Treat your loved one (and yourself) to a luxury spa day. At Scandinave Spa you can enjoy a massage, a sauna, hot and cold baths plus a healthy meal, all in beautiful surroundings. The price is surprisingly affordable, particularly if you can get there mid-week. http://www.scandinave.com/en/bluemountain/

Take your loved one dancing on Tuesday evenings at Jazz in the Park. This free concert series is in Wasaga Beach at the Oakview Woods gazebo on Mosley Street. It start at 7 pm and runs weekly until August 31^st. Featuring mostly swing and big band music, you’ll be able to dance to live music as the sun sets. call 429-3844 x 2287 or check out the Meaford events calendar http://www.wasagabeach.com/events.index.gk

Do the two of you love cheese? Really good cheese? Why not plan to attend a cheese tasting at Dags & Willow Fine Cheese Gourmet Shop in Collingwood? Taste a variety of cheeses while learning about the history of each cheese and what to look for in a good cheese. Paired with fine wines, this is a tasty gourmet evening. Organize a small group of friends and book a private tasting or plan to attend an organized event. 705.444.9100 http://www.dagsandwillow.ca/Tastings.html

For a more traditional romantic evening, try an intimate dinner at Sisi On Main in Thornbury. With a unique list of vintage wines and a vast menu, you and your sweetie will have a truly romantic evening.  27 Bruce Street, Thornbury ON N0H 2P0 T: 519.599.7769 http://www.sisionmain.com/

For something a little more lively, try Martini Wednesday s at Twist Martini & Wine Lounge. With $5.99 martinis and live music starting at 7 pm, you’ll have a fun-filled evening. Located in the Village at Blue Mountain, 170 Jozo Weider Boulevard, Unit 31. Call (705) 445-5000 http://www.twistmartinilounge.com

What is more romantic than a waterfall? Eugenia Falls is one of the highest in Eastern Canada. It is formed by the Beaver River dropping 23 metres over the Niagara Escarpment into Cuckoo Valley. Accessed through the Eugenia Falls Conservation Area, bring a picnic lunch to make the most of your visit to this lovely spot. http://public.greysauble.on.ca/ca_lands/eugeniafalls.html

Take a step into the 19^th Century with a tour of the Chantry Island Lighthouse. The local Marine Heritage Society offers lighthouse tours by boat. The recently restored Lighthouse Keeper’s Home and historic gardens will have you marvelling at the hardy nature of early lighthouse keepers. Be sure to prebook your tour so you won’t be disappointed. 1-866-797-5862 http://www.chantryisland.com/



If your mother-in-law enjoys wine, try taking her to the Bruce County Museum’s 2^nd Annual Wine Tasting on July 28^th.  Five wines will be sampled; first alone, and then with food, to experience the difference food can make in the flavour of wine. Sommelier and caterer, Ellen Schmaltz of Mildmay will be your guide for the evening. Register at 519-797-2080
http://www.brucemuseum.ca/calendar/a-wine-tasting-experience/

If she’s crafty, try taking her to a traditional rug hooking workshop. Textile artist, Micheline Mann will teach you the basic method, tools and patterns. The classes are offered in a one-room schoolhouse in Paisley, Ontario. Full day workshops include snacks and a delicious lunch served with wine. For less dedicated rug hookers, half-day workshops are also available. Register at 519-353-7470
http://www.explorethebruce.com/events-in-bruce-county/Traditional-Rug-Hooking-Full-or-Half-DAy-workshop-12461.php

Continuing on this theme, you’ve heard of origami, the Japanese art of paper folding. Well, take your mother-in-law to Forkigami. This unique workshop stands origami on its head by using cutlery instead of paper to make your creations. There are several throughout the summer at the Collingwood Centre for the Arts. Register at 1-800-838-3006
http://www.collingwoodartscenter.org/public/forkigami.php

If your mother-in-law is more of a music lover, she might enjoy the Symphony in the Barn Summer Festival. Running from July 4, 2010 – August 14, 2010, this concert series offers a variety of music styles: world music, swing-klez, operetta, and symphony. Register at 519-369-6773
http://www.symphonyinthebarn.com

If she enjoys visual arts, take her to the Third Annual Bruce Trail & Escarpment Art Exhibition. Artists from across Ontario who paint the Bruce Trail & Niagara Escarpment are showcased by Loft Gallery. Show runs July 10th – July 28th
http://web.mac.com/philmccormack/Loft_Gallery/UPCOMING_EVENTS.html

There are over 30 restaurants in Collingwood alone and dozens more in the surrounding area.  And each season new ones open.  Some are great additions to the area’s growing reputation as mixing fine dining with small town goodness.   Some not so much.

