With the added pressure of restricting travel and living the quarantine life, has there ever been a greater need to get outside and soak up some of that precious Vitamin D?
There are foods and supplements that can help us with Vitamin D, but the primary source comes directly from our skin when it is exposed to sunlight – hence why some refer to Vitamin D as the ‘Sunshine Vitamin’. It assists with regulating the absorption of calcium & phosphorus, assists our immune system, the development of bones and teeth, as well as improving our resistance against certain diseases. Vitamin D has also been linked to regulating our mood and helping to ward off depression and anxiety.
While we encourage you to continue practicing your social distancing and staying safe, that should not stop you from getting outside into your backyard, hitting up a trail or even going for a nice drive with the windows down.
Smile.
Breathe in that fresh air.
Feel the sun against your skin as it washes away any of the stress and anxiety you might be carrying.
Remember that we are right there with you every step of the way. Whether you are rocking a comfy Quarter-Zip, a cozy Cabin Hoody or keeping it cool lounging in our brand new Lilac with White T-Shirt, Muskoka Bear Wear has your back!
Now hold that camera phone up and lets see those first beautiful selfies of Spring & Summer!
Be sure to check out this week’s #MBWShoutOuts Week 8 Round-Up for local businesses that are doing what they can through these tough times to continue to serve our awesome community.
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.
“Muskoka Furniture – Where the Customer Feels at Home.”
Located at 195 Wellington Street in Bracebridge, Muskoka Furniture boasts an 11,000-sq ft showroom that features solid wood furniture built by skilled craftsmen from all over Ontario. Each piece of furniture is heirloom quality radiating a feeling of warmth and comfort and it is no wonder why they have become a destination store, drawing visitors from across southern Ontario.
Like many businesses however, Muskoka Furniture was forced to close their showroom to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. They did not let that keep them down for long however as they made themselves available for phone orders for curbside pick-up and home delivery. Muskoka Furniture rose to the challenge and worked tremendously hard to adapt to the times by shooting video of their showroom, sharing it on their website & Facebook Page and continued to offer exceptional customer service to their patrons.
We would like to acknowledge Muskoka Furniture and their entire team for their hard work and dedication to serving our great community. It is incredible the things we can achieve when we work together and work towards the greater good of the community.
“It all starts with the layer closest to your skin.”
Situated right in the heart of downtown Bracebridge, Little Black Bow is a beautiful Lingerie & Bra Fitting Boutique. They also proudly carry a wide variety of bridal, maternity, activewear, sleepwear and loungewear.
Through the challenges presented by these difficult times, Little Black Bow has turned to digital innovation to adapt their business. They now offer Virtual Fittings as a whole new way of helping their clients and have paired that with online shopping, shipping and local, contactless porch drops.
We think this kind of innovation and commitment to serving our community is inspirational and we want to acknowledge Little Black Bow and their team for their incredible work. They take “support local” to a totally different level. Way to go guys!
Located in downtown Gravenhurst at 260 Muskoka Road South, The Butcher’s Daughters is a Café, Deli and General Store that specializes in gourmet grocery items, fresh and frozen take home meals, unique sandwiches, soups, salads and specialty coffee.
Though it has been a challenge with having to close their doors to the public through the pandemic, The Butcher’s Daughters has not only done a tremendous job serving community through their curbside pick-ups – AND allowing the public to order grocery items through their wholesaler – but they have also gone above and beyond with their support towards Gravenhurst Against Poverty (GAP). Through a collaboration with Well Fed, The Oar & Relish (all from Gravenhurst), these restauranteurs have been preparing boxed lunches for GAP and their food bank.
We think it is awesome to hear that The Butcher’s Daughters has been able to adapt their service delivery to continue to serve the community, but we are just blown away to hear that even through these tough times, that they are teaming up with other local businesses to support such a great charity like GAP. What an inspiration for the rest of us. Way to go guys!
