We all have that one person who is difficult to shop for during the holiday season. Christmas Day will be here soon and you must find that perfect gift quickly. Luckily, in the Collingwood area, there are many places you can go to find that special gift that will bring a smile and joy to your loved one. 

Here are four places in Collingwood to find those last-minute gifts. 

1. Minds Alive! 

Minds Alive! is a toy store in Collingwood that has something for every age, interest, and passion. If your child loves to create, there are many craft and art supplies options. Legos are a popular toy for children of all ages and for the kid who loves to learn, there are all types of science-related toys and magic sets. 

Minds Alive!’s holiday hours are as follows: 

Sunday, December 22 – 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Monday, December 23 – 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Tuesday, December 24 – 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

Closed Christmas Day

2. Greentree Gardens & Emporium

If you are struggling to find a unique gift, check out Greentree Gardens & Emporium. This nursery provides gorgeous outdoor décor, ornaments, plants, and so much more. By browsing throughout this shop, you will find the perfect gift that is unique and treasured. The gift you find at this store will stand out among the pile of gifts your loved one receives. 

Greentree Gardens & Emporium is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and is located at 11555 HWY 26 in Collingwood. 

3.  Blue Mountain Tea Company

If your loved one is into health and wellness or loves delicious flavors, Blue Mountain Tea Company is the place where you must stop. You can browse their variety of teas including white tea, green tea, and caffeine-free blends. There is also a plethora of teaware including teapots, mugs, and infusers. If you are looking for a great gift idea for a large group of people, plan a fabulous and fun group tea tasting in the new year. 

4. Crave the Chocolatier

No matter who the last minute gift may be for, you can’t go wrong with delicious, beautiful chocolate from Crave the Chocolatier. This chocolate shop offers a variety of delicious treats from chocolate yule logs to chocolate Santa Clause treats. If chocolate isn’t your love, there are a variety of candy options such as bubble gum and giant smarties. Crave the Chocolatier is located at 62 Hurontario Street. 

When snow is falling and the temperature is freezing, it can be hard to have the motivation to get out of the house and move your body. Regular exercise is essential to both your physical and mental health and should be a priority. Luckily, there are many fun and engaging options in Collingwood to keep you active, healthy, and happy. Here are four of them. 

1. Snowshoe Raid Adventure Run

Start training now for the three-hour Snowshoe Raid Adventure Run at the Blue Mountain Resort. In this race, your team of two will travel on and off trails in the Blue Mountains. Your goal is to reach a checkpoint and the more checkpoints you reach in the three hours, the more points you will receive. The race is January 18 and begins at 11:00 a.m. Visit the Don’t Get Lost website to learn more about registration, race rules, and the race-day schedule. 

2. Yoga

Yoga offers a long list of health benefits including increased flexibility, strength, weight management, improvement to your cardiovascular health, and so much more. In Collingwood, there are many yoga studios around town with multiple classes to help you reap the benefits of this form of exercise. A few that you may consider include: 

Buddha Rider – located at 136 Paul Street

True Life Yoga – located at 75 Dillon Drive

Yoga Journey – located at 43 Elgin Street 3rd Floor

3. Gym 

If you simply want to run on the treadmill or lift weights, there are many gyms located in Collingwood where you can go to get fit. You will want to explore each option to find a location that is near you and that offers the amenities that you desire. A few gyms and fitness centers located in Collingwood include The Northwood Club, Anytime Fitness, Tag Fitness, and the YMCA Centre.

4. CrossFit

CrossFit is a popular form of physical exercise in the Collingwood area. This workout will not only challenge your body but it will challenge your mind as well. It will help to build both your cardiovascular health, as well as your strength. There are several CrossFit options for you around the city, allowing you to find a location that is near to your home and convenient. Two CrossFit gyms in the Collingwood area include CrossFit Indestri and Crossfit Mozomo.  

Just because winter has arrived, it doesn’t mean you should be lazy. Which of the above activities do you regularly enjoy? 

December is a merry time of year in Collingwood. There are a plethora of activities to experience with the people that mean the most to you. Here are a few December events in Collingwood you will not want to miss this year.

