Who doesn't love a good dip? 🫓🫕

Howdy! I don’t think I’ve ever introduced myself— and since we’re now over a year into this journey I thought this might be a good time to say 🙋🏻‍♂️

So, my name’s Sean— and I’m the founder of The Cottage Almanac. People ask me all the time— Sean, why did you start a cottage focused newsletter?

I am proud weekender— and to me, cottaging is an activity for all, not an ownership designation. Canadian cottagers are a wide spectrum of folks spanning from generational owners to friends gathering at a rental once a summer. From people like me, to folks that have been visiting the same address for decades— my plan is to help everyone spend better time at the cottage.

If you’re looking for a quick, free, way to help the cause— forward this email someone that you think would love our newsletter with a note that says “I think you’d love this newsletter!” If you’re someone who just got this email forwarded to them— welcome to the party, pal.

If you ever have any feedback or just want to say hello, my inbox is always open— [email protected].

Today’s read time: 5 minutes.

YWCA Muskoka (not to be confused with the YMCA!) champions positive change for girls, women, and gender-diverse people through youth programs, summer camps, a popular Women in Business program — which help launch some of Muskoka's most beloved shops - financial literacy, poverty-reduction and life-stabilization programs.

YWCA plays a vital role in preventing gender-based violence - last year alone, they supported 28 women leaving intimate-partner violence through their Emergency Support Fund called NESS.

YWCA's work strengthens the Muskoka we all enjoy - and helps it thrive long after cottage season ends.

They encourage you to explore the local charities that make this community thrive and share them with your cottage neighbours.

p.s. Golfers! You can support this amazing local charity by joining YWCA's "Swing for your Sisters" ladies charity golf tournament this September in Port Sydney ⛳️

Alright, so it’s Friday and your friends are coming up for the weekend. When you bought this place you thought it would be all R&R, but you’re learning quickly that cottaging is half relaxation, half hospitality.

Each weekend we launch The Cottage Kitchen. Think of it as everything you need to make your cottage hosting experience easier.

Today we’re giving you a recipe that takes less than 30 minutes to make, and will have your crew coming back for me. You can take credit for this as your own— my only ask, please, no double dipping.

Ingredients

Instructions

Heat oven to 400°F. Mix all ingredients. Top off with additional cheese. Bake in dish until bubbly. Let sit for 5 mins and garnish with green onions.

Serve with veggies, pitas/chips.

Flavour to your liking- we like to eye ball it over here.

Have a recipe you want us to share? Submit it here! Interested in signing up for The Cottage Kitchen? Click here

Cottage Rules is a Canadian-built guide for the next generation of family cottagers created by third-generation cottager Nathan Robertson after realizing how much of his own family cottage knowledge had never been written down.

Every cottage has its own stories, routines and little bits of knowledge that only make sense to the people who have been opening and closing it for as long as you have. Let’s put it this way, if aging water pumps was ever a topic on Jeopardy, you’d be the next Ken Jennings.

And then there are the things you find yourself telling every guest: be mindful of the septic system, don’t leave food out for the ants, hang wet towels somewhere other than the railings. Cottage Rules gives families one simple, low-key way to share those details without turning arrival day into orientation day.

Before another summer slips by, start writing down the things that make your cottage yours. The practical knowledge matters, but so do the stories behind it.

Start preserving your cottage knowledge today.

Until next time,