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 less than a kilometre from Bala Falls, Cottage Cravings boasts an award-winning café and gift shop and has been serving locals, cottagers and visitors alike in Bala for over 8 years. Offering a wide variety of soups, sandwiches, coffee, ice cream, frozen yogurt, baked goods, a deli counter and an assortment of ready-to-make frozen meals, Cottage Cravings has been hard at work to keep the community well fed!
In March when the pandemic first began to affect businesses here in Muskoka – and throughout the rest of Ontario and Canada – Cottage Cravings braced for what would be a unique summer ahead. Driven by a passion to serve community, they endured to offer take out and expanded upon their selection of frozen meals which enabled them to continue to support essential workers, local contractors and seniors. They installed barriers, sanitized between guests and did everything they could to ensure a safe environment for their team and patrons.
Once permitted to re-open their patio, Cottage Cravings worked with the local municipality of Muskoka Lakes to expand their patio and even introduce an outdoor hand-washing station. As something like this was not mandated or required, it serves to demonstrate their willingness to go above and beyond for their patrons.
We spoke with the owners, Randy & Henny Brown, who remain humble through all of these challenges. They were quick to tell us that without the hard work and dedication of their amazing team that none of it would be possible.
Well, we’re blown away by all the effort that Randy, Henny and their whole team have made to be there for their community and want to recognize and acknowledge that through this Muskoka Bear Wear Shout Out. It certainly makes us feel proud to share the community with such awesome people! Way to go guys!
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 1295 Muskoka Road South in Gravenhurst, Melody’s Muskoka Ice Cream is hard to miss because of it’s bright blue-turquoise exterior. It’s also hard to miss because of just how amazing their ice cream and frozen treats are! Having first opened in the Spring/Summer of 2019, Melody’s offers a wide variety of frozen delights including Kawartha Dairy ice cream, milkshakes, banana splits and the newly introduced homemade ice cream pies that have been flying off the shelf!
As the pandemic came along, Melody’s wasn’t sure what 2020 would have in store, or whether they would be able to open at all. With community safety in mind, they struggled with what the responsible decision might be. After reflection and support from family, friends and the community, Melody’s decided to step up to the challenge, adapt their service delivery and open to the public.
Opening their doors this summer in the Covid-19 world has meant an increase in operating costs, but Melody’s has not increased their prices as to accommodate for everyone having a tough go this year. So while they opened one month later than 2019 and have seen their margins thin out, they’ve been busy since opening and are just excited to be serving up plenty of smiles.
We want to acknowledge and thank Melody’s Muskoka Ice Cream for their thoughtfulness when it comes to our community and the hard work that has gone into operating through these tough times. Giving people something to smile for and get excited about is super important right now and you’re doing a fantastic job! Congratulations to your entire team!!
If you know a local business who deserves a shout out, send us a direct message with a photo and why they should be featured. #StayComfy
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.
The Muskoka Drive-In Theatre, located just on the outskirts of Gravenhurst, Ontario has been a draw for movie-lovers for decades. Having first opened in 1952, it is one of, if not the longest-continually-running drive-in movie theatre in all of Canada. Surrounded by indigenous birch and pine trees, the original screen was built on a concrete wall and nestled on beautiful Canadian Shield granite rock. Alongside a children’s playground, a snack bar, box office – and as of 2018, a second screen – The Muskoka Drive-In Theatre offers fun and nostalgia for the whole family.
When the global pandemic first hit, the Muskoka Drive-In was still closed for the Winter season. But as Spring rolled in and hopes to open the Drive-In as per their regular schedule took shape, that’s when they knew things would be different this year. Firstly, they needed to wait for permission to allow Drive-In Theatres to open. When that finally came, it also brought with it several new guidelines and rules that they would need to follow in order to ensure the safety of visitors.
Not afraid of the challenge, The Muskoka Drive-In Theatre stepped up in a big way to meet those guidelines and has been going above and beyond to ensure a safe and fun experience for visitors this year. The opening night for the Drive-In was back on June 4th and on June 25th they were able to re-open the Snack Bar. Things like the playground and mini-putt remain closed to the public for the time being, but, film-lovers and those who miss being able to go see a movie on the big screen have been treated to a sensational lineup of classic movies this Summer. The nostalgic films have included Jurassic Park, Shrek, Back to the Future, Jaws, Grease, Footloose, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back and many more.
