Again, was not disappointed! Stopped by for lunch with a friend. Ordered the same chicken club on…read moreGF bread since it was so good last time. This time I also tried a salad on the side that was like a vinaigrette slaw made from mainly cauliflower - it was delicious and flavourful. My friend got the pulled pork sandwich with potato salad and said it was excellent! We were able to eat outside which was so nice. We both agreed, we'll be back next time we're in the neighbour.

Cottage Cravings only recently came to Bala after a fire at their original Gravenhurst location…read more last year left them looking for a new space. But I'm so glad they landed in our tiny, sleepy town: CC is about as close as it gets to a one-stop shop here. There aren't a lot of places where you can grab a coffee and sandwich, pick up cheese and charcuterie to take home, or grab wall art or dish towels for the cottage. I appreciate that the products here are so thoughtfully selected as well. Cottage decor can teeter on kitschy, but the selection at CC -- technicolor enameled outdoor dining sets, lake-themed hooked rugs, craftsman birdhouses -- is tasteful as well as fun. Popsicle makers and painted martini glasses give ideas. Food from local vendors means you don't have to wait for next week's farmers market to pick up those jams or condiments. And a bounty of healthful dining options from veggie paninis to fresh soups make a quick, delicious lunch. CC definitely makes a great addition to our little hamlet.

Super cute cafe in Baysville, with a very neat selection of loose leaf teas (!) and antiques. A…read morevery nice place to sit and have a relaxing coffee/tea. They also serve beer, if tea isn't your cup of tea.

The lady working (store owner) was very helpful and gave us a lot of detail about her products…read more(potato & pork pie) the price was a bit steep but for a small business that was understandable. Definitely a cool spot to check out if you're in the muskoka area.

Excellent espresso based drinks, teas, sandwiches, etc. in the front. A cheese counter too! Go…read morethrough the door to the back and you enter a whole world of antiques, collectables and artwork. A real gem for Gravenhurst!

Simpler Times is great for two Simple Reasons:…read more 1) Its inventory is a little bit of everything: quilts and bedding, wall art, chunky bracelets, vintage vases, colorful umbrellas, pin-up girl tweezers, old table lamps, homey sideboards, tea towels, canvas totes, garden tools...a little bit of everything. 2) It's located in the former Bala Presbyterian Church. They definitely get an "A" for atmosphere.

Muskoka Thrift Store is a wonderful community gem--clean, well organized, friendly staff, and great…read morefinds at great prices. Always worth a stop!

This is an AWESOME store within the heart of Bracebridge; honestly, it's a must see if you have…read morekiddos, or, just if you want to feel young again. :) They offer a ton of toys/games/puzzles, etc., but, they are legit, not crap tourist stuff. I have to admit, I'm not a shopper when it comes to vacation spot stores, but, this place captivated me. It's really that cool! I had to drag my kids out because they were working on a puzzle the store set out for everyone to join in. The prices are beyond fair, so much so that I purchased items here that would have cost more online. I strongly recommend visiting this business if you are in the area. :). Have fun here, seriously, it's not often I write reviews like this. This place is worth visiting. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did.

Great friendly people to deal with. Bought a really nice top, a prewashed cotton piece. Price was…read morenot a concern for me. Have not seen one like this before really nice and unique. Will stop in again. This was a top the wife grabbed

"Is this your first season open?" I ask the owner as she helps Pops select just the right size of…read morelong-sleeved, moose-adorned tee as a souvenir. "No, I've been here 20 years!" she replies cheerfully. Which means this is the exact same shop I've browsed the last eight summers running, and I had no idea what the name was. "Oh," I say sheepishly. "Then you've redecorated?" Fortunately, she replies with an enthusiastic nod. New jewelry cases, a ton more women's clothing, a reorganization of display stands and shelves, and a funky new Anthropolgie-esque inventory of home goods. This means that I have rather a few souvenirs in my possession that've come from Golden Valley Trading: a pair of amber teardrop earrings, some metallic sandals, a fleecy Muskoka sweatshirt, and a deliciously-scented tub of Fruits & Passion Monoï body butter than disappeared years ago and she hasn't carried since. *pout* My powers of observation are clearly suffering; but it *is* good to know that one of my most reliable sources for cottage summer souvenirs isn't going anywhere any time soon.

This place is like the Wal-Mart of Muskoka, without being creepily corporate or offering shoddy…read moremerchandise. But whatever you need on the lakes -- well, cottage-related really, but what isn't cottage-related on the lakes? -- you can find here. Awesome selection of name brand men's and women's swimwear and sandals/flip-flops; huge array of high-quality waterskis, kayaks, boat bumpers, floaties, and life vests; wide variety of outdoor and patio furniture, including recycled plastic Muskoka chairs and patio umbrellas; all kinds of cabin accessories you'd never known you needed, like miniature rowboats, stained glass landscapes, pine cone nightlights, and aloe balm for your sunburns. It's easy to spend a lot of time in here, despite the siren song of a beautiful Muskoka day! Prices are reasonable, staff is helpful and friendly, location is a bit of a walk up Medora Street from the docks (or a bit of a drive past town).

Awesome store. We purchased a load of the recycled plastic furniture for our home located on a…read morehill in a windy location. This stuff looks great, is maintenance free and never moves!! Friendly and helpful staff here, efficient service and good pricing. It's also one of my favorite stores to just browse around for all that fun 'cottagy' stuff. I'll be going back....