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!!
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
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
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.
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.
