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?

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!

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.

In addition to providing guests with great accommodation we like to make sure they have the best advice to enjoy the area so we’d like to ask you which – all things considered – are the best rides in the area.  There’s some descriptions here if you need reference.

Take this simple one-click survey and we’ll publish the results in an upcoming post.

Thank You!

We appreciate the help in spreading the love!

And while skiers and snowmobilers may be a little sad at the changing seasons, every year there is more and more to do in Blue Mountain culturally and with activities.  So while the ice is still coming out in cottage country all of these activities make this area the best in Ontario for a spring getaway.  Here are my top ten ways to celebrate spring during your visit.

1.   The Georgian Trail was originally a rail line between Collingwood and Meaford beginning in 1872. It was reopened in the fall of 1989 as a 34 km trail. The trail has a hard-packed, granular surface, so it’s easy for walking, cycling and is even wheel chair accessible – making it perfect for a family outing. There are benches along the trail for resting, and several places with rest rooms. Along a good stretch of the trail you’re walking right next to Georgian Bay so you have some stunning views. Visit for maps, photos and more information.

Leaving Thornbury, heading west

2.  The town of Collingwood has created The Collingwood Trails Network. There are over 60 kilometres of marked trails. The in-town trails are suitable for strollers, wheelchairs, and electronic scooters. Millennium Park is part of the in-town network. It offers fabulous views of the bay and was once the site where massive Great Lakes freighters arrived in Collingwood. Go to www.collingwoodtrails.ca for a list of all the trails that are part of the network, as well as photos and maps.

3. With snow melting and April showers, spring is a great time to take the Grey County Waterfall Tour. There are an incredible number of waterfalls in Grey County – each more beautiful than the last. Many are a short drive or hike from major roads. Download and print the map of the 150 km self-guided driving tour. You can visit as many or as few as you’d like at your own pace. www.visitgrey.ca/travel-experiences/waterfalls-and-waterways/waterfall-tour/

One of the stunning views

4. If you’re a little more adventurous, there are plenty of places where you can go rock climbing. Metcalfe Rock is one of Ontario’s oldest climbing areas and very popular. At 800 meters at its peak, Metcalfe Rock offers top roping, traditional and sport climbing. Access is along the Bruce Trail. The full loop is about 8 km and will take about 3 hours, over and above your climbing time. Visit http://brucetrail.org/explore/show/28 to get directions.

5. For a more sedate outdoor activity, try the historic architecture walking tour of Thornbury. Pick up a brochure with directions and details about each of the homes from participating stores in downtown Thornbury. Then spend a lovely hour or so walking the area and looking at these beautiful, historic homes. Visit http://www.thornbury.ca/things-to-do/walking-tour for more information.

The Mill Cafe overlooking Thornbury Dam

6. Perfect for a rainy day is a visit to the Arts Centre. The Blue Mountain Foundation for the Arts is presenting PAINTINGS, an exhibition featuring the art of Paul Shilling and Jennifer Porter. This show runs from March 31, 2010 to May 2, 2010.  If you happen to be in Collingwood April 10^th, you can meet this artists at the reception from 3 to 5 pm. 163 Hurontario St., Collingwood Ontario 705-445-3430 www.bmfa.on.ca

7. The Georgian Sound Festival is an annual event – this year April 23, 24 and 25 in Thornbury and Clarksburg.  If you love jazz – or want to learn more about it – this is the weekend for you. You’ll hear every genre of jazz, from traditional Dixieland, big band swing, gospel, modern and Latino flavoured jazz. And it’s not just for listening. On Saturday you can take dance classes and learn to ballroom dance or swing dance.  For more info or to order tickets, call 519-599-3223 or go to www.georgiansoundfestival.ca.

Marlene O'Neill will headline Sunday's Gospelfest

8. If folk music is more your style, you’ll want to check out Lunch At Allen’s at the Marsh Street Centre in Clarksburg. This musical revue includes Murray McLauchlan, Cindy Church, Marc Jordan, and Ian Thomas. It’s an incredible chance to see all four of these musicians on one stage. It’s a one-time show on Saturday, May 15^th at 8pm. Call 519-599-7837 or visit for more information www.marshstreetcentre.ca.

9. For a more active family day, you and your kids will love the Just Push Play Arcade in Creemore. What’s unique about this arcade is you don’t need quarters (or loonies). Just pay a flat fee admission price and you can play all the games you want. There are over 200 games – recent and trendy games to some oldies but goodies. They have air hockey, Dance Dance Revolution, Pac Man, pinball machines, and even the old Galaga game. Freak your kids out at how good you are at the oldies or let them kick your butt on the new ones. 5 Francis St. E Unit A, Creemore, Ontario.  (705) 466-6668 www.justpushplayarcade.com

10. Lastly, who doesn’t love bowling? C’mon admit it.  This is fun for the entire family. The Georgian Bowl in Collingwood has 12 lanes of 5-pin bowling – the truly Canadian version of the game. In fact, 5-pin bowling celebrated it’s 100^th anniversary in 2009. Not only that, 5-pin is easier for little hands to manage. You can even use bumpers to take the frustration out of the game for beginners. For adults, there is Rock n Bowl Saturday nights. Located at 832 Hurontario St., Collingwood, Ontario, L9Y 3Z1 or call (705) 445-3871. On the web at www.georgianbowl.com.

