The luxury knit label from JJ and Shannon Wilson, son and spouse of Lululemon’s Chip Wilson, now offers a year-round lakeside boutique in Port Carling (2 James Bartleman). The duo made a special effort to include locally made decor, furnishings and light fixtures into the new space, with a gallery-style exhibit of Muskoka photographers and emerging artists.
“As we build our brand, it’s important for us to seek out locations where we can engage with local creatives. During the summer, Muskoka is the place to be,” says JJ.
The small Muskoka outpost mostly sells T-shirts for achieving that casual cottage look, and also hosts neighbourhood events throughout the summer. The first is an outdoor party with Grand Electric and Frankies Surf Club on July 4.
Grand Electric and Frankies Surf Club
Because one Muskoka outpost wasn’t enough, the owners of Grand Electric (which opened in the region last year) have a new venture: Frankies Surf Club (2 James Bartleman).
The shop takes over the Port Carling Surf Club (commonly called Frankies Surf Club), which served as a community hub and music venue in the late 60s.
“We loved the idea of reviving that fun, clubhouse part of cottage culture up here, so we resurrected the name,” writes co-owner Ian McGrenaghan in an email.
This is basically your one-stop shop for Phil & Sebastian coffee, Greenhouse juice, snacks, cocktails and homegrown labels like Frank & Oak, Mara Hoffman, Parkdale TeePee Company and Bather Trunk Co.
McGrenaghan insists he isn’t trying to turn your summer escape into Parkdale 2.0: “This isn’t an attempt to hipsterify Muskoka. It’s to feed people who like good food (and hopefully we’ll get invited to a few private islands in the process).”
The ubiquitous yoga brand pops up until September 7 on the shores of Lake Rosseau (1112 Juddhaven, 705-706-0330) with dockside yoga classes in collaboration with Power Yoga Canada. The brand also wrapped two shipping containers, turning them into small retail outlets.
Every weekend features a new, surprise yoga workshop experience, and pop-up retreats for the truly committed include yoga, a trunk show, crafts (there’s no escaping flower crowns here) and music.
Cool bonus: this Lululemon shop offers product deliveries by boat and customized yoga parties at clients’ cottages.
OK Fridays
Not technically in Muskoka but conveniently situated on the road to your cottage oasis is Burl’s Creek Event Grounds (180 8th Line South, Oro-Medonte). You may have heard of the spot because it’s home to both the WayHome and Boots And Hearts musical festivals this summer.
More than that, Burl’s Creek hosts the OK Friday Barn Fair every Friday until Thanksgiving from 2 to 8 pm (conveniently timed for those making early getaways from the big smoke). The event features Toronto eateries like Rose & Sons, Fat Pasha and Rodney’s Oyster House, plus a farmers’ market. The fair also boasts a partnership with indie label Arts & Crafts that promises live musical acts each week.
The market is full of Ontario artisans and makers, including Katlyn Sumpton (jewellery), Leah Baye (fabric crafts) and Judy and Spiro Catania (woodwork and knitting).
Need to stretch those legs before getting back on the road? Take advantage of free yoga classes.
