In response to the challenging times that we are experiencing together regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, we wanted to give props to some stellar local businesses who are stepping up to serve our great community.
Owned and Operated by Robert & Ashley Moody at 205 Margaret Street in Gravenhurst, Iron Lodge Fitness has been open for 3 years. They offer personal training, small group classes, 24-hr open-gym access, nutrition coaching, meal planning and remote training. More than a business, Iron Lodge prides themselves on being a tight-knit, supportive community of like-minded individuals who are motivated to help each other achieve their personal goals.
As was the case for everyone, the arrival of COVID-19 had a significant impact on Iron Lodge and their business. To add complexity to the situation, Robert and Ashley had just welcomed their second baby into the world the very week before the shutdown. Determined not to give up, the dedicated couple quickly pivoted to offering online classes and even loaned out all of their gym equipment – for FREE – to their members. They also began shooting and sharing full home workout videos through their social media channels – which included a team-up with the local Chamber of Commerce – in an effort to keep the community moving and healthy.
When the weather began to warm up in June, Iron Lodge partnered with the Town of Gravenhurst to offer outdoor workouts across various parks throughout the community. By the time July rolled around, Iron Lodge made modifications to their gym space and were able to host workouts in their parking lot. “It was hot some days, and it was cold somedays, but our members were so happy to be outside and getting back into somewhat of a ‘normal’ routine” Robert told us. Towards the end of July, Iron Lodge was finally given the green light to resume indoor training. They have taken great strides to ensure the safety of everyone in their space by having participants clean everything they touch before and after every class.
Looking ahead, Iron Lodge Fitness seeks to grow their following to reach more people and to help with their health, fitness and happiness. They are a family-run business committed to re-investing into the surrounding community. They have previously partnered with the local Girl Guides chapter and the local high school to help the next generation about the basics of health & fitness and to get them started on the right path early.
We want to acknowledge the tremendous hard work, spirit and dedication to the community that Iron Lodge has shown though the pandemic. To think that they managed all of this on top of a newborn earlier this year is just incredible. They have the right mind-set and we want to applaud them for all that they’re doing. Keep up the great work guys, we’re proud to share the community with such an inspiring group of people!
In response to the challenging times that we are experiencing together regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, we wanted to give props to some stellar local businesses who are stepping up to serve our great community.
Rich Hill Candles & Gifts has been making the warmth and romance of candlelight since 1970. Owned and operated by the Francis family, and now in the second generation of ownership, they offer a full range of candles made right here in Bracebridge. They make anything from as small as a t-lite right up to large jar candles that weigh up to 15lbs!
After a devastating fire in 2018 they were finally able to re-open at their new location at 193 Manitoba Street in 2019. But just as things seemed to be getting back to normal, adversity struck again with the arrival of the global pandemic. When Rich Hill had to close the doors in March of this year, they continued to adapt by offering free delivery within the Muskoka area. They also offered curbside pick-up and continued to do everything they could to continue serving their loyal supporters.
Despite these challenges – a major fire and Covid-19 – Rich Hill also made the lead and jumped online. They have developed a brand new website and are preparing to launch their e-commerce platform (online shopping) within the next dew days! We have also heard that they plan to move back into their old location – which has been re-built – on Robert Dollar Drive and will be maintaining both stores!
We are simply blown away by the resiliency and flexibility of Rich Hill and the Francis family. It may have been the easy thing to just throw in the towel and look to something else after either major hurdle that came their way over the last two years, but their passion and their dedication to the community carried them through. When Rich Hill was nominated for this #MBWShoutOut, the one word that stood out to us was that they were considered an “institution of Bracebridge” and we couldn’t agree more. Kudos to the Rich Hill family and their amazing team.
You can follow Rich Hill Candles & Gifts on Facebook and/or Instagram or visit their website to learn more!
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.
Now that we’re into October, there is no question that Fall is in full swing and that means apple picking, pumpkin patches, Fall colour tours and living your best life in your favourite Muskoka Bear Wear layers. And just in time for sweater weather, we’re introducing three BRAND NEW colours of our cottage-comfy Ladies Quarter-Zip!
1 – Dark Grey with Cream Logo
2 – Tan with Cream Logo
3 – Cobalt Blue with Cream Logo
Our Ladies Quarter Zips are a very popular Canadian Made style in our Collection! Each comes complete with a small embroidered camp logo on the front and circle paw logo on the back below the collar. The quarter front zipper makes this an easy add-on for those colder cottage mornings.
