Fall is a beautiful time of year when you can implement a lot of colour throughout your home. Whether you want to add a touch of fall to the interior or exterior of your house, there are numerous ways to do it. You can easily improve your home’s curb appeal and create stunning décor that all of your guests will envy. Here are four simple, but beautiful, fall décor ideas for your Collingwood home. 

1. Plant Fall Flowers

Just because cooler weather is on its way, it doesn’t mean you can’t have pops of colour around your home. Fill planters will a variety of fall flowers. There are many flowers that do well this time of year, including sunflowers, chrysanthemums, and Goldenrod. While you can always fill garden beds with these flowers, planters are ideal as you can bring them inside during those cold nights. 

2. Focus on Your Front Porch

The front porch is the entryway into your home. This is one area where you want to make an instant impression. To do this, consider placing a variety of pumpkins along your porch and stairs. Paint the pumpkins to add a little contrast to these items. You may also place your planter pots near this area, lay down a new welcome mat, and hang a gorgeous wreath on the front door.

3. Implement Plaid Fabrics in Your Home

Plaid is a popular trend, particularly during the fall months. Consider using this pattern throughout your home. For example, place plaid throw pillows on your couch or lay a small plaid blanket on the back of your couch. You can find plaid towels, window treatments, and rugs for your home as well. Just be careful that you don’t overdo this pattern. Too much can make a space overwhelming.

4. Create Gourd-Themed Centerpieces

Whether you are having a dinner party with all of your friends or you just want to add a little nature to the inside of your home, a gourd-themed centerpiece is a must. A simple way to complete this project is to fill an autumn-coloured bowl with various gourds. Fill in the spaces between each gourd with flowers, such as sunflowers or autumn leaves. This can become a décor item that catches the eye of all your guests and you can put it together in just a few minutes. 

5. Use Baskets

Don’t leave those old wicker baskets in your closet anymore. These are the perfect items to spruce up your home. Fill these baskets with flowers, gourds, and fall-themed signs. Place the baskets on your front porch, in your entryway, on your kitchen counter, etc. This is a simple way to unleash your creativity and to use those old baskets that are just taking up space.

With the beautiful foliage and crisp, cool weather, there is no reason you should stay indoors. There are many events happening in the Collingwood area that will help you celebrate the beautiful fall season. Here are just a few of them that you will not want to miss. 

Collingwood Farmers’ Market

Fill your home with local, fresh produce at the Collingwood Farmers’ Market. Every Saturday throughout the month of October, head to the Second and Pine street parking lot. You will find a variety of produce including squash and pumpkins. Take the time to visit all the vendors and explore the variety of baked goods, crafts, artwork, and more. If you aren’t in the market for any particular item, come and listen to the live music. The Farmer’s Market runs from 8:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. every Saturday. 

Art on the Street

Enjoy the creative talent of local artists with Art on the Street. Hand-painted Muskoka chairs line the streets of downtown to celebrate the diversity of all the residents in Collingwood. You can find a complete list of all the chairs online and walk throughout downtown to find each masterpiece. All chairs will be on display until October 12. 

Blue Mountains Apple Harvest Festival

Kick-off your Thanksgiving weekend at the Blue Mountains Apple Harvest Festival. This family-friendly event features a variety of activities for individuals of all ages including scavenger hunts, a John Deere kids zone, and an apple pie trail. You can also explore the outdoors and gawk at the fall foliage by going on a driving, biking, or hiking tour. The festival takes place October 13 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Blue Mountain Village. The event is free for all ages. 

Everest Challenge

If you want to challenge yourself physically this October, you must take on the Everest Challenge. To complete this challenge, you will hike the Blue Mountain up to 40 times to reach a combined height of 29,092 feet, which is the height of Mount Everest. You can take on this challenge with a  partner and take turns climbing the mountain or form a team. Teams of two, four, eight, or 10 are permitted. The Everest Challenge begins October 19 at 9 a.m.

Black Harvest Festival

On October 26, head to downtown Collingwood to enjoy some spooky and haunted activities. Many engaging Halloween activities will be offered such as various Halloween crafts to a costume contest. The festival runs from 11:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the costume contest begins at 1 p.m.

