A Lazy Sunday in Collingwood
My husband and I do not like to sit around the house looking at all that needs to be done on a beautiful summer-ends day. We also don’t want to travel too far and like to be home for dinner. Collingwood is less than an hour away for us so off we go timing it so we get there for brunch/lunch.
Our first stop was The Huron Club on Pine Street. We have eaten here often as they did a fabulous eggs benedict. Ownership has changed hands since we last visited and along with it, the brunch. We decided to stay and check it out. We had an amazing mushroom bruschetta which made staying worthwhile but it went downhill from there. Fish tacos were under-seasoned and the Icelandic Cod in the Fish and Chips was a little soggy. The fries were excellent. I love this place, the decor, the patio and the service are all excellent and for beer lovers, they have the largest selection of Ontario beers. I would go back and try again but not when I want brunch. After lunch, it was off to walk downtown Collingwood. It is filled with boutique clothing stores and fabulous furniture stores. I love the selection and love supporting local businesses. I have a few favourites: At Home Interiors for furniture and accessories, The Lively Olive for my vinegar and olive oil addiction and Dags & Willow to stock up on awesome cheese.
There are several great restaurants on Hurontario Street, a few with patios, perfect for these lingering summer days. We have tried most of them and don’t have a bad word to say about any of them. At the bottom of Hurontario, turning left towards Blue Mountain, you will find all the chain restaurants: Starbucks, McDonalds, Kelseys, Boston Pizza, East Side Marios etc. Also a great coffee shop, Ashanti’s, for light lunches and snacks. A nice walk from Cranberry Resort.
Behind the restaurants is a park and Arboretum that is well hidden. Well worth a walk or bike ride. There are paved and nature trails. Very peaceful.
After our fill of shopping, we drove up to Blue Mountain Village. A great place for people watching. More unique stores and great restaurants. Various types of accommodations are available if you want to stay a night or two.
In the centre of the action is the Coca Cola stage where live music plays most weekends during the season or on holidays. Great to grab an ice cream and listen for a while. There is a splash pad right next to the stage to keep restless kids occupied. In the square are also family games; a large checkers board and hula hoops
There are a few activities for the adventurous. Take your bike up the chair lift and ride down (for experienced riders only). You could also go wall climbing, zip lining, rope walking, hiking, canoeing, mini-golfing and over at the Westin hotel is the Plunge Aquatic Park. As for my husband and I, we like to watch all the action with a coffee or beer!
You can make the day as active or sedentary as you like.
Although it was a beautiful day, we do this trip year round. Always something to see and do in Collingwood.