Collingwood Holiday Market

On December 8th, head to the Side Launch Brewing Company in Collingwood for the third annual Collingwood Holiday Market. More than 30 vendors will be there to help you complete your Christmas shopping along with many food vendors to help you satisfy your tooth buds. Enjoy live music, workshops, and giveaways as well. 

The Collingwood Holiday Market runs from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and there is a $5 admission fee. 

Royal Wood Concert

If you want to enjoy a night with beautiful music, get your tickets now for the Royal Wood Concert at the Simcoe Street Theatre in Collingwood. Royal Wood does it all as a singer, songwriter, producer, and instrumentalist. He was also “songwriter of the Year” on iTunes. 

There will be two performances by Royal Wood. The first will be Friday, December 13 at 7:00 p.m. and the second is Saturday, December 14 at 7:00 p.m. Pre-order your tickets to ensure you have a seat at this event. 

 Christmas Dinner Dance

Enjoy a wonderful date night at the Bear Estate in Collingwood. The Collingwood Christmas Dinner Dance is a fun event with delicious food and wonderful music. Dinner will be served a 7:00 on December 13 and includes a three-course meal with options such as carrot ginger soup, roasted pork tenderloin, and Italian pavlova. A dance will follow by DJ Master Mix. 

Admission to the dance is $50. The Bear Estate is located at 300 Balsam Street in Collingwood. 

Christmas Day Feast

Spend Christmas Day with your community. On December 25, a homestyle meal complete with dessert and entertainment are available to everyone in the community. This event is designed to spend time with friends and community members and to ensure nobody is alone on Christmas Day. The meal is served at 1 p.m. and at the Collingwood Curling Club at 250 Hume Street. Please call ahead to reserve a seat. If you are interested in volunteering at the event, many opportunities are available. 

There are many activities in the Collingwood area to help you feel the festive spirit. Which local events are on your list to attend?

The holidays are here and that means it is time to add some festive spirit to your Collingwood home. You don’t have to spend a fortune or long hours adding a seasonal touch to your décor. With just a few items, a little time, and some creativity, every guest and family member will feel the holiday spirit the moment they walk into your home. 

Here are a few tips for decorating your Collingwood home this holiday season. 

Focus on Your Mantle

The mantle can be the focal point of a room in your house. Hang a festive garland on top and display a beautiful holiday sign. You may even choose to purchase stocking holders and hang all of your family’s stockings here as well. 

Just be mindful that you don’t overdo it with décor around this area. Too many decorations can make your mantle a little overwhelming. 

Be Creative with Your Tree Skirt

Add a unique touch this year to your Christmas décor by choosing a fun and creative tree skirt. For example, wrap a fun throw blanket around the trunk of your tree or place your tree in a large wicker basket or a metal tin. If you want to skip the tree skirt completely, put the tree in a large cardboard box and wrap the box so it looks like a Christmas present. This will make the area around your tree look even more full of presents this holiday season. 

Add Twinkling Lights

Add warm and colourful lights to various areas around your home. For example, wrap them in a garland and hang them around your entryways or banisters. You may also consider hanging these lights around your windows or in a large wreath on the wall. 

Create a Seasonal Centerpiece

Make your dining room table capture the attention of your guests with a beautiful seasonal centerpiece. You can use a variety of holiday items such as thick, red ribbons, pinecones, poinsettias, holly berries, etc., to add some colour and texture to the centerpiece. Rather than use a traditional vase, use a holiday basket or a small box wrapped as a present. You can always purchase this centerpiece pre-made or unleash your creativity and make one yourself. 

Mix and Match

There is no reason you must have matching décor all throughout your home. You can bring a variety of colours, styles, and décor items to a space and create a beautiful, festive look. Have some fun mixing and matching holiday items throughout your home. This is also a great way to build your holiday décor collection year after year. 

The holidays are fast approaching in the Collingwood area and that means it is time to begin preparing for your holiday party. These are wonderful opportunities to get together with friends and family and celebrate the past year, friendships, and the holiday season. 

