Get excited because we are coming around to another holiday – the May long weekend is just around the corner! An exciting time for many, this weekend marks the transition from spring to summer and the start of weekends at the cottage. If you don’t have any plans for the long weekend, stick around and support your local community by participating in some of these great events which are taking place between May 19^th and 22^nd:

Take in the Arts

The May long weekend marks the start of two significant seasonal events that are an annual part of the Collingwood calendar: guided walking tours and the self-guided art tour.  The community of Collingwood is home to some amazing artists, offering everything from sculptures to pottery to sewing and painting.  Get ready to see it all when you follow this map and take part in the Tour of the Arts. See the talents of many artists who have opened the doors of their homes and studios to show you what they do and the amazing talent they have.

Go Walking

If you’re keen for the walk, take part in the second option, and come join in on Collingwood’s Free Guided Walking Tour.  Starting on Saturday, May 20^th, the season will kick off, launching into offering residents and visitors free tours three times per week: Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 1:30 pm, leaving from the Federal Building.  Each tour will be unique, with different guides and different insights, ranging from 1.5 to two hours, and highlighting some of the best features of the city.

Hit the Mountain

As always, Blue Mountain Resort is all geared up to put on a great show for the long weekend, offering something for every member of the family.  And while the snow may be gone, you can rest assured knowing you can still have a good time on the mountain – at the circus! That’s right, the Vague de Cirque will have several showings on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, proving an experience not to be missed.  In addition to the circus, Blue Mountain will have many other fun, family activities on offer.  You can try your hand at the rib eating contest on Saturday or take in lots of music entertainment including a DJ, interactive drumming, or a campfire singalong.  Get crafty at the Creation Station, get groovy on the dance floor, and even enjoy an afternoon story time session on Sunday.  There is something to please the whole family, so be sure to make plans to head up to the Mountain on the weekend.

While these are some of the main events, there are also several farmers’ markets, including the Thornbury Farmers’ Market and the Creemore Farmers’ Market, as well as the opening day for Beaver Valley Cidery on May 19^th.

With so much to see and do, you better start making your plans now, so you can take in everything there is to do and help support Collingwood all weekend long! We’ll see you on the long weekend!

The weather is slowly starting to warm up, the days are starting to get longer, and it is coming to our favourite time of year: patio season! The time of year where you can stay out a little longer in the evening, when you can spend your Saturday afternoon under the sun enjoying a few drinks with friends, and when you can soak up the great views of the Bay while you have dinner outdoors.  Get ready for the best time of the year by exploring these great outdoor eateries:

The Chipper

It doesn’t get much more authentic than this: eating hand cut fries and ice cream, sitting at a picnic table while you overlook the beautiful Georgian Bay.  Okay, so maybe this isn’t the place where you would come for a fancy dinner or bring friends to show off the best restaurant Collingwood has to offer, but when you want a true, outdoor summer eating experience, this one totally fits the bill.

The Iron Skillet

Another great restaurant offering views of the Bay, this is a comfort food restaurant that is perfect for a weeknight meal with your family.  Serving the classics like burger and fries, as well as dishes with more of a southern flair, the outdoor seating area is a perfect place to take in the fresh summer air and linger with one of the many on tap beers, cocktails, or specialty beverages.

The Smoke

If summer to you is all about the BBQ, then this is the place to go. This “modern BBQ joint” serves up smoked meats, sandwiches and classic BBQ sides in a casual, laid back setting.  It offers late night food and lunch fare and is the perfect place for kids and parents alike, who are looking for no-fuss fare and the absence of fancy restaurant meals. Situate yourself out on the patio and enjoy that smoky BBQ smell and a delicious evening meal.

Northwinds Brewhouse and Kitchen

This is where summer really comes alive!  With in-house brewed beer, large garage doors that open up to offer outdoor seating in the summer, and home cooked food, this place boasts the perfect trifecta of an ideal summer afternoon.  You can try different beers on their rotating tap or with the tasting flight, as well as take advantage of delicious food, including sharing plates, tacos, burgers, and pretzels.  If you can’t decide where to go for your first outdoor summer patio fun, this is the place to choose.

