The Best of Bracebridge 2014

Nestled in the heart of M
uskoka,
Bracebridge is hom
e to some of the
best dining, retail an
d entertainment
experiences availa
ble.
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EDITION
THE BEST OF
While enjoying this especially beautiful part of the
world, we hope you will take the time to visit some
of our favorite haunts and activities.
The businesses that appear in this publication
were chosen by a team of local stakeholders
who are interested in ensuring that visitors get to
experience some of our “best.” The following set
of criteria was utilized in the selection process:
• Curb appeal
• Highly regarded by a third party –
eg. positive write ups in Trip Advisor,
Yelp as well as regional publications
• Open until at least 6pm and/or open
five or more days per week
• Are not franchised or national chain operations
18 of our best
dining, shop
pin
and entertain g
m
experiences ent
!
These experiences will provide visitors to our
community with a positive first impression and a
lasting memory to share with their friends. While
not an exhaustive list, the businesses/attractions
listed in this publication can serve as a guide to
escort you to some of the best that Bracebridge
has to offer. We hope you will agree.
Enjoy,
Muskoka Lifestyle Centre
Did we miss anything?
Email us at bracebridge@canadascottagecountry.ca to tell us.
Bracebridge Visitor Centre
1-866-645-8121
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Griffin GastroPub
Looking for that out of the way
place where all the locals go?
If so, climb Chancery Lane,
turn right and walk into an
oasis of great hand-crafted
beer, fine food and a friendly
atmosphere.
Owners Jed and Curt
have created an ambiance
where ideas can be shared,
friendships nurtured, music
appreciated, and locally
sourced food and drink
savoured. With extensive beer
offerings that are constantly
evolving, you will have fun
experiencing new brews
with the guidance of their
knowledgeable staff. The
mouth-watering meals are
served on beautifully presented
plates where every morsel is
as good as the last and local
ingredients steal the show.
Live music, featured Thursday
to Saturday evenings, rounds
out the experience at the little
pub that is big on charm.
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Hours of Operation:
May Long weekend to Thanksgiving
Tues-Wed: Noon until
Midnight (at least)
Thu-Sat: Noon until 2am
Thanksgiving to May Long weekend
Wed: 4pm until Midnight
(at least)
Thu-Sat: Noon until 2am
Call for seasonal hours of operation.
Please call for Christmas hours.
Phone:
705-646-0438
Address:
9 Chancery Lane
Bracebridge, ON
P1L 2E3
LUNCH
:
ENTREES
$9-$15
DINNER
:
ENTREES
9
1
$12-$
Nestled in the heart of Muskoka,
Muskoka Brewery handcrafts
premium beers as unique and
refreshing as the region they
hail from.
Founders Gary McMullen and
Kirk Evans opened the Muskoka
Brewery doors in Bracebridge,
Ontario in 1996 with the flagship
Muskoka Cream Ale. Today the
lineup has expanded to include
the famous Mad Tom IPA,
Muskoka Dark Ale and a host
of seasonal specialties making
Muskoka Brewery a force to be
reckoned with in the craft beer
industry.
Summer Hours of
Operation:
Mon-Tues: 11am-5pm
Wed-Fri: 11am-6pm
Sat: 11am-5pm
Closed Sundays and
Holidays
Call for seasonal hours
of operation.
Phone:
705-646-1266
Address:
1964 Muskoka Beach Rd
Bracebridge, ON
P1L 1V4
So “Venture Off the Beaten Path”
and drop into their onsite tap
room and retail store to enjoy a
complimentary sampling of their
award-winning craft beer and
chat with their personable staff.
Tours of the brewery take place
at 12:30pm, 1:30pm and 2:30pm
on Fridays and Saturdays. Large
groups can contact the Brewery
(tap.room@muskokabrewery.com)
for suitable arrangements.
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atery
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Sig
Old Station Restau
r
ant
The Old Station Restaurant
offers its patrons a quality dining
experience in an atmosphere
that is purely Muskoka. The menu
includes an amazing selection
from fabulous pub food to fine
dining options.
Walk through the doors and you’ll
step into a place that is steeped
in history. Opened in the 1930’s
as an uptown service station,
the restaurant still boasts the
brickwork and entrance way from
the original gas station. Nestled
at the top of the hill in Downtown
Bracebridge, The Old Station
Restaurant has been a fixture on
the town’s culinary scene since
1985. Mike Warr and his son
Owen ensure that visitors to the
restaurant are warmly welcomed
and supremely looked after.