Fall is a beautiful time of year in the Collingwood area and your home should be no different. There are many things you can do to improve the curb appeal of your property and to impress every guest who walks to your front door. Plus, these tasks don’t need to be hard or expensive. Here are four simple things you can do to improve the curb appeal of your Collingwood home this fall. 

1. Plant Fall Flowers

Spruce up your landscaping with gorgeous fall plants. These flowers boast beautiful autumn hues such as red, orange, and yellow and will add pops of colour to your landscaping. A few fall plants to consider include: 

• Chrysanthemum
• Dianthus
• Pansies
• Dahlias
• Sunflowers

If you worry that the cold weather is on its way, plant these flowers in seasonal, decorative planters. You can place these planters near your front door and when those cold nights arrive, simply bring them inside. 

2. Paint Your Trim

Once the leaves begin to fall, certain features of your home will stand out. To keep your home looking its best, grab a can of paint and touch up various areas on its exterior. For example, paint the trim, shutters, your porch, window boxes, etc. A fresh coat of paint on these items will also add some colour to your yard when the snow covers your garden areas.

3. Spruce Up Your Front Porch

Your front porch is one of the first impressions your guests will receive of your home. If this area is dirty and poorly maintained, they will not be excited to walk into your home. Fall is a great time of year to decorate and beautify this area. Take the time to sweep the porch and nearby steps, remove all spider webs, place a new welcome mat on the ground, hang a fall wreath on the door, etc. You may also consider placing a planter with fall flowers, pumpkins, and other décor items in this area as well. 

4. Update Your Light Fixtures

When you have a bright and well-lit home,  it not only improves your curb appeal but your property’s security as well. If your lights are outdated and worn out, consider installing new and updated items. These will help give your home a more modern look and it can improve your energy use as well. If you do not know how to install exterior lights around your property, hire an electrician to assist. 

There is nothing like a fresh cup of coffee to give you that boost in the morning or to help you through a long afternoon. Collingwood is home to numerous coffee shops that offer rich blends and fabulous pastries. If you want to indulge your taste buds, here is a quick look at four of the coffee shops you should try in Collingwood. 

Ashanti Coffee

If you desire cold-brewed coffee, Ashanti Coffee is a must. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., you can step in and enjoy some of the best cold brew coffee from an Ashanti coffee plantation in Zimbabwe, Africa. This coffee shop not only offers a variety of roasts and beverage options, but you can enjoy one of their many sweet treats, sandwiches, or soups. 

Espresso Post

 Espresso Post is another favourite coffee shop in the Collingwood area. Located on Hurontario Street, this shop has everything you need. Step in and try their award-winning Postmaster’s Roast, which is a seven origin blend. They also offer a decaf and organic blend that will put a smile on your face and make your taste buds water. Each time you visit, make sure to try a different treat at the bakery. Not only does the Espresso Post feature delicious soups and sandwiches, they also offer cakes, cupcakes, scones, and artisan bread.

Heavenly Café

Heavenly Café is a quaint little coffee shop located on Keith Avenue. It boasts a European feel and has many café specialties on the menu. Serving much more than just coffee and espressos, this is the place if you are looking for a full breakfast or lunch meal. Check out one of the many breakfast pastries or order a full meal such as a vegetarian frittata, grilled breakfast egg wrap, or granola. You’ll have a difficult time narrowing down your lunchtime options as they range from a chicken pesto wrap to French onion soup. 

Gibson and Company

 No matter if you are simply looking for a fresh cup of coffee or a glass of wine, you will find it at  Gibson and Company. With a variety of beverages to choose from, there is something for every person and palette. While there, indulge in one of their mouth-watering plates. Options are available if you want something small and light or a large plate that you can share with a loved one. If you want to venture out, enjoy some mussels in Galician sauce, sardines in a marinade, and octopus in olive oil. 

It is no secret that life is busy. Your schedule may have you running around from event to event, and you rarely have time to sit back and relax. Luckily, Collingwood is full of various activities and places where you can get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and rejuvenate your mind and body. 

Here are several places in Collingwood where you can enjoy a slower pace of life. 