Lakeside Seafood and Grill

No summer living near the water would be complete without some seafood fare. Located near Southwinds Marine, this Lakeside restaurant is the perfect place to finish your day after spending a Saturday on the water.  The outdoor seating area is expansive and comfy, and the menu also doesn’t lack on its offerings.  You can take the fancy route and enjoy some wine, or keep it more casual and enjoy a basket of fish and chips.  Whatever you are feeling, this place is sure to delight and is perfect for the whole family to enjoy.

Your patio roster is set for the season, and now we just have to wait for the sun!  See you outside!

In 2018, the importance of supporting local food growth and local farmers is more important than ever. With technology allowing food to be imported quickly and efficiently, the need for the small town local farmer is slowly dying off, but not from a community perspective. Let’s work together to support our farmers and build up the Collingwood community by promoting the local food movement: shop local, eat local, share local.  Here’s how you can get involved:

Grow Your Own Food

One of the most efficient and easily accomplished things you can do to encourage local food consumption is to grow your own food. Having food of your own to eat, such as garden vegetables like peas, carrots, and beets, means you are not having to purchase these products from an imported source. And while you may think one person not buying imported goods won’t make a difference, when we each do our share, the impact can be significant. Plus, an added bonus: when you grow it yourself, you can guarantee the quality and make-up of the food and avoid any nasty chemicals or pesticides.

Use the Community Garden

If you want to grow your own food, but don’t have the space on your own property, why not apply for a space at the community garden? Managed by Free Spirit Gardens, the organization has several garden plots which are available for approved applicants to lease on a seasonal basis. Simply apply for your plot and make your garden plan! From there you can tend to your garden for the entire season as well as take advantage of assistance and resources offered by the organization which help you improve your crop and really flex your green thumb!

Visit the Farmers Market

If you can’t grow your own food, the next best thing is getting it from the local farmers.  Every Saturday, Collingwood hosts a farmer’s market, made up of over seventy different vendors.  Offering everything from vegetables and fruit, to arts, crafts, and coffee, the market is a great way to get local food, not to mention a great way to spend your Saturday morning.  Meet up with some friends and cultivate a sense of community as you join together to support the local food movement.

Support Local Farmers

When it comes down to being local however, nothing paints a more realistic picture of what it means and why it is important than the farmers themselves. Take some time over the incoming harvest season to get to know the farmers that bring you the food. Whether it is that you talk to them at the farmers market, arrange to visit the farm, or call them up and ask questions, most farmers are more than happy to tell you more about what they do, how they do it and why they need community support. Buying local is crucial to the longevity of the farmers, but also to the success of the community.

This spring, make the most of the amazing farming region that Collingwood is lucky to be a part of and make the most of your community experience at the same time.  When we all work together towards a common goal, we call get to reap the community benefits.

Now that the weather is warming up, the days are getting longer, and everyone is coming out of hibernation mode. In other words, it’s time to start making plans – weekend plans that is! Whether you are new to the Collingwood area or have lived here for some time, there is so much available for you to pack into a weekend and so many things to do in the community. Grab some friends or call up your family and learn how to spend the best weekend in Collingwood!

Get Outdoors

Start the weekend with some fresh air and some physical activity. Head out first thing Saturday morning to the Georgian Bay trail. Make it a leisurely stroll or a long hike, and take in the beautiful Georgian bay while being outdoors and keeping fit. Pack some snacks with you and stop on the way for a mid-morning refuel. Afterwards, once you’ve spent time walking along the Bay, why not head into town and enjoy one of the many patios for lunch. There you can sit and enjoy good food, while you look out at the amazing view from your own backyard. Walk around after lunch and enjoy Collingwood’s unique shopping experience, which seeks to support small businesses and entrepreneurs and highlight unique, boutique style shopping opportunities.

Get Entertained

Once you have gotten your outdoor fill in for the day, are fed and tired out from all of your hiking, it’s time to sit back and relax as you take in a local theatre performance.  Theatre, music, and the arts are a prominent and important part of the Collingwood community. You can head to Theatre Collingwood for dramas and comedy or for the 2018 Elvis Festival.  You can take in live concerts at Simcoe Street Theatre, where many of them feature original and well-known artists, or offer a tribute to a notable artist in history.

