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.
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.
Vision: “Every Child in Muskoka Who Needs a Mentor, Has a Mentor.”
Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) has been providing mentorship and making a positive impact for youth in Canada for over 100 years. They help to create meaningful relationships that ignite the power and potential of young people. BBBS has a chapter here in Muskoka – their office located at 49 Manitoba Street (Suite 205), Bracebridge – and they too have been carrying out the BBBS vision. Through One-on-One mentorship, In-School mentoring and the Prism Program, BBBS Muskoka has been supporting youth and their development right here in our community.
As with everything in the world, when the pandemic first rolled through, BBBS had to adapt to continue delivering on their services. At first, ‘Bigs’ (mentors) were encouraged not to meet with their ‘Littles’ (youth) as to prevent the spread of Covid-19. However, as it became more evident that things were going to be different for quite some time, the urgency to adapt was quite clear. The mutually beneficial relationship and bond between Bigs and their Littles would serve as a much-needed support through these difficult times of uncertainty. That is when BBBS of Muskoka began to encourage virtual one-on-one mentorship. Littles were provided with decks of cards and could play card games with their Bigs over FaceTime or Zoom. Another activity involved baking bagel pizzas together – Littles were provided all the ingredients to make them and then made them over FaceTime/Zoom with their Bigs. As restrictions have lessened since the lockdown and it has become a bit safer for some, the one-on-ones have thankfully resumed. With that said, the focus is still about enhancing the virtual means of connecting and helping to foster those connections until it is safer for everyone to return to ‘normal’.
We want to give our thanks and provide this shout out to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Muskoka for doing such wonderful work in our community. Supporting the mental health and the development of young people is a cause very close to our hearts so we are proud of all the amazing things BBBS of Muskoka has been able to do – not only through Covid, but just in general.
If you are looking to get involved as a mentor, as a sponsor or as a donor, we highly recommend getting in touch with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Muskoka today. Fundraising may look much different these days, but that does not mean that they do not still need our help. BBBS of Muskoka has launched a Virtual 50/50 Raffle Draw on their Facebook Page that you can support – or visit their website for all the ways you can get involved.
Again, thank you Big Brothers Big Sisters of Muskoka for all you do!
You can follow Big Brothers Big Sisters of Muskoka 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.
We can already hear the moans and groans that summer is over and back to school is here. But Fall doesn’t have to be so bad, and neither does returning to school or getting started with your virtual learning at home. It means getting to see the leaves change, it means re-connecting with friends and it means getting to rock your favourite comfy Muskoka Bear Wear hoodies while you study! Sweater weather is better, so here are 3 Muskoka Bear Wear hoodies to keep you warm and cozy this Back to School season.
Hoodies on, textbooks open! Get cozy in this super-soft, signature Muskoka Youth Hoody! This style is made of 80% cotton, 20% polyester, 16 oz. fleece durable fabric washed for shrinkage control. Complete with double lined hood, front pouch pockets & custom signature logo on the front & paw on the hood. These are even more adorable with the matching Youth Cottage Comfy Pants!
Turn heads in the hallways with the super comfy Ladies Camp Hoody! Now in solid colours, with no plaid micro-fleece or sherpa in the hood! It’s made of 80% cotton, 20% polyester, 16 oz. fleece durable fabric washed for shrinkage control. Complete with drawstring, front pouch pockets, NEW ARCH LOGO on the front & with a custom Paw patch on the hood. So Comfy to wear & goes nicely with our Ladies Camp Pants!
Cozy. Cool. Need we say more? This Classic Men’s style is made of 80% cotton, 20% polyester, 16 oz. fleece durable fabric washed for shrinkage control. Complete with drawstring, a SHERPA lined hood, front pouch pockets, Classic arch logo on the front & with a custom Paw on the hood. Get even more comfy by pairing your Sherpa Hoody with our new MBW Men’s Pants!
Muskoka Bear Wear has you covered for all your Back to School needs!
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 at 195 Wellington Street in Bracebridge, the newly opened Ice Cream & Bean has already become a huge hit with locals and visitors alike. Owned and Operated by Cindy, Ice Cream & Bean specializes in artisan ice cream from Belly (also located in Muskoka!), Genuine Tea and freshly roasted Balzac’s Coffee. Offering a wide variety of flavours and delights, Ice Cream & Bean strives to offer the best locally sourced products & ingredients and the best service in Muskoka. They even have an Espresso machine that was imported directly from Italy!
Opening a business at any time can be a daunting task, but opening during a global pandemic brings with it several additional challenges and Ice Cream & Bean stepped up to face them head-on. Without being able to seat guests inside, they built a patio for patrons to enjoy their frozen treats and hot beverages outside. They also enforced social distancing with floor signage as well as made hand sanitizer and masks available to visitors. The staff wore masks themselves and the team continued to practice a high level of sanitizing and cleaning routines to ensure patrons a safe and enjoyable experience.
