Canadian heaven

After a 2-week hiatus to the East Coast I have to say what I’m going to miss the most about Canada (people aside) is Muskoka. I’ve been lucky enough to spend summers there since I was in the womb (being a late August baby I was essentially born up there, with late-stage pregnancy meals for my mom including corn on the cob & Webers). If you’ve been, you love if - if you haven’t, you should make the trip. If it’s good enough for Kurt Russell, Goldie Hawn, Kate Hudson, Martin Short & countless NHL players, it’s good enough for me!

So in the spirit of my last day in the country for I’m not sure how long… (I head back to LA tomorrow until I can come back for my visa approval – ready and waiting!!) I’ve decided to do a tribute to all things Muskoka – a few personal favorites from those I know and love:

Don’s Bakery in Bala – their Chelsea buns have a cult following, and with good reason.

Bala Falls – breathtaking!

Webers – it's so good it’s worth mentioning twice – last Friday I actually drove an extra hour just for their veggie burgers & fries – and even for an impatient person like me, it was worth it!

Antique boats – you may be lucky enough to catch a crew of these heading to a boat show in Port Carling or Gravenhurst – there’s something historical, peaceful & outright beautiful about them. If you're really lucky, you may also see the Lady Muskoka or Seguin.

Waterskiing – I can’t say I can make it all the way around Acton Island like I used to… (or even close) but it’s still great to get up.

Frozen Yogourt – whether it’s a quick stop in Bala, Port Carling, Minett, or Bracebridge… it always hits the spot.

Sunsets – almost every day is killer, I can't remember a bad one – this time of year is great, it’s light out late so you can maximize the day.

Marty’s Butter tarts – if you’re ever within a one-hour radius of Bracebridge – MAKE THE TRIP – these massive tarts are so gooey your mouth will thank you. They may be the sweetest thing you’ve ever tasted… I have it on good authority that Dorset has some killer tarts as well, if you’re closer to the Lake of Bays /Hunstville area. A good friend of mine had some at her wedding last summer, a different take on the cupcakes for your wedding cake trend and oh-s0-yummy.

Weekends with friends - priceless. Memories to last a lifetime, and a lifetime left to create.

The Wildlife - we caught these guys crossing at the narrows just a few hundred meters from our cottage a few summers ago.

Boat rides – I can hands down say my FAVORITE thing in the word to do is drive a boat, or go for a boat ride. I spent 2 summers in University doing the Muskoka Lakes Marine Patrol – yes, it was just as amazing as it sounds… driving the 3 lakes all day. Heaven.

Muskoka, I miss you already!

k