#MBWShoutOuts Week 38: Fresh Kutz Market & Grill

#MBWShoutOuts Week 38: Fresh Kutz Market & Grill


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.


Featured This Week:

Fresh Kutz Market & Grill, Bracebridge
Fresh Kuts Facebook Page

Located at 195 Wellington Street in Bracebridge, Fresh Kuts Market & Grill first opened in 1991 as a butcher shop and with owner Clarence Boyes’ background as a chef, also added a restaurant four years later. Fresh Kutz only uses fresh ingredients and each of the soups, sauces and even the dressings are all made in-house.

Four years ago Fresh Kutz ventured into catering which has really taken off. They offer full-service catering packages for groups up to 200 people. Clarence told us that “the staff at Fresh Kutz is our strongest point. We employ four chefs who have a wide variety of culinary experience and the wait staff is as equally qualified!

At the restaurant, Fresh Kutz is known for their fish & chips as well as their soups, seafood chowder, burgers and specialty sandwiches. They also offer daily and evening dinner specials along with a daily fresh catch.       

This past Spring, Fresh Kutz kept safety in mind and closed their doors for ten weeks, unsure of what to expect. When they first re-opened they offered a limited menu for takeout-only, which the community responded to as they were keen to enjoy their Fresh Kutz favourites once again.

When Fresh Kutz was able to re-open for dine-in service, they reduced the number of tables in the restaurant as to accommodate proper social distancing and worked hard to train their staff on the necessary Covid protocols to ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for their patrons. Clarence told us “through hard work and dedication from our entire team, we are able to keep on serving our community.”

Looking ahead, Clarence tells us that Fresh Kutz is looking forward to when things return to normal and they are able to enjoy the energy and buzz from a busy summer and are looking forward to the weddings that have had to be delayed

We want to commend Clarence and the entire Fresh Kutz team for their dedication to our wonderful community and their willingness to go above and beyond. We know there are many people who are grateful for everything Fresh Kutz has done. Way to go and keep up the awesome work!

Be sure to follow Fresh Kuts Market and Grill on Facebook.


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.

#StayComfy #StayCozy #MuskokaBearWear

#MBWShoutOuts Week 37: Lilibird

#MBWShoutOuts Week 37: Lilibird


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.


Featured This Week:

Lilibird, Bracebridge
Website: www.Lilibird.com

Owned & operated by Steen & Bev Jensen, Lilibird has been in Muskoka since 2004 when they opened for their first summer in the old stone church at the falls in Bala. They later later opened a second location in Bracebridge in 2009. As the stores grew in popularity, Steen & Bev decided that they both needed to be working in Bracebridge, so in 2015, their son Nick and his partner Eden Bachelder, bought the former Saturday Afternoons building in Bala and moved the store there, establishing their own location called Birchbark. Bev told us that “Nick still comes to Lilibird to ‘save us old folks’ every Christmas when the pace picks up!Lilibird is known for carrying a wide selection of products from bath and baby to Hatley clothing, gifts and garden, candles, home décor, specialty handmade jams, chutneys, Belgian truffles, fraktals and much more! “Our goal is to provide affordable, high-quality products that anyone would be pleased to give as a gift or to buy for themselves. We hear from people every day that they always know they’ll find something in our store when they need a gift” Bev told us.

While it was a difficult time for everyone and a challenging Spring for small retailers in general, it was particularly tough go for Lilibird, as they missed out on several key annual events that help to drive traffic through their store. Unfortunately they had to remain closed through several major events this year, but with that said, since re-opening, Bev tells us that Fall 2020 has seen a strong rebound for Lilibird, “with the snowbirds staying in Ontario this winter, cottagers remaining in their cottages and people refocusing on hearth and home types of activities.

While Lilibird was closed in the Spring, they ran some Facebook Virtual Sidewalk Sales that drew plenty of attention and support from the community. Bev tells us that if they should need to close down again, that they will resume those Virtual Sidewalk Sales.