Call for seasonal hours
of operation.
Phone:
705-645-9776
Address:
88 Manitoba Street
Bracebridge, ON
P1L 1W3
LUNCH :
ES
ENTRE
5
$8-$1
R
DINNE :
ES
ENTRE
8
$18-$2
So kick back and enjoy the
summer breeze on their
sheltered patio or warm
yourself by the fireplace on
a cold winter day. Surround
yourself with great food
and friendly people.
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Summer Hours of
Operation:
Mon-Thu: 11:30am-10pm
Fri-Sat: 11am-11pm
oldstatio
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Described by many as one of
the best lunch spots in town,
Signature’s Eatery is a must-visit
while in Bracebridge.
Summer Hours of
Operation:
Mon-Thu: 10am-6pm
Fri-Sat: 10am-8pm
Sun: 11am-4pm
Mary and Ed DaPonte welcome
you into their eatery where they
pride themselves on serving
healthy homemade creations.
Locals will tell you to try the
Signature Salad, a tantalizing
mix of broccoli, cauliflower,
blueberries, grapes and
cheddar cheese tossed in their
secret dressing. Any sandwich
on their homemade pretzel bun
is also noteworthy.
Call for seasonal hours
of operation.
If you love something sweet,
ask Mary and Ed about their
delectable butter tarts, their
big brownies, or seasonal fruit
crumbles. Their desserts are
sure to handle any sweet tooth.
Signature’s also has a quaint
little patio for days when
“al fresco” is the only way to
go. Remember, at Signature’s,
it is “love at first bite!” Catering
is also available.
Phone:
705-645-1919
Address:
16A Manitoba Street
Bracebridge, ON
P1L 1S1
LUNCH
ENTREE
S:
$6-$10
DINNER
ENTREE
S:
$13-$20
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Riverwalk –
Muskoka Fine Dining
Wabora Japanese
Fusion Restaurant
Make no mistake… once you
step through the doors of
Wabora – Japanese Fusion
Restaurant, you will be dazzled
by the food and the drama of
its preparation.
Summer Hours of
Operation:
Open Daily: 11am9:30pm
Not even the beautiful décor
can outshine the impressive
sushi selection (60 offerings at
last count) and the action and
entertainment of its two hibachi
tables where chefs astonish
and tantalize their guests.
Phone:
705-646-9500
The Korean influences of
owner Min Soo Kim can
be found in the kalbi and
bulgogi delights that appear
throughout the menu.
Authentic Asian cuisine
thrives in Cottage Country.
Call for seasonal hours of
operation.
Address:
295 Wellington Street
Bracebridge, ON
P1L 1B8
LUNCH
S:
ENTREE
$9-$18
DINNER
S:
ENTREE
$18-$42
Situated atop the beautiful
Bracebridge Falls, in the historic
Bird’s Woollen Mills, Riverwalk
Restaurant is the ultimate in
“Fresh Market Cuisine”.
Summer Hours of
Operation:
Tue-Sat: 11:30am-2:30pm
and 5:30pm until last
reservation
For Executive Chef/Proprietor
David Friesen, incorporating
local ingredients inspires
his ever-changing menu. At
the forefront of the Savour
Muskoka movement, Chef
David highlights local and fresh
daily ingredients in his menus
and catering. Riverwalk’s
dining room features an open
kitchen allowing patrons a full
view of their meal as it is being
prepared.
Call for seasonal hours of
operation.
July & August open Sundays too.
Phone:
705-646-0711
Contact:
1 Manitoba Street
Bracebridge, ON
P1L 2S4
LUNCH
ENTREES:
$12-$17
From root vegetable chips to
oven-roasted Ontario lamb
rack with hand-foraged wild
leeks, the meals at Riverwalk
are sure to appeal to the most
discerning palate. Reservations
are recommended.
DINNER
ENTREES:
$23-$34
Chef David’s culinary creations
are available for catering. Or,
visit Riverwalk’s Pantry Café at
62 Manitoba Street for take-out.
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estaurant
riverwalkr
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Santa’s Village
and Sportsland
Lady Muskoka Cruises
For many, Santa’s Village is as
iconic to Bracebridge as the
maple leaf is to Canada.