Get Educated

Sunday is all about learning and educating. Museums, exhibits, seminars and workshops abound in the city of Collingwood. The people here are friendly and passionate about what they do, and more than that, they want to share it.  A mainstay of the community, Blue Mountain Foundation for the Arts offers a regular, rotating selection of workshops teaching things such as painting, sculpting and candle making. The Meaford Cultural Centre is a great place to visit to learn about the rich history and culture of the city, not to mention that it has regular sessions and performances. The main part of your day however, should be spent at the Museum of Collingwood, learning about the city and its unique characteristics.

With a weekend full of fun, time spent outdoors, and hours spent experiencing the local culture, you will walk away from your weekend in Collingwood with nothing but a smile on your face. Combine that with the fact that you got to support the community and learn something new about the great place you call home, and that’s what we call a great weekend!

If moving is in the cards for you in 2018 and you are looking for your ideal destination, look no further than right here in Collingwood. Or better yet, if you already know you will be moving in, read on to learn more about the great place you have selected to call home!

Georgian Bay

Building sand castles, heading out for a swim, walking along the water, or taking in gorgeous sunsets on late summer nights.  Let’s face it, there’s not really anything bad that you can think of about living near a bay, and it certainly makes life that much more enjoyable when you have it at your disposal.  Collingwood is beautifully located along the Georgian Bay, affording it all the summer pleasures of living near the water, as well as the beauty of nature all year round.  The Georgian Bay trail meanders along the water’s edge for several kilometres, allowing you to go for a run, take the kids out on their bikes, or just take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.  Whatever you need, chances are, you can find that pleasure near the bay.

Seasonal Fun

The outdoor enjoyment doesn’t stop in the summer.  Collingwood is uniquely positioned not only along the bay, but also at the foot of the Blue Mountains.  Each year these mountains become a mecca for all things snow: skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, tobogganing and everything in between.  Whether you like to make the trip to the hill just a few times a year, or if you own all of your own equipment and want to make it your home every weekend, the Blue Mountain skiing zone is a beautiful place to don your mittens and ski pants and let yourself fly!

Kid Friendly

As if the ability to ski, swim, be on the water, or be in the snow all from one place isn’t enough, Collingwood has lots of additional kid friendly drawing points.  Firstly, the city has built a thriving Youth Centre. Open to youth age 10-17, it offers after school programing, regular camps, and community activities, as well as assistance with things like applying for jobs, learning how to succeed in school, and simply having a space to hang out with other kids the same age with similar interests.  You’ll also find that all year round there are theatre performances, art shows, and special events. In a place as family-friendly as Collingwood, you can be sure that the community will put together something special for long weekends and school holidays too.

Community Mentality

Perhaps though, the best part about Collingwood, and the number one reason why you should move in, is for the community mentality.  We are a large collaborative group of people who are passionate about community support, networking, building each other up, and offering community initiatives to encourage individuals to meet other local residents. The pulse of the town comes from the good people within it, who are generous and involved, support entrepreneurial spirit and local, home-grown talent, and overall believe in the power of community.

From sand and sun to winter ski fun, there’s not much that Collingwood doesn’t offer.  All of this and we didn’t even talk about the incredible selection of restaurants, unique yearly events, and all of the hospitable people who can’t wait to welcome you to your new home.

Held annually at Blue Mountain Village, Springlicious is a celebration of all things spring.  Running from April 2^nd to May 18^th, it’s a chance to get outside and breathe in some fresh air, as you walk the streets of the city.  It’s a chance to embrace the new seasonal food as you enjoy restaurant specials, dinners, and deals that are made with fresh, local ingredients.  And it’s a time to allow yourself the chance to be refreshed and rejuvenated as well.  Put away the cleaning supplies and get ready to enjoy some spring in your step.

Shopping

The first order of business is to hit the shops. Every season calls for a new wardrobe, and if you can get it at a decent price, why not? Gabby Isabella is selling the amazingly comfortable bamboo leggings for $29.99, while Go Fish Go has some antiques and gently used or vintage items which you can take advantage of. You can also of purchasing something for your kids, to entertain them into the new season as well. For this, head over to Jack & Maddy, the toy store, and get some deals that you and the kids are both happy with!

