Arts and crafts. The term relates to a design period of the late 19th and early 20th century. The 'old Muskoka' style is an offshoot - especially the shingle style cottages of that period. For some, that classic genre represents the Muskoka ideal: large porches or verandas, deep fireplaces and (if you're a purist) [...]
Balance. Balance is something we seem to need in our lives. There's work/life balance many of us strive to achieve (getting away to the lake helps). As we age, balance becomes an ever-increasing issue. Losing core strength increases chances of falling. Responding to challenging situations takes balance. Get a little off-balance and people can be [...]
This is a week for shows in Muskoka. Shows of all kinds. Heavenly shows, shows of muscle, art, iron, music and Muskoka shoreline. There's something for every eye to see. Of the heavenly kind the Perseus Meteor Shower begins this week. We think of it as August Fireworks. There have been times when we've seen [...]
We're over the hump. The high point of summer has passed sliding into the dog days, named for the Dog Star, Sirius. Found in the constellation Canis Major, it's the brightest star in the night sky. You can see it close to Orion's Belt. We're moving into the time of year when the bugs are [...]
This past week we've been out most days showing property. If you've ever looked at Muskoka cottage property, you know most of it has a compromise or two. The question is which compromise you're willing to accept? Lately we've been working with people who seem to want beach. As far as the larger lakes in [...]
There's an axiom in cottage country. The bigger the lake, the more expensive the land. It's pretty simple, really. The bigger the lake, the more options you have. Lakes like the chain of Fairy, Vernon and Peninsula, the Big 3 of Muskoka, Rosseau and Joseph and Lake of Bays all offer destinations. On those lakes [...]
Canadians apparently eat more donuts per person than any other nationality. I'm pretty sure that's true for at least one other food. Butter tarts. In fact, I'm guessing that if we thought about it, butter tarts in Canada are likely more representative of the National palate than apple pie, beaver tails or even poutine. Canada [...]
Ditchburn, Johnson, Duke, Minett-Sheilds, Greavette are all names of Muskoka boat builders. Some of them go back to the 1800's. Greavette was making wooden boats in the 1970's. Wooden boats are something Muskoka is known for, even today. This Saturday, at Gravenhurst wharf, the Annual Antique boat show is underway. If you've never been, it's [...]
Canada Day! The weekend is full. Fireworks and fun all weekend long. On The Day itself, Parry Sound has Bands on the Bay (free), followed by fireworks, Bracebridge all day downtown celebration followed by fireworks in Bracebridge Bay, Huntsville and Dorset are celebrating too. New this year and looking like lots of fun is Family [...]
Muskoka and summer go together. Cottages, boating and S'mores. It's the time of year when family and friends gather by the lake. A very Canadian tradition! Winter's so long, we celebrate summer in unforgettable ways. Ask anyone who grew up cottaging - whether rented or owned - and summer is a main part of memory [...]