1. Spa

Both Collingwood and the Blue Mountains have numerous spas for you to enjoy. Whether you are looking for a relaxing massage, a facial, pedicure, manicure, or all of the above, you can find it at some of the best places in the area. A few spa locations you may consider include: 

Spa Beatrix

Pampreme Day Spa

The Lilly Pad

Iwa Spa

Kalola Spa

2. Golf Course

Sometimes, when life is stressful, you just need to get out and hit something. A local golf course is the perfect way to spend some time in the sunshine, be with friends or family members you enjoy, and let out any anger or frustration you may have. Collingwood is home to many beautiful golf courses including Blue Mountain Golf and Country Club and Cranberry Golf Resort. 

3. Yoga Studio

Yoga is not only an excellent form of exercise, but it offers many mental health benefits as well. It can improve your mind and body awareness and help you clear your mind from all the commotion of daily life. A few of the physical health benefits that yoga offers include: 

• Increased flexibility
• Weight loss
• Energy boost
• Improved muscle strength

Throughout Collingwood, you will find multiple yoga studios with a variety of classes and workshops. Buddha Rider and Yoga Journey are just two of the many locations where you can go and enjoy the benefits of this activity. 

4. Mountains

For many individuals, the mountains are the perfect place to relax. In fact, hiking has been proven to be a natural stress relief for many individuals. It is an excellent source of cardiovascular exercise and you can enjoy the beautiful, peaceful scenery as well. 

Near Collingwood, there are many gorgeous trails for individuals of all skill levels. For example, the Eleventh Line Loop Trail is perfect for beginners who just want to get outside while the Singhampton Caves Trail is more advanced and requires a little more endurance. 

Remember that if you truly want to relax while out in nature, it is important that you prepare accordingly. Bring all extra supplies including first-aid kits, food, and ample water. You also want to wear appropriate clothing. 

If hiking is not your love, there are many other activities you can enjoy that will also provide much stress relief. For example, spend your weekend on the ski slope, go for a run on one of the many park trails, cross-country ski, etc.

The kids are back to school, the weather is starting to cool down, and a touch of red and orange are starting to show on the leaves throughout the city. Autumn is on its way but not before you get out and enjoy the last few weeks of summer in Collingwood. Here are five things you should add to your to-do list before fall officially begins.

1. Hop on a Bike

While the weather is still nice and the trails are in great condition, now is an excellent time to hop on a bike and explore the mountains. The Blue Mountain Resort offers some of the best mountain biking in Ontario. Plus, if you don’t have your own bike, you don’t have to worry. You can rent a bike at the resort and even take lessons to improve your skills. If mountain biking isn’t your thing, you can still enjoy cycling throughout town. 

2. Have a Picnic

A picnic at one of the beautiful parks in Collingwood is a great way to spend a little time outdoors. Friendship Gardens is an excellent place to sit on the grass and enjoy beautiful landscaping. If you have little ones, Bell Blvd Park should be at the top of your list. It features plenty of grassy areas, benches, a playground, and swings for both adults and babies. 

3. Stroll Through the Arboretum

The Collingwood Arboretum is a must-see this time of year. You can sit in one of the many garden areas or under a beautiful gazebo to relax and enjoy the sunshine.  Numerous paved and dirt trails allow you to explore this 14-acre park both on foot and your bike. Plus, by spending a short time here, you can learn about plants and wildlife of all kinds.

4. Go Geocaching

Go on a real-life treasure hunt with GPS devices. Numerous small containers are hidden all around the Collingwood area and along many local trails. Using a GPS-enabled device and a mobile app, you can search for these various items and sign a roster proving you were there. If you do not own a GPS device, you can borrow one from the local library. It is a terrific family activity and children and adults alike will enjoy the hunt. 

5. Explore the StoryWalk

Move your body and entertain your mind on the StoryWalk. As you walk along the Train Trail, you will find pages to a story. You will want to keep walking along the trail until you complete the exciting tale. The story begins at the Station Museum on Paul Street.

Are you ready to kick your heels up this weekend in Collingwood? You have come to the right place!

Labour Day weekend is the last chance to get a real taste of summer in and around Collingwood before everybody gets back into the swing of things for fall, so you want to be sure not to miss out on all the fun goings-on happening in and around the community this long weekend!

Summer Sundown: Sat, Aug 31, 2019 – Mon, Sept 2, 2019

Blue Mountain Village, 11 a.m – 8 p.m 

This is the final hurrah of summer, and the Summer Sundown Festival is not to be missed. Nearby Blue Mountain Village will be taking summer out with a bang this upcoming weekend. The three-day festival features a jam-packed schedule including loads of live music from headliners, My Son the Hurricane and some of the other hottest acts around including Sean Pinchin, Miranda Journey and much more! 