Normally the arrival of the Victoria Day Long Weekend (or May 2-4) is something to celebrate. Year-round residents and business owners prepare for the influx of visitors and for life on the water and on patios, while those who visit or live here seasonally gear up to open the cottage or search for somewhere fun or unique to stay. And while we hope to demonstrate that there is still plenty to celebrate this May 2-4, things will obviously look much different as we continue to maintain social distancing and restrict travel. That is why we are going to break down some of our favourite May 2-4 traditions… and how you can enjoy them from the comfort of home!
Prepping the BBQ! • Nothing screams SUMMER like a good ‘ole BBQ cookout. Slapping some burgers down, maybe some vegetable skewers, corn on the cob, some juicy steaks… we can practically smell it now. For tips on preparing your BBQ for the season, we found a helpful article from Napoleon. Now you just need some food to throw on and an ice-cold beverage in hand and you are all set. What are you cooking this weekend?
Kayla & Katie getting their BBQs ready!
Gardening • As Spring enters full-swing and we are on the verge of Summer, for many people throughout Muskoka, this is the time to get their green thumb on. For some, the focus is about planting vegetables or herbs that can be used for cooking. For others, it is about the floral decoration and being creative or for attracting particular kinds of birds or bugs. Some gardeners are into it just for the process and the journey towards finding that inner zen. But, you do not necessarily have to do this just at the cottage. Whether you have a full backyard, a balcony, or even just a window that gets some sunlight, you can find ways to flex your green thumb at home. Here is a great piece from The Spruce to help you get started. And don’t be shy, we would love to see some photos of your home gardens!
_leslie_dupuis_ showed us her littles doing some backyard gardening!
Tent Camping • May 2-4 is also typically the kick-off for camping season. Everything from RV’s & trailers to log cabins and sleeping bags. Well, if you are stuck at home this May 2-4, if you have a tent, you can still get your camp on! First step: clearing the space to set up. The backyard is the ideal space, but even if you live in an apartment, you can get creative by moving your dining room set and using the dining room, or maybe even your living room. Once the tent is set up, the next step is ambiance. Here is an 8-hour soundtrack of a campfire and night sounds that should help to set the mood. Now maybe a tiny spray of sunscreen or some bug spray to trick the senses and you are practically there! Get comfy, grab some snacks, turn off your phones and devices and just enjoy some down time… exactly like how you would if you were camping here in Muskoka. Read a book, do some stargazing, just keep it cozy in your Muskoka Bear Wear!
Emily set up her tent inside, while Amy and her littles went out to the backyard!
We know there is no replacement for coming to Muskoka and enjoying all that cottage country has to offer, but we hope you are able to unplug and relax a bit this Victoria Day Long Weekend and that with the help of some of the tips above, you’ll find cause to celebrate. Happy May 2-4 everyone, we cannot wait to welcome you all back in person one day very soon!
Be sure to check out this week’s #MBWShoutOuts Week 7 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
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.
“Homemade goodness on the go; it’s a labour of love.”
From a 100-year-old stable to comfort food on your table, Well Fed is one of Gravenhurst’s best food stops, offering a wide variety of authentic Muskoka fare. Owned & Operated by Annette Gillan, Annette’s recipes are from a 4-generation-old family cookbook that is ever expanding. Ready to heat or ready to eat, Well Fed offers food you can take home to pop in the oven, or food that is hot and ready to pop on the table.
COVID-19 has certainly affected us all and Well Fed is no different as they quickly adapted their services to remain, as they call it, ‘slightly open’ for curbside pick-up and local home delivery. Annette has even gone one step further as to allow her patrons to order wholesale from her suppliers to ensure locals have consistent access to the supplies they need to survive comfortably at home.
We want to take this opportunity to acknowledge all of the hard work and energy that Annette and her family have poured into operating and adapting to these tough times and say THANK YOU for all that they continue to do to serve our wonderful community.
If you are in Gravenhurst, be sure to follow Well Fed on Facebook as she often posts what fresh foods and family feasts are available in the days to follow. Keep up the great work Annette!