To help you prepare for this festive and exciting event, you must begin planning right away. Here are four tips for planning a holiday party in Collingwood. 

1. Choose Your Date Wisely

Choosing a date for your holiday party should take careful consideration. You don’t want to choose a date with many conflicting events that would prevent your guests from attending. To help you in your decision-making process, visit the Collingwood City Calendar to look for any conflicting community events and activities. 

2. Determine a Theme

What will the theme of your party be? Are you hoping to host an ugly sweater party? What about a classy, formal dinner gathering? Make a list of all of your favourite choices and narrow down your options. When you have a theme in mind, it will help you make decisions regarding the rest of the party such as the menu, venue, and entertainment.

3. Find a Location

Where will you host this holiday gathering? If it is a smaller group, you may consider hosting the party at your home. However, for larger groups, this may not work. You may need to find a local venue. Depending on how much space you need, the theme of the party, the activities you want to accomplish, your budget, etc., it will all affect the type of venue you choose. A few popular party venues around Collingwood that you may consider are the Cranberry Golf Resort, Moxie’s Grill & Bar, and the Monte Carlo Inn Barrie Suites.

4. Send Out Invites Early

While there are many details that go into throwing a terrific holiday party, one of the most important is the invites. You want to create invitations that excite and appeal to your guests. You want to incorporate the theme and you must make sure all the important details about the party — such as if they need to bring a gift for a gift exchange, that dinner will be served, etc. — are clearly stated on the invites. 

Additionally, make it a priority to send the invites early. The holidays are a busy season and you want your event to be scheduled and a priority for all of your guests, not an afterthought. 

Once you begin your holiday planning with these four steps, the rest of the details will fall into place. Determine decorations, a menu, and entertainment or activities that complement your theme and will create an exciting, memorable holiday event.

 Nothing brings a bigger smile to a child’s face than opening a gift with a toy they’ve desperately wanted to receive. No matter if it is Christmas morning, a birthday, or just because, finding the perfect toy for your young one is a great way to brighten their day, as well as your own. In the Collingwood area, there are several toy stores with items that enhance creativity, widen smiles, and ignite the imagination. Here are just three of these toy stores you must check out.

1. Minds Alive

Minds Alive is a toy store located in downtown Collingwood. This fun and unique toy shop sells items that are educational and cause children to think, use their imaginations, and put away screens. You can find a wide assortment of toys including items that require you to build, puzzles, books, dolls, and so much more. 

This toy store also recognizes the importance of finding that perfect toy for your loved one. If you just don’t know what to get, you can purchase gift certificates for the recipient. If your birthday is coming up, walk in and create a birthday list by placing items you want in a birthday bin. All items that are bought from the bin are 10% off. 

Minds Alive is located 57 Hurontario Street in Collingwood. Hours are Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Wednesday, and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Thursday and Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Jack & Maddy Toy Store

Head to the Blue Mountains and check out the Jack & Maddy Toy Store. This fun shop offers a variety of toy favorites such as Melissa & Doug brand toys and Legos. Check out their wide selection of games and puzzles for your entire family to enjoy. They also have a large inventory of baby items for even your littlest loved one to enjoy. 

You can explore this toy store at 172 Jozo Weider Blvd, at The Blue Mountains. 

Kaydan Sensory Solutions

Finding the right toy for children, particularly children with special needs is difficult. If you find yourself in this position, Kaydan Sensory Solutions should be your first stop. This toy store provides a large selection of sensory products that are ideal for children with learning difficulties as well as conditions like autism and ADHD. You can browse their wide selection of items including bubble tubes, liquid floor tiles, and balance mats. You can find a wide assortment of items that will help your child learn, stay active, and have fun.

Kaydan Sensory Solutions is located at 42 Robertson Street in Collingwood. It is open from 9 a.m to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and is closed Saturday and Sunday. 

Winter is making its way to Collingwood and that means snow, ice, and freezing temperatures are almost here. It also means that your Collingwood home’s energy bill may increase each month. Luckily, there are several things you can do to improve your home’s energy efficiency without spending a fortune. Here are four of them. 