So it’s no wonder that our guests are looking for advice on where to dine when they come visit.

So we’re putting out the call to rank the top restaurants.  We’ve compiled a list of 20 potential candidates.

So, if you had a culinary fan coming up for a week-long tour, where would you send them?

Just click on your answer below. Vote for as many as you think qualify as the ‘best’.

Are there some absolutely fantastic restaurants that we’ve missed?

Here’s a quick jpeg capture of our calendar that we thought you might find handy as a printout but if you want to click on the events go to the the calendar on the home page and click on the appropriate date.

You may also want to check the Summer section of our Things To Do list for golfing, biking, cycling etc.  Or check some of our past blog posts for culinary tours and more.

If you have an event you’d like to add just contact us via Facebook or Twitter or comment here.

Have a great summer and check back here each season as we’ll keep the calendar updated.

While going on a summer vacation is fun, packing for it is not.

There’s the rushing around, getting things into bags and fitting it all in the car. Then there’s the worry that you’ll forget something important.  It’s no wonder ‘What should we bring?‘ is the biggest question we get asked.

One way to ease the stress of packing is to have a checklist. Then on the actually packing day, all you have to do is check off each item. No need to make any decisions or rely on your memory.

To get you started, we polled our staff & used our decades in the business to provide you with a list of what you might need to bring on your Blue Mountain summer vacation.

Clothing

Clothing can be a challenge when you’re packing for more than one person. Print off a copy of the clothing list for each member of the family and have them gather together their own clothes. If you don’t trust them, you can double check, but it will save you having to hunt for yourself.

• Underwear, socks and bras – enough for each day unless you plan to do laundry
• Shoes – sandals, flip flops, running shoes, hiking shoes, dress shoes (for dining out)
• T-shirts
• Sweater or sweatshirt and a jacket for cool evenings
• Shorts
• Cotton pants & jeans
• A dressy outfit for dining out (more than one if you’ll be dining out frequently)
• Hat & Sunglasses
• Bathrobe or beach cover-up
• Bathing suit(s)
• Pajamas & slippers

Toiletries

Don’t forget your essential toiletries. Visit a drug store well in advance and get travel sized versions of everything. Not only will it save space in your packing, you can leave it behind when you leave, giving you more room to pack souvenirs.

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Hair brush, mousse, gel or other hair products, hair clips, etc.
• Hair dryer, curling iron
• Razor, shaving cream
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Makeup
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray
• Lotion

Medications

If you or anyone in your family is taking prescription medications it is essential to remember these. Make sure you have enough medication to last your entire trip and for the first day you get back. If not, get a refill before you leave. Of course, you’ll also want other emergency items as well.

• Prescription medications for each person
• Allergy pills
• Tylenol, aspirin or headache medication of choice
• Cold medication
• Antiseptic
• Bandaids

Linens

Call ahead to see if your vacation home provides bedding, pillows and towels. If not you’ll need to bring your own.

• Sheets for each bed – make sure you have the proper sizes
• Blankets – even in the summer you can have some cool nights
• Pillows and pillow cases
• Towels and facecloths for each person
• Beach towels – even resorts that provide towels may not provide towels for the pool or beach
• Dish towels, clothes and dish soap. If you’ll be cooking in your vacation home you’ll need to wash up.

Entertainment

For rainy days, evenings in or just when you need a quiet moment, you’ll want to bring items from home to entertain yourself and your family.

• Books and magazines
• iPod, hand-held computer games, cell phones, camera and rechargers
• Laptop & cord
• DVDs – If you’re vacation home doesn’t come equipped with a DVD player and tv, you can play them on your laptop.
• Beach toys and sporting gear (golf clubs, tennis rackets, Frisbees, balls)
• Cards, board games, paper and pens
• Favorite toys for children

Food

Consider creating a menu for all the meals you’ll eat in. Use the menu create a shopping list and you’ll be sure to bring the right amount.

• Food for all breakfasts, lunches and dinners you eat in
• Snacks  – chips, nuts, cookies, fruit
• Drinks – alcoholic and non-alcoholic
• Condiments – butter, mustard, ketchup

Coffin Ridge Boutique Winery

Located north of Hwy 26 between Meaford and Owen Sound in the town of Annan, Coffin Ridge Boutique Winery is Grey County’s first winery. Creating small batches of wines from locally grown grapes, Coffin Ridge has become a popular spot for locals, selling out all it’s wine in 2009.