Christmas Tyme is a unique, year-round Christmas store located in historic downtown Huntsville. They carry personalized Christmas ornaments, Jim Shore figurines, s’mores, movie & tv memorabilia, nativities, home décor and much more.
And though these tough times have forced Christmas Tyme to close their physical store, they continue to offer their heart-warming, happiness-inducing line of products online for curbside pick-up. Most recently, they offered a wide range of beautiful gifts for Mother’s Day and committed to ensuring locals were able to spoil Mom.
We think it is amazing what they have continued to do and want to give them this special shout out to thank them for all they do to serve community. Be sure to follow them on Facebook for regular product updates and to visit their website to see what is available from their online store.
The building next to the Kee has been many things; from the original “Eldorado”, the “Bob Inn”, “Latern Loft” to the “Kee Café”. And now, in its current iteration, established in 2002, the Bala Falls Pub has been welcoming locals, cottagers and visitors alike to its relaxing family atmosphere for classic homemade pub fare and refreshing beverages.
Through these tough times, Bala Falls Pub, owned and operated by David Fisher & Jacinta Cowan, have risen to the challenge and remain open 7 days a week. They are currently offering take out and through a collaboration up with Bala Taxi, also offer home delivery Monday to Saturday. In addition to ensuring the Bala community has access to delicious pub fare, they also host Virtual Trivia every Sunday at 3:00 PM. To get involved, simply e-mail balafallspubinfo@gmail.com and they will send you log-in information and details on how to participate.
Today we salute David, Jacinta and the entire Bala Falls Pub team for their hard work and dedication to community. It is wonderful see local businesses that are stepping up to support others and helping everyone get through these tough times. Way to go guys!!
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.
Perfectly situated in the heart of downtown Bracebridge, The Pedicure Room has been helping their patrons relax, refresh and rejuvenate since 2015. Owned and operated by Jennifer Oakes, the Pedicure Room offers a wide range of spa services that include manicures, pedicures, massages, sugaring, waxing, tinting, facials, microdermabrasion and more.
And like all spas, salons and hands-on services, The Pedicure Room has had to adapt to the ongoing pandemic and modify their services as to continue to reach and support their clientele. Specifically, this has involved them offering gift certificates and their spa products on-line through their website as well as offering both curbside pick-up and home delivery.
While the at-home products are certainly no replacement for the exceptional customer service and rejuvenating experience of going to the Pedicure Room in-person, it is a perfect example of how much Jennifer and her team care about the community. We want to acknowledge that hard work and thank Jennifer and her team for their dedication to supporting community. Thank you for all you do!
“Driven by innovation in the marketplace, excellence in customer service, and integrity and respect in our actions.”
We want to take this chance to give a HUGE, and we mean HUUUUUGE, Bear Wear Shout Out to Janet and her incredible team at the Canada Post Postal Office in downtown Bracebridge. Not only are they fantastic to work with on a regular basis year-round, but during the extra stressful COVID-19 pandemic, they have been stepping up to manage the influx of on-line orders and shipping with grace and poise.
Many businesses have turned to on-line sales through the pandemic and without the dedication put in by our local Canada Post – and those working across the country – we would not be able to continue sending out our comfy, cozy Bear Wear line to families nation-wide.
Thank you to Janet and her team for all they do to support our community. We are extremely grateful. Please join us in saluting Canada Post in today’s #MBWShoutOut.
Those familiar with the expression “Like being a kid in a candy store” must have been talking about The Nutty Chocolatier in Huntsville because for anyone who has visited their store, you understand the true meaning of BLISS. The Nutty Chocolatier is one of Ontario’s finest retailers of hand-crafted chocolates, sugar-free chocolates, novelties, candy, fudge, imported and domestic candy, gift baskets, corporate gift items, and so much more.
