At the foot of the St. Lawrence River, where it flows into Lake Ontario, is the historic city of Kingston, Ontario. I know it well as an entry point from the US when shortcutting Montreal-Toronto drives via the Wolfe Island ferry. (Okay, Hwy 401 was shorter but boring; I preferred the picturesque route.) kingston was also a fun destination during my time as a pilot flying out of Toronto Island Airport, now known as City Centre. In June 21-26, 2009, it will be the location for the annual Healey Conclave, celebrating the Austin Healey sports car.

The theme is "The Year of the Healey-Loyalist." Guests scheduled to appear are Stuart Turner, a rally champion and competition manager at the British Motor Corporation, and Ann Wisdom, who partnered with the late Pat Moss in one of the most successful rallying teams during the late 1950s. Among their laurels was the 1958 European Ladies Championship, won with a Healey 100/6.

The Austin Healey Club of Southern Ontario promises that the 2009 Healey Conclave will be a memorable event, including rallies, a Funkana, gymkhanas, and an Austin Healey car show. The city, at one time the capital of Canada, is a popular tourist destination, known for its 19th century limestone architecture and abundance of bistros and sidewalk cafes. Avril Lavigne got her start there and Dan Aykroyd lives nearby. My last visit was for the launch of the more humble Toyota Echo but I'd love to come back to Kingston when the streets are echoing to the sounds of Austin Healeys.

[Source: David LaChance of Hemmings]