Yes, this store is called Willys. I can hear you laughing down there in North Carolina, Brian B…read more Willys sells clothes, bathing suits, and accessories for men and women. Much of it is overpriced, but the sales (which seem to happen with surprising regularity) are real deals: typically buy-one-get-one-half-off, or buy-one-get-one-free. They do have some really nice merchandise here, and I've picked up a few things over the years that have become staples: a pair of oversize sunglasses, a bathing suit or two, a sweet floral sundress, and a much beloved Muskoka baseball cap I finally had to replace this summer after one too many sweaty hikes and afternoons by the pool. Fortunately, the Muskoka cap seems to be a signature item at Willys, always available in a huge variety of colors. Willys accessories are also really fun, costume jewelry you'd pair with your Halloween getup or a cocktail dress: peacock feather earrings, hot pink Lucite bracelets, rhinestone skull-and-crossbones pendants. Accessories are more reasonably priced, and every time I come in they've been buy-one-get-one-free. As cheesy as Willys is, I always stop by a few times a summer. And I always find *something* I just can't leave without.

This is a department shop for clothing, with a number of brands like roots. Once August hits there…read moreare a number of sales that are delightful. If you are looking for some boots, or slippers, or ridiculously comfortable pajamas, you will also find me here. Most items are around $80 and up, so it's not necessarily the place to go if you're looking to buy something just to wear for the weekend. Unless that's your budget to wear something for the weekend, in which case why not?

For some reason, Muskoka is awash with stores selling the exact same stuff: typically sweats in all…read moretheir many incarnations emblazoned with some kind of Muskoka logo. Sweats are great, but sometimes a girl wants a *bit* more sophisticated Muskoka souvenir. Enter Cottage Friends. It's mostly home goods with some clothing thrown in for good measure. Everything is understated, casual, and in pleasing neutral tones. Cornflower blue throw pillows with delicately embroidered Muskoka chairs in white. Canvas totes and thick dishtowels with "Muskoka" in elegant lemongrass script. Twig-woven wall baskets for plants or your mail. Distressed wrought iron lanterns painted bone white. Soft flannel pajama bottoms with carnation pink accents. Just really good stuff that would look wonderful in a rustic Muskoka cottage, or subtly accenting your modern city pad. And at reasonable prices. Cottage Friends certainly provides a breezy breath of fresh air in a sea of Muskoka fleece.