They offer tours of the winery and orchard plus wine tastings and special events. Call ahead or visit the website to get hours and details about events. 519-371-9565 or http://www.coffinridge.ca

Ted’s Range Road Diner

If you’re looking for casual dining with exotic fare, Ted’s Range Road Diner is just what you’re looking for. With items like emu, elk and alligator on the menu, it’s not for the timid palate or for vegetarians. It’s hearty food with a twist. Located west of Meaford and north of Hwy 26 on Grey Road 112 (formerly the Range Road). Call 519 538 1788 for reservations.

http://www.meaford.com/teds/index.htm#Our%20Menu

The Apple Pie Trail

The area between Owen Sound and Collingwood, along Georgian Bay, is prime apple growing area. And where there’s apples, there is apple pie. Is there anything better than sinking your teeth into a light, flaky crust surrounding juicy, warm apple pie?

If you agree, then you’ll want to check out the Apple Pie Trail. There are 21 locations within a short drive of Blue Mountain. Each location features fresh baked apple pies, apple crumble and just about anything apple, all made from locally grown apples.

http://www.applepietrail.ca/

Creemore Springs Brewery

Located in the lovely Village of Creemore, Creemore Springs Brewery is a microbrewery using traditional methods. They offer tours and on August 28th host the Copper Kettle Festival. http://www.creemoresprings.com/live/creemore_copper.php

In addition to the brewery, the Village of Creemore has several restaurants, food shops and a farmer’s market.

The Falls Inn

Walter’s Falls is a village south west of Meaford. It is named for John Walter, an early settler who used the water power of Walter’s Creek for his mills. Walter’s Falls has an art show in August and is part of a larger studio tour in October. It is also home to The Falls Inn. They have lovely dining options including lunch, dinner and a Sunday brunch. You can dine overlooking the falls or beside the fireplace. http://www.thefallsinn.com/dining.htm

Enjoy and don’t forget to comment if you’ve got any new suggestions so we can let other guests of ours experience the best of Blue!

That’s why we created ‘Chalets For The Canadian Forces‘ where we could take what we do – creating vacation memories for families in the Blue Mountain Collingwood area – and turn it into something that can help them.  Here’s how it works as well as some ways you or your business can do the same.

• We have 3 bedroom mountainside condos and chalets ranging from 3 to 8 bedrooms most of them with hot tubs and all with full amenities and access to all the wonderful things to do in the Blue Mountain Collingwood area.
• When we have availability – in other words, unrented properties – we offer free accommodation to Canadian Forces families who have suffered loss, or whose Canadian Forces member has been injured or just currently deployed and could use some respite.

Sometimes families just need to find time to relax and reconnect in moments like these.  Here’s some memories of some families who have taken advantage of the program:

“It was like living ‘The Lives of the Rich and Famous’…It was absolutely amazing…It was sooo important…and so appreciated…we were only able to stay two nights but it was exactly what we needed.  YOU DID MAKE A DIFFERENCE in our lives!!”

“Our family had a wonderful time reminiscing the times of my son, a fallen soldier.”

“As a result of his illness, we had to cancel a trip to Cuba, which very much disappointed (the kids)..we could certainly use a break after all we’ve gone through in the last month.”

And here’s a great video done on our program by a local tv station which shows how, for one family, sometimes it’s just the little moments that are missed.  Get a hanky!

So if you know of a Canadian Forces family that are in this situation share this with them using the tools below or have them call 877-368-2583 or email us at rentals@bluemountainlodges.ca to book their time.  We’ll do our best to accommodate them.

And, if you’re a family who has already taken advantage of our offer, please share your memories by email or on our new Facebook page www.facebook.com/bluemountainlodges .

We’re also told by our partners at the Military Family Resource Centre that people often say they wish they could do something so here’s four ideas on how you – or your business – can help.

1. Is there something your business does or makes that could provide support? For example, VIA has trains so they offer free travel for those wanting to get home.  Or you may be a smaller business like ourselves that can offer something. We challenge you to come up with something then click here to make it happen.   http://www.cfpsa.com/sponsorship/
2. Write to the Troops Here’’s a ‘Morale by Message Board’ where you can send a message of support particularly during key holiday seasons when being apart hurts the most.  http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/Commun/message/index-eng.asp
3. Wear Red on Friday Did you know that people wear red on Fridays to show support for the Canadian Forces and their families (just like Tiger Woods does on Sundays in a tournament)?  It’s subtle but shows the families you care.  And when people gather it makes quite an impact.  The London Knights encouraged everyone to wear red during their Friday night games this year.
4. Buy Official ‘Support Our Troops’ Merchandise. All proceeds are reinvested directly into morale and welfare programs for Forces members and their families.  Like us, Old Navy found a way to tie it into what they do to show support by offering clothes for sale through their stores.  Click here for more info: https://www3.cfpsa.com/wyn2/en/sot/shoplist.aspx

Is there a way you can show these families we care?

