There are just some things about Collingwood, Ontario that you would only understand if you grew up there. Here are 12 of those things.
Ice cream, ice cream, we all scream for ice cream. Mr. Norm’s Nephew is the place to go in the summer and everyone knows it. It may look a little run down but the second hand couches, wooden benches and bright pink and purple paint job are iconic. While the decor is sub-par, the ice cream is far above average with an almost unlimited number of flavour options – my personal favourite: oreo-lemon blended once.
The pier is a staple of Collingwood, home to the historic grain elevators that once served Collingwood for 123 years. Now families come to have picnics, dogs come to play and teens come to socialize and go for a dip. Many tourists like to head to the pier to see the view but townies know the best time to go is to see the sunset which is breathtaking. However, the busiest you’ll see it get is right after June exams, the new drivers who borrowed their parent’s car for the day fill it to the max with friends and might do a double-trip to get everyone there.
Wasaga Beach: home to the dirty beachers. Although this may seem offensive and rude it is partly true, but those from the beach own their stereotype and it doesn’t stop people from visiting.
On the plus side, if you’re interested in a beach day there is plenty of sand to go around! Wasaga Beach, Northwinds, Blue Mountain beach, Craigleith… the list continues. Collingwood is surrounded by Georgian Bay and beautiful beaches. You can go and rent paddle boards and kayaks at Northwinds and paddle out to the island, or walk the strip in Wasaga, or go camping in Craigleith! The moral of the story is if you want to go to a beach, you don’t need to travel far which is one of the many benefits of living in c’wood.
“Hey, after class do you wanna go skiing?” “You bet.”
Heading to Fisher Fields, the Legion or that field behind McDonald’s has become a summer ritual for elementary school kids. If you’ve never been enrolled in house field soccer and gone to McDonald’s for ice cream after your games then you’re not really from Collingwood – it’s a right of passage.
Fall, winter, spring, prom party, summer.
Mom heads into Loblaws
“I’ll only be a few minutes.”
45 minutes later
“Sorry, I ran into people”
Repeat.
The town is suddenly overflowing with Elvis look-alikes and you can’t escape the sound of “thank you, thank you very much”. Hurontario street is shut down, vendors come out and music is playing, while this may seem lovely it can be overwhelming and all you want to do is flee, but eventually you cave and go with friends to the ride section to get your thrill in (even if it’s just on the ferris wheel.)
Back in the day, we had Zellars and Sears, now we have a Winners! No big malls in our small town just the way we like it. So if you need some retail therapy you have an excuse to head to Barrie or better yet “The City”.
There may be a saying that goes something along the lines of, “CCI. Where the grades are low and the students high,” but if you head to the Collingwood Public Library during January or June you won’t be able to find a seat. Students flood in by the tens and move in packs all in preparation for their exams – the earlier you get there the better your chance of getting a room. Don’t forget to bring snacks.
All c’wood locals know that “The City” is Toronto. No questions asked.
Where the lights dim and the white-clad bowlers come out. Birthday parties, social gatherings, something to kill the time, whatever it may be Georgian Bowl’s rock n’ bowl brings out them all. This is the only bowling alley in town and while it may not be 5 stars it is 5 pin which is great for trick shots, throw the guard rails up and see what you can do. Always good fun!
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