A Dreamy Staycation at The VanderMarck

WORDS: Stef Richardson | PHOTOS: Alyssa Joline

When I first caught wind that a boutique hotel was coming to Collingwood, I never imagined it would be as beautiful as The VanderMarck. What a great idea, I thought. Downtown Collingwood is where everyone needs to be even if just a brief moment in time. And if you don’t live here, you’ve got a million reasons to visit; great restaurants, neat shops, delicious coffee, friendly locals and views of Georgian Bay that linger in your brain for days. This town offers everything you need to whip up a memorable weekend in Simcoe County. There’s no doubt about that.

For those that don’t know, Alyssa (biz partner, roomie and best friend etc. etc.) and I both live here in Collingwood so typically when we find joint time for a lil’ getaway, it usually involves a short road trip or foodie tour out of town. However, most of the time you can find us both loving the heck out this place we call home and enjoying the snacks, sips and sights within the region. Insert 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.  

We kept it pretty cozy for the most part. The weekend wardrobe saw a lot of track suits and hoodies and you bet we took full advantage of the new Dash Delivery service in town and ordered up some Low Down to enjoy back at the suite. Shake-a, shake-a! That’s the sound of the cocktail gadgets we used in the room to whip up some Heretics gin + sodas. We felt fancy for a second and even squeezed our own lime juice. But between the bao, ramen, vegan donuts, Graze platter, wine + spirits – we were pretty well set for the entire stay.

This spot is super neat. It offers an ideal mix of airbnb perks (self check-in, apartment style living, that home away from home vibe) + hotel perks (aesthetically gorg rooms, designer furniture, mini teas and luxury items such a bath + body products from Kalola Spa, soft duvets and comfy pillows, and local tea packets from Blue Mountain Tea Co.). Alyssa and I checked in to Suite 103, a one-bedroom corner suite that brought in the most gleaming morning sun and evening glow. Other highlights of the space include a comfy king size bed, gas fireplace, Nespresso coffee maker, cable T.V., Netflix, a kitchenette, and local items that added the perfect touch. It wasn’t hard to tell that each element throughout this suite had been thoughtfully curated and was simply a vision brought to life.

#lokaldiggingit

In order for a staycation to feel like play, you really have to dive in and embrace the storyline. Take the time to reel in the local magic. Wander the streets while batting eyes at the obvious small town charm. Visit new places + say hello to new faces (We hit up Mad Dogs Vinyl + Café + The Makers Outpost – even we haven’t done it all!). Maybe it involves jumping into your robe and spending the whole night binging a new Netflix series (The Politician), wine in hand. Whatever you’ve been longing for…make it happen on your next staycation. And if you’re as obsessed with rainfall showers as I am, you may end up spending twice as long in theirs. It’s too good.  

The location of The VanderMarck couldn’t be more central to all that is on our Collingwood hit-list (see below for a few of our faves). On the corner of Pine and 3rd, this stunning century building is now the home to a modern, functional and gorgeous boutique hotel that offers all you need for a weekend away or an extended stay. To be stationed in the heart of the action and walking distance to to everything is priceless. Spending a weekend in town with my roommate – well, at least the house is clean! Jokes aside, the VM is such an intimate little spot to spend quality time with friends, family or someone special.

Do yourself a favour and check it out!

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All booking and check-in procedures are done online (no front desk) and it turns out to be a pretty simple process. Need something? They have someone available via cell phone if anything is urgent. Learn more here: https://thevandermarck.com/

The Vandermarck provided our lovely stay. All opinions are my own.

THE GIFTED GOODS + THE DEETS//

Snacks from Georgian Graze – we pre-ordered this platter and had it delivered to us by Sadie herself shortly after our arrival. It was the perfect selection of munchies for a casual evening in. DM Sadie for more info.

Vegan Donuts by Holly Dolly Bakes – one of our fave local indulgences. These yummy bites can be purchased on weekends at Gibson or ordered through Holly on Instagram.

Gin + Soda’s w/ Heretics – Classics are classics for a reason. Need I say more? This locally made Gin is one way to support local. Pick-up at the local LCBO or visit their tasting room for sips.

Sparkling Rose + Marquette from The Roost Winery – two of my absolute favourite blends. This place is magic guys. During their off season you can purchase wine online w/ a flat rate shipping fee or take advantage of free local delivery within the Collingwood/Blue Mountain areas.

Sharing Plates from Low Down – Man, I could eat their bao every day. We stocked up on all the goods from this bumpin’ little spot. I’m talking bao buns, banh mi fries (FAVE), pok pok wings, + ramen. Grab a seat, order take out or call in your meal through Dash Delivers. Ramen in pyjamas? OK.

OTHER LOCAL GOODS WE DIG ON THE REG //

BENT TACO // Tot Supreme
AZZURRA // Sweet Po’ Gnocchi
GIBSON + CO // London Fog + Ham/Cheese Croissant
TREMONT CAFÉ // Weekend Brunch
ART CRUSH // Whitty Greeting Cards
THE HIVE // Cute Home Goods
DAGS + WILLOW // Fine Cheese + Charcuterie Fixings
ROSEWOOD + SILVER // Custom Tea Blends + Holistic Studio