We Miss You Muskoka!

We Miss You Muskoka!

Normally this time of year we’d be counting down the days until cottage season but in the midst of everything that is happening we continue to encourage everyone to stay home and stay comfy so that hopefully we can enjoy summer in Muskoka.

With that in mind, here are a few of things we miss and look forward to resuming when all of this has passed.


1. Sunrises on the Dock with a Hot Beverage

MBW Mug on the dock at sunrise.

You hear the call of a pair of loons echoing over the still water and squint your eyes as that first beam of sunlight breaks the horizon. You picked up some fresh coffee beans from Oliver’s on the way to the cottage, so you are now sitting comfortably in your Muskoka chair, holding your Bear Wear mug and it is like time has stopped. You can hear the wind passing through the leaves, the birds springing to life and the gentle waves as they hit against the dock. Nothing will ever replace moments like these.


2. Live Music Concerts

Rocking a Muskoka Bear Wear hoody at a concert.

Hunter’s Bay Radio in Huntsville is a great example of a local business adapting to the times to give local artists a platform to be seen and heard while we all hang out at home. And as much as we have been loving watching their virtual concerts, there are few experiences in life like being in the crowd at a live show for one of your favourite bands or artists. The shared energy of the fans around you, the music as it hits you and that indescribable magic that happens during that exchange is truly something special. Whether you are preparing to take in a show at the Kee to Bala or maybe heading south for the next Boots & Hearts, Muskoka Bear Wear always has your back all the way!


3. Lunch Dates

Zoom chats and FaceTime have been a great alternative fill-in for meeting up with your besties to catch up, but it will never replace huddling around the table with your squad – say at Main Street Delicatessen – and serving up the tea on all the things going on in our lives. Who unfollowed who on Instagram? Did you see what your fave celebrity wore on the red-carpet last night? Did they really leave your message on ‘read’ all day? Have you tried the latest Tik Tok challenge? We can’t wait for things to return to normal so we can all pile into our favourite restaurants and dish.  


We know times are tough, but we also know these times will pass and we will be jumping in the lake and roasting s’mores by the fire with all of you again soon. Just think of how much sweeter it will be and how much more we will appreciate those simpler, meaningful experiences together.


Be sure to check out this week’s #MBWShoutOuts Week 5 Round-Up for local businesses that are doing what they can through these tough times to continue to serve our awesome community.

Just remember… #StayHome #StayHealthy and #StayCozy

MBW ShoutOuts – Week 4 Round-Up

MBW ShoutOuts – Week 4 Round-Up

In response to the challenging times that we’re all experiencing together regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, we wanted to spread love and levity across the community. We brainstormed various ways we could do this and one of the things we landed on was highlighting some of the incredible local businesses who are stepping up and modifying their services to continue to serve the community through these tough times. These are local businesses who have local champions who are doing what they can to be leaders through this unprecedented historic time.


Featured this Week:

Yummies In A Jar, Baysville
Website: www.yummiesinajar.com

“Providing unique, high quality, homemade jams, jellies, vinaigrettes and condiments – free from artificial preservatives and chemicals.”

Whether you’re from Muskoka – or have been lucky enough to visit Muskoka – there’s a good chance that you have come across the oh-so-yummy Yummies in a Jar. For almost 30 years Lynn & John Murden have been the dynamic duo behind this incredible line of homemade jams, jellies, maple syrups, dressings, BBQ sauces, marinades and many other pleasant preserves.

Despite the challenges presented by COVID-19, Yummies in a Jar not only continues to operate from home – where they always have – but they have also recently expanded their inventory and revamped their website as to allow for on-line ordering for pick-up or delivery.

We applaud Yummies for their hard work and commitment to ensuring our community will continue to have access to all their favourite happiness-inducing Yummies in a Jar products!

Visit: Yummies In A Jar Facebook Page


Downtown Bracebridge BIA, Bracebridge
Website: www.downtownbracebridge.com

“Muskoka’s Downtown.”

Since 1981, the Bracebridge Business Improvement Area (BIA) has been building a vibrant and prosperous business community. Now made up of over 200 diverse businesses, the BIA continues to grow. Led by Administrator Tracy Larkman and a dedicated Management Board, the Downtown Bracebridge BIA has adapted to these tough times by working from home and holding their board meetings through video conferencing software such as Zoom and FaceTime.

The BIA’s work is vital to the Bracebridge business community as they continue to market & promote the businesses who remain open, as well as serving as a helpful resource for information and business supports. One initiative worth noting is their LOVE LOCAL giveaway that includes $500 in gift certificates to various downtown businesses and has drawn plenty of buzz for the businesses involved.

Today we salute the Bracebridge BIA for their hard work and dedication to our community. Keep up the great work guys!

Bracebridge BIA Management Board: Lindsay Alexander (Little Black Bow), Cindy Rushton (CR Flowers), Claire Jordan (Kala House of Colour), Chris Wilson (Councillor), Archue Buie (Councillor), Randy Mattice (Town of Bracebridge), Penny Burns (Martins Framing), Scott Creed (Camp Muskoka), Carmine De Santo (Dr. Comics), Karen Fish (Studio K)

Visit: Downtown Bracebridge BIA Facebook Page


Lifestyle by Design with Danielle Ryan, Gravenhurst
Website: www.lifestylebydesignstudio.com

“Live with alignment, freedom & intention.”

Founded by Danielle Ryan in 2018, Lifestyle by Design is a mobile wellness studio curating yoga classes, guided meditations, and mindset coaching services across Muskoka and anywhere with an internet connection.

Lifestyle by Design had originally planned to open a new home-based studio this year right around the time that the State of Emergency was declared. It forced them to take a step back and take time to re-evaluate, but ultimately, they decided that they were committed to carry on. There was still a need in the community for programs that were geared to protecting and nurturing mental & physical health, so they didn’t let the challenge prevent them from switching things up and focusing more on digital and virtual experiences. Lifestyle by Design offers one free yoga class on their Facebook & Instagram Page each week that has been attracting a growing following.

In May Lifestyle by Design will be launching a private membership service and enhancing their Soul Society program. This will include more livestream yoga opportunities such as a new 30 Days of Yoga for $27 program geared at helping people keep active at home during covid-19.

We want to recognize Danielle and her Lifestyle by Design tribe for all the amazing work they’re doing and love they’re spreading during these tough times. Working from home isn’t easy, so considering how they can motivate others and help to transform their lives, from home, is quite the accomplishment. Namaste.

Visit: Lifestyle By Design with Danielle Ryan Facebook Page


Be sure to check out our MBW Outfits for Working From Home Blog!


If you know a local business who deserves a shout out, send us a direct message with a photo and why they should be featured.

• Remember • #StayHome #StayHealthy #StayComfy !