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.
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.
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!
