WINTER ESCAPES WITHIN DRIVING DISTANCE FROM TORONTO!

Photo Courtesy of Nachelle Nocom

Photo Courtesy of Nachelle Nocom

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Come on, winter isn’t that bad! There is something to say about the beauty of freshly fallen snow and how it makes everything glisten. It’s so picturesque! Top it all off with the smell of a wood burning fire and you’ve got a recipe for the coziest little winter escape to cure all your COVID winter woah’s.

If you’re smart, and I know you are, you’re already thinking about trying to plan a little getaway for this winter. To help you out and save you A WHOLE LOT OF TIME (you’re welcome!), I have compiled a list of cute properties within driving distance of Toronto. Don’t let me catch you sleeping on this opportunity though, these properties wont have rooms available for long…

P.s. if you book one of these properties, please let me know below in the comments! I’d love to learn what properties resonated with you!


- CABINS, COTTAGES & BUNKIES -

The beautifully decorated Birchwood Cottage is located in the heart of Haliburton, Ontario, a scenic 2.5-hour drive from downtown Toronto. Newly renovated, the cottage sleeps 6 comfortably and features 3 bedrooms each fitted with King Size beds. The cottage does have wifi and does feature a hot tub on the deck with beautiful views of Redstone Lake!

If you are looking to surprise your honey with an intimate and romantic getaway, I’d suggest a stay at this little modern bunkie! Perfect for a couple retreat with its outdoor hot tub and indoor wood burning fireplace, AUX BOX Muskoka is a 2.5 hours drive from the city. NOTE* This property doesn’t have running water and has an indoor composting toilet.

Photo Courtesy of Andrew Ly

Photo Courtesy of Andrew Ly

This open concept, lakefront A-Frame Cottage is located in Bancroft, Ontario, less than a 3-hour drive from downtown Toronto. Its spacious interior features bright white walls, a lovely kitchen, 3 bedrooms with 5 beds (guest must bring their own sheets and towels) and is suitable for 5 guests. Unfortunately, this cottage does not accept children under the age of 8 years old.

This modern industrial Container Cottage was newly built by the owner and features a mix of modern and soft cozy textures. Built using three containers, the cottage has 3 bedrooms (one with a bunk bed) and can host 6 guests comfortably. Although not on the lake (only a short walk away), the cottage does feature a beautiful deck with a hot tub, wifi, TV, Indoor fireplace, large windows and a beautiful kitchen.

Another impressive little bunkie, this little cabin is located in Komoka, Ontario, a little over a 2-hour drive from downtown Toronto. Perfect for a couple, the cabin is bright and welcoming with large windows to make you feel like your sleeping outdoors. Inside the cabin, you will find one double bed and an electric fireplace. A bathroom with a toilet and shower is available to guests however they are located about a 2-minute drive up the lane.


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- CONVERTED CHURCHES -

A property that has been on my bucketful for awhile, this converted church also located in PEC, offers tons of privacy and features 3 bedrooms and 2 seperate bathrooms. Suitable for up to 8 guests, the property features souring ceilings, a bright interior, a large living room, a beautiful kitchen with a breakfast nook, a large dining room table and a small laundry room. Additional features include Wifi, Netflix, PrimeTV, Sonos, fresh linens/towels, and coffee.

A new property on my radar, this bright, open concept converted church in the heart of PEC looks like a lovely place to stay for a weekend with a loved one. Although suitable for 4, the property doesn’t offer much privacy and is much more suitable for a single couple or a family of 4 looking to get away for a couple days. The property does have a few lovely elements to it though like a little kitchenette, a wood burning fireplace and a beautiful bathtub enclave .


Photo Courtesy of Rafael Leao

Photo Courtesy of Rafael Leao

- TREEHOUSES & HOMES -

An industrial chick private retreat, this modern home located in PEC boosts 4000 spacious feet of open concept, minimalist interior with floor to cieling windows. With 4 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms, this property is suitable for hosting up to 8 guest and features a larger living room, kitchen and dining area for gathering. The only downside, no furry friends allowed.

Feel like escaping for a weekend to a luxury tree house in the woods this winter? I have just the place for you! This beautiful tree house in Minden Hills, Ontario, close to Haliburton, is a 2.5 hour drive from Toronto. This property has indoor plumping with a beautiful rainfall shower, a loft style bedroom, a indoor fireplace and a large deck. The floor to ceiling windows also provide gorgeous views of the surrounding wood and fill the tree house with tons of natural light. NOTE: Host does not allow pets or children under 12

This all white, renovated century home in PEC offers stack white Scandinavian inspired interiors. Although suitable for 3 guests, there is only 1 bedroom with a queen bed and 1 bathroom. The property does feature a full kitchen and indoor fireplace, and comes with amenities life WiFi, TV, bathroom essentials and bed-sheets, pillow and hangers.