With eyes looking to the future, Bev tells us that in the New Year they will be looking at introducing an online Shopify platform for Lilibird, as a catalogue that their patrons can browse from the comfort of their home. “For now the focus is still in-store shopping – with online being a backup. It may change, but for now we still enjoy operating Lilibird as it is with face-to-face interactions instead of online and we hope our patrons feel the same.”  Lilibird says that they are always happy to receive feedback though and will continue to listen to their supporters in the coming months. Lilibird has lots of great gift ideas available for Christmas and the holiday season and are offering extended in-store shopping hours; Monday to Friday 10am to 8pm, Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday 11-4.  

We would like to commend Bev, Steen and the entire Lilibird family for their hard work, adaptability and dedication to serving our great community. From offering the Virtual Sidewalk Sales to exploring the idea of an online catalogue, it can be daunting to jump into the online retail world and it takes a great deal of courage to make that leap. Great work guys and keep it up!

Be sure to follow Lilibird on Facebook or visit their website for more information.


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.

#StayComfy #StayCozy #MuskokaBearWear

#MBWShoutOuts Week 36: Old Mill Family Restaurant

#MBWShoutOuts Week 36: Old Mill Family Restaurant


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.


Featured This Week:

Old Mill Family Restaurant, Gravenhurst
Visit the Old Mill Family Restaurant Facebook Page

Located at 155 Muskoka Road South in downtown Gravenhurst, Old Mill is a family-owned-and-operated restaurant, that first opened in 2015 at the historical building that used to be the home of Sloan’s. Owners Miranda & Alan are preparing to celebrate Old Mill’s 5-Year Anniversary on December 11th. Old Mill focuses on serving breakfast & lunch along with traditional British-style fish & chips. Believing that food is one of the most important ingredients to a happy life, Old Mill takes pride in offering comfort food that is elevated and that homestyle cooking helps to bring back memories of times with loved ones.

Miranda, co-owner of Old Mill, told us about how 2020 has been a challenging year for their family and the restaurant, “With two young children to care for, not only were we facing the fear of how our business would survive, but we were also afraid for our health and well-being.” But Old Mill has strived to make the most of the situation and was able to continue serving the community by offering a curb-side pick-up option at the early onset of the pandemic.

As time went on and the restrictions evolved, Old Mill really stepped up their game and with help from the local Health Unit, introduced several safety procedures that allowed for them to re-open for dine-in service. By reducing the number of tables, limiting the number of guests, hand sanitizer being made available, full PPE for all staff and more, Old Mill is doing everything they can to ensure patrons have a safe experience when visiting the restaurant.

Although COVID-19 gave us a big challenge, we still believe that rainbows come after the rain” Miranda told us. “As an entrepreneur, confidence is the key to keeping us going, staying passionate and staying motivated.” Despite all of these challenges, Old Mill decided to go above and beyond by introducing the community to a completely new offering: Old Mill Corner Café – a dedicated space to explore exciting new beverages, real fruit smoothies, slushies, milkshakes, ice cream & desserts. “We are definitely looking forward to next summer! With the Old Mill Family Restaurant and the Corner Café, we are ready to serve downtown Gravenhurst!

Not only has the Old Mill Family Restaurant been able to continue serving community throughout these challenging times, but they have also expanded their business and launched a new project with the Corner Café. We are blown away by this and would like to acknowledge their hard-work and their vision. It certainly is an inspiration to the rest of us in the business community. Way to go Old Mill!


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.

#StayComfy #StayCozy #MuskokaBearWear

#MBWShoutOuts Week 35: Twin Maples Farm

#MBWShoutOuts Week 35: Twin Maples Farm


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.


Featured This Week:

Twin Maples Farm, Severn Bridge
Visit the Twin Maples Farm Facebook Page

Twin Maples Farm, located in Severn Bridge, Ontario is owned and operated by Christine Jameson and in 2019, celebrated their 20-Year Anniversary. Twin Maples Farm provides horse-drawn wagon rides for all occasions; including private family rides, public events, resorts and parades as well as romantic carriage rides for weddings, anniversaries or date nights. Families can take rides directly at the Farm, or the horses can be brought to the the chosen event site.

In March, when the COVID-19 restrictions began, Twin Maples Farm had a full week of wagon rides booked with local resorts that had to be cancelled. In the days that followed, the Ontario Equestrian Federation laid out restrictions for all barns to close their doors to all but essential staff involved in the upkeep of the horses’ health and safety. As one could imagine, this was a very stressful time for Twin Maples Farm. Not only were they not allowed to offer wagon rides or have the boarders visit their horses, but the Farm still needed to purchase hay and grain to keep the horses fed.

