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| Photo taken from artists website >> HERE this painting, along with some illustrated children's books are what made us have to visit her enchanted castle |
One of the
most well-known Ontario summer rituals is the drive to cottage
country. The long drive (usually in traffic) is the last struggle
before you can pull up a Muskoka chair, a refreshing drink and a good
book to relax away the weekend before you do the return drive.
This summer,
we decided to make the journey the destination. On the way to an
enjoyable stay at the Port Cunnington Lodge & Resort near
Huntsville, we got off the highway and took the scenic route all the
way around Muskoka.
Along with
the paintings, we were also drawn to the stunning illustrations
Bonnie created for the Zelda and Esmeralda series of children’s
books. We wanted to see more and luckily there were directions to the
Hinterglas Castle, Bonnie’s stunning home and studio on the way to
Bala from Gravenhurst.
Hinterglas
Castle is a must-see for any visitor to Muskoka. We came upon what
seemed to be a private home, but turned into a unique and enchanting
studio and gallery, the centrepiece being a large castle surrounded
by beautiful landscaping and a fairy garden. After exploring the
grounds, we were so happy to actually meet Bonnie who was working in
the studio and got to talk to her about her work and home. We also
got our copy of Zelda and Esmeralda signed – topping off the
perfect Christmas gifts for nieces and nephews!
After a stop in Bala and some amazing local ice cream at the Ice Dreams Soda Shop (thank you Katie for the recommendation!), our drive took us to another stunning discovery – the Artful Garden (artfulgarden.ca) just outside Bracebridge. Located in the spectactular gardens of potter Jon and Suzzane Partridge’s studio and home, this once a year event showcases the work of over 40 artists created for or inspired by gardens. It was the perfect combination of beautiful landscaping and art and made us feel like we were walking through the perfect wonderland for green thumbs and artists. It was the perfect escape on a hot summer day. Jon & Suzann are very open to visitors just taking a stroll and enjoying the beauty, but of course we could not leave without purchasing our own little piece of the Artful Garden to take home.
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| mini passage way for fairies or other little minions |
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| we wish we took pictures of the real chickens walking through the grounds! It looked like they were wearing pants - muahaha too cute |
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| such a happy place how can you not help but smile! :D |
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| lushness, feels like an alpine retreat |
After enjoying a relaxing evening on the shores of the Lake of Bays, our drive back through Dwight brought us to what at first appeared to be a traditional log cabin, but turned out to be the one of the most charming stores we have ever visited. Surrounded by a stunning garden (beautiful landscaping was the common thread throughout the trip), the Oxtongue Craft Cabin and Gallery (oxtonguecraftcabin) opened in 1979 by artists Geraldine Slater and John McConnell who nailed their artwork on the fence in front of their summer log cabin. Today, the store showcases the work of more than 85 Canadian artists and has one of the most eclectic selections of fine Canadian craft north of Toronto. We spent a lot of time browsing (and of course bought some amazing pieces) and noted how friendly not only the staff, but the customers were. We were lucky enough to be there while a charming couple was visiting and found out that they were regular visitors and knew the staff (and their dog) very well.
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| doesn't this look like a rustic cabin version of our very own Freedom Clothing Collective? |
It is a definite must stop and a great opportunity to see pottery, jewellery, wood, original paintings and prints, glass, metal, leather and toys (to name just a few items) all in one stop!