Addendum: Just received a nice email from Mike M. “I recently got back from Afghanistan and just heard about your offer from a friend of mine who is still there (by the way, all of our members think this is fantastic so thank you!).  Thanks again!”  Thanks for the feedback Mike.

1. Elvis In Everything

Click the link to see Elvis where he’s never gone before thanks to a little photoshopping.

http://www.bloggerheads.com/photoshopping/photoshopping_elvis.htm

2. Johnny Cash Does Elvis

This hilarious video on YouTube has gotten 3 million views.  Johnny does a terrific job as an Elvis impersonator.

3. Elvis On Mars

We’d like to believe he’s still alive but apparently some people think he’s alive and living on Mars?!

4. Elvis Trooper

Elvis impersonators are an amazingly creative with their costumes.  Here’s proof.

5. Post-It Note Elvis

Amazing creativity in this tribute to the King via Post-It Notes.  Read more about how it was done in the link below.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ih8gates/18861172/in/set-444219/

6. Ancient Elvis Statue Discovered

Here’s proof that he was always with us.  Well it does look like him.

7. Around The World In A $30 Elvis Suit

It’s one thing to have ambition to be a world traveler.  It’s another to do it all as an Elvis impersonator that admittedly is not that good.  Read more here.

http://crapelvis.blogspot.com/

8. Elvis Painting In Cheese Puffs

An amazingly great portrait emerges through the medium of Cheesies?

Even if you’re not as big of a fan of Elvis as some of these folks, the Collingwood Elvis Festival is great fun for the whole family.

There’s more details here.  It goes July 22-25.

http://www.collingwoodelvisfestival.com/

And, if you need a place to stay, we can set you up with your own little Graceland perfect for a family.

Memorial Park Beach

This lovely beach is located on the eastern side of Meaford on Grant Avenue. Offshore are “the Sisters”, large rocks jutting out from the waters of Georgian Bay. Legend has it two sisters swam too far from shore and drowned. Afterward, these rocks mysteriously appeared where the unlucky girls perished.

In spite of the gruesome tale of the Sisters, this park is a lovely place to spend the day. There are 400 metres of shoreline, a picnic area, a children’s playground, miniature golf and clean washrooms. Parking is free.

http://www.meaford.com/town/membeach.htm

Wasaga Beach

Wasaga Beach (the beach, rather than the town) is the longest freshwater beach in the world, with 14 kilometres of white sandy shoreline and is designated a Blue Flag beach http://www.blueflag.ca . Located on Georgian Bay, east of Collingwood, this is probably the best-known beach in Ontario. Wasaga Beach is actually divided into six beach areas; five are family-friendly (including one that allows dogs) plus the main beach which is part of the entertainment district of the town.

In addition to the beach, there are watersports rentals, beach volley ball, washrooms, and shopping. There’s also the Nancy Island Historic site with a War of 1812 museum, a lighthouse and children’s activities in the summer.

http://bit.ly/bxsm89

Little River Beach Park

Little River Beach Park is a pebbled beach surrounded by trees near the Town of the Blue Mountains. This beach is up for a Blue Flag designation and has a lifesaving station, washrooms, a children’s playground and parking.

http://blueflag.ca/drupal/?q=node/133

Hibou Conservation Area

Named one of the top 10 beaches in Ontario, Hibou is something of an undiscovered gem. It is located on the eastern shore of Georgian Bay, between Owen Sound and Leith on County Road 15. The sheltered waters of Paynter’s Bay make for nice swimming while the 475 metres of sandy beach make the beach seem deserted even when the parking lot is full.

While the name means owl in French, Hibou is actually named after a ship that sank offshore in the 1800s. If you want to sound like a local, you’ll refer to it as “hi-bow” rather than using the French pronunciation of “eee-boo”.

