Ever-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 MorePassionate, 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.
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 MoreVirginia (Owner of Acre 75) has recently launched her latest project, Acres 75 Gathered - a seasonal subscription box of thoughtfully curated items from her online store. Each box will contain over 6 products, made and cared for by a small business located somewhere rural in Canada. It’s saweeeeet!
Read MoreIn spirit of celebrating all things cider, the Apple Pie Trail’s own Ciderfest is BACK and happening from June 7-16th - that’s 10 whole days of cider pairings and yummy nibbles to boot. Ciderfest locations span from Duntroon all the way over to Meaford, so there are opportunities for all. Sign me up!
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.
Read MoreKnown 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!
Read MoreThere 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.
Read MoreWe have such a diverse amount of talent in the South Georgian Bay area and for me, I wake up feeling so grateful for the fresh water, the lush hills, the forests and of course the hardworking small business owners that truly bring our community together and make it so dang special. One local business that resonated with me was Blink Eyewear, owned and operated by the lovely Jessica Strype. Giving us a lens to see this local beauty.
Read MoreHappy Birthday, Digs! The fact that two years have come and gone in a pinch still amazes me. Oh my blog, you were conceptualized over morning brunch and brought to life by a creative spark nested within, ready to set flame. Having a blog is comparable to owning a business. You create a brand, a voice, a standard, a reputation and it's hard work. But you know, I wouldn't change a thing about it.
Read MoreWith the rise of artisan markets in our rural areas, I find it impossible to hit them all up or even yet, tour to other local towns to check out their roster. Therefore, I am always SO pumped when I find new ways to easily order products online in one spot from various Canadian artists, entrepreneurs, woodworkers, and crafters. Insert Acre75.ca!
Read MoreThere is something so special about this quaint spot that I frequent on my days off. Located in the heart of bustlin' Collingwood, Press Juice Co. has been slinging nutrient packed smoothies, whipping up next-level salads and offering meal options using natural + organic ingredients since day one. Fit for the gluten free, the vegan, the vegetarian, the dairy free, and the girl like me who more often than not needs a healthy change-up from all that pizza consumption.
Read MoreRinging in the year is always such an exciting moment. Champagne is popped (my favourite), fancy dresses are worn and resolutions are made. As I slide into 2018, I'm committing to the most important goal of all...
Read MoreMy peeps know that curating and building a cheeseboard is something that I take very seriously. From the initial cheese shopping to the perfect art of prosciutto placement, I'm kind of the big cheese (well, at least I think so). This holiday season, I extended my cheese hunt to the cutest shop in Owen Sound, The Milk Maid Fine Cheese + Gourmet Food.
Read MorePut me in a field with delicious food, upbeat music, and stellar weather - and you've got a happy camper. Recently, Blundstone Canada invited me to eat all the good stuff at the Music Harvest Festival which was held at Eigensinn Farm. A culinary marvel and truly a sight to see.
Read MoreIt's no secret that I love autumn and all that it brings. If you didn't know, now you do! From cozy sweaters and pumpkin carving, to apple picking and craft shows, there is no shortage of things to do in the Georgian Triangle. It's a quick season, but just enough time to pack everything in before the big Thanksgiving feast.
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