Downtown With The Darlings

If you are local to the Muskoka region you know there are so many hidden gems here. From shopping to dining to outdoor adventures, we really have a little bit of everything. I thought it might be fun to take y’all on a quick tour, or a day in the life shall we say, of downtown Bracebridge. As the holidays are fast approaching it is going to be so important this year, more than ever, to support our local businesses. Bracebridge is chock full of some of the cutest places around and there is seriously no shortage of sweet little shops and restaurants to explore (and I don’t say that only because my shops are there, but come on in and say hey anytime babes hehe).

It is funny for me to say I am excited to explore downtown Bracebridge when I am technically there every day at work, but this is something I love to do so, so much as it is very rare I get the time to simply browse the shops, enjoy the restaurants and just embrace this precious little town. The boys and I went to all our favourite shops, found some great holiday gift ideas (I’ve added a lot to my wish list, coming soon peeps), and just enjoyed walking the main street. It really is a quintessential small town and I say that as the highest compliment.

Below are a few of our family favourites (don’t worry I’ve included where to stop for adult beverages too, even though I wasn’t able to partake in that this trip) . . . Alright, let’s do this!

* REMEMBER TO WEAR YOUR MASK *

There is something about making your way into an actual toy store with your kiddos, isn’t there? Beau’s face literally lights up and not to mention they usually have fun things set up for the kids to play with. Now of course because of Covid this is not the case but Beau still loves to go and see all the fun things. He is actually great about just looking and not touching — when we are out in public at least, at home if I tell him please do not open the fridge and take everything out, just look with your eyes, and tell me what you would like, yada yada yada, that does not resonate at all somehow but anyways, you get it — I love shopping in smaller toy stores because there is always something unique you can’t find just hopping on amazon and searching. I mean usually I don’t know what I am even searching for so being able to see in person some of the neat, new items is great! Convincing Beau to come hang out downtown was easy when the toy shop (Minds Alive) was stop numero uno and Camp Muskoka Coffee House was the second. So next up . . .

* I snapped this picture when Beau said he was going to pick out something for Watson - cue my mama heart melting *

It is always time for caffeine if you have small babes and if you are looking for a little taste of Muskoka what better place to go? The atmosphere is the cutest (even without the cozy couch, dumb Covid) and honestly we love going into places that know us. Everyone always says hi to Beau right away, the kid thinks he’s an actual celebrity, and they just make it fun overall to grab your coffee (and usually a cookie) and go. During all of this new normal craziness I really have missed being able to go out to restaurants and cafes with the babies (and yes I know many are open for dine in now but I don’t find it super relaxing with the babes with the pandemic, but that is completely a personal choice). Anyways, I love that Camp Muskoka has made it still fun to go in while still being so safe, just something I appreciate extra these days.

Speaking of safety, I have been very grateful for how so many of the retailers on the street have stepped up and really made sure it is safe for shoppers and their employees. A++ all around! But onto the next stops . . . We wondered down the street from the top of the hill starting place and I enjoyed window shopping in most of the beautiful little shops, while taking notice of what I would be adding to my Christmas wish list (again, that is coming soon). It is harder than you might imagine, kidding it is exactly as hard as you imagine, to shop with too littles during a pandemic (LOL), but being able to just browse at our own pace down the street is charming in and of itself.

Kala House of Colour, Claire the owner, always puts up with us and we ALWAYS find something adorable there. We didn’t make it into Little Black Bow but Lindsay’s shop is a must stop when you are on the street. Pro tip: Not only does she have the cutest undergarments, she also has the best/ stretchiest pregnancy and postpartum undies, just ask her, she’s got you. We ventured briefly into the Owl Pen bookshop too. There is something so special about smelling old books (or is that just me?).

Now after that we of course had to make a little stop at Belle’s. Gramma was waiting to greet us. She is quite obsessed with us really and if I’m being honest I’m getting a little tired of taking care of her grandkids every day so it is about time she stepped up (JOKING, she is the perfect grandmother). Watty was hungry and Beau was thirsty so by this point on our journey it was a great time to take a step inside a familiar place. But I wasn’t quite ready for our journey to be over. There is so much downtown to explore. I decided we had to make our way to the park. If you don’t know this already there is a great park across from the falls (also a great view), and it is the perfect spot for everyone to burn a little energy (aka Beau).

* Someone really needs to get control over this child (don’t worry I only let him act mischievous in our shop, no where else . . . usually) *

We did not stop for a sit down lunch, again I was alone with the lunatics I call children, but you have to check out the Old Station (a staple in downtown) and/or the Griffin Pub for a beverage (or two). Both spots are go to date night options from Christopher and I, you will not be disappointed, trust me. Depending on the season there are so many other places we go to, I mean ice cream is a daily summer meal option so normally I would send you to Momma Bears for some Kawartha Dairy ice cream but you might be cold during the winter (or not, so ya, go get ice cream).

There is seriously just so much to discover in small towns always. I think I can speak for all small business owners when I say this year has been a complete rollercoaster and the fact people are choosing to support local, now more than ever, is so unbelievably appreciated. Next time you are in Muskoka, or if you are from here but haven’t been to one of the lovely downtown cores lately, do yourself a favour and explore. Stroll the shops, eat at the restaurants, enjoy the parks, just embrace this small town living.

I will be taking over the “visit the bridge” instagram account today and would love for you to join me over there for even more on my sweet little town. Have questions? Hit me up on the gram! Want to know how you can support local without spending money? Again, you know where to find me! Thanks for indulging me folks, it is always so fun to be a tourist in your own town, I highly recommend trying it!

xo