We want to acknowledge and applaud the Muskoka Drive-In Theatre for their hard work and commitment to serving community. As big movie-fans ourselves, we certainly appreciate that the local Drive-In is available to us and our families. Thank you 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. #StayComfy
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.
“Arrive with confidence, assured of great food, service and ambiance. Leave tasting life to the fullest.”
3 GUYS And A Stove in Huntsville, Ontario has been wowing visitors for years with their fresh and unique take on casual-fine dining. Their menu showcases multi-level seasoning and multi-layered flavours which are applied to real, honest comfort foods that are healthy, aromatic and addictingly good. From the spice and aroma of the Caribbean, a dash of Southeast Asia and a good dose of southern comfort food, they keep it simple and simply delicious.
As the effects of the pandemic began reaching Ontario and Muskoka, 3 GUYS made the difficult, albeit socially responsible decision to temporarily close the restaurant in mid-March. That did not mean they were not still thinking about the community however, and how they could continue to serve. They participated in the Stay @ Home Gala in May and launched an exciting new project altogether with the On Focaccia Food Truck. By late-May, 3 GUYS began offering Takeout for Curbside Pickup, and now just this week, as the Province enters the next stage of the Re-Opening Framework, 3 GUYS is preparing to re-open their doors for dine-in service.
We want to commend the entire team at 3 GUYS for their hard work and dedication to the community. Their passion for food and serving the community has been shining through these challenging times and been a beacon of inspiration. Way to go guys! We hope Friday is a success and wishing you all the best through the rest of the summer!
Owned and operated by the same family since 1921, this famous General Store in Dorset has become a bit of a tourist attraction and a ‘must see’ for visitors to the Muskoka and Haliburton area. Having grown from the original 1,200-sq-ft store in 1921, Robinson’s has evolved over the years and now boasts over 15,000-sq-ft of retail space. Today the store is open 7 days a week, year-round, providing visitors with plenty to browse, including: gifts, souvenirs, housewares, clothing, footwear, a Foodland Supermarket, a Home Hardware, a Boutique shop and much more.
Of course, things got flipped upside down upon the arrival of the pandemic and Robinson’s was forced to adapt and adapt they did. Through April, May & June, Robinson’s provided a shopping service for locals who were unable to shop on their own or for those who were immunocompromised. Staff began wearing masks, certain services were temporarily suspended or modified, and Robinson’s stepped up in a big way to be there for their community.
We would like to take this opportunity to salute Robinson’s General Store for their hard work and dedication to the community. It took courage and careful planning to get through those tough months and continues to as we navigate this unique summer. Kudos to Robinson’s and their amazing team. Keep up the great work and making all of us in Muskoka proud!
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. If you know a local business who deserves a shout out, send us a direct message with a photo and why they should be featured. #StayComfy
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.
“From poutine to steak on a bun, we have something for everyone in the family!”
Located in the heart of Historic Downtown Gravenhurst, just next to The Bike Shop and steps away from the Gravenhurst Opera House, is the famously PINK Shelby’s Chipwagon. But their love for all things pink isn’t all they’re famous for… Shelby’s is known for having some the best fresh cut fries & poutines you’ll ever find! And not only is Shelby’s famous for the quality of food, but they’re also known for the quantity… as Shelby’s promises you will NEVER leave hungry!
Owned and operated by Sherry for over 21 years, Shelby’s was featured in a live theatre production ‘Scenes From My Dock!‘; received a mention on the late Stuart McLean’s Vinyl Café; and has even welcomed some pretty famous Canadians including Sarah McLachlan & Megan Fellows.
Of course, much like all small businesses, Shelby’s was also affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and they were forced to adapt to the unique challenges that presented themselves. From the evolving landscape of food suppliers, to acquiring the necessary PPE and modifying their service delivery, Shelby’s tackled these challenges head-on and worked hard to be able to open for the 2020 Summer. They’ve built a loyal, passionate fan base in Gravenhurst – and beyond – and they were committed to not letting anyone down.
“Not only do you guys put a smile in tummies, but I’ve got a huge one in my heart from you today.” – Review from a satisfied Shelby’s visitor.
When we see local businesses stepping up to face these unprecedented challenges AND are working hard to serve our community, we think that’s just awesome. Giving something for people to be excited about or look forward to during these tough times is vital. We’d like to acknowledge and congratulate Shelby’s on all of their hard work and dedication to that cause.
If you’ve got a craving for a poutine, burger, steak on a bun or just some incredible fresh cut fries, head down to Shelby’s Chipwagon immediately!
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.