Made from durable 16oz. 80% cotton, 20% polyester & fabric washed for shrinkage control.
And of course, when you’re finished adding the new Ladies Quarter-Zips to your online cart, don’t forget to make a quick stop on the Muskoka Bear Wear Sale Page to scope out some more great deals!
In response to the challenging times that we are experiencing together regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, we wanted to give props to some stellar local businesses who are stepping up to serve our great community.
Located directly within the heart of downtown Bracebridge, The Thirsty Judge has been pouring pints and serving up mouth-watering pub-fare since 1996. Owned and operated by John & Matt Mattsson, a father-and-son duo, ‘The Judge‘ provides a welcoming atmosphere and is well-known for their out-of-this-world Burgers, stand-up comedy nights, video game tournaments and being the perfect place to catch the Raptors, Leafs or Jays game.
That was until the pandemic swept through and forced The Judge to temporarily close their doors ahead of St. Patrick’s Day weekend – typically one of their busiest weekends of the year. We caught up with Matt who explained how difficult it was navigating the pandemic in the early weeks and months when there was so much uncertainty. “We weren’t really sure what was going to happen. We had to take it day by day.”
Luckily, as June rolled in, The Judge was able to re-open offering a dining service on their patio and a take out service. “We tried delivery, and realized that wasn’t really for us and while things weren’t quite the same [offering solely patio & take out], as we love to host people inside the restaurant for sporting events and the video game tournaments, it did allow us to be open again, which was great.” John, Matt and their team worked exceptionally hard all summer long to serve their guests while offering a safe and enjoyable environment.
The Judge has done a tremendous job stepping up and we want to take this opportunity to salute them. Offering stellar food & stellar service through a global pandemic as they have and in a way that it would be hard to tell that they’ve even missed a beat, is nothing shy of amazing. Even more impressive when you consider that Matt recently welcomed a little one into the world and has had to juggle those responsibilities in the mix as well! Kudos to you guys and thank you for all you do.
In response to the challenging times that we are experiencing together regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, we wanted to give props to some stellar local businesses who are stepping up to serve our great community.
Located in the heart of downtown Bracebridge, Veda Yoga was first opened in 2018 by Sarah Shaw. This was followed by their sister hot yoga studio in Huntsville in the summer of 2019. Sarah tells us that her vision was to create a place to foster community and healing through yoga, ayurveda and vedic astrology. The dream was for this space to be inviting, welcoming and a place to feel loved and energized. Prior to Covid-19, Veda Yoga offered a wide array of yoga practices and classes including: Healing Light Yoga, Restorative, Barre Classes, Power Yoga and more.
From Sarah: “By March 2020 between both studios, there were over 500 visits a week, 94 monthly recurring members, 37 Winter Warmer members and many more on class passes. When the doors closed on March 16th, the Veda Yoga teachers quickly responded by offering multiple daily free classes on Facebook Live. Two weeks later teachers were equipped with webcams and ethernet cables and classes resumed on Zoom. The online classes were so popular that the Veda Yoga website was completely recreated and divided into two; Veda Yoga in person classes and Veda Yoga Online. As the weather turned warmer, Veda Yoga took to the parks slowly increasing class sizes as restrictions lifted.“
“But it wasn’t all a bed of roses, and many members were not ready to return to their mats when the doors opened on July 20th or even come to the classes in the park, making it unsure whether the studios would make it or not. Understanding the dilemma, the students rallied together and created a Veda Yoga Festival – a day filled with yoga classes, a silent auction, market place and BBQ – with all proceeds going towards keeping the studios open, staffed and heated. The story didn’t quite end there as yet another mandated restriction made the original location for the festival non compliant just a week before the event. However the Bracebridge Agricultural Society Exhibition Hall came to the rescue and donated their huge space to allow the festival to proceed!“
We are thrilled to hear that the Veda Yoga Festival will be able to proceed this weekend – Sunday, September 27th – and hope that all involved have an enjoyable, fun, enlightening experience! We want to thank Sarah and all of the amazing people behind Veda Yoga for doing everything possible to continue serving our wonderful community through these crazy, uncertain times. There has probably never been a time where healing and connecting with an inner peace has been more needed than through this pandemic. Thank you for all you do and keep up the great work. We can’t wait to hear how the Festival goes on Sunday.