It’s not just about the dancing and celebrating though, there are also tons of family-friendly outdoor activities to take in. You can venture off on a hike or zip off for a breathtaking ride on the nearby gondola. Of course, you don’t want to miss out on the fireworks either. 

Bid the season farewell as the hottest summer entertainment returns for encore performances and tons of live music featuring My Son the Hurricane! Also enjoy hiking, biking, scenic gondola rides, and Fireworks.

Inflate-A-Fest: Friday, Aug 30, 2019 

Playland Park Square, 40 Mosley St, Wasaga Beach, ON, 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m

Looking for the biggest gathering of amusement inflatables in the Collingwood/Blue Mountain region? 

Inflate-a-Fest is taking place this Friday at Wasaga Beach, so be sure to bring down the whole family for some all-ages fun in the sun. There will be every type of inflatable imaginable on display from bouncy castles to giant slides to obstacle courses to a range of fun games that everybody can get into. 

The organizers are also on the lookout for volunteers to help out, so this can be a great way to get involved with the community!

The Collingwood Downtown Farmers Market: Sat 31 Aug 2019

The Second and Pine Street Municipal Parking Lot, 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Kicking off in May and running every Saturday until Thanksgiving, the Collingwood Farmers Market is the place that brings local farmers, artisans, visitors, and long-time community members together to enjoy a lively atmosphere featuring some fantastic foods, baked goods, and local crafts. With harvest rolling in, this week promises to be extra bountiful!

Keep in mind that it’s not all about the fun. When you shop at the local farmers market you are also supporting a local and sustainable lifestyle. All the more reason to get out there and enjoy this special August long weekend edition!

After a long hot summer, the refreshingly cool hints of autumn are finally starting to roll through Collingwood. As every Collingwood resident will be happy to point out, autumn in Collingwood is a gorgeous time. The Saturday Downtown Farmer’s Market is overflowing with delicious local bounties from the harvest and the local trails are in the surrounding Blue Mountain area are particularly gorgeous in brilliant shades of yellow, red and orange.

Despite all the natural wonders that abound, taking a little time to ensure that you Collingwood home is fully ready for the change in season will help ensure that everybody feels just as warm and cozy indoors as they do refreshed and relaxed when spending time outdoors.

These great tips will help Collingwood homeowners ensure that they are getting the most out of the lovely sights and smells of the upcoming fall season in the Blue Mountains.

Check the Home for Leaks or Drafts

As summer gradually rolls into fall, Collingwood residents should take the time to check their homes from top to bottom to make sure that there is no unwanted airflow seeping in from outdoors. After all, nobody wants to have to deal with fixing a leak during those chilly winter months.

Collingwood residents can either inspect the home themselves or hire a professional home inspector to ensure that the entire living quarters are well-sealed off and ready for a change in temperature. If you choose to inspect your home by yourself, be sure to take the time to feel out all the windows and doors, regardless of how frequently they are used.

Inspect the Roof

Another key area to inspect for leaks and damage before the colder months set in is the roof of the home. If you choose to do this job yourself, just be sure to take all the proper measures to ensure your safety while walking on the roof. Keep an eye out for any piles of debris, cracks or damaged tiling.

Don’t forget to clean all the gutters using a high powered hose so that they are completely free of leaves or any other debris that could obstruct the flow of water from the roof area.

Trim Back Any Excess Foliage

Summer provides the ultimate growing conditions that your Collingwood home’s foliage and greenery need to thrive, but this also means that homeowners can sometimes get more than they bargained if they find themselves tripped up by excessive the excessive growth of any front or backyard shrubs, trees or greenery. At worst case, plants growing out of control can even lead to foundational damage of the home itself.

These last warm days are the perfect time to get outside and trim back all of that greenery, but be sure to pay special attention to trees that might be getting too close to the home or surrounding power lines.

It is no secret that Collingwood and the surrounding Blue Mountain area is known for its fantastic mountain biking trails. In fact, the Blue Mountain Resort is home to some of the best trails in Ontario, and mountain bikers flock in from far and wide to take in the rush of enjoying breathtaking views and natural wonders.

