Memories of Mom Camp Part 1: You guys know what an advocate I am for a good ol’ Mom time-out/retreat. It’s never easy to step away from our families, but so necessary to recharge, and in turn, return a better version of ourselves to pour back into our people and all the things tugging at our attention daily.
So, when offered the opportunity to head to Mom Camp before school’s out for Summer and I turn Camp Mom, you bet I leaped at the chance. What happens at Mom Camp stays at Mom Camp?! Nah…I’m excited to share all about our Mom-ventures, and 4 reasons why Blue Mountain Resort in Grey County would make a perfect spot for your next Mom retreat.
Four Reasons to Book Blue Mountain Resort for Mom Camp – Your Summer Mom Retreat
*Disclosure: Accommodations, meals & activities were provided complimentary by Blue Mountain Resort & Grey County Tourism in exchange for my review. As always, opinions are my own*
The Location
Just 90 minutes north of Toronto, it’s not too far for Moms to venture away from home and ideally located near the start of the Apple Pie Trail of Grey County within range of all the amazing features of Georgian Bay – including private Blue Mountain Beach just a 10-minute drive away from the resort off Hwy 26. While one of our faves to visit in the Summer season as a family, Blue Mountain Resort is Ontario’s premier four-season destination for outdoor attractions that will appeal to all the interests of your group.
2. Home Away From Home Accommodations
Having visited Blue Mountain Resort annually the last 13 years, I’ve stayed at all the lodging centres directly in Blue Mountain Village (engaged at Weider Lodge 😊). With cozy, spacious amenity-rich accommodations over 1000 lodging units up to four bedrooms, all properties are nicely-suited to larger groups wanting to stick together during your visit.
View from our resort home at Rivergrass – Photo Credit: BlueMountain.ca
This was my first time staying just outside the Village at the Rivergrass Resort townhomes, however, which made for an enjoyable Mom retreat. My roomie & I stayed in Unit 120 – a ground level Two-Bedroom Suite. Our first gush-worthy moment was seeing our backyard porch view overlooking the Monterra Golf Course + on-property pool & hot tub.
Open-concept Living area – Photo Credit: BlueMountain.ca
All guests of Rivergrass will enjoy full kitchen facilities, open-concept living area with sofa (perfect for your MomCamp Wine-down 😉), armchairs, fireplace and flat screen TV. Bed arrangements in the 2-unit suit consist of one queen in the first bedroom and twin beds in the second bedroom. The living room sofa also converts into a double or queen bed. Two-bedroom suites feature two bathrooms, one of which is an ensuite in the room with a queen bed. Maximum occupancy is 6.
Photo credit: BlueMountain.ca
You’ll get 1 parking pass for your unit upon check-in and can leave your car where it is after you unload, as there’s a convenient shuttle service you can call for pick ups/drop offs at 9 locations around the resort. We never waited longer than 5 minutes for a pick up, and the ride to-from Rivergrass to the bustling Village was super quick.
3. Activities/Experiences for All Interests
Our Mom group consisted of adrenaline junkies to solitude seekers and I’m confident we all left fulfilled by the range of activities we immersed in!
Saying “so long” to its Winter Ski scene is nothing to be sad about. Blue Mountain Resort has a plethora of activities for the warmer seasons that’ll suit all interests. Adrenaline junkies may like the Apex Bag Jump & Wind Rider Triple Zips, while chasing-slow seekers may appreciate the Hiking Trails, Mill Pond paddle boating experience or testing their golf skills at the Cascade Putting Course.
A few ways to save on your Mom retreat activities:
- Purchase ANY (4) activities at once & save 10% (anytime)
- Coca Cola Play & Dine package – if staying on a Monday, get (2) Base Activities + Dining Voucher at the Georgian for $29
- If you’re an adventure-seeker & plan to experience loads of activities during your stay, grab a Play All Day wristband for one value price of $69. Guys this deal is crazy amazing, as it gives you unlimited base camp, mid-station & summit attractions access during your stay (The Mountain Top Segway tour is $64 alone! Super deal!)TIP: The best value is to purchase the Play All Day wristband in advance at a discount as part of our Play all Day Adventure/Lodging Package, but if you choose to wait until you arrive, you can still purchase it at the Front Desk during check-in.
My Fave Activities at Mom Camp
All the attractions offer loads of fun & laughter for your group, but these ones have my heart.
Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster
I’ve experienced this 1-km thrill ride tour around Blue’s terrain 6 times now, but this time my first sans kiddos. No longer a thrill-seeker, this is one I still enjoy to the max. Hold tight, mama, and soak in that fresh mountain breeze and a sweet dose of temporary kid freedom.
Mountain Top Segway Tours
Hands down my new fave attraction I’ve ever tried at the resort. After a serene ride up the gondola & quick guided lesson from our awesome guide, we two-wheeled off on the mountain-top trails with breathtaking views of overlooking Georgian Bay along the Niagara Escarpment and a soul-fueling stop atop the Cascade Trail Falls. Total tour time is 90 minutes.
