Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Our Muskoka Om

Is there a better way to relax than yoga? Okay, we’ll admit that sitting dockside in a Muskoka chair is pretty good, too. But when you combine the two—yoga and water (not the Muskoka chair)—it becomes a magical experience. Yoga on the beach, on the dock or on the water is a wonderful way to practice.

This summer we had yoga on the dock with Andrea Johnston from Karma Connection Yoga. Doesn't it look like fun?



Whether you choose to join a group class like this one, get some private instruction, or practice on your own, you might find that you feel a deeper connection with nature during a waterfront session. You can even do yoga on the water! SUP or Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga is gaining popularity and is offered by several studios around Muskoka. Or you could just rent a SUP from a local outfitter and try it yourself. It’s easier than it sounds! This video from Active Turtle in Bala will give you a tiny taste of what it's like to balance on the water.



If you’re relatively new to yoga and are looking for a simple practice to start your day on solid ground, check out this video from Wendy Martin of Sacred Breath Yoga / Ahimsa Yoga in Huntsville.



No matter when, where, or how you choose to do it, yoga can be a great addition to your vacation. And when you're done, that Muskoka chair on the dock awaits.

The last long weekend of the summer is here already! You wouldn't know that fall is almost upon us...look at those temperatures! 


We still have a few waterfront cottages available for this weekend. Why not join us for one last blast of summer?

The Howell Family


Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Muskoka: An Artist’s Paradise

Mark Kulas painting (photo via Artists of the Limberlost)
The Muskoka landscape with its natural beauty, abundance of wildlife and peaceful atmosphere Open Studio Tour is on August 17 & 18 from 10-6.
have been attracting artists for years. This coming weekend, you can see the works of our local artists just up the road from Colonial Bay. The Artists of the Limberlost

Each studio is open to the public so that you can see the art, techniques and working environment of the artists. The studios also invite guest artists to exhibit their work. Here’s who you’ll see if you take the tour this weekend:

Studio 1
Jerry Friedman - driftwood sculpture
Guests:
Brad Wookie - wildlife watercolour
Barb Ten Eyke - painter

Studio 2
Susan Higgins - fused & stained glass
Guest: Vicki Sharp - jewellery

Studio 3
Brian Markham - woodturning
Guests:
Carol-Ann Michaelson – pottery
Bob McLean - painting

Studio 4
Mark Kulas – painting (pictured above)
Guest: Dan Hill - pottery

Studio 5
Catherine O’Mara - egg tempera painting
Guests:
Cirvan Hamilton - contemporary furniture
Rudi Stade - rustic furniture

Studio 6
Brenda Wainman Goulet - bronze sculpture
Guest: Elizabeth Siegfried - photography

Studio 7
Jeff Miller - oil & acrylic painting

To see more of Muskoka’s talented artists, consider taking in these other art experiences:

  • The Art Space by the Huntsville Art Society (across from River Mill Park in Huntsville, open Tues – Sun). In addition to art, from Aug 15-21 you can enjoy The Art Space Sessions—intimate concerts featuring local musicians.
  • Have you found all of the murals in the Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery? Celebrating the unique art of Tom Thomson and The Group of Seven, these large outdoor murals are scattered throughout Huntsville with satellite installations in Algonquin Park, Dorset, Dwight, and Baysville. Take a tour of the downtown Huntsville collection using this map.
  • To the west of Colonial Bay in the heart of Algonquin Park is the Algonquin Art Centre. Their current exhibit celebrates The Canadian Sheild. The Algonquin Art Centre is open daily (10-5) until October 21.

Summer isn’t over yet. If you’re looking to make one last getaway before the kids go back to school or your Fall schedule starts in earnest, check the availability of our waterfront cottages here.

We hope to see you soon!
The Howell Family