Ruins at Chichen-Itza are a finalist for a new list of seven world wonders. -- Photo by Sarah Green, Sun Files

Q: We just returned from a trip to Mexico where we learned that some of their landmarks are going to be named to a list of "seven world wonders." How could that be? I thought we already knew the Seven Wonders. Am I missing something?

-- M. Jessop, Newmarket

A: There is a world competition currently underway called the New Seven Wonders. The Swiss-based New7Wonders Foundation is revising the original seven ancient wonders of the world list, and Mexico's Chichen-Itza in Yucatan State is one of 21 finalists to become one of the New Seven Wonders.

Chichen-Itza, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998, is considered to have been one of the greatest Mayan centres of the Yucatan peninsula, and today is one of the largest and most impressive archaeological sites in Mexico To vote for Chichen-Itza as one of the New Seven Wonders, visit new7wonders.com. The New 7 Wonders of the World will be announced next July 7 in Lisbon.

Niagara, for art's sake

Q: Winter isn't one of our favourite seasons but we do like to get out of the city for some weekend trips. I'd like to know what kind of art exhibits and interesting inns are available in the Niagara area. Thank you.

-- D. Doan, Thornhill

A: The Niagara region celebrates winter with a big bang each year. Even if you don't enjoy the outdoor activities, the area is considered a year-round destination so you'll be sure to find something.

In the arts department, the Jordan Art Gallery is presenting small works by local artists until Nov. 30. The gallery, at 3845 Main St., Jordan, is open daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, e-mail fineartniagara@gmail.com or call 905 562 6680.

You can also check out the galleries around Niagara-on-the-Lake.

At Romance Collection Gallery (177 King St., 905-468-4431) celebrated artist Trish Romance has a collection of paintings on display in her former abode.

And to get you in the holiday spirit, the Niagara area will launch its Angelfest from Nov. 18 to Jan. 18. Now in its seventh year, this scenic trail showcases the region's quaintest towns decked out in their Christmas finery.

Along the trail, you will find festive lights, shops, museums, galleries and fine restaurants in Stoney Creek, Grimsby, Beamsville, Vineland, Jordan, Port Dalhousie, St. Catharines and Thorold. For more information, visit their website, angeltrail.com.

If you're looking for an alternative to a big hotel, there are many lovely country inns in the region. Vintage Hotels (vintage-hotels.com) has a selection of inns you can visit online. Ontariosfinestinns.com is another invaluable resource.

In Niagara-on-the-Lake, along the Niagara Parkway, the stately Riverbend Inn and Vineyard (riverbendinn.ca) has massive suites overlooking the vineyards.