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)
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’.
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!
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.
