MOUNTAIN LIFE - Blue Mountains | Spring 2020

30 FOOD & DRINK THE GENERAL STORE: WHERE COMMUNITY HAPPENS Big box, schmig box words & photos :: Allison Kennedy Davies We’re blessed with a long list of amazing general stores here on Georgian Bay. Whether you’re cycling past for a butter tart or picking up some frozen entrees for your weekend getaway, every store on this list will knock your socks off. Not sure where to start? We put together this handy directory to help you pair your next adventure with a delicious general store experience along the way. NAME: Craigleith Trading Post LOCATION: 209814 Hwy 26 West, The Blue Mountains. BIO: Chelsea and Parm Sohal—owners of the Blue Mountain Convenience store and Esso station—have opened this noteworthy clothing and gift boutique beside it. It is a lovingly curated collection of Canadian/local clothing and goods including Collingwood Honey Farms, Wilderness Soap Co., DUER, Smash + Tess, Skwiik Skin Co. and many more. They also offer their own Craigleith Trading Post–branded clothing line. MUST-TRY: Heartbeat Hot Sauce, hand-crafted in Thunder Bay from fermented habanero peppers. HIDDEN GEM: At Blue Mountain Convenience next door, the genuine Indian samosas are a local legend. OUTDOOR ADVENTURES TO PAIR WITH: Craigleith Trading Post is a hub location in The Blue Mountains. Northwinds Beach, Scenic Caves, Blue Mountain Resort, Craigleith Provincial Park and the Georgian Trail are all close by. FIND OUT MORE : craigleithtradingpost.com NAME: Ravenna Country Market LOCATION: The village of Ravenna on Grey Road 2. BIO: The Ravenna Country Market has become a destination of its own at the tiny crossroads of this village. Whether you need to pick up your weekly supply of baked goods, grab some ready-made gourmet meals, or stop in for a pressed sandwich with Roy’s homegrown sprouts, there are endless reasons to visit. MUST-TRY: The butter tarts. Roy and his son can make 1,000 tarts a week during the busy season. Try them in raisin, pecan or plain. HIDDEN GEM: Curried Turkey and Pear Galette—this and Ravenna’s other frozen entrees are all made in-house. OUTDOOR ADVENTURES TO PAIR WITH: Mountain biking the Kolapore Uplands Wilderness Trails—Ravenna is one of the few spots to buy the trail map (which you really need on this trail system). The hike to Loree Forest is also a must-do. FIND OUT MORE: ravennacountrymarket.ca