Despite the challenges, Ice Cream & Bean remains focused on growing their menu and further connecting with the local community. They told us that they are close to acquiring their liquor license, which will bring with it several new specialty coffee options and frozen treats. They plan to install some propane heaters outside allowing for their patio to remain open further into the Fall. And they told us that they’re interested in exploring having live music at the shop when it is safe to do so.
We think it’s fantastic that Ice Cream & Bean was able to endure the challenges presented by Covid-19 and has been able to offer these delicious, high quality products to our community. We know times are tough, but sipping a hot coffee or enjoying some fresh, yummy ice cream can certainly brighten someone’s day and for that we are grateful to have Ice Cream & Bean in our community. Keep up the great work guys!
Our last few blogs were all about getting out there and making the most of what was left of Summer. Adventures you and your dog could go on, hot spots to visit in Ontario, going on cruises and all the exciting, adventurous things that come with Summer. However, for Labour Day Long Weekend, with Back 2 School right around the corner and wanting to make sure you have a chance to recharge the batteries ahead of the arrival of Fall, we’re recommending slowing things down and keeping it cozy, comfy and chill this Labour Day Weekend.
Step #1 – Get All Your Errands and Work Done ASAP!
Use your Friday evening or Saturday morning to get aaaaaaaall of your errands, work or responsibilities checked off so that you can be guilt-free to unplug and chill out. Get your phone calls or FaceTimes done. Pick up snacks and easy-to-make meals for while you’re hanging out this weekend. Lay out some comfy Muskoka Bear Wear for the rest of the weekend and get ready to chill.
Step #2 – Commence the Lounging!
Do your best to ignore your e-mails or messages and just kick back. If you love to read, get nice and cozy and cuddle up with that book you’ve been wanting to try but were always too busy. If you’re a gamer, fire up the console and let yourself drift into the game world. We recommend Animal Crossing on the Nintendo Switch. We know those adorable villagers would love to see more of you this weekend. Maybe you’re a movie or TV show fan… BINGE AWAY! Schitt’s Creek, The Office and Parks & Recreation top our binge list right now.
The bottom line: get comfy and try to get lost in something that brings you joy.
Step #3 – Rinse & Repeat All Weekend Long
Guys, it’s a long weekend! You already got all of your work and responsibilities out of the way during Step #1, so put your own mental health and wellness at the forefront and indulge in that chill time! Finished your book? Start another. Finished your game, TV show or movie? Start another! Finished your first round of snacks, grab some more! Do what makes you feel good and you won’t feel any regret that you didn’t make the most of your Labour Day Long Weekend.
Yup. We want to help you kick back and lounge through your Labour Day Long Weekend with $10 OFF our comfy, cozy chill-friendly pants! Visit our Exclusive Labour Day Sale Page for details!
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.
“G.A.P. is an inclusive, open, and transparent grassroots organization, with the goal of reducing poverty within the greater Gravenhurst community.”
For this week’s MBW Shout Out, we are turning our attention to an amazing, volunteer-driven organization in Gravenhurst known as Gravenhurst Against Poverty, or “G.A.P.”. First assembled in 2017 by a group of concerned citizens, G.A.P. was formed in response to an increasing concern for those facing poverty within Gravenhurst and those who lacked access to food or food security. They began organizing food programs, rallying like-minded community partners and building their volunteer base in an effort to meet the needs of the community and do their part in reducing some of the barriers and challenges that those in need were facing. They raised both awareness and community support through several wonderful initiatives such as the Coldest Night of the Year, Sunset Salsa at the Muskoka Wharf, presence at the local Farmers’ Market, community gardens, food drives and more.
Then came COVID-19 and G.A.P. was forced to adapt on the fly as to continue to meet the needs of those most vulnerable. Originally, those in need were invited to partake in a community meal together at the Trinity United Church in Gravenhurst once per week – where they could also pick up fresh produce, harvest from the community gardens and grocery cards. However, with the arrival of COVID-19 and the need for social distancing, G.A.P. understood that they could not continue to gather at the church together. Feeling a great weight of responsibility to continue their programming and offering their supports, G.A.P. quickly adapted to offer a food & meal delivery program. In the first week, they delivered to 15 households. That number has now grown to 135+ households; with G.A.P. bringing meals, produce and grocery cards to over 340+ recipients.
In speaking with G.A.P., they said it simply wouldn’t be possible without the enthusiasm and incredible support from the local community. From the local businesses who are donating food, products and other various resources, to the fleet of volunteers assisting with all levels of the initiative, to the Red Cross, the District of Muskoka and many, many others. It takes a strong, connected, resilient network of people to bring all of this together and G.A.P. is still hungry to do more.
Looking to the future, G.A.P. is passionate about the potential of bringing a Gravenhurst Wellness Centre to reality, as well as working with the District to address immediate needs surrounding transportation.