Now imagine doing all this while taking in the one-of-a-kind rush of propelling yourself forward on two wheels, at whatever speed and level of difficulty you choose, of course. After all, the Collingwood area has a full range of trails that cater to a big range of abilities and skill levels, so there is literally something for everybody, rookie and professional mountain bikers alike.

That said, there are some important safety essentials that every mountain biker should always have to make sure that their ride is always as enjoyable as possible. Here is a list of some essential items that no Collingwood area mountain biker should leave behind.

A Helmet

If there is one thing that every mountain biker needs to have, it is their helmet.

Don’t worry, you don’t have to shell out a ton just to get a decent helmet. Manufacturers will often make it seem like some products are far superior to others, and while this may be true to a certain degree, the important thing is that you have a helmet that fits well and that you are wearing it.

After all, keeping your head safe and sound should always be priority number one.

An Emergency Repair Kit

Having a good emergency repair kit is a must for any mountain biking excursion.

This should include, at a minimum, a good quality multi-tool, a tire pump, a tire lever, chain lube, a patch kit and at least a couple of spare tubes.

Lip Balm and Sunscreen

Exposing yourself to the elements at a high rate of speed is one of the most thrilling ways to get an unforgettable rush, but it is also a recipe for windburn and sunburn, especially during the hot summer months.

This is why having a heavy-duty lip balm and sport-level sunscreen on hand at all times is an absolute must.

A Compact First Aid Kit

Another thing that is a must to always have on hand is an easily portable waterproof-wrapped first aid kit.

You can build it yourself or buy it, whatever you prefer, but make sure it includes, at minimum, bandages, gauze, tweezers and disinfecting wipes.

A Headlamp

Sure, it’s easy to say that you will get back before dark, but sometimes things don’t always go according to plan. That is why is always a good practice to carry a small but high powered headlamp with you every time you hit the trails, day or night.

It will be your saving grace if you ever get stuck outside after sundown.

Your Phone

In case of an emergency, your phone is going to be that thing that will connect you back with the world.

This is why it is important to always ensure that your phone is properly charged, stored in a protective case and ready to go should you ever need to use it on the trails.

If you are planning a long ride you can always turn your phone off to conserve battery power. It can feel really great to fully disconnect for a while.

If you are hoping to finally land that dream home in Collingwood, Ontario, you are not alone. Nestled snugly between the respective natural wonders of the Georgian Bay and the Blue Mountains, Collingwood is a dream locale for any outdoor adventure lover.

A day trip’s drive from Toronto, over recent years people have flocked to Collingwood as a peaceful alternative to big city life. When it comes to living in Collingwood, you really get the best of both worlds. The city boasts a full range of amazing restaurants, shops, amenities, and culture while still maintaining that unique sense of small-town community.

The good news for buyers is that the real estate market has cooled off a bit in 2019, so now is as good as time as any to make your move and invest in real estate in Collingwood. With that in mind, here are a few helpful tips to help you seal the deal and get your hands on a gorgeous piece Collingwood property.

Understand Your Buying Power

The first thing to consider when thinking about buying real estate in Collingwood is your actual buying power. While the market has cooled off a bit in 2019, it is still competitive, and knowing where you stand will help give you the negotiating power that you need to lock down a home that you truly love.

When it comes to calculating how much you can afford to invest on a monthly basis, you can start by sticking to the ‘28 Rule’ as a rough guideline. Essentially, avoid investing more than 28% of your household income on a monthly mortgage.

Maintain Your Credit

Don’t forget to factor your credit score into the equation. If you have good credit, you are likely to get approved for a lower mortgage rate.

It’s always prudent to be extra conservative with your credit in the weeks before closing and avoid making any unnecessary investments or employment changes until everything is locked down.

Get an Inspection

No matter how much you love the home, getting a third party inspection is crucial. Look for an inspector that’s on the picky side.

The more minor flaws that they are able to point out, the more you will have a realistic idea of what you are committing to.

If You Love It, Go For It!

Once you have found a home that is in your budget, it can be tempting to wait to see if the market cools down. However, this is a risky game, and what happens more often than not is you will end up missing out on a great opportunity.

That said, it is also a good idea to shop around a bit before jumping on the first Collingwood property you view. You want to see at least 10 homes before committing so that you can have some perspective to base your final decision on.