Runaway to this little love shack near Blue Mountain, a short 1.5 hour drive from Toronto. This tiny home is perfect for a couple in need of a change of scenery and a moment to reconnect with nature. The tiny home features 1 loft bedroom with a queen size bed, a small kitchen and seating area. Although it does have a heater, there is no running water, bathroom (outhouse close by), electricity or running water however the host does provide two pairs of snowshoes, battery operated lanterns for light at night, a fridge (powered by propane) and there is a fire pit outside where you can enjoy a fire.


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HOTEL WILLIAM GRAY - MONTREAL'S NEWEST BOUTIQUE HOTEL

Montreal has always been a place I have held close to my heart. From Old Montreal’s charming 17th century architecture to the urban city feel of St. Catherine street and the Plateau, Montreal tastefully walks the line between keeping up with the times and appreciating its heritage.


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New to Montreal’s hospitality industry is the enviable Hotel William Gray. This newly opened (Summer of 2016) boutique hotel features 127 rooms and suites, a rooftop terrace, an upmarket grill restaurant known as Maggie Oakes, a multi functional living room lobby (an interior designers wet dream), a state of the art fitness center, 10,000 sqf of event space, a lifestyle boutique, and café. Located in the heart of Old Montreal overlooking Place Jacques-Cartier this luxury hotel is not only world class for its hospitality and spectacular views, but also for its timeless style!

The Hotel William Gray is part of the Antonopoulos Group who own and operate many restaurants, spas and boutique hotels in Old Montreal including the Place d’Armes. The namesake for this new venture comes from the acquisition and redevelopment of the Edward William Gray residence, one of the buildings the hotel is made up of today. Edward William Gray was an English merchant, notary, lawyer, office holder, and militia officer who settled in Montreal in 1760. His legacy and vibrant history in law and politics helped shape Montreal into the city it is today. The restaurant Maggie Oakes is named after Edward William Gray’s wife whose profile can be seen illustrated in the restaurants logo.

The hotel itself is exquisitely furnished to exemplify a warm and cozy haven. The rooms boost rich wood flooring, concrete ceilings and black metal light fixtures to create a minimalist modern setting that compliments the beautiful facade of the building itself. And if you are under the impression that there is nothing cozy about minimalist modern interiors, they have luxurious linens, plush pillow top mattresses, frette towels, and the coziest robes and slippers that will make you want to stay in and order breakfast in bed! A must!

The hotel’s restaurant Maggie Oakes is inspired by Montreal’s prevalent culinary scene and has modeled its menu after an American bistro and steakhouse. Chef Derek Bocking is known for his passion for garden vegetables and thick cuts of meat (the Tomahawk Steak featured on the menu is gargantuan!) which you can see on display in their impressive dry aged meat cooler and unique green wall of herbs and micro-greens. The restaurant itself was designed by Camdi and features a long gray marble bar which boosts an oyster and charcuterie station. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner Maggie Oakes is the perfect spot and ideal location for a gathering of friends or a private event.

With plans to open a luxury spa and outdoor pool in Fall 2017 Hotel William Gray continues to expand on their luxury product and aims to provide their patrons with a dynamic and singular experience of world class hospitality. What lacks when it comes to Canada’s biggest city like Toronto can be found in this gorgeous remodeling of the William Gray house in Montreal. My weekend stay at the hotel was spectacular, I felt more at home then I do in Toronto. The concierge and staff made me feel so welcomed and presented me with handwritten notes, macaroons and recommendations of local bars and restaurants to venture to when I finally did decide to get out of bed! I am definitely happy to say that the Hotel William Gray will be my first and only recommendation for accommodations in Montreal and I cannot wait until I myself get to go back this summer.

To book a room at Hotel WIlliam Gray click -> HERE
To make a reservation at Maggie Oakes click -> HERE

 

LANGDON HALL HOTEL AND SPA - CAMBRIDGE, ONTARIO

Have you ever had something great and completely unexpected happened to you? Did it make you pause for a moment in disbelief before cloaking you in happiness and gratitude? In June it happened to me. I won! I woke up one morning still dazed, nursing my morning coffee as I perused through my new emails when I saw the subject line, Congratulations! You're the Winner… Winner!? What did I win? What a great way to start of my day. A gift certificate to Langdon Hall from Branding and Buzzing's July giveaway! One of the most prestigious spas in Canada! Are you kidding me! Is this a joke? Is someone playing a huge trick on me? Is Ashton Kutcher going to jump out of my closet and punk me?