1. Check Your Home’s Seals

A fast and simple way to improve your home’s energy efficiency is to spend an afternoon inspecting and repairing all of the seals around the windows and doors in your home. You want to look for any problem areas such as holes or gaps where hot air could escape from your house. If you find any problems, simply replace the seals with new caulk. For doors, replace the weather stripping in the door frame. 

2. Monitor Your Home’s Temperature

One of the best and most effective ways to reduce your home’s energy bill is to lower the heat. Turning down the thermostat in your home by just a few degrees can make a difference in your monthly bill. 

Consider installing a programmable thermostat, which will give you even more control over the temperature in your home. You can reduce the temperature when you are away for the day and when you are sleeping at night. Some smart thermostats will work with your smartphone so you can adjust your home’s heat even when hundreds of miles away. 

3. Close Unused Areas of Your Home

There is no reason you should spend money heating areas in your home that are not being used. By closing doors and partially shutting vents to these areas of your home, you can save a considerable amount of money and will give your heating system a break. For example, if you have a guest room that isn’t used often, a storage room, etc. close the doors and the window treatments. It is best that you partially close the vents in these unused spaces so you still have some air flow. 

4. Be Mindful of Where Your Furniture is Placed

If you have floor vents throughout your Collingwood home, where you place your furniture is critical. If you have items placed over your vents, it blocks the air flow into your rooms, and your heating system will have to work harder and you will likely be colder. By clearing these areas, you will enjoy better air circulation and a warmer home. Make sure you know where all the vents are throughout your home and rearrange any furniture that may be covering or blocking them. 

As these cold Collingwood temperatures approach, there are several things you can do to cut down your monthly energy bill. The above four are simple and inexpensive ways to start.

There is often nothing better than a large bowl of pasta and delicious breadsticks to satisfy your taste buds. Luckily, Collingwood is home to delicious Italian cuisine. Whether you love spaghetti, lasagna, or gnocchi, you’ll find your favourite Italian foods in some of the best restaurants throughout the city. 

If you love Italian cuisine, here are several Italian restaurants in Collingwood you need to try.

Tesoro

If you love traditional Italian food, you must try Tesoro. This restaurant was voted Collingwood’s favourite Italian restaurant and rightly so. Tesoro offers many traditional Italian foods from gourmet pizza and fresh salads, to hearty, mouth-watering pastas. To ensure you only receive the best at this restaurant, Tesoro uses only clean meats that are purchased from local Blue Ridge Meats and fresh produce from the Crupies market. If you desire dinner at this quaint restaurant, reservations are highly encouraged. 

Tesoro is located at 18 Schoolhouse Lane in Collingwood. It is open Monday through Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Tesoro is closed on Sundays with the exception of holiday weekends.  

Azzurra 

If you want to expand your taste buds and enjoy exquisite cuisine, Azzurra should be at the top of your list. This restaurant features a classy menu with a variety of dishes ranging from a spinach and ricotta pasta to a pan-seared duck breast. Enjoy some delicious starters including their delicious soup of the day, fried calamari,  octopus, shrimp, and chorizo sausage salad. Reservations are highly recommended if you desire one of their many delicious meals. 

Azzurra is open for lunch on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. It is open for dinner on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. It is closed on Mondays. 

Brunello at 27 on Fourth

If you want to feel like you are dining in the streets of Italy, Brunello is where you need to be. This restaurant provides a true Italian experience with a large and mouth-watering menu. Start with one of the many Antipasti options that includes grilled calamari, venison meatballs, and steamed P.E.I mussels. Try a variety of pasta including Tortellini Boscaiola, Linguine Tutto Mare, and Ravioloni con Funghi.  Gluten-free pasta options are available. 

If you want a meal that is hearty and delicious, try one of Burnello’s Carne e Pesce dishes. You’ll want to come back several times to try all that this restaurant has to offer. Make sure you pair each dish with some of the finest Brunello wines. Brunello is located at 27th Fourth Street. It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Whether you like it or not, winter is on its way. Snow, ice, and frigid temperatures will be here soon. This means you must begin now to prepare your Collingwood home for this cold season. There are several tasks you should complete around your property that will help you best handle the weather. Here are several of them. 

