I was hesitant. Really hesitant to attempt my first mom and tot road trip. You see, if you overthink things like I do, you have about 100 questions running through your head when you even consider such an adventure. How far is too far when it comes to driving distance? How will my son adjust to a new place AND the fact that one of his parents is MIA? What if he gets sick? What if I get sick? Is it safe? Will the weather play nice? Will there be enough things to do? When will he nap? WILL HE NAP? The list goes on and on. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s to turn the volume down on that inner voice and just take the plunge. The result is almost always worth it. And my recent press trip to Grey County is the perfect example…
Having enlisted my brave friend Sasha to join us with her beautiful little toddler, Maxie, I felt a bit more confident about the entire thing. Strength in numbers they say… I mean, wine o’clock and toddler adventures would be boring without another mama to share them with. So we packed our bags (and snacks) and together embarked on our mom and tot road trip — one I’ll never forget. Not only were Sasha & Maxie a dream to travel with (Luka still asks about them every day), but I got to experience a region I’m very familiar with through a completely different lens…
Between our time at Cobble Beach Resort and all the toddler-friendly activities we did off resort, I think we managed to strike a perfectly-balanced itinerary filled with adventure, great food and tranquil moments. It’s a road trip I’d highly recommend to any mom and tot (or dad and tot) so I thought I’d share all the details here with you guys.
Cobble Beach Resort
Book this resort now — you won’t regret it. In fact, if this wasn’t a work trip, I would have likely spent days taking in the property. From the outdoor plunge pool, beach club, spa, day dock and 14 kms of scenic trails to the tennis courts, 18-hole golf course and Nantucket-style clubhouse, you really won’t want to leave Cobble Beach Resort. I know I didn’t…
We stayed in one of their five, newly-built cottages which can sleep up to eight guests. Think: open concept living space, two bedrooms, two washrooms, three TVs and a mini kitchen with a fridge, sink and all the tableware you’ll need. A home away from home. The cottages are airy, bright, very clean and quiet (the tots slept undisturbed)…
In fact, the entire 574 acre property is a dream. Nestled on Georgian Bay, Cobble Beach Resort is one of those places I’d recommend for pretty much ANY occasion — from weddings and romantic escapes to girls’ or boys’ getaways and family trips…
Although it doesn’t have much of a beach, you can certainly dip your toes in the lake at the Beach Club (which also has a playground and fire pits), go for a swim in their plunge pool or jump off the day dock…
You can also explore the grounds (and region) via bike. And since your car will probably be overflowing with toddler gear like ours, you’ll want to rent the bikes, helmets and joggers at the Owen Sound Tourism Centre. Luka and Maxie were obsessed with their little jogger…
The food at the resort also hits the mark. I loved the buffet breakfast options, pizza Wednesdays (served until 6 pm) and both the lunch and dinner menus at The Sweetwater Restaurant.
If I had to pick a favourite dish, it would be the Atlantic Salmon topped with acidulated raisins, drizzled with curry mango and served over coconut rice and broccolini. Yum!
Scenic Caves Nature Adventures With Toddlers
Ah Scenic Caves, a place I’ve visited numerous times and will never tire of. From snowshoeing to exploring the jaw-dropping caves to soaring across Canada’s longest twin zip line (eek yup, I did that), I’ve experienced this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in many different ways. But this was my first time seeing it through my son’s eyes…
To be honest, I had no idea that they offer so many child-friendly activities! From train rides, nature hikes and a suspension bridge to the fish pond, gemstone mining and mini golf, you could literally spend the entire day at Scenic Caves…
Just remember to wear closed-toe shoes when you visit (they’re required) and give yourself plenty of time to explore. General park admission ($26.50 + HST for adults, $24.25 + HST for kids under 18) grants you access to the caves, caverns and nature trails as well as the suspension bridge, tractor-wagon ride, train ride and playgrounds. Additional fees apply for mini golf and gemstone mining (see their rates online). There’s also a seasonal bbq onsite and year-round snack bar, but you CAN bring in outside food so it’s a very cute spot for a picnic too.
Harrison Park
This park surprised me. I was expecting a tiny playground and maybe a pond, but was blown away by how many activities there were. Luka was obsessed with the HUGE playground and paddle boats…
And I was a big fan of the nature trail in the heart of the park. Weaver’s Creek Falls was a short hike and a great spot for a mom and son photo!
Grey Roots Museum
If you’re looking for some indoor fun (we were on a rainy afternoon) OR you want to show your tots what life was like during the pioneer days, head to Grey Roots Museum and Moreston Heritage Village. We happened to visit during their Under The Canopy exhibit (which runs until Sept 9th) so the kids got to see some amazing animals that live in the rainforest. They were pretty excited about it…
Inglis Falls
But if you want to visit a jaw-dropping waterfall, you’ll need to pop by Inglis Falls. Holy crap this place is beautiful. And certainly one of the most accessible falls I’ve been to in the province. We just parked our car in the lot and took a few stairs down to take in this view (there’s also an accessible viewing deck for those with strollers/wheelchairs). Don’t miss this falls on your road trip — it’s a special place…
Road Trip Diner Stop: The Flying Spatula
On your way to/from the activities listed above, you’ll want to pop in at The Flying Spatula Diner in Flesherton. Featured on You Gotta Eat Here, this place serves up traditional diner food using local meat, bread and produce. It also happens to be one of the most welcoming restaurants I’ve been to in a long time — all thanks to our incredible server, Nina!
The new owner, Chef Greg Galoska, has also appeared on Chopped Canada! I recommend ordering one of his famous burgers with a side of poutine. Oh, and do NOT leave without trying their coconut cream pie. Heavenly.
Convinced to visit Grey County with your tots yet? I hope so. You’ll be well fed, entertained and inspired by the landscapes. But most importantly, you’ll leave with memories that will stick with you forever — like watching your child’s eyes light up when they see their first suspension bridge or waterfall…
A huge thanks to Visit Grey for hosting us and sponsoring this post. I’ve visited the region many times on my own dime and would highly recommend it!
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