[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Everyone needs a summer getaway and there is no better place to indulge in a stress free weekend than Muskoka, ON. With vast lakes and refreshing greenery, a trip to cottage country can be the reset we’ve all been looking for. As most of Canada continues to hold out and maintain distancing guidelines, Muskoka provides the perfect location for a socially distanced mini-vaca.

In our latest city guide, luxury real estate agent, Shawn Woof, recommends all of his must-visit local spots for the best in dining, shopping and cottage life decor. With more than 20 years of experience in recreational property, residential and commercial development, Shawn is the ultimate Muskoka real estate expert. Living and working in the region full-time, Woof is a Muskoka fanatic who uses his community and client driven approach to convey the heart of the Muskoka to every client. 

Whether you’re looking for the best ice cream in town or that one-of-a-kind quirky piece to take back home, we’ve got you covered.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Community Classics” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff” css_animation=”slideInLeft” css=”.vc_custom_1594996914040{background-color: #568ebf !important;}”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]

Mooskokas

Mooskoka’s Ice Cream is the premium ice cream destination in Muskoka. Located in the heart of Port Carling, Mooskoka is not only a delicious destination, but a local meeting place for Port Carling residents who are looking to enjoy a sweet treat while taking in the beautiful surrounding scenery. 

With over 30 delicious ice cream flavours, Mooskoka’s is where I satisfy my sweet tooth. Port Carling’s go-to ice cream shop is stocked with endless flavours. Although choosing one will likely be the most difficult part of your day. A classic crowd pleaser is the iconic Canadian Moose Tracks flavour, a vanilla ice cream filled with peanut butter cups, topped with fudge. At Mooskokas everyone gets to enjoy the flavours, even my dog Ed if he’s lucky. [/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”18966″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]

Sawdust Brewing Co 

There is nothing better than sipping a cold beer on the dock in the summer, surrounded by friends.

Located in Gravenhurst, Sawdust City Brewing Company is an award-winning brewery, producing a variety of delicious ales and lagers. Be sure to try their Golden Beach Hazy Pale Ale, it’s the perfect summer drink, loaded with juicy citrus hop flavours.

Sawdust City Brewing Co is dedicated to creating exceptional craft beers that expand the borders of traditional flavour profiles. They offer six year-round core beers, seasonal beers, limited batch brews, barrel-aged and experiential beers. Stop by their patio for a cold beer and a delicious meal from their barbecue inspired menu. [/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”18973″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_separator][vc_custom_heading text=”Where To Eat ” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff” css_animation=”slideInLeft” css=”.vc_custom_1594997201416{background-color: #568ebf !important;}”][vc_column_text]

Crossroads 

Located in Muskoka Cottage Country, Crossroads Restaurant offers elegant dining in a beautiful rustic setting. Each dish is carefully selected with the finest ingredients from local food suppliers, providing a healthy and delicious culinary experience.

For a pure, simple and healthy dining experience, Crossroads Restaurant is the gem in Muskoka for you. With diverse menu options and delicious meals, this restaurant is a community favourite. I’m a big fan of supporting local restaurants such as Crossroads because everything is made with the help of local vendors who provide fresh ingredients.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”18969″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]

Bass Lake Roadhouse 

This hyper-local dining spot, offers delicious comfort food in the heart of Muskoka. There’s nothing more Canadian than one of their delicious burgers paired with a frosty pint of local Lake of Bays beer.

A popular spot among locals year-round, Bass Lake Roadhouse has a welcoming atmosphere, quality comfort food served in generous portions and the friendliest staff. It’s the perfect spot to meet friends or new clients who are looking to check-out local hotspots.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”18958″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]

Field of Greens 

Located in Port Carling, Field Of Greens is a local food market with an emphasis on quality, service and convenience. Now offering pick-up and delivery, they have made it even easier to save time and get your cottage supplies.

For the days when you just want to light up the grill and enjoy a beer by the lake, this gourmet grocery and produce destination has everything you need. Field Of Greens offers a wide selection of fresh produce, premium meats, prepared entrees, fresh seafood, baked goods and much more. When I’m entertaining guests or holding open houses, I often pick up fresh produce or one of their creative charcuterie boards. It’s a crowd pleaser every time.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”18961″ img_size=”full”][vc_custom_heading text=”Rare Finds ” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff” css_animation=”slideInLeft” css=”.vc_custom_1594997528673{background-color: #568ebf !important;}”][vc_column_text]

Bridgepoint Muskoka

Bridgepoint Muskoka is an upscale clothing and decor store located in Port Carling, offering a range of high-quality products including home decor and furnishings.

If you’re looking to bring a piece of the lake home or trying to find that finishing statement piece for your living room, Bridgepoint Muskoka is the best spot for distinctively Muskoka offerings. It’s a great place to find a cottage-warming gift or buy decor that instantly spruces up any indoor or outdoor setting.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”18960″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]

Hopson Grace Muskoka 

I love entertaining family and friends, especially in the summertime. Hopson Grace is a Toronto-based home goods store that (luckily for us), holds a pop-up store in Port Carling during the summertime. Everything Hopson Grace has to offer screams elegant summertime living in a relaxed yet sophisticated manner. It’s no doubt, a Port Carling hotspot.

Situated in the heart of Port Carling, Hopson Grace Muskoka offers upscale modern entertaining essentials and home accessories, geared towards easy and elegant summer living. Visit Hopson Grace for an endless variety of beautifully crafted tableware, barware, pantry items and tabletop accessories for the home.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”18965″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]

Living Wood Design

Living Wood Design creates innovative and eco-friendly designs in which they use reclaimed salvaged woods and traditional craftsmanship techniques to bring the natural beauty of the wood to life. Each piece of furniture is designed and crafted in their Muskoka workshop.

With over 20 years of experience, Living Wood Design is one of my go-to recommendations for clients who are looking to custom create bespoke, sustainable furniture for their properties. The team is recognized for their innovative cozy meets luxurious designs and fine craftsmanship. They’ve created custom pieces for endless notable Muskoka-based clients including The Property Brothers.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”18971″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]

T-squared Design Studio Inc.

T-squared Design Studio is the design team I trust to satisfy all of my client’s cottage needs, through creative and well-appointed building designs. They’ve helped countless clients turn their spaces into dream. Located in Port Carling, it provides clients with beautiful custom-designed cottages and boathouses. Some of the other services they provide include interior design, custom built-ins, historic building conservation and sustainable design.

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