Good morning. It doesn’t matter if you’re a student, parent, teacher, or Staples employee, the puck has officially dropped for back to school season. We know, meh. At least it’s a short week. If you’re trying to get in the good books before your first test, leaving a locally grown apple on their desk might just do the trick.
Today’s read time is 5 minutes.
Your Muskoka Forecast
On the town🍴
Local eats: Allora
Katie Barget/Pexels
Nestled in downtown Huntsville, Allora delivers Neapolitan flair through its wood-fired pizzas, fresh pasta, and dreamy desserts—think lemon meringue cheesecake and Ricciarelli. With elegant yet cozy design, attentive service, and plans for a stunning patio, this local gem turns a simple meal into an Italian escape.
Menu Highlights & Fan Faves
🥗Starters & Salads
Bruschetta with ricotta & balsamic
🍕Wood-Fired Pizzas
Fungi – wild mushrooms, ricotta, confit garlic
🍝Fresh Pasta
Spaghetti alla Carbonara – guanciale, egg, pecorino
🍰Desserts
Lemon Meringue Cheesecake (crowd favorite)
What’s poppin 🍾
The three c’s of this weekend are crafts, country music, and cruises 🎨 🤠 🛳️
Regardless for what you’re looking for, Muskoka has something for everyone this weekend.
Explore Craft in Muskoka at MAC on Main 🎨
Sept 4th-7th • 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
📍MA&C On Main - 63 Manitoba Street
Severn Bridge Agricultural Society Presents
Jason Blaine 🎸
Saturday • Sept 6th • 5:00 PM
📍Severn Bridge Fair Grounds
All Day Lake Joseph Cruise aboard Peerless II 🚢
Friday • Aug 29 • 8:00 PM
📍100 Joseph Street, Port Carling
The Essentials ✅
Back to school edition 📚
This week our experts have curated a list of products that will have you hitting the campus in style.
🎒Lululemon Everyday Backpack 21L: $69.00
This sleek, water‑repellent design is perfect for work, errands, or everyday outings. Despite the compact silhouette, it cleverly accommodates a laptop, snacks, and daily essentials. Available in "Washed Denim" with free shipping and flexible returns for members—grab it while it lasts!
👟GOLA Women's Firefly Sneakers: $99.98
Step into retro-inspired style with the Gola Women’s Firefly Sneakers. These chic, suede-and-nylon kicks in dark and light green are perfect for injecting a playful vibe into your everyday wardrobe. With a grippy gum sole, breathable lining, and lace-up fit, they deliver both comfort and flair.
👕Modal-blend polo sweater: $59.00
Elevate your smart-casual rotation with the Le 31 Modal‑Blend Polo Sweater from Simons. Crafted from an eco-conscious knit of organic cotton and TENCEL™ Modal, this hybrid piece pairs the elegance of a polo collar with sweater-level comfort. Lightweight yet refined, it's a stylish staple for both laid-back weekends and refined evenings.
Upgrade your audio experience with Sony’s WH‑CH720N — their lightest noise‑cancelling headphones ever at just 192 g. Tune out the world with Dual Noise Sensor ANC, stay aware with customizable Ambient Sound, and get up to 35 hours of playback. Need a quick boost? Just 3 minutes of charging gives you an extra 1 hour. Featuring voice assistant support and multipoint Bluetooth to juggle two devices at once — perfect for work and play.
🧖 Madi-Cadi Hand Towels 5 Pack: $54.65
Brighten up your routine with the Madi‑Cadi 5‑Pack Checkered Cotton Hand Towels—a playful way to infuse color and function into bathrooms, kitchens, or spa days! Each towel is plush, absorbent, and adorned in vibrant checkerboard shades.
A Final Note
Dear Saturday, what is it like knowing every other day of the week wishes it was you?
Until next time,
Apart of The Cottage Almanac Family