Despite these challenging times, The Nutty Chocolatier has continued to inspire joy and delight throughout the community, by offering curbside pick-up, local delivery and shipping. So whether you just needed a quick fix of that special something, or you were putting together a large basket to spoil mom for Mother’s Day, or you’re stocking up the pantry for your munchy fix, The Nutty Chocolatier has always got you covered. We are proud to acknowledge their hard work and commitment to the community and hope you’ll show them some love the next time your sweet tooth is calling.
Dogs may not be our whole life, but they make our lives whole.
There’s no wonder why they’re called “man’s best friend”… they love to snuggle us when we’re feeling down, they’re happy to finish whatever is left on our plate, they eagerly await our return home from just about anywhere and boy oh boy do they just love to be part of any adventure we bring them on. From trips to the cottage, hikes in the wilderness, lazy days on the dock, kayak & canoe trips, or sitting around the campfire and watching the stars – they just want to be part of the fun with you.
Pretty much any Muskoka tradition you can think of, your furry, four-legged best friend is happy to be part of it. That is what inspired us to make our Muskoka Bear Wear Doggie Bandanas – available in a wide variety of sizes and colours. Proudly Canadian-made, it lets you and your dog show off your love for all things comfy. But more than that, with the sale of every bandana, we donate $5 to the Ontario SPCA & Humane Society and Muskoka Animal Centre. So, whether your best friend is a Miniature Poodle or a Mastiff, we have a bandana just for them and that way you can feel good knowing you’re doing good, while looking good.
Now let us ooouuu and aaahhh together while we look back at some of our favourite Bear Wear doggie photos! If you have a doggie photo that you would like to share with us, be sure to send them in or post them to one of our social channels.
Be sure to check out this week’s #MBWShoutOuts Week 6 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
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
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
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
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.
“We know locals. We remember cottagers. We love to meet new visitors!”
Today we would like to give a special Muskoka Bear Wear Shout Out to our friends at Oliver’s Coffee. Locally owned & operated since 2003, Oliver’s Coffee roasts their own coffee and bakes their fresh goodies daily and boasts locations in Gravenhurst, Bracebridge (x3), Huntsville, Port Carling and Bala. They have become well known for their wide selection of signature blends and flavoured coffee. They also cater AND have a strong social and environmental conscious.
And while they have been closed during these tough times, they have re-opened their flagship location in Bracebridge (203 Manitoba Street) TODAY (April 27th) from 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM to deliver their delicious line of coffee and goodies to the community. They told us that they intend to test re-opening their various locations for one day at a time to see the response. So, be sure to follow Oliver’s Coffee on Facebook or visit their website to stay up to date for their next opening… and be sure to zip down to their Bracebridge location to get your caffeine fix before 3:00 PM today. They’ve recently installed some plexi-glass guards for the front counter, have upped their cleaning & sanitization practices and are eager to see your smiling faces again.
We wish Oliver’s all the success through these difficult times and look forward to seeing all of their physical locations re-opened soon!
Hunters Bay Radio (HBR) is a not-for-profit community radio station based in Muskoka. They offer a great variety of music, news, and community talk shows. You can listen within Muskoka or Almaguin Highlands at 88.7 FM, or anywhere via their FREE Hunters Bay Radio App, Alexa, or on-line at MuskokaRadio.com.
Through quarantine life, HBR has stepped up to deliver a series of virtual concerts that they have named QUARANTUNES. The series has been running every Thursday and Saturday night through April and will continue through May. Beyond the fact that the concert series has been providing a wonderful bit of escapism and entertainment for all of the viewers, but these have been paid gigs for the artists who are streaming from home while they have been unable to perform live because of venue closures.
We applaud HBR and their partner for the program – Lake of Bays Brewery – for providing these opportunities to local artists and for striving to deliver these great ‘live’ music experiences during these tough times.
For more information about the concert series, including the list of upcoming artists, please visit here: https://bit.ly/2WcDl6P. Be sure to tune in for the next performance, Thursday, April 30th at 7:00 PM to watch and listen to Matt Allen.