With several winter events that make up a large portion of the revenue required to look after the horses cancelled this year, Twin Maples Farm spent time brainstorming and creating a safe, holiday experience for families to visit on the Farm. After consultation with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit to ensure all COVID Safety Protocols were being met and that sanitation stations were available throughout the Farm, Twin Maples Farm has proceeded with the launch of their special holiday event.

‘Christmas on the Farm’ is running every Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM until December 20th. This is Twin Maples Farm’s first year hosting this event which includes a wagon ride, pony rides, photos with Santa, letters to Santa drop-off, farm animals, vendors, bonfires, hot drinks, snacks, and a fry truck. The Farm is also booking private family rides for the holidays that are an hour in length.

We can’t imagine how difficult it must have been through the Spring with having to maintain upkeep for the horses and the Farm… let alone not being allowed to have Boarders visit their horses. That’s why we want to acknowledge all the amazing hard work and perseverance of all those involved with the Twin Maples Farm team and operation. We hope things go smoothly and successfully with the Christmas on the Farm event and that it becomes an annual tradition.

Be sure to follow Twin Maples Farms on Facebook and Instagram.


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.

#StayComfy #StayCozy #MuskokaBearWear

#MBWShoutOuts Week 34: Full Paw’Tential Pet Grooming

#MBWShoutOuts Week 34: Full Paw’Tential Pet Grooming


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.


Featured This Week:

Full Paw’Tential Pet Grooming, Gravenhurst
Website: www.FullPawtential.ca

Full Paw’tential Pet Grooming, located at 114 Muskoka Road South in Gravenhurst, just celebrated their 6th anniversary of being in business! They have grown from a part-time, one-woman grooming salon to an 1,800 square-foot, modern salon with food, retail and grooming supplies for the public. Full Paw’tential has four compassionate and skilled employees with complementing personalities. They are super excited because one of their staff is excelling in her training and will be attending a prestigious grooming school in January.

Like all businesses, the arrival of Covid-19 forced Full Paw’tential to take a step back and re-evaluate how they could continue to serve the community. After being closed for 8 weeks, Full Paw’tential bounced back and discovered a renewed appreciation for their clients and the community at large. They implemented a wide range of safety measures and were able to resume their much-needed pet services. Full Paw’tential tells us that the are feeling the love and feeling needed with each and every day and they are so pleased to be providing their services again.

Looking ahead, Full Paw’tential told us that they have Treat & Toy Christmas deals coming in the weeks leading up to the holidays and will be hosting their first-ever Seniors Day on December 1st. Additionally, their walk-in nail trim Thursdays, which have become a huge hit, and they will be continuing as well.

As pet lovers ourselves, we know just how important it is to take care of our furry friends and it is a testament to the Full Paw’tential team’s love of animals and our community that they have endured these challenging times with such gusto and care. We want to acknowledge all of their hard work and thank them for the work they are doing to support our great community. Well done to all involved! That’s worth of a high-paw for sure!

Be sure to follow Full Paw’tential on Facebook & Instagram!


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.

#StayComfy #StayCozy #MuskokaBearWear

#MBWShoutOuts Week 33: EarlyON Muskoka

#MBWShoutOuts Week 33: EarlyON Muskoka


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.


Featured this Week:

EarlyON Child & Family Centres, Muskoka
Facebook Page: EarlyON Muskoka

EarlyON Child and Family Centres throughout Muskoka are directly operated by the District of Muskoka to serve families and caregivers with children under the age of six years. They offer a variety of programs across the District, such as: Baby Talk, Parent Chats, free drop-in programs, networking and support for families. Through EarlyON, families receive support that helps them navigate the journey of childhood, build on their own strengths, make connections and develop relationships so that everyone can learn and grow together. They currently serve over 700 families throughout Muskoka and connect  with many other children service agencies across the District to ensure families are fully supported.

