Passionate, kind, curious and oh-so-talented are a few words to describe my friends Hannah Harradine + Joel Gray, Owners of Down Home in Markdale. For those of you that don’t know, Sumac and Salt is a farm, forest to table culinary experience that showcases all things delicious + local in South Georgian Bay.

Known for his Ch’waffle creations and most recently his ramen pop-up events at Gibson and Company, Collingwood local Jeff Beltran deserves a high-five and gold star for his flavour packed dishes. Dishes likes the breakfast poutine he whipped up for me a few years ago that I’m STILL talking about. He’s a true local gem!

There is something so satisfying about indulging in some good ol’ local syrup or even thinking about it I suppose. Stuff so good you don’t even have to convince yourself twice about having a straight up spoonful. All of the above applies to Beaver Valley Maple, a 100% organic pure maple syrup new to the Grey Bruce Simcoe shelves, made with love in the heart of the Beaver Valley.

Girls 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.

There 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!).

Summer 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.

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.

Now 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.

If 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.