It’s true, I’ve got a passion for shopping small over the holiday season and South Georgian Bay is the Grand Central Station of entrepreneurs. It seems there is someone on every block doing something different and offering up a cool product or service. Check out my 2021 round up of products that are locally-sourced and easy to shop this holiday season.
Read MoreNow that the fall season is in full swing, I find myself jumping at any opportunity to gather, dine, or explore locally before the snow falls and we cozy into winter. Although a stone’s throw away from Collingwood, Clearview Township is one region that I haven’t fully tasted or investigated. It all stops now! I’ve partnered with Clearview Township to experience their Taste of Clearview event in the most LOKAL way.
Read MoreIf you’re ready to dive into all things fall and looking for a local quest, you’re going to want to check out the Apple Pie Trail – a curated route of over 25 restaurants, cideries, orchards and adventure partners that all celebrate this beautiful region + the apple industry. As a local, I’m always exploring and re-exploring the good eats, fun activities and scenic roadies. It’s what I coined ‘lokal diggin’. Never a shortage here.
Read MoreGirls getaway to Prince Edward County - check check check! There are two things that can get me in a car and that is wine + food. Lucky for us, Prince Edward County had no shortage of those two things. We had this trip planned since March so you can only imagine the planning, scheming and insta-saving I’ve been doing since then. I was preparing myself for the ultimate two-nighter and packed lots of stretchy pants. Best move.
Read MoreIf you love showering your friends, fam, + loved ones with cute gestures (all year round) and tasty goodies – you may just be writing out your grocery list, like now. Whether that is through a box of cookies, a few voice notes, a revealing story or a clog vlog ~ I’m always thinkin’ about it. It lights me up knowing I cracked a smile or two. If you’re looking for some wicked and easy treats to whip up at home, I’ve rounded up a few of my go-to’s that are sure to bring about some smiles and warm feels.
Read MoreIt’s all in the details when it comes to the work of Kasten Company - a local cabinet and furniture business in the Blue Mountains. Refined, gorgeous, retro, sexy and slick are other words I’d toss around to describe the handmade pieces but I’m not a professional, just someone who completely admires the work of Kasten.
Read MoreEvery year I round up some of my favourite local items that YOU can wrap up and gift as the ideal teacher appreciation, the under $50 stocking stuffer or one of those just-freakin’-because type of prezzies. This year is no different! Let’s support our lokal friends, neighbours and small business owners this holiday season.
Read MoreThere is simply no better way to get in the spirit than a trip to the Blue Mountain Village for their one-kilometer, Holiday Magic winter stroll – especially you locals! Running through to December 25, there is still plenty of time to grab a hot beverage and explore the epic light installations, interactive mascots, and festive tunes that’ll probably get you grooving (It got me!).
Read MoreSummer isn’t over yet! Well, at least not in my books. There are still evenings that await the fun and munchies + even a handful of patio sippers that deserve our love! A few weeks ago, I rounded the gals and suggested a girls night out at the Blue Mountain Resort Summitview Pavilion. Nights like these usually consist of real good stories, wine and something tasty.
Read MoreChef Zach Keeshig has curated a 9-course tasting menu known as “Naagan” that incorporates locally foraged + sourced ingredients and beautifully embodies traditions and delicacies of his Indigenous heritage. The Naagan dining experience is one for the books. Through every moment, every dish, and every story you’ll get a glimpse at the monumental memories + experiences that brought Chef Zach to this final spot on the plate.
Read MoreWhat started as a clog vlog love affair has turned into a total friendship. I can’t get enough of Fran. From her contagious and vibrant laugh, her drool worthy eats and her passion for cooking + people - she’s the total package. Fran is co-owner of an amazing little Italian restaurant in Meaford called Gio + Frans. Decked out with a new patio, it’s the perfect spot to sip on an aperol spritz.
Read MoreIf you’re a tea lover, the Blue Mountain Tea Co. in Collingwood, ON is your one-stop shop for all your tea needs. Katherine (Owner) has not only recently underwent a mini renovation (for easy and safe shopping) but has managed to keep the store packed with a wide selection of loose leaf tea, filters, pots + fun accessories. I tell ya, she’s a gem.
Read MorePastel pink and purple, ceramic table lamps, wicker everything ~ Miller Island babes! Miller Island is hands down one of the best little shops in Creemore, On. Travis (owner) curates an ongoing collection of amazing vintage + thrifted finds. One step into his shop and you’ll immediately see floating hearts.
Read MoreEver-changing brew flavours, a fun and quirky dining hall and THE COOLEST patio coming soon. That’d sum up Black Bellows in a sentence. I had never met the owners pre-lokal babes and figured it was about time. Read on to learn more about the 3 fellows behind this operation.
Read MoreTake a peek at this easy, creamy + summery recipe. This frap contains all local favourites (duh) listed below but you can absolutely sub for what you’ve already got at home.
Read MoreInsert The VanderMarck. Our first real staycation as true ‘lokals’ in our hometown and we couldn’t wait to take it all in. I’m a committal type so when I say staycation, I really do mean it. It doesn’t matter how close to home I may be, the minute I cruise into the parking lot consider me checked in, shoes off, glass of Roost wine poured, robe on and the ketchup chips close by.
Read MoreTime to lokal the heck out of your holiday gifting. Whatever you’re doing this year, good on you! There is no “right way” to do-up the holidays but for me, it’s usually the good food, wonderful people and local goodies that make the fondest of memories. In case you need to pick-up something for someone special, I’ve rounded up 10 items from around the Collingwood area that are on my love-it list all 365 days of the year.
Read MoreDon’t you love when you look ahead at your schedule and realize you have a free weekend. A whole weekend, plan-free which usually follows the summertime chaos; weddings, festivals, and sunny beach days that lead to backyard bbq’s and early bedtimes. On top of pre-existing summer plans, trying to coordinate something with your best friend + biz partner (Alyssa) is no easy feat. Alas, there we were with no plans and oh-so-excited that we were going to spend some quality time together. We decided to keep things ‘lokal’ within the Grey Simcoe region and enjoy a ‘staycation’ at the Yurt Georgian Bay – located in the heart of Kimberly, Ontario.
Read MoreThe pine dinner series aims to use locally sourced ingredients while telling a story of worldly culture. After spending the last few years in China and travelling through Asia, the pair wanted to bring their stories, encounters and experiences back to Canadian soil and share their findings in an intimate + immersive setting. All dishes are made with love and come equipped with some type of anecdote, importance, or piece of comfort. It’s an extremely personal experience and one that’ll stay with you forever.
Read MorePrimitive Patterns is becoming locally known for their dynamic outdoor fitness classes that they run at the heart of Sunset Point, the inukshuk. Rain or shine the team is 100% committed to providing you with an experience that’ll leave you replenished, connected and clear minded. Currently they have 5 trained instructors on the roster, each bringing their own unique educational knowledge and passion to the programs - each and every day.
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