A Family Summer Getaway in Grey County
My mother loves Grey County. She has a friend who retired to Thornbury and has spent a lot of time perusing shops, wine bars and boutiques in the area. My husband has his annual shareholders meeting at Blue Mountain and I hear stories of delicious dinner set against a magical backdrop of mountains, blue skies and quaint villages. Despite these familial connections, I had never actually been to Grey County. I’m also not a skier so a winter trip to Blue Mountain had never appealed to me. Summer, however, is an entirely different story so my Mum, son and I packed our car and drove the short distance North for a family summer getaway in Grey County.
We started out adventure at the Scenic Caves, stunning rock formations in the escarpment. Guests can zip line through the forest, walk the suspension bridge or explore the crevices and caves deep within the mountain. For pregnant women with toddlers, some play time on the Adventure playground, fish spotting at the trout pond or a ride on the Rocky Railroad is also a great way to explore the green grounds.
We checked in at Blue Mountain Inn, part of Blue Mountain Village which is so much more than a ski hill. Although I’ve never been in winter, I can confidently say that in summer, this place is glorious! The sun seems to shine solely on the rolling green hills, cool ponds and colourful patios. There is so much to do: small boutiques, locally made ice cream, pottery painting, biking, mini putt, hiking, Plunge! Aquatic Centre.
One could spend a summer here and never run out of things to do. Shuttles take Blue Mountain Resort guests from accommodations to ski hills to beach and back. We dined at delicious restaurants like the picturesque Northwinds Brewpub, mouthwatering Firehall Pizza Co., delectable O&B, soaking in sunshine and playing in the fountain while live music carried us into the warm evening.
Another Blue Mountain Village perk is the beautiful private beach on Georgian Bay, guests of the resort only. Complimentary towels, beach chairs, beach toys and more are ready and waiting on arrival. While my Mum made her self comfortable in a lounger under an umbrella, C and I headed into the clear blue water to swim, splash and our favourite, ‘the hokie pokie’ dance.
The next day, we headed to Thornbury and visited the many boats in the bay, my Mum’s favourite boutiques and our new favourite, the Pom Pom Treat Hut. Serving locally made ice cream, sundaes, smoothies and coffees, the Pom Pom Treat Hut is a labour of love. Three local ladies quit their jobs in the city and headed to Thornbury to give the world what they felt was really important, an indulgent, mouthwatering treat in a fun, inviting and welcoming space.
Their space includes picnic tables, corn hole, and more, making this hut a unique treat experience. This will forever be a special place for us as C had his first ever ice cream here. How did I hold out for so long? I honestly don’t know but the look on his face when licking the strawberry cone made it all worth it.
Post ice cream (I know- totally backward but I’m pregnant and that’s my prerogative), we headed to the Mill Cafe, perched on the river and right beside the dam. The food was wholesome and delicious, the staff friendly and engaging. My ‘I will not eat anything’ toddler ate an entire meal here so I will need to head back soon if we plan on feeding him again.
Finally, we explored a little further from Blue Mountain Village and visited Free Spirit Tours, a company that offers Stand-Up paddle boards, canoe and kayak tours on the Beaver River. They have also added caving, foraging and a kids summer camp to their roster.
Free Spirit Tours host bachelorette parties (transport to and from hotel, and to and from winery is included), corporate team building and family reunions. Their team of passionate (and certified) instructors truly love what they do and often return season after season. C instantly fell in love with the resident pups, grabbed a paddle, took of his shoes and wanted to head into the water straight away. I think I may have a water bug on my hands.
I now realize what I’ve been missing having made it to my thirties without visiting Grey County. It is further proof that Ontario does not need to venture beyond their own back yard for the perfect summer family getaway.
