Blog - Lokal Digs

Lokal Babes | Vivek Bhatia of Big Trouble

Look out - Vivek Bhatia is one to look out for on the local food front. By day he dances through the kitchen as Jeff Beltran’s right hand man and sous chef at Low Down but by night, he’s testing recipes and building his hot sauce empire also know as Big Trouble. Vivek has a very sweet nature to him. He isn’t the loudest voice in the room but will gladly share his life’s adventures if you ask. He has a lot of great ideas and an obvious passion for cooking, pulling loads of inspiration from his mother and upbringing in India.

Deck the Halls with Lokal Goodies: 2021 Gift Guide

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.

Enjoying a Little Taste of Clearview

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.

Chasing Fall on the Apple Pie Trail

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.

Sipping and Sightseeing in Prince Edward County

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.

Lokal Babes | The Conscious Kitchen

There is a new meal delivery service comin’ to town. Meet THE CONSCIOUS KITCHEN CO ~ a prepared meal, recipe box, and grocery subscription service founded and operated by Celeste Lopreiato. Everything offered is organic, sustainably harvested + sourced and 100% plant-based. I’ll tell you from my experience, Celeste makes everything from scratch - including her take on “feta” and falafels. Both FREAKIN’ DELICIOUS.

Sweet Treats for Lokal Love Day

If 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.

Lokal Babes | Kasten Company

It’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.

Lokal BabesStefanie RichardsonJanuary 11, 2021Kasten Company, Thornbury, Blue Mountains, Lokal Digs, Collingwood, Furniture Design, Lokal BabesComment

Lokal Goodies to Sweeten the Holidays: GIFT GUIDE

Every 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.

Feel the Magic This Holiday Season at Blue Mountain

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!).

Lokal Babes | Beauty Spot

The ladies at the Beauty Spot deserve my slow claps. Owners Olivia Legate and Catherine Dugas have opened the cutest little beauty studio to downtown Owen Sound and I’m in love! It’s worth the drive for all your aesthetic needs ~ be it brow shaping, eyelash extensions, or gel manicures.

Lokal BabesStefanie RichardsonOctober 15, 2020Owen Sound, Beauty Spot, aesthetic services, Grey County, Lokal BabesComment

A Lokal Girls Night Out at the Blue Mountain Resort Summitview Pavilion

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.

Support Home Horizon Through the Picnic Project

If you’re into yummy food + wine then this is totally up your alley! This summer, Home Horizon has teamed up with Roadrunner Foods, Georgian Hills Vineyard and The Pop-Up Event Company (all local businesses) to bring a really cool fundraiser to life called The Picnic Project. If you don’t know, Home Horizon is a non-profit organization based out of Collingwood that provides support, programming, and necessities for youth at risk of homelessness.

Experience Progressive Aboriginal Cuisine With Chef Zach Keeshig

Chef 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.

Lokal Babes | Gio + Fran’s

What 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.

Lokal Babes | Crowe Leather Co.

I’m always so intrigued when I see first-hand all of the integral + fine tune details that go into making a locally made product. Crowe Leather Co., owned by Evan Finbow, is a shining example of this quality craftsmanship. He’s mega talented you‘ll see that in all of his pieces. If you can believe it, every stitch, every cut, every part of the process is handmade and done by Evan himself.

Grandma Lambe’s - A Place That Feels Like Home

When I think of hometown heart, I think of Grandma Lambe’s – an iconic pie shop and fruit stand in Meaford, Ontario. Any time you visit town or drive by on Highway 26, you can’t miss the apple shaped signs, letting you know there are freshly baked pies ahead. If that doesn’t reel you in, I’m not sure what will! I’m talking homemade crust, gooey filling, and made with so much love.

PlaceStefanie RichardsonJuly 20, 2020Grandma Lambe's, Meaford, Ontario, Visit Ontario, Grey County, Visit GreyComment

Lokal Babes | Primitive Patterns

The continuous encouragement and good vibes that PP shares with their community is something that sets them apart from the rest. As a part of their collective, I personally feel challenged, supported and straight up inspired. Inspired to show up for the workout, hit that last rep, make better choices and simply move my body ~ for physical + mental health benefits. Efficient movements, focused breath work and a healthy mindset - all components of a solid session with Primitive Patterns.

Lokal BabesStefanie RichardsonJuly 15, 2020Primitive Patterns, Collingwood, fitnessComment

Lokal Babes | Blue Mountain Tea Co.

If 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.

Lokal BabesStefanie RichardsonJuly 6, 2020Blue Mountain Tea Co., Collingwood, Lokal Digs, local business, shop localComment

Lokal Babes | Miller Island

Pastel 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.

Lokal BabesStefanie RichardsonJune 30, 2020Creemore, Ontario vintage, Miller Island, Lokal Babes, Lokal DigsComment