During a recent family trip to San Pancho, Mexico, we stumbled into a little seaside restaurant on our first night called San Pancho Marino. What we thought would be a simple dinner turned into something unforgettable. We were treated to a fantastic meal and warm conversation with the owner, Rolondo; a gracious host with stories as rich as the food he served.

Before the night ended, Rolondo invited us to join him the next morning on his fishing boat. It turned out to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience: we fished, explored the coastline, and even spotted humpback whales gliding through the ocean. To top it all off, he prepared us a fresh lunch on board, including the best ceviche we’ve had in years.

This recipe is inspired by that day; sun, salt air, and the kind of generosity that stays with you.

Ingredients 

• 1 lb medium shrimp, (raw), thawed, peeled, deveined, and diced
• 1 cup lime juice, from 6 limes
• 1 cup lemon juice, from 2 limes
• 1 cucumber, peeled and diced
• 2 avocados
• 3 roma tomatoes, diced
• 1 red onion, diced
• 1/4 bunch cilantro, chopped
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced

Options To Serve:

• 16 Tostadas , (or tortilla chips)
• Hot Sauce, (Tabasco or Cholula)

Instructions

• Prep the Shrimp: Rinse the thawed shrimp under cold running water and thoroughly squeeze or pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture so your cocktail isn’t watered down. 
• Marinate Shrimp: Dice shrimp and place it into a large glass (non-reactive) bowl. Use a citrus squeezer to get 1 to 1 1/4 cups lime juice from 6 limes over shrimp. Stir to combine then cover and marinate in the refrigerator (marinate 1 1/2 to 2 hours for raw shrimp or until no longer translucent), stirring halfway through.
• Chop the vegetables: cucumber, avocado, tomatoes, red onion, jalapeno, and cilantro. A food chopper will make this process much faster.
• Combine: When shrimp are done marinating, add vegetables to the bowl and stir to combine. Serve with hot sauce if desired along with tortilla chips or over tostadas.

There’s something special about spring in Southern Georgian Bay—the longer days, the fresh breezes off the bay, and the irresistible pull to get our hands a little dirty. Whether you’re planting a new vegetable garden, refreshing your backyard oasis, or simply picking up a few pots for the patio, these local garden centres are brimming with inspiration (and expert advice!) to help you get growing.

Here are 8 garden centres you’ll want to visit this season:

1. Grey Heron Garden Centre — Meaford

A thoughtfully curated garden centre with deep local roots, Grey Heron offers a wide selection of outdoor flowers, foliage, trees, annuals, perennials, edibles, soil, mulch, compost, and gardening tools. Open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, it’s a haven for gardeners seeking quality plants and expert advice. ​

Address: 206709 ON-26, Meaford, ON N4L 1W7

Phone: (519) 538-3145

https://www.greyheron.ca

2. Goldsmith’s Orchard Market — Thornbury

While Goldsmith’s is famous for its produce market, their seasonal garden centre is equally impressive. Look for vibrant flowers, organic herbs, and specialty garden goods you won’t find at big-box stores—all just minutes from downtown Thornbury.

Address: 207600 ON-26, Thornbury, ON N0H 2P0

Phone: (519) 599-3246

https://goldsmithsmarket.com

3. Riverside Greenhouses — Clarksburg

Nestled along the Beaver River, Riverside Greenhouses is a peaceful spot to find everything from vegetable starters to ornamental grasses. Their greenhouse-grown flowers are especially gorgeous—and their knowledgeable staff can help with design ideas for any space.

Address: 727266 Sideroad 22C, Heathcote, ON N0H 1J0

Phone: (519) 599-3533

https://riversidegreenhouses.ca

4. Sideroad Farm — Walter’s Falls

Not your typical garden centre, but worth the drive! Sideroad Farm offers organic seedlings, herbs, and flowers grown with care on their farm. If you’re focused on sustainability and growing your own food, this is a must-visit.