Nestled in the heart of Muskoka
and exactly halfway between the
equator and the North Pole, Santa
chose one of the most beautiful
places in Ontario to make his
summer home. Just a few of the
attractions at this 60 acre theme
park are the roller coaster rides,
Red Barron biplane rides, a ferris
wheel, and splash pad.
New in 2014 will be treetop
trekking and zip-lining.
And for the older kids, don’t
forget Sportsland! Admission to
this attraction is free with all
activities pay-as-you-play. Single
and double go karts, a bungee
trampoline, laser tag, batting cages,
climbing wall, mini golf, and an
arcade are sure to challenge the
adventurists in your family!
Summer Hours of
Operation:
Open Daily:
10am-6pm
June 15-Sept 1, 2014 &
Sept 7-8, 2014
Phone:
705-645-2512
Address:
1624 Santa’s Village Road
Bracebridge, ON
P1L 1T7
No trip to Muskoka is complete
without a cruise aboard the Lady
Muskoka. Moored in the Heart of
Bracebridge, this 300 passenger
sight-seeing vessel is skippered
by Captain Al, whose colour
commentary includes a blend
of local folklore, documented
historical fact, and of course, a
touch of humour thrown in for
good measure.
Summer Hours of
Operation:
Open May 17-Oct 13, 2014
Phone:
705-646-2628
Address:
300 Ecclestone Drive
Bracebridge, ON
P1L 1G5
Cruises aboard “the Lady”
are typically 2¾ hours long.
The ship is also available for
private charters, weddings and
anniversaries, as well as the
popular Captain’s Feast Cruises.
Equipped with both a snack bar
and a licensed bar, the Lady
Muskoka is a great way to see
the real side of cottage country…
from the waters of the
Muskoka River and
Lake Muskoka.
Visit Santa’s Village this summer and
let your little ones (or little ones at
heart) enjoy being an elf for a day.
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ladymuskok
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Your Home Interiors
Christine Marshall is passionate
about interior design and all
things that are pretty. A step
through the doors at Your
Home Interiors will have you
dreaming about redecorating
your home or cottage.
Your Home Interiors specializes
in functional furniture, on-trend
décor items, as well as many
unique gifts and accessories.
They offer an intriguing mix of
traditional and contemporary
home furnishings that will
compliment a variety of décor
styles. Products range from
custom sofas, chairs and
ottomans to lighting, art,
mirrors, linens, and so much
more! A line of customizable
Canadian and eco-friendly
furniture, made from organic
fabrics and sustainable wood
products, is also available.
Lilibird
Summer Hours of
Operation:
Mon/Wed: 9:30am-6pm
Thu/Fri: 9:30am-7pm
Sat: 9:30am-5:30 pm
Sun: 11am-4pm
Call for seasonal hours
of operation.
Phone:
705-645-6451
Address:
24 Manitoba Street
Bracebridge, ON
P1L 1R9
Whether you are looking for
scrumptious Belgian chocolate,
Made in Muskoka jams and jellies,
gifts, cards, home fragrance and
bath, garden, quilts and even
refurbished vintage lamps,
Lilibird has wonderful treasures
just waiting for you to discover.
Bev and Steen Jensen will
greet you as long lost friends
and welcome you to their shop
located just around the corner
from main street at the falls.
Lilibird has been voted
Muskoka’s Best Gift Shop four
years in a row by local shoppers,
day trippers and cottagers. With
speciality lines like Godiva, Tea
Forte, Gourmet Village, Caldrea,
Michel Design, Fraktals, Hatley
and Jelly Cat, you’re sure to
find that something special.
Hours of Operation:
Mon-Fri: 10am-6pm
Sat: 10am-5pm
Sun: 11am-4pm
Call for seasonal hours
of operation.
Phone:
705-645-8080
1-866-851-8080
Address:
9 Ontario Street
Bracebridge, ON
P1L 2A7
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Your Home Interiors also offers
clients a range of services that
include interior decorating and
re-design, home staging, and
colour consultations.
yourhomein
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teriors.ca
lilibird.ca
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Applause! Toy S
Simply Cottage
tore
As a parent to four small children,
Jenny Thomas knows a thing or
two about toys. Her Bracebridge
location has the latest and
greatest in award-winning toys,
games, puzzles, arts and crafts,
and exclusive baby gifts.