EarlyON is funded by the Ministry of Education and on March 13, 2020 they were told to close all drop-in centres due to Covid-19. Just days later, EarlyON began offering virtual programs; a variety of which have evolved and grown over the past nine months. Despite the need to close the drop-in centres they knew staying connected was critical for families. They began Wellness Calls to check-in with everyone and ensure they understood the supports that were available – from the food banks to how to apply for CERB. EarlyON then began Zoom programs,  in particular, Baby Talk (for families with little ones from 0 – 18 months) so new moms could connect and form a virtual community. They also invited numerous guest speakers to address needs within the community. EarlyON launched a Parent Chat Zoom, providing a space for parents to share not only concerns but also a giggle. Through the summer they began doing Pop-ups in public spaces to inform families of our services and hand-out activity bags. It was a great way to have in-person connection that was physically safe. The EarlyON team has been innovative throughout the pandemic, always striving to find creative ways to support families.

EarlyON’s plan  is to continue to provide virtual programs and Wellness calls, as not all families will be comfortable returning to in-person programs. Come December, they hope to begin outdoor in-person programs in each of the six municipalities across Muskoka. These will emphasize the importance to get outdoors for everyone’s mental health as well as model how simple and impactful outdoor play can be on a child’s development. EarlyON is committed to adhering to the health and safety guidelines provided by the local health department.

We think it is amazing what EarlyON has done not only for children in our community, but for parents and entire families. That they were so quick to respond to the closure of their drop-in centres with virtual programming is an incredible testament to their teams’ dedication and passion to serving families in our great community. We want to acknowledge all of their hard work and thank them for everything that they do. Keep up the great work!!

Visit the EarlyON Muskoka Website for more information and be sure to follow them on Facebook & Twitter.


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.

#StayComfy #StayCozy #MuskokaBearWear

7 Ways to Spread Kindness for World Kindness Day!

7 Ways to Spread Kindness for World Kindness Day!

November 13th is World Kindness Day so we turned to RandomActsofKindness.org for some ideas on how you can spread some love and kindness to those around you. In fact, they have a list of 7 ways you can make kindness part of your normal daily routine, so let’s dive in!


#1 Send an uplifting text to a friend or family member.

You can make someone’s day just by sending them a quick message to let them know you’re thinking of them. Maybe you’re thanking them for something that did for you recently or just saying how much you appreciate them.


#2 If you drive, let someone merge in front of you, or let someone else go first at a stop and do it with a wave and a smile.

We’re all in a hurry to get somewhere, which means it can really have a big impact to let someone go ahead of you when out on the road. Maybe it’s letting someone have that prime parking spot, or pull ahead of you at the drive-thru, but certainly don’t underestimate the impact of such a gesture when driving.


#3 Include intentional moments of laughter and delight in your daily routine.

Is there any better medicine than laughter? If you find it, let us know! In the mean time, we highly recommend a good ‘ole belly laugh at least once a day. Whether you pull up something funny to watch on YouTube, or you can find humour in the world around you, be good to yourself and let yourself have some fun each and every day.


#4 Go slightly outside of your comfort zone once a day to make someone smile.

Alright, you don’t need to hang up-side-down from a tree to pull this one off! The sentiment here is that we all might be missing a chance to show kindness because we’re too shy to seize the moment. Well, we say go for it. If that means being a bit silly, or being the butt-end of a joke, it’s all fun if it helps someone smile.


#5 Share an appropriate compliment with a co-worker or friend.

We can all agree that sometimes being at work isn’t the number one place you’d choose to be at any given time, so why not offer a pick-me-up to those around you by sharing a compliment with one of your co-workers. Tell them that they handled an interaction with a customer well, or that you appreciate their work and you can have an huge impact on someone!


#6 Reach out to a friend or family member of you haven’t spoken to in a while.

It’s natural to want to feel included and thought-of by those we care about, so instead of waiting for that extended family member to reach out, why not be the first to say hello. A thoughtfully-written letter, e-mail or text will go a long way at not only nurturing that relationship, but spreading kindness and joy in all you do.


#7 Gift someone to a small treat – maybe it’s a friend, a stranger, or even yourself!

This one is our favourite because it’s something you can do for a stranger, a loved one or even for YOURSELF! Yes, YOU! We all deserve kindness, so why not pay yourself some kindness by treating yourself to a little something-something. Maybe it’s a delicious snack, or just going for a cruise with the tunes up, be kind to yourself and you will see an immediate impact on your well-being.