Eating

Now that the shopping is done, it’s time to tackle the food.  Spring is an amazing time for food and restaurant menus in Collingwood.  It is the start of a new season, which brings with it fresh new life popping up in gardens and at markets, and these fresh springtime foods are rich in vitamins and minerals.  It is the fresh new food of the season that restaurants love to embrace, as they cater their new season menu around the seasonally available produce.  During Springlicious, you can choose from pizza, pasta, steak or seafood.  Enjoy a special menu, or specially selected foods, and opt for your drink of choice to go along with it.  All these deals for $29.99!

Indulging

Self-indulgence of course! Because it is indeed the only way.  Winter can have a bit of a negative effect on us all – the short days, with less sunlight, cold weather, and repetitive snowstorms can sure put a damper on your mood and leave you with a bit of the winter blues.  Blues be gone, because spring is here and Springlicious is the perfect time to brighten your day with a little self-love.  During the festival, IWA Spa in the Blue Mountain Village will be offering $29.99 Yoga or Ganban Volcanic Rock Experience from 5 pm Sunday until closing on Thursdays during Springlicious dates.  In this experience, you can choose from attending a yoga session, having a volcanic rock massage or spa session, and of course all of their other fully serviced massage and beauty services will be available.  Book now to avoid disappointment!

With so many $29.99 deals, the opportunity to support local businesses, and the chance to get a spa, shopping and eating experience all in one, what are you waiting for? This spring, things are Springlicious in Collingwood and it’s the perfect place to be!

Somehow it is almost April, and the year is a quarter of the way through.  But here in Collingwood, April also feels like the turn of the new season, new weather, and increasingly longer days.  This April though, there is more than that to look forward to.  Here is the city’s great line-up of events, concerts, and things to do in the coming month:

The Arts

Collingwood is a city that embraces and celebrates the arts, and in April, that continues in a big way.  Renowned Canadian musician Ashley MacIsaac will be at Meaford Hall on April 14^th, while Canadian Brass will steal the stage in the days before on April 12^th.  If you aren’t into the music and stage scene, how about celebrating the visual arts? The Blue Mountain Foundation for the Arts Juried Art Show will host the awards ceremony on April 22^nd from 1-3 pm, choosing the winners of the show which is on display from April 18^th to May 26^th.  Come out and support your local community artists and enjoy some beautiful scenes and creative endeavours.

Celebrating Earth Day

April 22 is Earth Day, and with a progressive conscious community such as that of Collingwood, it is indeed a day to celebrate.  The city will come together through a community initiated clean-up. Individuals are invited to form a team, find a place that needs to be cleaned up, and get started! Harbourview Park Clean-Up is happening at 1pm, where members of the council and town staff will lead a litter removal party that is suitable for participants of all ages. Educating your children on Earth Day, the importance of looking after Mother Nature and the impacts of climate change is an important component of this day.  Send them to Simcoe County Museum Kids Camp on April 27^th to teach them all they need to know.

Community Events

If you want to get active, the YMCA’s annual Move to Give day will be held on April 7^th, at eight different YMCA locations across the city.  The Move to Give initiative encourages individuals to get moving – bike, run, walk, or swim – as part of the YMCA, to raise money for community members to have access to YMCA programs.  Get moving for your health and give back for the health of others at the same time.  If physical activity isn’t quite what you are feeling though, check out the Georgian Bay Home and Lifestyle Expo instead.  Featuring everything from home restorations to construction companies, to home décor, and even free face painting for the kids, there is something for everyone and it is a great way to spend your time between April 27^th and 29^th.

This April, get ready to head out into the community and get involved.  For more information and to find more great events and activities. Visit our website and check out our calendar of events!