Turn Off All Water

When you begin to experience several nights of freezing temperatures, it is time to winterize your sprinkler system and water valves. When working on your sprinkler system, you want to blow out all of the water in your pipes. If water is left inside, it can freeze and cause extensive damage and many headaches in the spring and summer months. You also want to ensure all water is turned off around your home, hoses are drained and put away, etc. 

Check Your Window and Door Seals

Spend an afternoon inspecting all of the seals around your windows and your doors. If there are holes or gaps in these items, you can lose a substantial amount of your home’s heat. Luckily, replacing and fixing these items is a fast and simple process. If you find any areas of concern, grab some caulk and get to work. 

If the seals around your door are in poor shape, replace them with new weather-stripping. This is a simple and inexpensive fix but will keep your home warmer and help to cut down on your monthly energy bill. 

Clean Your Gutters

Cleaning the gutters on your home is often a task that is overlooked. However, it must be a priority. When leaves, twigs, debris, and other items are not removed, they can clog and freeze. This can not only cause damage to your gutters but it will not provide the proper drainage for your home. You may experience leaks, floods, and other water-related issues. 

Service Your Furnace

When was the last time your furnace was serviced? Do you diligently maintain it? The fall is the perfect time to conduct an annual check-up on this appliance. It will ensure your furnace is in working condition, help to catch issues early on, and it can decrease the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Regular maintenance will also help this large household appliance to remain in working condition for years to come. 

Seal Exterior Wood

If you have a wooden porch or deck, shutters, fence, etc., you must prepare it for the cold winter months. To do this, you should apply a fresh layer of sealant. This will help to keep the moisture out of the wood and will prevent rotting and damage. It will also increase the lifespan of the wood and keep these areas of your home in beautiful condition.

Halloween is right around the corner and it is time to begin planning all of your frightful and thrilling activities. While Collingwood has many activities that cater to adults, there are a handful of events in the area that are perfect for families with children of all ages. 

Black Harvest Festival

On October 26, head to downtown Collingwood for the Black Harvest Festival. This family-friendly event is a great way for all the young witches and warlocks to celebrate Halloween. This festival offers countless activities including a Halloween craft, balloon ghosts, and more. At 1 p.m., meet at the Collingwood town hall for a costume contest. The Black Harvest Festival begins on Hurontario Street and runs from 11:00 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Morrison Pumpkin Farm

If you want to spend the day decorating your home and getting into the Halloween spirit, visit the Morrison Pumpkin Farm. The farm is located at 4449 County Road 124 in Collingwood and it offers a variety of produce and décor for your home. You can choose from dozens of pumpkins to create the perfect Jack-o-lantern. You will also find all types of squash, ornamental corn, corn stalks, straw, chrysanthemums, and much more. 

Rounds Ranch

If you are willing to take a short drive outside of Collingwood, Rounds Ranch should be your destination. This unique location offers many activities to get your entire family in the fall spirit. The ranch offers numerous activities including a corn maze, tractor rides, a pumpkin patch, pony rides, and much more. Each day, there are dozens of activities to do on the ranch such as pumpkin pie eating contests, pumpkin bowling, and seed spitting. 

Rounds Ranch is open every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the flashlight corn maze challenge is open every Saturday in October from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets are $13.95 a person and boys and girls 24 months and under are free.  

Grimm Grounds Hallowe’en Attraction

Whether you simply want to spend time together as a family or be absolutely terrified, Grimm Grounds Hallowe’en Attraction has what you need. Located at Georgian Bay Park, this attraction features a large maze with all types of Halloween scares. During the daytime hours, families can walk around the maze without any fright but when the sun sets, it turns into a full spooky place with live actors, realistic horror pop outs, scary sounds, and more. This attraction runs Friday, October 25 to October 27th. The hours for the daytime family walkthrough is 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the scary, night time walkthrough is from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.