Top 5 goals for my cottage stay 2018!

With the rain we have been having lately, all of our snow has melted and we can see the grass underneath.  I can't help but think of summer during this time.   Even though things are wet and cool outside, with little to no snow, I am thinking about what I would like to do during my cottage stay this summer.

Owning a cottage is great but going away on vacation to your own cottage can become more of a work stay than a relaxation stay.   I have set a few goals for my stay at Mallard Beach this summer hopefully forcing myself to stop work and enjoy some time with my family.

1) Quest for the ultimate Burger!   I know I have mentioned this in a previous entry.  I still feel like there might be a fantastic spot that only the locals know about.   I hope to sample a few different spots to try and find the best burger in the Parry Sound / Muskoka area.   I have a few spots on my radar.   Kate's Kart is known for their burgers.  I feel as though this will be the one to beat.   I am sooo looking forward to this very important research!   :)

If anybody has recommendations - please let me know!   I'm looking anywhere in the Muskoka or Parry Sound area!

2) Another item on my to-do list, is to check out White Squall Paddling Centre   They rent out kayaks, canoes, and stand up paddle boards.   They also offer day trips and tours.    Sounds like it would be a lot of fun!   This would be a great escape for the family out in nature.   Hopefully I can get the whole family on board for this one!

3) I've had a few of our guests recommend the Sawdust City Brewery Tour - The Sawdust Brewery is located in Gravenhurst, Ontario.   I've never been there myself, but I look forward to giving it a try.  They have six core brands of craft beers but they also have seasonal offerings.   I'm not much of a beer drinker but I'm always willing to give new things a try!

4) Killbear Provincial Park I hear it is amazing!   There is a beautiful six kilometre trail for hiking or biking and beautiful sandy beaches.  Again I have never been there - so this will be a fun new experience for the family!

5) Eat at one of the Rocky Crest Golf Resort restaurants.  The "Windows Restaurant" and "On the Bistro" look amazing.  I have heard a lot of good things but again, I haven't had a chance to eat there myself.  I try to make a point to try new restaurants but because these two restaurants are only open during the summer months, I seem to keep missing them.   Again - please leave a comment if you have dined at either restaurant.   I look forward to hearing all about it!

Fingers crossed I get all five of these goals checked off during my 2018 summer cottage stay.   I have our family getaway week booked already for 2019 at Hammond Haven!   A year and a half away and I'm already getting excited!


Dean Curtis
Serenity Vacation Rentals

5 cottage country restaurants the locals don’t want you to know about!

These are all personal favourites of our family.  They may not be widely known (and the locals want to keep it that way…), but I definitely recommend you check them out if you are staying at one of our cottages.  Fantastic little spots that will warm your heart and fill your tummy!

1. Orrville Bakery and Barista  
   
   What a great little spot!  A variety of freshly baked bread available daily.  Be warned, they go fast!   Pies, cakes, and treats available too!  They have a fantastic little barista there perfect for lunches either dining in or to take on the go.  They have fantastic home made pizza available on Friday nights as well but you have to order in advance before 5pm.  They are so busy on pizza night they have a limited number of orders they will take!  Be sure to give this place a try – you won’t regret it! 
2. Kate's Kart
   
   I know this isn't technically a restaurant, but I can't have a top 5 list without including it.  Kate's Kart is a food cart which was named one of the "Top 9 Ontario cottage country chip trucks", by Cottage Life.   The food here is incredible!  If you're in Parry Sound and you are feeling a little hungry, be sure to stop by!  Need toppings for your burger or dog?  How about a selection table over 13' long with your choices!  Impossible to walk away from here saying a topping you wanted was unavailable.  They serve a variety of food but speaking from personal experience, If you are a fan of burgers you owe it to yourself to give this place a try.   You will be making up excuses to go into town just to visit Kate's Kart!
3. Bass Lake Roadhouse 
   
   What a great little family restaurant!  Right on beautiful Bass Lake!  The food and service here are fantastic.  TV screens are usually playing some kind of sporting event but not loud to the point where you can't carry on a conversation.  This restaurant can be busy at times especially during the summer evenings, but well worth your effort to enjoy a meal with your family.   Conveniently located closer to central Muskoka, and an excellent choice when heading out for a family meal.
4. Whatta Pizza 
   
   A small family run restaurant with fantastic views of Horseshoe lake from the dining room.  Great food and great people.  There is a variety of food available but of course the signature menu item is the pizza.  Be sure to try the "Garlabons" too....   incredible!
5. Trappers Choice Restaurant
   
   A casual dining restaurant for the whole family.  Lots of space inside the restaurant or enjoy the fresh air on the patio.  There is a great selection of food to choose from as well as a children's menu and desserts.   This is another one of our favourites in the area and one we try not to miss when staying at the Serenity Vacation Rentals cottages!

S   So there is our list of restaurants you much try when staying at our cottages!  The locals already know about these places and now so do you!  Now I'm off for lunch.....all this talk about food and I'm starving!!