Muskoka is a beautiful place to live and visit, known for its beautiful landscapes, sunsets, and waterways. We all know traveling and entertainment in cottage country can be pricey. I’d like to show you three beautiful parks you can enjoy for the day...absolutely free! I’ve been fortunate enough to call Bracebridge my home for the past 10 years. All three of these nature spots are located within a 15-minute drive of downtown Bracebridge, right in the heart of Muskoka.

You know how much we love Stratford, Ontario, right? It's the perfect mix of great food, lovely scenery, art, culture, interesting people, and joy. When we visited last fall, we couldn't stop exclaiming over everything - but especially the food. We participated in several food trails, including the Bacon and Ale Trail. Don't drink? I don't, and I loved every single bit of bacony goodness that came my way. Take a look...

When you travel, do you actively seek out local experiences? We do, and they enrich our lives beyond measure.

Hop over to skid row to be enchanted by Stratford Festival's production of Little Shop of Horrors.

There truly is no topping what Stratford puts on. Anything they set their heart to, they go hard, strong, and with all of the passion in the world. You can feel the love put into this show. From the actors to the sets, everything is clean, crisp, and polished.

Do you remember when you were a little kid, and the entire holiday season was magical, with delights around every corner? From the brisk air and corresponding outdoor adventures to treats chosen specifically for you to incredible, once-a-year foods, it’s hard recapture that once you’ve grown past that believe-in-magic stage.

Luckily for us, this experience IS able to be recaptured, and makes you believe in the magic of the holidays again.

How and where, I hear you ask!

When in Stratford, Ontario, be sure to go on the Ghosts of Stratford Theatrical Walking Tours' summer tours and haunted pub tours, which meander through Stratford's streets and parks by one or two spirits in full costume and makeup...but for Halloween, they go all out!

Photo: Nicholas Russon