A gem for locals and cottagers alike, Main Street Delicatessen is located in the heart of downtown Bracebridge and has been serving up delicious, mouth-watering fare since 2013. With a wide variety of homemade soups, sandwiches, salads and several other amazing favourites, they also run a deli counter, offer gourmet pizzas and cater.
And while these tough times have affected us all, it certainly has not crushed their spirit as they continue to provide Take Out options and now also offer Local Delivery. They are working hard to keep the community strong, united and well fed and we would like to acknowledge their dedication to our community.
Be sure to check out their modified Take Out & Delivery menu on their Facebook Page and continue supporting this great local business as they adapt to the times.
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.
“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!
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)
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.
For some, the fight against covid-19 has meant time away from their jobs and the normal day-to-day, while for others, some continue their fight directly on the front lines. But there’s also a third category during these challenging times… those working from home; caught in this strange in-between space where one moment your Zoom-calling your colleagues and the next you’re walking around in your housecoat and slippers.
Well, you aren’t alone – Muskoka Bear Wear is here to help you keep it comfy while you work from home!
Business on top and cozy on the bottom. Go ahead… schedule and conduct all the FaceTime, Zoom & Skype meetings you need. Your boss or co-workers only really need to see you from the waist up, right? Keep it profesh on top with a button down, a tie, maybe even a blazer. Then slip into a comfy pair of Fleece Paw Shorts or Men’s Cottage Comfy Pants and enjoy the soft, comfy bottoms – your colleagues will never know!
2. Bad Self Haircuts Keep it covered with a Ladies Cabin Hoody now available in Lilac with Lilac Plaid OR a Men’s Sherpa Hoody now available in Navy with Charcoal.
You went for it. You probably thought to yourself ‘just a little off the top’… ‘maybe just a bit here’… ‘maybe another snip there’… and the next thing you know you look like an early 90’s Andre Agassi or a 2007 Britney Spears meltdown. We’ll give you an ‘A’ for effort and applaud your handiwork. Now you’re wondering what to do to cover that mop until the quarantine is over and you can rush to your local salon. Solution. Rock a Ladies Cabin Hoody or Men’s Sherpa Hoody and hide that melon at all costs! No one needs to know what’s going on under that hood!
Want to show off your love for Muskoka while making all those extra Zoom calls? We got you. Download our Muskoka Background Image for Zoom and let people know where your heart truly is: in Muskoka.
Keep it comfy & cozy while you work at home!
Be sure to check out this week’s #MBWShoutOuts Week 4 Round-Up for local businesses that are doing what they can through these tough times to continue to serve our awesome community. You may notice a ‘Working From Home’ theme there as well.
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.
“Chocolate is
the food of the soul, and the answer to all questions.”
Conveniently located in
the heart of Muskoka, right in downtown Bracebridge, Momma Bear’s Ice Cream
& Sweets serves freshly brewed local Muskoka Roastery coffee, warm butter
tarts & date squares, generous scoops of Kawartha Dairy premium ice cream,
AND hand-crafted on-site chocolates and confections.
Knowing the joy and the
up-lifting power of something sweet, ‘Chocolate Margaret’ and her team strive
to keep the sweets flowing through these tough times by offering curb-side
pick-up and free in-town delivery. Take advantage of their pick-up/delivery
menu that includes tubs of Kawartha Ice Cream, custom ice cream cakes, butter
tarts, date squares, dipped Oreos, fudge and an impressive list of other candy
and treats!!
We’re tipping our hat to
Momma Bear’s and her amazing team for adapting to these challenging times and
ensuring everyone has something for their sweet tooth!!
It’s one thing for these
tough times to be having an affect on us, but it has yet to truly be seen what kind
of affect it will have on our children. One local business is doing everything
they can to keep children playing, creating and learning and that’s Minds Alive
Muskoka Toy Store!
With locations in
Bracebridge, Gravenhurst & Huntsville (PLUS: Midland & Collingwood),
Minds Alive offers a wide variety of toys and teaching tools from books &
craft supplies to board games, puzzles, baby toys, outdoor activities, building
toys, figures and so much more.