How many things from this list have you done today? What about this week? Well, with World Kindness Day on November 13th, we’re reminding you to be kind to those around you, your friends, your family and to yourself.

#MBWShoutOuts Week 32: Bracebridge Barrelhouse

#MBWShoutOuts Week 32: Bracebridge Barrelhouse


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.


Featured this Week:

The Bracebridge Barrelhouse
Website: www.BracebridgeBarrelhouse.ca

Lake of Bays Brewing Co. opened their doors in 2010, starting out as a brewery in Baysville, Ontario. Since then, they’ve expanded their beer lineup to include everything from Light Lagers to Double IPA’S to Stout’s. In 2018, they ventured off into the world of restaurants and opened the Huntsville Brewhouse, known for their delicious locally sourced menu and in-house brews. After the success of the Brewhouse, Lake of Bays Brewing Co. wanted to introduce their wide array of beers and menu options to the beautiful town of Bracebridge, and that’s how the Bracebridge Barrelhouse came to be. Located at 295 Wellington Street, the Barrelhouse has quickly become a favourite among locals eager enough to venture into the beautiful new space.

The original plan for the Barrelhouse was to open the restaurant back in the Spring. However, when COVID-19 hit, that put a delay on their plans. But, their team worked extremely hard they were able to open their doors in mid-August. 

Since then, they have put several measures in place to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable visit at both the Huntsville Brewhouse and Bracebridge Barrelhouse. You’ll be met by their lovely host who will ask you to sanitize your hands before being seated. Tables are spaced out 6ft apart, making sure guests are staying socially distant. All staff are required to wear their masks, and continually sanitize areas in the restaurant. For those who prefer, the Barrelhouse is taking limited reservations every day. They are also offering take-out, so you can still take home their delicious menu. 

The Bracebridge Barrelhouse currently has a beer on tap called Paws of the North, where a dollar from every pint is donated to Paws of the North Rescue here in Muskoka! They also just launched their Toasty Toes pack this year, which features two mystery beers, and 1 of 4 socks in each pack. Lastly, they are constantly rotating their taps at the restaurants since they brew-in house, so there is always something new and exciting to try!

We think it is incredible what the Bracebridge Barrelhouse has been able to do in such a short period of time, especially through these challenging times! It is certainly a testament to their dedicated, hard-working team to have pulled this together and we are grateful to have this new, exciting restaurant destination right here in the heart of Muskoka. Keep up the amazing work!

Be sure to follow the Bracebridge Barrelhouse on Facebook & Instagram.


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.

#StayComfy #StayCozy #MuskokaBearWear

#MBWShoutOuts Week 31: Gravenhurst Public Library


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.


Featured this Week:

Gravenhurst Public Library
Website: www.GravenhurstLibrary.ca

The Gravenhurst Public Library was founded in 1883 as a small Mechanics’ Institute and grew to a larger Library housed in the Carnegie Building with a $7,000 grant from Andrew Carnegie in 1923. In 2000, an even bigger space was purpose-built for the Library at 180 Sharpe Street West and that is where they called home for the last 20 years. What makes the Library special is their relationship with the Gravenhurst Archives, their outreach connection to numerous community organizations, the wide variety of their collection and their dedicated group of staff and board members.

Like so many organizations and businesses, Covid-19 significantly affected the Library. At the start of the pandemic, they were forced to close their doors to the public. Typically, the public relies on and accesses the Library on a daily basis – such as for accessing materials, use of the computer workstations & WiFi or to attend programs. With the Library’s closure, they had to get creative and do some reinventing. They launched a curbside pick-up service and found ways to connect with people via phone, e-mail, and social media. They also went as far as to deliver materials to people who were unable to visit the Library

The Gravenhurst Public Library also produced high-quality virtual children’s programming this past summer that was made available through their social media accounts. While the volume of programs offered has reduced since the end of summer with students having returned to school, the Library is still offering virtual Storytime on Tuesdays for pre-schoolers and on Sundays for adults. They are currently planning to launch some new virtual programming in late fall geared to kids ages 6 to 12.

