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.
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.
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
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.
This Bear Wear Shout Out takes us up to Huntsville to a wonderful, family-owned restaurant called The Little Place By The Lights. They specialize in home-cooked Italian pasta, lasagna, gnocchi, homemade gelato, and pizza!
Through these tough times, they have introduced a delivery service and have been bringing their delicious, home-cooked food right to people’s homes.
Listen to a comment from one of their patrons: “My house smells amazing. There is a lasagna in the oven. Thanks TLPBTL for delivering. A much need break and the highlight of my day.”
Amazing to hear that a local business is adapting to these tough times and still finding ways to be the highlight of someone’s day. Incredible. Way to go guys!! Keep spreading love and great food!!
Back at the Gateway to Muskoka we go for a shout out to another amazing local business… the Home Building Centre in Gravenhurst.
Located on HWY 169 just past the Muskoka Wharf and out towards Bala, the Home Building Centre has been stepping up to modify their services in order to continue offering their products and services and keep as many members of their team working as possible. Most recently, they too have introduced curbside pickup and are offering local delivery for purchases made on-line on their website, through e-mail or over the phone.
They’ve also been big supporters and participants in the fun weekly window challenges from Muskoka Neighbourhood Window Watch; which perfectly captures their willingness to be silly and spread love during these tough times. Well, today we tip our hat to their incredible team and wish them all the best! Way to go Home Building Centre!
Today’s Shout Out brings us back to the Heart of Muskoka, right here in downtown Bracebridge as we give a special shout out to Vita Fitness.
Located at 7 Manitoba Street in downtown, Vita Fitness is led by Head Trainer Morgan Rammo. Morgan offers her wealth of experience as a trainer and has already worked with hundreds of people eager to reach their fitness goals.
Through the challenges presented by COVID-19, Morgan and her incredible team at VIta Fitness have been working hard to offer virtual fitness programming through Facebook LIVE with a program they’ve called VITA FIT TV. Each day focuses on a different routine or part of the body and allows people to keep active through all of this isolation time at home.
We want to acknowledge the amazing work that Morgan and her team has done – and continues to do – and hope you’ll check out their Facebook Page or website if you’re looking to keep fit at home!
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
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.
Over the last week or so, we featured four such businesses:
Home to some of the BIGGEST and BEST Chicken Wings we’ve ever seen, Carey’s is currently offering Take Out and Home Delivery. They have a great team of people and have worked hard to give back to the community, so we’re proud to give them a shout out. We highly recommend you give them a try if you haven’t already fallen in love with their outstanding menu. Their hours have changed a few times recently, so be sure to visit them on Facebook or call the Pub directly at 705-687-9119 to order or get more information.
Another example of a business with a phenomenal team who are adapting to the times and now offering both Take Out and Food Delivery. They have a killer menu with plenty of healthy, shareable options and some entrees that will blow you away – might we recommend the Bourbon & Cola Braised Baby Back Ribs. Wowzers!
The hours of operation
and service delivery are constantly evolving, so the best best is to visit
their website at www.TheOldStation.ca or call them directly at 705-645-9776.
This incredible group of people are working hard to ensure there is no change or delay in service regarding fulfilling prescriptions, providing health advice and maintaining free home delivery of anything they sell store wide. They continue to lead by example and are an inspiration to us and our team.
Did you know that I.D.A.
Pharmacy has a mobile app where you can order re-fills, browse helpful
health-related articles & resources and contact your pharmacy team?
Download it today and advantage of the convenience the app offers! And
remember, they delivery ANYTHING store-wide for free. Way to go, guys, keep up
the excellent work!
This Bear Wear Shout Out came out of a nomination by Laura of Studio 3 Muskoka located in Port Carling.
“Chelsea has gone
above and beyond with keeping her clients accountable to their fitness goals
and healthy during this quarantine time by offering virtual workouts 3 days a
week.
Not only is she helping
her clients but she is also helping the community! Each time a participant
registers for her unlimited class pass, Chelsea donates $3 to West Muskoka
Foodbank. Last week she raised over $2,000 for them by offering donation
classes. Studio 3 Muskoka is changing the community one class at a time!”
That is exactly the type of thing we want to see and hear right now during these challenging times. Way to go Studio 3 and thank you Laura for nominating Chelsea and her studio!
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