A visit to Applause is always an
adventure in fun and learning as
they encourage their customers,
young and old, to try out the toys
at one of the many play tables.
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There’s nothing simple about this
fabulous home décor store that
is housed in a turn-of-the-century
foundry along one of the main
entrances into Bracebridge.
Summer Hours of
Operation:
Mon-Wed: 10am-6pm
Thur/Fri: 10am-8pm
Sat: 10am-6pm
Sun: 11am-4pm
Call for seasonal hours
of operation.
Simply Cottage has rapidly
established a reputation as a
shopping destination for some
of the country’s top interior
designers. Colourful, slip-covered
furniture can be found alongside
a signature line of recycled
Canadian furniture. Vintage finds
and well-loved pieces from days
gone by combine to make a
shop that epitomizes cottage
decorating and cottage
chic design.
Call for seasonal hours
of operation.
Phone:
705-646-2287
Address:
68 Manitoba Street
Bracebridge, ON
P1L 2B4
With close to 300 quality brand
names to choose from including
Calico critters, Thomas the Train,
Alex Toys and MeIissa and Doug,
Applause is sure to have the
right toy at the right price. And
if you’re looking for somewhere
fun for your child’s birthday party
while here in Bracebridge…
check out their party room and
packages. Summer art classes
for children, as
well as drop in
workshops such as
tie dye t-shirt making
are offered weekly.
applause
Summer Hours of
Operation:
Mon-Wed: 9:30am-8pm
Thu-Fri: 9:30am-9pm
Sat: 9:30am-6pm
Sun: 11am-5pm
Phone:
705-646-2828
Address:
101 Entrance Drive
Bracebridge, ON
P1L 1H3
toystore.c
If you’re looking for some
Muskoka treasures to accent
your home or cottage,
this 30,000 square foot
home décor mecca is
more than worth the
drive to Bracebridge.
om
ttage.ca
simplyco
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P laces of
Interest to V isit
Little Black Bow
At Little Black Bow, they believe
“it’s what’s underneath that counts”.
Step into this beautiful lingerie and
bra fitting boutique in Downtown
Bracebridge and you’ll understand
why. Lindsay Alexander, with help
from her mom Sue, believes that
every good wardrobe begins with
a great foundation. They provide
the best customer service, working
with you to determine the size, fit,
shape and style that works for you…
or for your special someone.
With names like Chantelle Paris,
Wacoal, Blush Lingerie, P.J. Salvage,
they have everything you’ll need to
feel saucy and sumptuous.
Specializing in professional
bra fittings, lingerie, sleep and
loungewear, bath and body
products, bridal, maternity,
mastectomy and
even men’s basics,
Little Black Bow
has something for
everyone at any age
or budget.
littlebla
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Hours of Operation:
Mon-Fri: 10am-8pm
Sat: 10am-6pm
Sun: 11am-4pm
Phone:
705-645-7734
Address:
28 Manitoba Street
Bracebridge, ON
P1L 1S1
Chapel Gallery: Housed in a reconstructed
Presbyterian Church, this award-winning gallery
is dedicated to showcasing a broad range of
art exhibitions that run throughout the year. The
gallery is located at 15 King Street.
muskokaartsandcrafts.com/
Chapel_Gallery/chapel_gallery.htm
Rotary Centennial Gardens:
This community garden provides
a variety of physical and sensory
elements designed to lift the
spirit of all who enter. Located at
Pine Street and Taylor Road, this
garden is open for three seasons
and is free to the public.
Norwood Theatre: This 4th
generation, family-run cinema has
been serving Muskoka for more than
60 years. Located on Manitoba Street,
the Norwood presents first-run movies
in a vintage setting. Open year round.
norwoodtheatre.com
Farmers’ Market: The Market runs
every Saturday, 8:30am to 2pm from
the Victoria Day long weekend, until the
Canadian Thanksgiving weekend. Held
in Memorial Park, this market features
produce, baking and local artisans.
thebracebridgefarmersmarket.com
Kayaking/Canoeing the
Muskoka River: Kayaks and
canoes are available for rent
at Muskoka Outfitters, located
at 271 Ecclestone Drive. Pack
a lunch and paddle up the
scenic Muskoka River.
muskokaoutfitters.com
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