popular destinations sell out quickly, so grab that dream vacation before everyone does. These deals end February 6, 2012, or while supplies last.

This week’s travel deals include: The Old Mill Inn and Spa in Toronto, Barcelona, Culebra, Nuevo Vallarta, Cancun, Brooklyn, New York, Washington, Washington, Dallas, Tucson, Phoenix, Yosemite National Park, South Lake Tahoe, and More. For a complete list of this week’s LivingSocial Escapes Deals, click here.

I’ve linked these deals via my affiliate’s link, which means if you take advantage of the deal through the link, I’ll get a little tip for the transaction. This really helps to support my work in bringing you the best deals. Thanks.

Check out these deals [...]]]> Porter Airlines is celebrating their 5th birthday (Happy Birthday!) with 50% Off on one-way base fares to any Porter destination. To take advantage of this deal, you must complete your by March 31, 2012. Book online, or through your travel agent, and use Discount code: FIVE50.  Offer ends November 4, 2011.

Check out these deals (already discounted by 50% Off):

• Halifax $95
• Montreal $45
• Ottawa $45
• Quebec City $50
• Boston $65
• Chicago $65
• Myrtle Beach $145
• New York $65

*Fees & Taxes are extra. Some conditions apply. New bookings only.

With more than 100 exhibitors showcasing their products, you’ll be sure to find something you like. . [...]]]> If you’re a vegetarian, or trying to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, you won’t want to miss the 27th Annual Vegetarian Food Fair at the Harbourfront Centre this weekend (September 9 to 11, 2011).  Admission is FREE.

With more than 100 exhibitors showcasing their products, you’ll be sure to find something you like. . Learn all about a healthier way of eating, the pros and cons of being a vegetarian, get updates on the latest in nutrition, watch free cooking demos, meet cookbook authors, and more.

The Vegetarian Food Fair Hours are: Friday 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Saturday 12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m, Sunday 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Harbourfront Centre is located at: 235 Queens Quay West. for more information, please call: 416-973-4000.

If you’re planning to drive, try to get there early, [...]]]> Get dancing and take in all the fun of the 3rd Annual Brazilian Day Canada Festival on Monday, September 5, 2011 at Yonge Dundas Square. Time: 1:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.  Admission is Free. Enjoy the Free concert – Samba in the Square featuring Exaltasamba.

If you’re planning to drive, try to get there early, as Yonge Street will be closed from Dundas to Shuter Street to accommodate the festival. Otherwise, hop on the TTC.

It’s going to be hot and spicy at the Harbourfront Centre this weekend. The Hot and Spicy Food Festival will be on from September 2, to 5, 2011. Admission is FREE. Bring the family down and enjoy music, live performances, workshops and demonstrations.

Highlights for this year: Burger Batter: Toronto’s [...]]]>

Photo by: Dan Zen

It’s going to be hot and spicy at the Harbourfront Centre this weekend. The Hot and Spicy Food Festival will be on from September 2, to 5, 2011. Admission is FREE. Bring the family down and enjoy music, live performances, workshops and demonstrations.

Highlights for this year: Burger Batter: Toronto’s Best Burger Restaurant, Emerging Chef Competition: Semi-Finals, Hottest Chef in the GTA, Longo’s Iron Chef Competition: Semi-Finals & Finals, BBQ World Record Attempt, And More.

Food Demonstrations and Workshops: Jamie Kennedy’s Hot & Spicy Frites, John Ellison’s BBQ Demo, Chef Paul Yellin with Barbadian Cuisine, Garlic & Chocolate BBQ by Toronto Garlic Festival, Homemade BBQ Sauce Contest by Redpath Sugar, and more.

Performances by: The Heavyweights Brass Band, John Ellison, Red Hot Spicy Matador, Odel Johnson, Souljazz Orchestra, Tanika Charles & The Wonderfuls, and others.

Harbourfront Centre is located at: 235 Queens Quay West. Hours are: Friday 6:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m., Saturday 12:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m., Sunday 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m., Monday 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. For more information, please call: 416-973-4000.

Highlights for this year [...]]]> The Telus TAIWANfest is back at the Harbourfront Centre this year from August 26 to 28, 2011. Admission is FREE. Enjoy everything that is “Taiwan” right here in Toronto. Hours for the festival: Friday 6:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m., Saturday 1:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m., Sunday 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Highlights for this year inlcude:

• Taiwan Rising Concert Featuring Musou Girls’ Band
• The Techno Prince
• Where’s the Beef? The World’s Best Beef Noodle
• Water World
• Faces of Taiwan
• Dumplings with Chef Deng
• How to Make Your Own Paper Dragon Boat
• Special Performance by Della with guests Magic Power and Champion
• The Chairman Band
• Yuan-Ji Dance
• And More

The Harbourfront Centre is located at: 235 Queens Quay W. For more information, please call: 416-973-4000.

New to the festival this year include: Adrián Conde from Spain, Tumble Circus [...]]]> A big event this week is the Scotiabank Buskerfest 2011 at the St. Lawrence Market Neighbourhood from August 25 to 28, 2011. Head down there and be wowed by the skills of more than 100 top buskers from all over the world.

New to the festival this year include: Adrián Conde from Spain, Tumble Circus from the UK, Lindsay Benner from the US, Axé Capoeira from Toronto, Bill Kidd Show from Alberta, Mr. Toons from Denmark, Canadian National Youth Circus from Toronto, Chalky from Ottawa, Pancho Libre from Mexico, Yoshi’s from Japan, and others.

Returnees include Close-Act from the Netherlands, The HerciniArts Collective from Toronto, Space Cowboy from Australia, FlameOz from Australia, and others.

Admission is Pay-What-You-Can in support of  Epilepsy Toronto (a non-profit organizations that supports people living in Toronto with epilepsy).

The St. Lawrence Market Neighbourhood is located on Front St. from Jarvis to Yonge St. and adjacent side streets.

Hours are:

• Thursday, 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• Friday, 12:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
• Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
• Sunday, 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Order your tickets online, [...]]]> Buy your tickets to the CNE before August 19, 2011, and SAVE up to 31% with their Early Bird Special. Here’s the DEAL:

• Admission Pass. Early Bird price $12 (Reg. $16). A Savings of $4.
• Ride All Day Pass (includes admission). Early Bird price $36 (Reg. $52). A Savings of $16.

Order your tickets online, and you’ll also get the following:

• One FREE Tiny Tom Donuts coupon. Buy two dozen Tiny Tom  Donuts and get the third dozen for free. Coupon valid at any Tiny Tom location at the 2011 CNE
• One FREE Pizza Nova coupon. Free pizza slice with a purchase of any slice of equal or greater value and any drink. Coupon valid only at Pizza Nova CNE locations in the Food Building and Kid’s World; August 19 to September 5, 2011.

Special appearances this year include Olympic Medalist Joannie Rochette, Olympian Vaughn Chipeur, and others.

The Canadian National Exhibition is from August 19 to September 5, 2011. Hours are: Gates, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., Midway, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 midnight (weekdays), 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 midnight (weekends), Buildings, 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m., Kids’ World, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Casino, noon – 6:00 a.m. (daily). You can also buy your Early Bird Tickets at participating Mac’s Conveniences stores.

*Some conditions apply. Coupons valid at stores in the Food Building.