Colin and Justin: Fall at the lake

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Not quite ready to close up your cabin? Looking to extend the season? Colin and Justin are of a similar mind

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Based as we’ve been at North Star, our Cape Breton seasonal hotel, we’ve sorely missed the great outdoors at our Haliburton respite.  As much as we malign the lost opportunity, however, we’ve had one heck of a summer on the Atlantic coast. So all is good.

We suppose, as far as cottage time is concerned, we simply need to adjust our thinking and transfer our rural ambition to the cooler calendar.

Yes indeed, plus ca change.  As we see it, ‘traditional’ cottage season has already evolved way beyond the typical May 4^th – Sept 24^th  schedule.

Harking back to the pandemic, we happily bunkered down in the forest, during winter, in an attempt to savour fresher air and (what we hoped would be) a safer environment, far from the madding crowd.

These days, we’re keener than ever to turn our love affair with the wild into an all season romance.  To that end, when we throw North Star into hibernation on October the 14^th, we’ll be heading back to Ontario where we plan doing everything in our power to make up for lost time.

Here’s a précis of how to make better, even as the mercury dips…

The great outdoors

Watching the season change, for many, ranks as a favourite cottage country pursuit, so be inspired by Mother Nature, and create your own autumn festival.

Invite friends and family to enjoy an ever-changing kaleidoscope with trail hikes and forest walks to augment the fun factor.  Finish in front of the campfire with barbeque treats as a rewarding conclusion to a perfect day. Heaven.

Winter cocktails

As much as we’ve partied hard with our summery Aperol Spritz (can someone say Amalfi Coast in a glass?) we look forward to warming things up as the mercury goes into decline.

We recommend ‘Bourbon Spiked Apple Cider’ (with star anise, clove and cinnamon: yum) ‘Hot Honey Lemon With Vodka’ (a traditional cold shifter, this time with a shot of vodka) or the ‘St-Germain Chocolat Epice’ – a heady mix of tequila, elderflower liqueur and hot chocolate.

Now, if only the liquor store served takeaway hot drinks like our nearest Starbucks.  Can you imagine?

Outdoor heating

Adding a heater to your deck or patio is a sure-fire (s’cuse the pun) way to add weeks of usage.

Position safely, far from anything combustible, and in a good spot to take advantage of views.

Choose a model – and style – that compliments your cottage aesthetic to add warmth and architectural ‘relevance’.  NB: Some fires and heaters can be directly attached to your propane system, avoiding the need for smaller, ancillary tanks, but check with your fuel supplier for the requisite info.

Extend your sunroom life

With bug screened vinyl window panels, you can shut out rain and add an extra season to your calendar.   The Sunspace Weathermaster System is perfect – visit sunspacesunrooms.com

Radiate bliss

If installing new tile or stone, consider radiant under floor heating by Schluter (www.schluter.ca) to deliver warmth that doesn’t take up any floorspace.  Or specify a ‘Wall-Mount Infrared Heater with LED Light 1500W’ from Rona (www.rona.ca) to augment temperatures at the flick of a switch.

Sauna or hot tub?

Create a fall/winter wonderland with an outdoor sauna or hot tub. There’s little more exhilarating than jumping between cold and heat, making sure – of course – that temperature extremes are manageable for your level of health. Try Dundalk Leisure Craft (www.leisurecraft.com) for some of the market’s best tubs and saunas – we’ve specified them across various projects and have never been disappointed.

And finally

Forgo summery textiles in favour of chunky knit cushions and throws that amplify the snuggle factor. Roll out a touchy feely porch or patio rug, and you’re all set.

Yes indeed: it’s official. We’re ready for an extended season of fun, lakeside, in the forest. And remember – if the lovely weather continues beyond October, we’ll simply apply our warming primer to November and December – to become totally geared up for Christmas. Blimey, how many shopping days remain?

Watch for Colin and Justin on Citytv’s Breakfast Television. Find the Colin and Justin Collection in stores across Canada. Visit www.colinandjustin.tv.