Travel Guide: 36 hours in Collingwood
Bruce Wine Bar, 8 p.m.
Take-out a woodfired pizza from Bruce Wine Bar and enjoy with a big glass of red wine back at the cabin, or settle into one of their cozy booths for a pizza you won't regret. Made right in front of you, using fresh ingredients, it's worth the small wait. Tip: Their take-out menu closes at 8:30 p.m. so make sure you get there well ahead!
Press Market, 9 a.m.
To say I am obsessed with Press Market would be an understatement. This organic plant-based restaurant, cafe, smoothie bar and market on Hwy 26, just past downtown Collingwood en route to the ski hills, is delicious. I always grab their Hippie Hippie Shake smoothie and one of their peanut butter balls - enough protein to fill you up for a good hike in the escarpment. If tempeh bowls or cashew caesar salads are more your jam, they have it all. Plus, they have the cutest selection of gifts - everything from Spy Cider Gin, to sustainable wooden toys for kids, tons of beautiful vegan cookbooks to our very own Crowbar Moisturizer Bar.
Metcalfe Rock, 11 a.m.
One of my favourite hikes on the escarpment, this gem has a beautiful rock face that is very popular amongst the experienced climbing set. If you're a non-climber like myself, you can walk/climb behind the Rock into deep crevices (warning: may trigger slight claustrophobia in certain areas). There are also a ton of trails ranging from 30 minutes to 2 hours in and around the Rock. Definitely a sight to see. A 25 minute drive from downtown Collingwood, and a 20 minute drive from Thornbury.
The Cheese Gallery, 2 p.m.
Tuck in here, saddle up to the bar, order a french onion soup and split a house-special grilled cheese sandwich - and I promise you will not regret it. Their state of the art cheeses and delectable bar and shop will leave you feeling like you've come across a tiny slice of heaven (pun intended).
Grey and Gold Cider, 4 p.m.
This gem of a cidery is not fancy, but the hospitality and its resident-goat make up for it! Nestled on the escarpment and about a 6 minute drive from Thornbury, this cidery is operated out of a charming old barn which churns out fantastic cider and offers an array of tastings. Plus, you can take a goat yoga class! Dog-friendly, but make sure he/she is leashed for the goat's sake - trust me, i've learned the hard way.
Penny's Motel, 7 p.m.
This cozy bar is the perfect pre-dinner drink spot for two. Same owners as John and Son's Oyster House in Toronto, it also boasts a selection of oysters to whet the appetite! And it's walking distance from many great dinner spots in Thornbury.
Espresso Post, 10 a.m.
Pick up the most wonderful coffee from this family-run gem of a coffee house on the main drag of Collingwood, Hurontario St.
The Hive, 12 p.m.
On your way out of town, don't forget to check out The Hive, for the most beautifully curated selection of green beauty products, books, apothecary and jewellery. Pick up the perfect keepsake to remind you of your most perfect weekend on the shores of Georgian Bay.