The site has clean washrooms/changing rooms, picnic shelters, a children’s playground and hiking trails. While there is a small parking fee it is worth the cost.

http://public.greysauble.on.ca/ca_lands/hibou.html

Sauble Beach

Sauble Beach boasts 11 km of sand on the shore of Lake Huron. It was voted the best beach in Ontario by Toronto Star Readers in 2002. In addition to the sand and the warm waters of Lake Huron, there is parking, public change rooms/washrooms and lots of other activities: restaurants, arcades, an amusement park, shopping and more. One of the most popular activities at Sauble is beach volleyball. Bring your own ball and play free at the nets provided. They’re open daily in the summer from noon to 5 pm.

Sauble Beach is about a 75 minute drive west of Collingwood, just past Owen Sound.

http://www.saublebeach.com/beach.php

Lying on the beach is just one of the great summer activities but if you get a bit more ambitious here’s more to do for a great family vacation.

1. The Georgian Bay Club

With spectacular views overlooking Georgian Bay, the Georgian Bay Club is elegance, challenge and scenic beauty wrapped into one.  It was the Top Ranked New Private Course in Canada for 2005 by Golf Digest magazine and it’s our top-ranked too.  The 217 yard par 3 third hole provides an amazing vista but keep your eye on the ball because the green is on a plateau.  This year it’s the host for the Wayne Gretzky Classic in July and the Wayner is always right.  www.georgianbayclub.com
Tel: 519.599.9949

2. Blue Mountain Golf & Country Club

The longest established club in the area is also the local’s secret friendly play and our #2 ranked course.  An excellent walking course the natural beauty of the Niagara Escarpment acts as a great backdrop to the course’s well maintained tees, mature fairways, greens and and friendly crowd.  Blue Mountain is an 18 hole par 70 golf course that measures 6097 yards.  http://www.bmgcc.net/ Tel: 705-445-3911

3. Batteaux Creek Golf Club

Nestled between the Escarpment, Collingwood and Wasaga Beach, this is one of the most scenic and playable courses in the area.  For the talented, there’s plenty of risk/reward scenarios with lots of water, sand but spacious greens.  For the lesser-skilled, five sets of tees on every hole allows the low handicap player to bring certain hazards into play to present more of a challenge. http://www.batteauxcreek.com Tel: (866) 479-3754

4. OslerBrook Golf & Country Club

One of the newest kids on the block, OslerBrook was started by a group of local players which included a group from neighbouring Osler Bluff Ski Club.   Designed by Graham Cooke, the course butts right up against the 800 foot Escarpment providing spectacular views of the entire area.  From there is follows the rolls put there by the same glaciar that gave us the escarpment.  Challenging but with easy outs, it’s becoming the serious golfer’s favourite but with six tee boxes, your grandmother can play it too.  You might need to know someone to get on.  http://www.oslerbrook.com Tel: 800.616.4623

5. Monterra Golf at Blue Mountain Resort

Only an iron shot from most of our chalets,  Monterra is part of Blue Mountains Resort.  It’s a traditional links course with rolling fairways, 86 bunkers and plenty of water in the form of creeks and lakes.  In addition to the championship course, Monterra offers the amenities of the nearby Blue Mountain village with its bars and restaurants.  http://www.bluemountain.ca/golf.htm Tel: (877) 445-0231

6. Atoka at Cranberry

Another resort course, the Atoka Golf Club is part of Cranberry Resort near the beautiful waters of Georgian Bay.  It has wide welcoming tree-lined fairways, strategically placed bunkers and wonderfully maintained greens.  It also has a great spa adjacent to the course if you want to distract your significant other.  It also has the distinction of being appointed Canada’s first Audubon Society certified golf course so if you like playing a ‘natural’ course that was designed to have less impact on the environment, then this is the one for you. http://www.thecranberryresort.com/golf.php Tel: (800) 465-9077

7. Cobble Beach

Surprising that Cobble Beach was the course to receive the fewest votes in our survey as when it opened it was named Best New Course in Ontario.  It’s got a wonderful location beside Georgian Bay.  Each nine winds its way through open meadow edged with mature woodlands, rising to provide commanding views of the course and Georgian Bay beyond and then returning to the shore for a memorable finish along the bluffs.  The links-like character is revealed in the run of the turf, the billowing fescue rough, the pot bunkers that lurk to catch the errant shot, the surrounding contours of the greens and the off -water breezes. It’s the sort of course you can play and have a lot of fun as the views are extraordinary even if your golf isn’t.  http://www.cobblebeach.com/ Tel: 888.278.8112

If you have a different opinion than our readers, let us know!  Comment below or vote here:

We’ll keep the poll open and revise this listing if we see big swings.