Post - Lokal Digs

WORDS: Stef Richardson | PHOTOS: Alyssa Fleming

Don’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 Kimberley, Ontario.

Pulling up to the Yurt (on a rainy Friday afternoon) we were greeted by owners Chris + Julie who showed us around the property and highlighted some of the neat features in and outside of the yurt. Both Alyssa and I had never stayed anywhere close to this so we were equally excited and eager to enjoy a few nights unplugged (mostly) in nature. It was what we needed…exactly what we needed.

Read on to learn more about the yurt, the eats and the local gems all within a 70km radius that made up OUR weekend. Of course there are some things we missed but hey, we can’t fit it all in!

Located behind the Georgian Bay Mind Body Wellness Studio is where Julie and Chris have recently assembled a yurt that is now available for booking on Airbnb. The space comes equipped with everything you could need for a cozy forest weekend: plenty of firewood, an outdoor kitchen, bbq, outhouse with exposed sink + ‘powder room’ along with a king size bed with the comfiest pillows. TAKE MY WORD.

Despite the rain making an appearance during our stay, we were perfectly content with hanging in the yurt, making a fire in the woodstove and cozying up. We fell asleep to the rain drops singing away and it was magical. We woke to the morning light coming through the circular skylight and boy, were we happy to see clear skies. Morning coffee and local café hopping is what we had on the agenda and it felt good to spend a few minutes in the outdoors, immersed in dewy nature before we started our day.

The outdoor bathroom was a great addition to the Yurt – with an outdoor toilet, outdoor shower (coming soon), a mirror, soap and a sink with proper drinking water – it’s all you really need. I think that’s what is SO special about this spot. I’d consider this elevated camping with the necessities. A little more luxurious than your average tent-pop but not trying too hard to be a decked out ‘glamping’ experience. Julie and Chris made sure to include the details, the ones that people care about; coffee + tea stocked in the pantry, a bottle of wine upon arrival, plenty of firewood chopped, fresh organic eggs + veggies from their farm (seasonal) and as mentioned, real good pillows. We loved those touches.

As for location, Kimberly is such a beautiful part of Ontario with endless opportunities to explore near and far gems. You’re a short distance to fun activities + attractions such as Old Baldy Lookout, Beaver River access points, Eugenia Falls and outdoor adventure packages with Free Spirit Tours. Or if you’re like us, you can just kick-it at the Yurt while eating snacks and making up campfire tunes. If you’re looking for a country-side, secluded, intimate weekend with nature – stay here. A great place to unplug and connect.

We also took to the guitar and spent the evening basking in the fall full moon (I was only a little scared) making up corny AF campfire tunes + British cooking shows. They were “good” at the time but looking back, I’m not sure what we were thinking LOL.

THE EATS

Justin’s Oven – Pizza night baby! Nestled on the main street of Kimberly lies two local gems that deserve a visit – Justin’s Oven + the Kimberly General Store. We hit up Justin’s for his famous pizza night on Friday (reservations recommended) and oh boy, DEE-FREAKIN’-LISH. Cozy, quaint, small menu and wood fired pizzas topped with locally sourced goodies. Made to order and made to demolish.

The Kimberly General Store next door (same owners) is filled with local items and everything you need short-term. From a variety of farmers’, producers + purveyors, there is no shortage of goodies to choose from. We picked up everything needed to make a meal back at the yurt; steaks, veggies, potatoes, butter, homemade sourdough and some of Justin’s smoked trout which was so dang good! Everything was super simple to prepare as we had access to a BBQ, burners + all the knives, spices and utensils to create a stunning meal. Both are open Thursday – Sunday but check their website for special closures.

Flesherton Bakery – Perfect for a morning treat and only a short drive away from the yurt. One hundy you’ll surely be tempted by one or two of their homemade goodies. Highly recommend the cinnamon bun flower – I’m weak for those.

+ also check out The Bicycle Cafe and The Flying Chestnut which are also close by. Both amazing gems to discover.

OK - An honest, vulnerable, simple weekend it was. Be thankful for opportunities to travel but also be thankful that we live where we do. I say it with confidence - I’ll never stop loving the Grey Bruce Simcoe region. It’s home and it is so so good.

Follow the Yurt Georgian Bay on Instagram or check out their Airbnb listing here. Get outside and experience Kimberley!

A True Grey County 'Staycation' - Yurting, Snacking and Singing to the Moon