I literally had to read the email three times.  I have never won anything. ANYTHING. My next immediate thought was – who am I going to invite? Friends? NAW! Think Soheila, think! Family? Getting warmer. My mom!? Ding Ding Ding!!!!  I mean I owe the women my life. Not to mention she has probably invested a bazillion dollars in educating me, feeding me and making sure I have clothes on my body and a roof over my head. I think it’s safe to say she deserves a little getaway to Langdon Hall, especially with her favorite person in the world. Or at least I will be after this!


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So off we went last week! We jumped in the car and within an hour and a half we arrived at Langdon Hall! The Cambridge property is gorgeous and although it was my first time to the hotel and my mom is practically a regular, we still were blown away by the beautiful property and landscaped grounds.  Once checked-in we were also very happy to hear that the spa had recently been moved into a newly renovated space and our spa services would give us access to all their new amenities including a comfortable indoor sitting room, a sundeck with lounge chairs, an indoor exercise room and a whirlpool and sauna.  Wow!

After my mom and I indulged in much needed massages we continued onto our mani, pedi spa services. Now one thing that I am going to point out about Langdon Hall Spa that I absolutely loved was their product line. They have a variety of products and scents that make services easy to customize to your preferences! Weather you prefer citrus or frankincense or only like vegan/organic products, they‘ve got it! I was especially impressed with their SpaRitual line of products and nail lacquers that are completely vegan and free from 5 of the most harmful chemicals found in nail polish. Not only do they use such great products, but if you get a mani/pedi they send you home with two SpaRitual nail lacquer bottles! What!? Talk about the gift that keeps on giving!

Once our spa services were complete and there was time for a small pause before dinner I took the opportunity to wander around the property. Curiously enough, as I poked my nose around the property I came across this gorgeous little secret garden door, a green house to die for, tennis courts, a pool and an expansive vegetable and flower garden I could of spent hours exploring.

However, I wasn’t about to keep my hungry mom from dinner. Back to the main house I went – very excited because Langdon Hall’s Executive Chef Jason Bangerter is known for combining ingredients that are grown and foraged on the property to create dishes and experiences so grand and captivating that they are impossible to forget. From the black trumpet mushroom amuse bouch to the summer fruit and foie gras appetizers (yes, I had two appetizers) my meal could not of started off on a better foot. To conclude the meal I chose the beef tenderloin –  so moist and flavorful it could make a vegetarian crave meat! To finish off my mom and I each ordered a desserts – the Chocolate Ganache and the Peanut Butter Sable with some Langdon Hall Honey Mousse. A symphony of flavors! Great dishes on their own but even better combined together!

It’s definitely safe to say that after the experience I had at Landon Hall, winning a Langdon Hall gift card is one of the best things that happened to me this year and the absolute best way to celebrate my one year blogiverssary! I definitely recommend anyone looking to celebrate an upcoming milestone or interested in a relaxing weekend getaway to look into Langdon Hall. Although I did not stay overnight they do offer many packages that include a mix of accommodations, spa services and dining options you should definitely consider checking out before booking your reservation.

If you are interested in visiting Langdon Hall or making a reservation visit their website -> HERE

 

DESTINATION MONTREAL!!!

Have you ever traveled somewhere and felt more at home there then you do at home? For me Montréal is one of those places. When I was in my early twenties I visited a friend going to university there and it didn’t take me long to get hooked.  It seems that now I am drawn back to this beautiful historic French city every summer. With over 100 festivals annually, Montreal is a vibrant, energetic city where something is always happening. It’s a place with a booming culinary scene that comes with great value and more bang for you buck then any other major city in Canada.  It has a social scene that is young, trendy, creative, and shows itself through the colourful street art and murals that prominently decorate the city.  With so many great hotels, attractions, historic building and delicious places to eat there is no way you can’t enjoy yourself.

Last month I visited Montréal and filmed this travel vlog. My goal was to highlight why I think Montreal is such a great place to visit. Whether you are Canadian or not it’s a perfect destination to travel without putting too much strain on your wallet. It’s a place with endless options and infinite amounts of amusement – so why not visit? Watch my vlog below to see what I got up to when I went to Montreal.

Thanks for watching my vlog! If you are interested in visiting any of the places I went to I have added information on them below! You can also visit Tourisme Montreal to see what festivals are currently going on in Montreal.