First and foremost, we want to thank Gravenhurst Against Poverty and all of the amazing people connected to this organization. Bringing people together and helping to give back is an incredible thing, let alone to be continuing on through these challenging times. It is a true inspiration to us and we are grateful for all you’re doing. We will continue to follow G.A.P. on their journey and hope you will consider getting involved as well. Many hands make light work.
You can learn more and get involved by following G.A.P. 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.
We are now into the final days of summer and we want to make sure to get the most out of it before it’s gone! With this weekend and the Labour Day Long Weekend ahead, there’s still time to load up some snacks, some comfy Bear Wear and hit the road to check out one of our Top 5 Summer Destinations within Ontario. Let’s go!
#1 – Muskoka
Of course we chose Muskoka as our number one destination – we live here! From the beautiful dark night skies, the great fishing, paddling opportunities and unique shopping & dining options, Muskoka is far and away our favourite place to be for summer in Ontario.
Tip: Check out the Hardy Lake Trail, or the Torrance Barrens for some great hiking. Or if you’re looking to jump in the water, Kirby’s Beach in Bracebridge is great!
While not necessarily very far for us, being in Muskoka, our neighbours to the north-east offer a wide variety of outdoor activities and the chance to get up close and personal with the great Canadian wilderness. From camping, paddling, fishing and hiking to one of the several guided tours available, there are plenty of ways to experience Algonquin and we highly recommend adding Algonquin Park to your must-see summer destinations in Ontario.
Tip: Bring some good shoes and check out the Lookout Trail if you’re looking for a great place to go hiking with some Instagram-worthy views!
If Muskoka had a sibling… it wold be The Thousand Islands. Breathtaking views of the Canadian Shield granite rock, sprawling islands and beautiful blue water almost as far as the eye can see. From helicopter tours to boat cruises, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this magical place. If looking for something smaller scale, you can rent or bring a kayak or a bicycle and take things in at your own pace.
Tip: If you’re a real thrill seeker, we hear that there is a skydiving company in the area offering jump opportunities to the public. That certainly would be provide quite the view! You’ll have to let us know if you try it!
If you crave the outdoors and are intrigued by the idea that Ontario does in fact have a canyon… we recommend visiting the Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park. There is a boardwalk that connects two lookout platforms of the 150-metre wide gorge and 100-metre straight down drop. It really will take your breath away! This unique place is thought to have been carved out by water flow from a glacier that melted millions of years ago. Cool, right?
Tip: There is currently no over-night camping at Ouimet Canyon, but you can find some great camping spots nearby at the Sleeping Giant or Kakabeka Falls Provincial Parks.
YES – in addition to Ontario being home to a canyon, we also have mountains! About a 5-hour drive from Toronto, we recommend checking out the La Cloche Mountains Provincial Park. They do have ‘back country’ overnight camping available, along with great hiking trails, boating, fishing and swimming opportunities. The views here are stunning!
Tip: Be advised that there are no park facilities or organized activities here. This is you and the wilderness. Bring plenty of food, water and anything else you might need during your adventure.
Where ever the final days of summer take you, remember to keep it comfy, keep it cozy and we’ll be with you every step, paddle, cast, camp or stargaze of the way!
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.
Borrowing a famous Muskoka slogan, ‘Once Discovered, Never Forgotten‘, Sushi By The Water, a newly opened sushi restaurant in Gravenhurst, fits the slogan perfectly. This gem located along HWY 169 between Gravenhurst and Bala not only offers up one of the most breathtaking patio views in Muskoka, but they serve some of the best sushi we’ve ever eaten.
Owned and operated by three friends, Peter, Wang & Jiang, they made it clear early on that the focus would be on quality, not quantity. Peter & Wang were able to lure Jiang, a former Master Chef in a Toronto Japanese restaurant, with the appeal of Muskoka and his love for fishing. “Don’t be surprised if on a slow day, you will see Jiang fishing right off the patio.” Peter told us.
Opening a new business – let alone a restaurant – any time of the year or anywhere in the world is already difficult task, but when you pair it alongside the timeline of Covid-19, you might have thought it was a recipe for disaster. For Sushi By The Water however, it was a recipe that spelled opportunity. It gave them time to establish themselves and focus on their Take Out & Delivery service – and eventually their Patio Dining – while finding their rhythm and introducing themselves to the community. Establishing safety protocols and carefully allowing people to discover them gave them a chance to build confidence and momentum that should serve to carry them though their first (upcoming) off-season. We wonder if Jiang will hang around and try his hand at ice fishing!
We would like to acknowledge the hard work and the dedication it took by Sushi By The Water and their team to launch their business this year. We also want to thank them for bringing their incredible sushi to Muskoka… we literally cannot recommend them enough. Their Spicy Salmon Rolls and the Honey Butter Chicken dish is exceptional! Keep up the great work guys!!
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.
