A lot of people will be driving around this weekend, admiring the colours and poking into shops and artists' studios. Baysville, the southernmost hamlet in the Lake of Bays, should definitely be on the list for THAT activity!
There are two lovely little parkettes, designed, created and cared for by the Baysville Horticultural Society volunteers over the past 30 some years, and right by the river. From these parks, you can follow a walkway along the river's edge right down to the dam.
Poke around in Rafter's -- Dave McPhee's fascinating home decor store built in one of the old village churches. It's stuffed to the rafters -- no pun intended -- with different, funky, unusual and just fabulous decorating ideas and products. Next door, in the Bearfoot Gourmet, you can Savour Muskoka at their deli counter, prowl through their line of produce, and even pick up something for the evening meal.
Miss Nelle's, on Bay Street, is a Must Visit. Don and Mardi had to wait until long time owner Nell Connelly reached her 100th birthday before she agreed to sell the old store to them. This is one of the first stores built in Baysville, the old Langmaid's General Store. Most of the original building is still there, with antiques and collectibles on two floors of the old house. Over the years, they've added an espresso bar and cafe, and during the summer season a Sunday Antique market and garden art tent. All year long, the cafe is a great place to stop for a coffee and a chat, a sandwich and an admiring look at the collection of 'things' on display.
Nell would be pleased with how it's going... She began working as an employee of Langmaid's, and later purchased the store herself. Don and Mardi say they can still hear her high, shrill laough coming from upstairs, saying "All you have to do work all day, everyday!"
It's a pretty darn good recipe for success in any field, Nell. Thanks for the tip!
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