We couldn't have found a better place to spend an extra long weekend in February. After searching for Muskoka cottage rentals with wood burning fireplaces, I stumbled upon The Northridge Inn - located in the Township of Strong, just 30 minutes north of Huntsville. The Inn has 20 large hotel rooms, 4 cabins, and in the summer 3 glamping tents and a vintage Airstream.
The moment we walked in the door we were treated like family. There were dog bowls and a blanket waiting for Colby in the room. Our bed was adorned with a faux fur throw and matching throw pillows. Bright yellow accents brightened up the otherwise rustic, cabin-esque feel of the room. I was in heaven already.
I hadn't even seen the dining room yet. The dining room is mostly white with chevron wood floors and the most gorgeous stone fireplace - which we ate dessert beside every night. The thrown together, "pretty" accents are what make this place so warm. It's like an antique store exploded on the walls and shelves of this Inn and the final product is nothing short of perfect.
The food was to die for. We ate 2 dinners, 2 breakfasts and a lunch at the resort dining room because we wanted to keep trying more menu items.
My absolute favourite meal was probably the smoked salmon benny - breakfast IS my favourite meal. But the mashed potatoes at dinner - with a hint of mint - were mind blowing.
Winter activities are galore here - snowshoeing (borrow for free from the Front Desk!), cross country ski trails, ice fishing, skating on the ice trail at Arrowhead Provincial park. These are only a few of the things you can do in the area. There is also Horseback Riding and dog sledding in the area.
We snowshoed across the lake to the ice fishing hut on the middle of Lake Saint Bernard to check out what people were catching. The weather was so nice that the top of the lake was slushy - pretty scary! But we asked one of the staff members at the Inn and they assured us it was safe and the ice would be safe enough to walk on for another month or so.
For the beer lovers! Check out Highlander Brew Co. for free tours of the brewery and free beer tastings. We picked up a bottle of their Winter seasonal beer; a 10% fruity blend of deliciousness. My personal favourite was their Rye Road. The dining room at the Northridge Inn serves Highlander Pined Ale on tap, which Tyler really liked! (Rumour has it that brew is ONLY served at the Northridge Inn.)
We definitely created a new Family Day weekend tradition and can't wait to come back. BUT we definitely won't wait an entire year - and can't wait to head back this Summer to check out what a new season has to offer up at Northridge.
Thanks for the hospitality - we can't wait to be back!