Markets:

Atwater Market - 138 Atwater Avenue Montréal, Québec H4C 2H6

Located in the southwest corner of Montréal near the Lachine Canal, the Atwater Market was established in 1933. Open year-round, Atwater Market is known for its many butchers and delicatessens, as well as its horticultural vendors and farmers whose kiosks are brimming with fresh produce and border the perimeter of the building from spring through summer. Its many shopkeepers offer a wide variety of fresh, unique and specialty products. The expertise and dedication of many of the merchants have been passed down from generation to generation and have helped build Atwater Market’s reputation internationally.

Jean-Telon Market - 7070 Henri-Julien Avenue Montréal, Québec H2S 3S3

In the heart of Little Italy, the Jean-Talon Market is one of the oldest public markets in Montréal opening in May of 1933. The Jean-Talon Market is known for its numerous local fruit and vegetable vendors as well as the cultural diversity of its shopkeepers. It is one of the largest public markets in North America and its atmosphere is lively in both summer and winter.

At the Jean-Talon Market, you won’t just find fruits and vegetables, but also flowers, spices, oils, cheese, meat, fish and artisanal bakery goods, in addition to a wide selection of regional products from all over Québec!


Restaurants:

Bouillon Bilk - 1595 Boul. St-Laurent Montréal QC H2X 2S9

A lovely, refined restaurant located in downtown Montreal that caters to a young hip professional crowd. Their dishes are both elegant and thoughtful often presenting masterpieces so beautiful to look at you are not sure you should eat them. So do what I do, snap a photo and save the memory and then dive right in and explore the symphony of flavors in each dish. Waiters are also very helpful and knowledgeable at making recommendations from both the menu and the wine list.

I recommend calling for reservations - 514.845.1595 or visit their website.

La Diperie - 68 Ave des Pins E, Montréal, QC H2W 1N5

LA DIPERIE is one of my favorite soft service ice cream shops! With over 20 different dips, numerous toppings and endless combinations – this place will have you rethinking how you use to do ice cream.

Grumman 78 – 630 Rue de Courcelle, Montréal, QC H4C 3C5

Situated on the western edge of St-Henri, Grumman 78 is located in an old garage that formerly housed the City’s cavalry. Industrial yet warm, this restaurant’s take on Mexican street food is perfect for intimate gatherings or large groups. They also have a food truck that you can usually find at different events and festivals in the city. 

For reservations call - 514-290-5125 or visit their website.

Olive and Gourmando - 351 Saint-Paul W. MONTREAL, QC H2Y 2A7

Olive and Gourmando is a small café patisserie restaurant located in Old Montreal that serves amazing Panini sandwiches. They often have a line up out the door but don’t shy away because you can always get take out. One of my favorite items on the menu is the Cuban sandwich!


Festivals:

Just For Laughs – Comedy shows are held at various locations. Festival stomping grounds are located in the Place D’Arts on Rue Ste. Catherine.

A yearly festival dedicated to making you laugh! The Just for Laughs festival brings together a plethora of the worlds top comics to entertain you for an entire month! Be prepared to bust a gut because you will be laughing till you cry. Some of my favorite comics to see this year were Jermain Fowler, Nick Thune and Joe Mande!

Piknic Electronik  - Parc Jean Drapeau

Piknic Électronik is a weekly electronic music festival that takes place every Sunday during the summer in Montréal. Established in 2003, the festival takes place at Parc Jean-Drapeau and features local and international DJs and producers. There are two stages, food trucks and lots of space to bring a blanket, lounge under a tree and spend your day off listening to some good music with friends.

To see what this weeks music line up is visit their website.

♥ ♥ These are just two of the 100+ festivals that go on each year in Montréal. Make sure to check out Tourisme Montreal to see what else is happening in the city.


Museums:

MAC aka The Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal - 185 Sainte-Catherine Ouest

Located in the heart of the Quartier des Spectacles, the Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal presents temporary exhibitions devoted to outstanding and relevant current artists from all over the world. It is a place of discovery, offering visitors experiences that are continually changing and new, and often unexpected and stirring. Every form of expression may be featured: digital and sound works, installations, paintings, sculptures, ephemeral pieces, and more.

Check out their website to see exhibits currently on at the museum.

MMFA aka Montreal Museum of Fine Art - 1380 Sherbrooke Street West

The Montreal Museum of Fine Art is one of the most prominent art museums in Canada. It has works that encompass all the great cultures of the world. The museum itself dates back to 1860 and has a permanent collection of approximately 41,000 works. They are currently building their fifth pavilion making it one of the largest art museums in North America.

Check out their website to see exhibits currently on at the museum.