January Things To Do!

Hello all you lovely people!

I hope you’re enjoying the holiday season - be it outside in snowshoes or inside with warm cocoa. Things are changing quickly as Ontario goes into lockdown again. Normally on the last Sunday of the month, I like to recommend local events happening the following month. Because of the restrictions, I’m going to change it up a bit. Instead, I found online virtual events you can participate in. Also, for those who enjoy the wintery outdoors, I have hiking resources from Bruce, Grey and Simcoe counties. 

As we know “change never changes” so let us make the most of our circumstances as we take time to reflect and spend time with those who mean a lot to us. Even if it's our own selves, because you’re important to spend time with too!

Virtual Activities 

First - I found this link that will take you to Attractions Ontario. From there, there’s a bunch of virtual events. These include tours of the Art Gallery of Ontario, Canadian Museum of History, Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory, Jungle Cat World, and even a virtual roller coaster ride from Canada’s Wonderland! There is A LOT more so be sure to check out the entire list because there’s something for the kids, adults and the entire fam jam!

For more local virtual activities - did you know about Georgian Bay Huron Strong website?  Go here  OR download the app! It’s available for Android and Apple products. There’s online learning support, a list of virtual activities, and other local resources. For the kids, there’s a list of indoor activities and sibling activities. There’s also a list of “solo” activities in case mom/dad/guardian need a break! They also have the same lists, but different activities for teens. For adults, they have netflix parties and suggest Duolingo for learning a new language! Here’s also a list for the whole family to do!

The Georgian Bay Centre for the Arts is a wonderful resource for getting crafty and making art! They are located in Owen Sound and offer multiple curbside pickup crafts. 

Crock-A-Doodle in Blue Mountain also offers similar services! Just call and ask for a paint kit, along with any pottery piece you want! From mugs, plates, pencil holders, pet dishes, cookie jars, to animals galore, everyone will want to paint something! Plus, if you have little ones this is a great activity - You can just wash the paint off and let them start again! (And the paint doesn’t stain!)

Are you a gardener? Well then you may know that all the 2021 seed catalogues are coming out! Curl up with a couple catalogues - like the William Dam or Richter’s Herbs (PDF links). Gardening was a major growing (in both ways) trend last year so seeds will likely sellout quick again. Besides - growing your own food is sustainable and nothing tastes better than eating from local land! There’s also the Almanac Garden Planner so Spring doesn’t seem so far away :D

The Blue Mountains Library has a lot to offer virtually too. I mention some one these activites in the November blog  but you can also click here  to see their event calender for January.

Getting Outside 

For the Bruce, Grey, and Simcoe counties - each website has their own links and ways of sharing hiking trails. I’ve compiled it all in one place here so it’s easier to navigate. 

For Bruce County trails - this is the visual map. It numbers the trails so to learn what each trail is - use this as reference. 

For Grey County trails - this is the interactive map. It is easier to navigate via desktop rather than cell phone. When you scroll down there will be listings of locations. There are trails, parks, conservation areas, and other outdoor areas.  Each listing has a picture with a caption. To see where the listing is on the map (only works for desktop) - click on the tiny blue icon in the top right of the photo. To read more info about the listing itself - click on the photo. 

For Simcoe County trails - this is the page where you find the maps of trails. It’s also important to note at the end there is a list of rules and trail etiquette to follow. We love this area, and we love being here, so let’s keep it nice together :)

There’s also GeorgianTrail.ca! They have some interesting background info if you would like to learn more about it. Here’s a quick list of trail etiquette they posted - 

TRAIL ETIQUETTE
• Stay to the right of the Trail.
• When overtaking others, pass on the left and sound a warning.
• Pedestrians always have the right of way.
• Cyclists should ring a bell or call out “passing left” when approaching pedestrians.
• Do not block the Trail.

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SHOP UPDATE

Georgian Bay Marketplace is getting ready to open! We hope you’re excited as we are. The planned date is January 15, 2021. There will be a giveaway to celebrate the opening, so make sure you're following us on Facebook and Instagram. We also will be posting vendor interviews so you can get to know our artisans, like you would at a farmer's market! Also - keep watching for February because there is something crazy awesome coming to help celebrate Love Day (formerly Valentines Day but let’s skip the romantics this year because everyone needs some love!!!)


Thank you for reading. If there’s anything I missed or you have suggestions about activities to do - drop them in the comments below or on FB and Insta. 

Stay safe everyone and please - practice extra caution when driving on the roads. A lot of the road salt got washed away before the big snow so sidewalks and roads are icy!!!

Love to all you wonderful beings. Thanks for tuning in!

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