Looking to the future, once the Gravenhurst Public Library re-opens to the public, patrons will be required to wear masks and to sanitize their hands before entering. Plexi-glass guards will be in place at all desks. The Library will also be limiting numbers and length of visits to 45-minute appointments as to allow staff the chance to clean between patrons. Visitors will be able to use the public workstations, access the WiFi, browse the shelves, as well as print, scan and fax with staff assistance. The curbside pick-up and delivery service will remain available as well. 

With the Library’s closure they have also been able to complete some much needed upgrades to the building’s interior such as new paint, carpeting and a yet-to-be installed new front desk. They have also added new moveable shelving to the main floor so that they can open it up and use the space in the future for larger programs.

We are simply blown away by the ingenuity and resilience that the Gravenhurst Public Library has shown through this pandemic. We want to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of everyone from their team to persevere through these challenging times and to continue to look for ways to serve our great community. Thank you to everyone from the Library!!

Be sure to follow the Gravenhurst Public Library on Facebook & Instagram


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.

#StayComfy #StayCozy #MuskokaBearWear

Pumpkin-Carving Tips & Other Halloween Treats from Muskoka Bear Wear

Pumpkin-Carving Tips & Other Halloween Treats from Muskoka Bear Wear


We know Halloween is going to look a little different this year, so we’re sharing some of our best pumpkin-carving tips, along with a few other TREATS in this week’s MBW Blog!


Pumpkin-Carving Tip #1 – Make a Plan!

Before you start cutting up that poor pumpkin of yours, it’s best to make a plan. Take into account the fun, unique shape of your pumpkin and maybe even draw directly on to it, or prepare a stencil! That way you can make sure everything fits just the way you’re hoping for. There’s a saying… measure twice, cut once. Once you’ve made a cut, it’s pretty hard to go back.


Pumpkin-Carving Tip #2 – If Possible, Leave the Top On!

This is a tip right from the pros! Not only does removing the top of your pumpkin affect the structural integrity of it, but it also leads to the pumpkin drying out and rotting faster. The stem is where the pumpkin gets it’s nutrients and moisture – even after it’s been hollowed out! – so you want to leave that stem on there for as long as possible. It should buy you a couple extra days before you need to discard your pumpkin. So how do you get the insides out? We recommend cutting a hole in the BACK of the pumpkin (the side facing away from how it will be displayed) and removing the insides from there.


Pumpkin-Carving Tip #3 – Scoop Everything Out! EVERYTHING!

Icky, sticky, slimy, goopy pumpkin insides are either going to be your favourite or least favourite part of carving a pumpkin. Regardless, you want to get as much of that stuff out of there as possible! Don’t be afraid to scrape the inside of the pumpkin really good to get those insides out. Any left-over goop is likely to mold quickly and begin to rot your precious pumpkin faster than you be hoping it to last. The bright side is that the goopy pumpkin insides are GREAT for your and the seeds can be used for growing more pumpkins, pumpkin pie or roasted as a delicious snack!


Pumpkin-Carving Tip #4 – Keep It Comfy & Cozy!

Just in time for Fall, Halloween and the Pumpin-Carving season, we’ve released several new colours that are sure to help you stay comfy while you celebrate all things Fall!

We have new colours available in:

Ladies Quarter-Zip: Orange with Cream Logo
Ladies Sherpa Hoody: Orange with Cream Logo
Ladies Campfire Crewneck: Available in FOUR New Colours!


More Halloween-themed Activates & Crafts!

Whether pumpkin-carving isn’t really your thing, or maybe you’ve already finished carving all your pumpkins and you’re still looking for something fun to do with the family this Halloween, we turned to a website called “The Best Ideas For Kids” for an article with 50+ Halloween Crafts for Kids! 50! Ready to get started, you can find the article here.

#MBWShoutOuts Week 30: Belly Artisan Ice Cream, Huntsville


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.


