Get Out Of Your Cottage Rut

How routine are your cottage visits? Do you and your family always do the same thing while you’re there? We want to inspire you to get out of your ‘cottage rut’ and try some new things this year. We have a list from the Chestnut Park Blog that goes outside the typical so you can enjoy yourself and be a little more entertained than normal.

Try this:

1. Wake Up At 6am At Least Three Times During Your Cottage Stay

The best skies are always while you’re still sleeping. Wake up before the sunrise, make your coffee, grab blankets if needed and head down to the dock to enjoy the sunrise. Most cottage regions in Ontario have stunning sunsets, so there’s no reason to avoid them. And hey, you’re at the cottage! It’s not like you can’t have a little dock nap after.

2. Organize A Campfire Jam Session

Round up a few friends, make sure you have a guitar player around, and organize a campfire jam session. Make sure to include a few other instruments such as tambourines, maracas, spoons and others so everyone can join in. Be sure to invite the neighbours and the quiet couple across the lake.

3. Make REVERSE S’mores

Everyone makes S’mores, but considering our post is an attempt to inspire you to switch things up…perhaps you can try switching up your favourite campfire treat? Reverse S’mores are exactly what they say they are but extra delicious. Try the kit HERE.

4. Try Paddle Boarding

Unless you’re already doing it, paddle boarding is becoming extra popular. If you’re still using your canoe and kayak, it’s time to give something new a try. It’s an excellent work out you can enjoy while vacationing at the cottage, but it’s also a lovely way to enjoy the shoreline peacefully from the water. On hot day, you’ll have easy access to the lake from your paddle board, and getting back on is easier than another watercraft. If you’re not ready to invest in one, there are many places that offer board and paddles for rent.

5. No Cell Phone During Your Stay

Upon arrival, demand that the no-cell-phone-rule is in full effect. Do you think you and your family can handle it? When it comes to taking pictures, have a digital camera on hand and enjoy being at the cottage the traditional way. Not having cell phones around will mean zero distraction and interruptions and full enjoyment of one another’s time…and enjoyment of your surroundings too!

This entry was posted on April 25, 2017 by Jim and Iris

Words of Appreciation

“Thank you for the memorable sales and closing experience of finding the cottage of our dreams. A perfect fit for our needs.”

I & E – Lake Muskoka cottage buyers

“Jim and Iris Gardiner were both amazing to deal with. A truly professional team. They shared a great deal of knowledge with us and really shed important light regarding potential Island Cottage ownership – all the pros and cons. Not only did they sell our existing cottage in 24 hours for much higher than our asking price they helped us find our new slice of paradise on Lake Muskoka in a very tight market. We are thrilled with our new cottage and love being on Eilean Gowan Island! We would highly recommend either Jim or Iris for any of your Real Estate needs!”

J & D – Sold on Echo Lake and bought on Lake Muskoka

Jim did me a favor 20 years ago and I wanted to return the favor – I approached him and Iris at the cottage show and, even though I already had a real estate agent, he recommended a cottage property that I purchased and enjoyed for those 20 years. I therefore, tracked him down and had him be our agent in selling that property. Our priority was to find new owners that would be friendly and fit in well with the neighbors and Jim and Iris found the perfect couple Jim and Iris made the entire sale most enjoyable. The experience was so smooth and enjoyable that the sellers, the buyers and the real estate agents all got together for supper the following summer at our old cottage!

K & L – Lake Muskoka

It is with great pleasure and appreciation for me to recommend the services of Jim Gardiner and the entire Gardiner Team. Jim’s awareness of community by-laws and market related activities extracted incremental value for us when we were finalizing the purchasing agreement.

JB – Mirror Lake

Just want to tell you that you did a fine job for me on the cottage sale on Lake Muskoka. The sale has removed a huge load from my shoulders. Iris, just a note to thank you again. Money is in the bank!!!!!!

BJ – Lake Muskoka