MBW ShoutOuts – Week 8 Round-Up

MBW ShoutOuts – Week 8 Round-Up

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.


Featured this week…

Muskoka Furniture, Bracebridge
Website: www.muskokafurniture.net

Muskoka Furniture – Where the Customer Feels at Home.

Located at 195 Wellington Street in Bracebridge, Muskoka Furniture boasts an 11,000-sq ft showroom that features solid wood furniture built by skilled craftsmen from all over Ontario. Each piece of furniture is heirloom quality radiating a feeling of warmth and comfort and it is no wonder why they have become a destination store, drawing visitors from across southern Ontario.

Like many businesses however, Muskoka Furniture was forced to close their showroom to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. They did not let that keep them down for long however as they made themselves available for phone orders for curbside pick-up and home delivery. Muskoka Furniture rose to the challenge and worked tremendously hard to adapt to the times by shooting video of their showroom, sharing it on their website & Facebook Page and continued to offer exceptional customer service to their patrons.

We would like to acknowledge Muskoka Furniture and their entire team for their hard work and dedication to serving our great community. It is incredible the things we can achieve when we work together and work towards the greater good of the community.

Visit the Muskoka Furniture Facebook Page


Little Black Bow, Bracebridge
Website:
www.littleblackbow.ca

“It all starts with the layer closest to your skin.”

Situated right in the heart of downtown Bracebridge, Little Black Bow is a beautiful Lingerie & Bra Fitting Boutique. They also proudly carry a wide variety of bridal, maternity, activewear, sleepwear and loungewear.

Through the challenges presented by these difficult times, Little Black Bow has turned to digital innovation to adapt their business. They now offer Virtual Fittings as a whole new way of helping their clients and have paired that with online shopping, shipping and local, contactless porch drops.

We think this kind of innovation and commitment to serving our community is inspirational and we want to acknowledge Little Black Bow and their team for their incredible work. They take “support local” to a totally different level. Way to go guys!

Visit the Little Black Bow Facebook Page


The Butcher’s Daughters, Gravenhurst
Website: www.butchersdaughters.ca

Located in downtown Gravenhurst at 260 Muskoka Road South, The Butcher’s Daughters is a Café, Deli and General Store that specializes in gourmet grocery items, fresh and frozen take home meals, unique sandwiches, soups, salads and specialty coffee.

Though it has been a challenge with having to close their doors to the public through the pandemic, The Butcher’s Daughters has not only done a tremendous job serving community through their curbside pick-ups – AND allowing the public to order grocery items through their wholesaler – but they have also gone above and beyond with their support towards Gravenhurst Against Poverty (GAP). Through a collaboration with Well Fed, The Oar & Relish (all from Gravenhurst), these restauranteurs have been preparing boxed lunches for GAP and their food bank.

We think it is awesome to hear that The Butcher’s Daughters has been able to adapt their service delivery to continue to serve the community, but we are just blown away to hear that even through these tough times, that they are teaming up with other local businesses to support such a great charity like GAP. What an inspiration for the rest of us. Way to go guys!     

Visit the Butcher’s Daughters Facebook Page


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

MBW ShoutOuts – Week 7 Round-Up

MBW ShoutOuts – Week 7 Round-Up

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.


Featured this week…

Well Fed Inc., Gravenhurst
Website: www.wellfedinc.com

“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!  

Visit The Well Fed Facebook Page


Christmas Tyme, Huntsville
Website: www.christmastyme.ca

“Your Christmas store and so much more!”

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.

Keep up the great work guys! 

Visit the Christmas Tyme Facebook Page


Bala Falls Pub, Bala
Website: www.balafallspub.com

“Your friends are already here.”

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!!   

Visit the Bala Falls Pub Facebook Page


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

MBW ShoutOuts – Week 6 Round-Up

MBW ShoutOuts – Week 6 Round-Up


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.


Featured this week…

The Pedicure Room, Bracebridge
Website:
www.thepedicureroom.ca

“Relax. Refresh. Rejuvenate.”

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!

Visit The Pedicure Room Facebook Page


Canada Post Postal Office, Bracebridge
Website:
www.canadapost.ca

“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.

Visit the Canada Post Facebook Page


The Nutty Chocolatier, Huntsville
Website: www.thenuttychocolatier.com

“Home of chocolate dreams and jelly beans!”

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.

Visit the Nutty Chocolatier Facebook Page


Be sure to check out our Muskoka Dogs Blog that also just went up today!


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.

• Remember • #StayHome #StayHealthy #StayComfy !

MBW ShoutOuts – Week 6 Round-Up

MBW ShoutOuts – Week 5 Round-Up


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.


Featured this Week…

Oliver’s Coffee, Bracebridge
Website: www.oliverscoffee.ca

“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!

Visit Oliver’s on Facebook: www.facebook.com/oliverscoffeemuskoka


Hunter’s Bay Radio, Huntsville
Website:
www.muskokaradio.com

“Muskoka’s Virtual Concerts – QUARANTUNES”

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.  

Visit the Hunter’s Bay Radio Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/huntersbayradio


Main Street Delicatessen, Bracebridge
Website: www.mainstdelicatessen.ca/home

“A deli with a twist.”

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.

Way to go Main St. Delicatessen!  

Visit the Main Street Delicatessen Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/mainstdelicatessen


Be sure to check out our ‘We Miss You Muskoka’ Blog!


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.

• Remember • #StayHome #StayHealthy #StayComfy !

MBW ShoutOuts – Week 6 Round-Up

MBW ShoutOuts – Week 3 Round-Up

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.


Featured this Week:

Momma Bear’s Ice Cream & Sweets, Bracebridge
Website: www.mommabears.biz

“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!!

Facebook Page: Momma Bear’s Ice Cream & Sweets

Bear Paw High Fives… err Elbow Bumps all around!


Mind’s Alive Muskoka Toy Store,
Bracebridge, Gravenhurst & Huntsville
Website: www.mindsalive.ca

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.

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/MindsAliveMuskoka

Kudos to Janet, Jeff and the entire Minds Alive team!


Northern Produce, Bracebridge
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/NorthernProduceMuskoka

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