We’d love to have you join us this spring – or anytime for that matter.  Give us a call when you’re ready.

Take this simple semi-scientific poll.

Use the sharing tool to post it to your social network and pass it onto your friends if you want.

We’ll publish the results in a few weeks here.

We’ll be interested in what you have to say!

1. Scenic Caves Suspension Bridge

This is a fun afternoon trip for the whole family. The Suspension Bridge is at the highest point on the Niagara Escarpment so you’ll have a spectacular view of Blue Mountain, Georgian Bay, and Collingwood. It’s a pleasant hike to the Suspension Bridge or if you don’t want to walk, just hop aboard the country wagon. 260 Scenic Caves Rd, Blue Mountain. 705.446.0256  www.sceniccaves.com

2. Live Jazz & Blues

For more mature tastes, live music is always a great way to spend an evening. The Collingwood Jazz & Blues Society was created to present live blues and jazz concerts to locals and visitors to Collingwood. The 2010 Blues Series includes monthly concerts at the Arts Centre. Visit www.collingwoodjazz.ca for dates and times or call 705-444-4449 for information and tickets.

3. The Candy Factory

This is a fun activity for children of all ages. The Candy Factory uses old fashion candy recipes – you won’t find these treats at the corner store. From lollipops to brittles, fudge to chocolates, there is truly something for everyone. 645 Hurontario Street, Collingwood ON L9Y 2N6  705.445.2400 www.candyfactory.ca

4. Snowmobile Adventures  – From Beginner to Advanced

Even if you’ve never been on a snowmobile, Ride On Rentals is something to check out. With tours and lessons designed for all ages and ability levels, this is an activity your whole family can enjoy. www.rideonrentals.com Collingwood Ontario. 705-293-0552

5. The Collingwood Museum

Visit the Collingwood Museum and learn more about the local history. Did you know that Collingwood has 150 years of marine heritage? Learn about it with the museum’s “Ship Sidelaunch” that runs every 15 minutes. 45 St. Paul Street, Collingwood, Ontario,  (705) 445-4811  http://www.collingwood.ca/museum

6. Cardboard Castles Children’s Emporium

This fun-filled toy store in the historic village of Creemore is not run-of-the-mill. With wooden toys, eco-friendly and locally made items, plus clothing from newborn to youth size 16, you’ll find something for the child of any age. 172 Mill Street, Creemore, Ontario 705-466-9998 www.cardboardcastles.ca

7. Historic Sailing Cruise or Family Fishing Charter

Once the warm weather hits, your entire family can enjoy a four-hour cruise aboard the Endurable I, a replica of a sailing vessel built by the Watts brothers in Collingwood 150 years ago. For a more hands-on day, bring the kids salmon fishing on a family fishing charter.

If you’re good, the Captain may even let you try your hand at the wheel. Contact Summer Bound, 1-888-286-4528 or 705-445-5267, or http://www.summerbound.ca/activities/activities.htm

8. The Admiral’s Post Pub

This friendly pub is located in Schoolhouse Lane in downtown Collingwood. The Admiral’s Post offers traditional pub fare plus some interesting alternatives. Weekends see hearty traditional English breakfasts served until 2 p.m.  There’s live music Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons.  2 School House Lane, Collingwood, Ontario.  705.445.1833 http://mycollingwood.ca/admiralspostpub.asp

9. Haunted Collingwood Walking Tours

Let the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end as your host takes you on this 75 minute tour of historic Collingwood. Tours leave Tuesday evenings from the Beild House Country Inn & Spa, 64 Third Street, one block south-west of Town Hall, across from the Collingwood Baptist Church.  Just show up at the meeting point shortly before 9:00 p.m. and your guide will be waiting. Call the Collingwood Downtown BIA office at 705-445-5595 to learn more, or visit www.myeyeproductions.ca/hauntedwalk.html

10. Plunge! Aquatic Centre

If the kids are getting a little squirrelly or you just want a fun, family-friendly activity, Plunge! Aquatic Centre is open year-round. With indoor-outdoor pools, an indoor water playground, hot tubs, rope swings, docks and slides, plus comfortable deck chairs for those who prefer to stay dry, there is something for everyone, infant to senior. 220 Mountain Drive, Blue Mountains, Ontario, Located in the Village at Blue Mountain, Attached to The Westin Trillium House, Blue Mountain. 705.444.8705 www.plungebluemountain.ca

Come join us and bring this handy list with you.  You’ll have a good vacation with the whole family.