Despite their physical locations being closed to the public, they are still offering on-line shopping on their website for curbside pick-up in Bracebridge (and once a week in Gravenhurst & Huntsville). Their dedication and commitment to supporting youth in our community is inspiring and we are very grateful to have such a wonderful team in our community.
It is critical during
this time to ensure we’re eating healthy and continue to have access to fresh food
– especially produce. And boy oh boy are we ever lucky to have a business such
as Northern Produce based right here in Bracebridge!
Northern Produce is
Muskoka’s year-round, one-of-a-kind market. A family-run business serving
Muskoka for over 20 years, Northern Produce offers a wide variety of grocery
items – from fresh fruits & vegetables to dairy, cheese, pastas, soups and
honestly too much for us to list.
Despite the challenges and tough times that we’re all facing with COVID-19, Northern Produce continues to step up to offer curbside pick-up on everything they carry. They typically post an updated inventory list on their Facebook Page, patrons call to submit orders, and then are given details as to when they can pick up their order.
The number of families that Northern Produce is supporting through this pandemic is incredible and we couldn’t possibly run these shout outs without giving them a special mention.
Thank you so much for all you’re doing!!
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.
• And Remember • #StayHome
#StayHealthy #StayComfy
We know it can be difficult having to remain at home as Spring begins to roll in. The days are getting longer, that sunshine a little warmer and the call of Muskoka is getting louder and louder. But it’s okay, we have some great tips on how to bring Muskoka TO YOU and how you can enjoy some Muskoka-themed Staycation activities right at home!
S’Mores by theFire • What You’ll Need: Graham Crackers;
Marshmallows; Chocolate Bar (Hersey works great!); a Laptop or Tablet with
internet connection; somewhere to cozy up.
Few things can replace the actual
feeling of sitting around a fire with friends and family to roast marshmallows
under the night sky, but this is definitely the next best thing. Set up your
tablet or laptop somewhere that you can gather around to see it. Pull up
YouTube and search for one of the many great several-hour-long campfire videos
(here’s one).
Set up some blankets, and pillows. Now, run back to the kitchen and get those
s’mores ready (quick how-to here). Return to your cozy set-up, dish out the s’mores and enjoy your
S’Mores by the Fire!
Stargazing • What You’ll Need: A backyard, or somewhere that
you can relax outside while still practicing your social distancing; a clear
dark night; added bonus: binoculars or a telescope.
While you may not have the dark sky required to see the entire Milky Way band of stars due to nearby ambient light, you should still be able to make out some of the more prominent night sky objects on a clear night even in the city. For starters, about 90 minutes after sunset, you should see the planet Venus in the west. It will appear as one of the brightest objects in the sky (next to the moon!). Without the help of binoculars or a telescope, you should be able to find the stars Sirius, Vega and Betelgeuse. Orion is often an easy constellation to spot as well as the ‘Pleiades’ cluster.
Bundle up nice and warm and lay under the stars for hours. You may notice the International Space Station passing by, or several other satellites that you never noticed before. You might just be surprised at what all you see when you take the time to look!
Home Spa Treatment • What You’ll Need: Your preferred home spa
essentials (might include: face mask, home pedicure kit, hair mask, nail
polish, bath bomb).
Sometimes the trip to the cottage is about unplugging and getting in some good self-care. And while you may not be able to connect with your favourite Muskoka spa right now, there are likely some local options you can find in the Yellow Pages who can help arrange curb-side pick-up for some home spa supplies. If not, your local Pharmacy or Grocery Store should have some essentials as well. The key here is to focus on things that make you feel refreshed and rejuvenated. Rock a face mask while you give yourself a pedicure. Do up your nails. Treat yourself, you deserve it!
When you’re all finished, cozy up with a book or maybe play a board game with those you’re sharing your quarantine with.
Hang in there friends! We hope you enjoyed these Muskoka Staycation Ideas. Do you have any of your own? We’d love to hear about them!