Featured this Week:

Belly Artisan Ice Cream, Huntsville
Website: www.BellyIceCream.ca

Belly Artisan Ice Cream was first created 10 years ago, when then Chef, Shelley Westgarth had twins and wanted to explore a new opportunity. She started at the local farmers markets around Muskoka and quickly found success supplying clients like Whole Foods, The Royal York Hotel, Fortinos, and even Google with her delicious artisan ice cream. Ten years later, Belly has grown into their own custom-built manufacturing facility in Huntsville (at 88/90 West Road), and has been featured on the Food Network’s Food Factory, and Dragon’s Den – twice!  

In response to Covid-19, Belly launched curbside pick-up just as the pandemic was shutting down businesses all over the world. As a result, Belly had their busiest season ever! With a new demand for local products and a real desire to support small Canadian businesses, the Huntsville community fully embraced the new concept.  It was so successful that Belly has decided to keep the service permanently. 

This winter, for the first time ever, Belly will be staying open all season with a new expanded product line of take home desserts to pair with their handcrafted ice creams. Launching this weekend, Belly will be offering Sticky Toffee Pudding, Keto Pies, Keto Caramel sauce, Croissant Dulce de Leche, Bread Pudding and a number of other homemade treats. This Christmas, they will be selling their frozen Cookie dough balls for thaw-and-bake at home in 8 flavours that patrons can pick and mix how ever they like!

Talk about tackling adversity head-on! We think it is incredible to see an entrepreneur who, when faced with a challenge, rose to it and found a way to continue serving the local community. It is certainly an inspiring story and we want to recognize Shelley and her team at Belly for their hard work and commitment to the community. Way to go guys! We can’t wait to try some of these new menu offerings!!

Belly’s Curb-side Ordering Portal can be found here.

Be sure to follow Belly Ice Cream on Facebook & Instagram.


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.

#StayComfy #StayCozy #MuskokaBearWear

Virtual Cranberry Festival Sale!

Virtual Cranberry Festival Sale!

Join us for our very first VIRTUAL CRANBERRY FESTIVAL SALE! That’s right, with the unfortunate cancellation of the annual event this year in Bala, we wanted to keep the tradition alive with our own Online Shopping Sale!


Fall in Muskoka is probably best known for two things. Firstly, the stunning display of Fall colours as the leaves change draws visitors from all over Ontario, across the country and even from around the world. Whether viewing the colours while hiking, cycling or boating, the breath-taking views are some of the best in the world. Secondly, Fall in Muskoka is known for the Bala Cranberry Festival – one of our favourite events each year! Offering visitors the opportunity to literally ‘take the plunge’ and walk waist-deep in the cranberry marsh, the event also serves up a wide variety of cranberry culinary creations – both sweet & savory – along with live music, games, shopping and more.

As amazing as the event itself is, it is actually much more than that. Despite being hosted within a small town with a population around 700, the event has drawn over half a million visitors since its inaugural year in 1984. The event has generated over $500,000 in funds raised that have been dispersed as community funding & scholarships; has featured over 125 local musicians; has supported hundreds of local community groups and non-profit associations; and has even been included as one of Ontario’s Top 100 Festivals & Event.

Traditionally, we’d be loading up the van and gearing up for an exciting weekend at the Cranberry Festival, but unfortunately the organizers of the event had to make the difficult, albeit socially responsible decision to cancel the event this year due to Covid-19. With that said, we want to keep that tradition alive and show our love for the Cranberry Season by launching our first-ever VIRTUAL CRANBERRY FESTIVAL SALE!


Here are the details

Starts: Friday, October 16th at 12:01 AM (ET)
Closes: Sunday, October 18th at 11:59 PM (ET)

Items Available:

Ladies Quarter Zip
Heather Burgundy & Dark Heather Purple
$49

Ladies Camp Hoody
Heather Burgundy & Dark Heather Purple
$49

Youth Cabin Hoody
Algonquin Red with Charcoal Plaid and Black with Pink Plaid
$29


In addition to hosting our Virtual Cranberry Festival Sale, we also want to spread the word about a fundraising initiative that has been launched by the organizers of the Cranberry Festival in order to raise funds for next year’s event. They have created a 2020 Collector’s Edition Button to commemorate the ‘festival that never was’.

The buttons are available for a $5 donation and can be purchased through the Cranberry Festival website here.


We hope you’re able to take advantage of our Virtual Cranberry Festival Sale event and we look forward to hopefully seeing you in-person at next year’s event!