Photo credit: InrDream.com
NOTE: most attractions open at 10 a.m. but closing times will vary between 5 – 8 p.m. depending on season & attraction level location. Check the time specific to your activity before you go to avoid disappointment. Also, some attractions, like the Segway tours need to be booked in advance at Activity Central station.
My Fave Wellness Experience at Mom Camp
Outside of the attractions, there are several unique experiences you can immerse in, like getting your artsy-fartsy on at Croc A Doodle Pottery (*extra $*) like we did during a rainstorm (must be able to pick up your creation 24 hours later).
As more of a solitude-seeker, this next experience resulted in a total state of Mom-zen and I highly recommend.
Volcanic Rock Therapy at iwa Spa
I could feel the tension melt away while we tried out this morning yoga class in award-winning iwa spa’s heated ganban volcanic rock studio. Benefits are said to include detoxification, pain relief, stress reduction and more from the far infrared heat rays and negative ions produced by the heated volcanic rock. No need to be a Yogini, this experience is fabulous for all yoga-levels in your group (including newbies). They have a lovely boutique on-site you can pick up some new yoga pants or spiritually-centered gifts like crystals and mala beads.
Photo credit: mommygearest.com
This experience is NOT included in the Play All Day wristband, and the Ganban experience will cost you $35 per class. You can also enjoy it as part of their Oh Canada package with combo of facial + ganban + a bevvy of choice. Post-experience, the consensus in our group was a feeling of rejuvenation…just what the Mom doc ordered!
Note: you don’t need to bring a yoga mat, but do bring a water bottle & reserve your spot in the class ahead of time (*only 10 ppl per class*)
Food Options for All Palates
Blue Mountain Resort offers dining experiences for all tastes and dietary requirements and you’ll have no trouble finding something to enjoy with even the fussiest foodies in your bunch. Here are the spots I enjoyed most on our Mom Camp getaway:
Breakfast
Oliver & Bonacini Café Grill
Located inside the gorgeous Westin Hotel with views overlooking the resort’s Mill Pond, this is a perfect spot to fuel before a fun-filled day with your gals. The Blue Smoothie paired with the Spinach + Aged Cheddar Omelette was delish!
The Pottery
The original restaurant at Blue Mountain Resort inside Blue Mountain Inn offers a casual atmosphere featuring seasonal menus that highlight the harvests of the Georgian Bay region. The service was ultra-friendly and the Avocado & Spinach smoothie washed down the delicious Avocado Toast with Poached Egg brekkie was super-YUM!
Lunch
Firehall Pizza Co.
Whether with family or a group of friends, the Firehall is always a great lunch spot offering a casual atmosphere with an authentic Italian menu. Start with one of their fresh salads (the Big, Not So Fat Greek & Tuscan are my faves), and/or share an appy with your group – the Handcut Nachos with pulled pork & guac added were delish – than select your favourite zah from their extensive pizza menu – the Toscana was a nice one to share with the gals. Request a seat near the windows for a nice view of Mill Pond while you dine.
NOTE: the restrooms are downstairs which may present an accessibility issue for some.
Dinner
Tholos
I’ve tried most of the restos in the Village at Blue over the years for dinner, but the Greek Mediterranean fare at Tholos is definitely my favourite. We started with the must-experience flambeed saganaki cheese & an array of appies to share – the poached pear + gargonzola salad, grilled octopus & Dip platter comprised of your choice of three spreads (the spicy feta Tirokafteri was my fave) served with warm pita.
My main selection was the classic Chicken Souvlaki. They have a fabulous wine selection from both European & North American regions at great price points, and the Californian Cab Sav was a perfect selection for our Wine Down. If you’ve still got room after all that goodness, try the Ekmek Kataifi or Baklava Cheesecake desserts with your gang! Divine!
Tips Before Your Mom Retreat:
- Pack rain gear – some attractions keep running even with rain (so long as there’s no thunder)
- Suggested stay to pack in all the fun, food & time for relaxation mentioned here is 2 nights
- Book directly with the resort for guaranteed best rates, exclusive deals & flexible cancellation policies (because life happens!). You can find their fantastic Summer deals HERE
No matter what type of getaway your group or family is looking for, Blue Mountain Resort offers fantastic deals & packages for an affordable Summer getaway that can be customized to suit all interests. So many memories made on our Mom Camp adventures I’ll reminisce over during a crazy Summer home with all four kiddos! If you still have questions for your Mom retreat, leave it in comments below and I’ll answer ASAP.
Mom Camp Grey County Ambassadors: Sonya (House of Kerrs), Andrea (Mommy Gearest), Tammy (In R Dream) & Maya (Mayahood Blog)
While an adventure at Blue Mountain resort is enough on its own, just a little deeper into the Grey County region you’ll stumble upon even more unique experiences you can add to your Mom retreat that I’ll share in my next post – Mom Camp Part 2: More Places to Stay, Dine & Recharge in Grey County!
Love & light,
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