The Easter holiday is quickly approaching, and it is time to start thinking about how you are going to spend the weekend.  Whether you are wanting to pack it full of Easter events, or simply take in an egg hunt and breakfast, Collingwood has lots going on that weekend and there is sure to be something that gets you excited.  Check out these events to get you started on making your plans:

Blue Mountain Easter in the Village

While the ski season may be starting to wind down, there is still a lot of fun to be had at Blue Mountain Village on Easter Weekend!  Celebrating Easter in the Village, start on Friday with an Easter egg scavenger hunt, horse and wagon rides, toffee on the snow, and a drumming show.  These events continue on Saturday – in addition to groove dancing in the afternoon – while Sunday starts out with Easter brunch. The Mountain Adventure Show is happening in the village all weekend, and if you’re lucky, you might even get to ski with the Easter Bunny!

Egg Hunting and Breakfast

Easter just wouldn’t be the same without a chance to go on a hunt for some eggs.  A favourite Easter morning activity, the Collingwood Downtown Great Easter Egg Hunt will take place on Saturday March 31^st, from 10-11 am, with children’s activities to follow until 3pm.  And don’t worry, mom and dad, there is an egg hunt for you too!  Held at the Georgian Hills Vineyards, this hunt starts at 11am and goes until they’re gone! Get outside and hunt through the vineyard for some hidden eggs, which might result in getting you some exciting prizes (that may or may not include wine, chocolate, and cheeses!). Before your hunt, don’t forget to take advantage of a special Easter breakfast and enjoy all you can eat pancakes, French toast, ham, and sausage at Beaver Valley Arena.

Weekend Shows and Events

In addition to the regular Easter egg hunts, a chance to hang out with the Easter bunny, and lots of delicious chocolate, there are a few other weekend events happening that you can take advantage of to round out your weekend.  The Mountain Adventure Show is happening in the Blue Mountain Village Conference Center, on Sunday April 1^st from 10am-6pm.  This show is a chance for you to get a head start on your summer planning, featuring information on wellness programs, land and water activities, and camps for the kids that will be happening during the summer months.  If mountain adventure isn’t quite your thing, how about curling? The Blue Mountains Curling Centre is having an open curling session for you to come try curling at the arena.  Taking place Thursday March 29 to Saturday, March 31, visit the website to check out the schedule and see when you can get on the ice!

With the long weekend not too far away, start making plans for how you would like to spend your Easter in Collingwood.  There is a lot to do, lots of fun to find, and of course, lots of chocolate to be eaten!

With International Women’s Day having just happened, the official day of honouring all the amazing women in your life may be over. But there is still cause to celebrate. There is cause to continue to keep at the forefront, all the gracious actions and selfless acts that women perform, and there is cause to connect with more women. Building community is about building connections and celebrating success, and that couldn’t be truer than here in Collingwood.

In our community, amazing, empowering women who are simply a part of our every day life constantly surround us.  And while we don’t necessarily take it for granted, we also don’t necessarily take the time to show them the gratitude that we feel towards them.  Whether it is our doctors, teachers or council members, or our fellow moms, sister, or neighbor, there is the need to celebrate women beyond one day of the year. And more than that to tell them that we celebrate them and appreciate them and are grateful for them. As a community, we always need to be working to come together to celebrate victories and share in overcoming obstacles. We must use the power of collaboration and connection to act as a catalyst for courage: to push forward the women who are stepping outside their comfort zone, the women who are living the daily grind keeping everything together, and the woman running the shop that she started herself.

Whether you are an entrepreneur, a mom, a wife, neighbor, doctor or teacher, International Women’s day is a call for connection and a call for action. Being part of the Collingwood community is an honour and a privilege, and one, that as women, we need to uphold and take on with gratitude. We must remember the common goals that bring us together: to try new entrepreneurial endeavors, to follow our dreams, to break down barriers, and to reach success in our family, career and community.  Commit to extending this beyond simply one day, and think about women in your life and in the community who you are grateful for and share this with them – every day. Take the time to simply to show them, that in everything they do, they are not alone, but rather have a tribe of incredibly supportive women, believers, and fellow change makers who are standing behind them to push them on.

This year, celebrate another successful international women’s day, by committing to connecting with more women in your life and in the community who can bring you up and push you forward.  Go find your tribe.  As women we are strong, but as a community of women, we are strongest.  And this is true every day of the year