Address: 805092 Sideroad 25 RR3, Markdale, ON N0C 1H0

Phone: (519) 377-6673

https://sideroadfarm.com/

8. Greentree Gardens & Emporium — Collingwood

Situated at 11555 Hwy 26 in Collingwood, Greentree Gardens & Emporium is a cherished local destination for gardening enthusiasts. This garden centre offers a diverse selection of plants, flowers, and artisanal goods, providing a serene shopping experience for those looking to add a touch of nature to their homes.

Address: 11555 ON-26, Collingwood, ON L9Y 5E7

Phone: (705) 444-2146

Tips for a Successful Garden Centre Visit:

• Go early in the season for the best selection.
• Ask questions—local staff know what grows best here!
• Bring measurements or photos if you’re planning pots or landscaping.
• Shop with an open mind—sometimes the best finds are the unexpected ones.

Bottom Line:
Supporting local garden centres not only brings beauty to your home—it helps keep our community vibrant and connected. So grab your sunhat, pack the kids or a friend, and make a day of it.
Happy planting!

Spring has officially arrived in Southern Georgian Bay, and with it, a refreshing sense of movement in the local real estate market.

After a quieter winter, more listings are coming online, and buyers are starting to re-engage — especially for well-priced homes in Collingwood, Thornbury, and The Blue Mountains. That said, it’s not a frenzy: today’s buyers are thoughtful, often taking time for financing and inspections, making the process feel more balanced than it has in years.

Pricing is holding steady. Sellers who take the time to present and price their homes carefully are still seeing good results — while buyers have a bit more breathing room to find the right fit.

Many are keeping an eye on interest rates, too. If the Bank of Canada makes the expected rate cut in June, we could see an extra boost in activity heading into summer.

Bottom Line:
The energy is shifting — slowly but surely — toward opportunity. Whether you’re buying or selling, a little preparation today could set you up beautifully for the season ahead.

Spring is in full swing, and there’s no better time to explore the natural beauty surrounding Collingwood and Thornbury. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful forest walk, a challenging hike, or a scenic trail with breathtaking views, Southern Georgian Bay offers a variety of options to suit every adventurer.​

Here are some must-visit trails to consider for your next weekend wander:

1. Georgian Trail (Collingwood to Meaford)

Stretching 34 km along the former railway line, the Georgian Trail offers a flat, hard-packed surface ideal for walking, cycling, and jogging. The trail connects Collingwood to Meaford, passing through Thornbury, with picturesque views of Georgian Bay and the surrounding countryside. ​Great Lakes Waterfront Trail+1Tripadvisor+1

2. Loree Forest Loop Trail

Located near Thornbury, this 5 km loop trail winds through a serene forest, leading to a scenic viewpoint overlooking Georgian Bay. It’s a relatively easy hike, making it perfect for a leisurely afternoon stroll. ​Ontario Hiking

️ 3. Scenic Caves Nature Adventures

Situated atop the Niagara Escarpment in Collingwood, Scenic Caves Nature Adventures offers over 15 km of trails through ancient forests, caves, and crevices. Don’t miss the suspension bridge, which provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area. ​Pinterest+2Scenic Caves+2Scenic Caves+2Scenic Caves

4. George Christie Nature Trails

These trails in Collingwood offer a network of paths through diverse landscapes, including forests and open meadows. Suitable for all skill levels, the trails are well-maintained and provide a peaceful escape into nature. ​

5. Bruce Trail – Beaver Valley Section

The Bruce Trail is Canada’s oldest and longest marked footpath, and the Beaver Valley section near Thornbury offers some of its most scenic stretches. Expect rolling hills, dense forests, and occasional waterfalls along this part of the trail. ​thebluemountains.ca+1Ontario Nature Trails+1

6. Peasemarsh Nature Preserve

Located near Thornbury, Peasemarsh offers a tranquil setting with trails that meander through wetlands and forests. It’s a great spot for birdwatching and enjoying the local flora and fauna. ​AllTrails.com+1Tripadvisor+1

7. Blue Mountain Resort Hiking Trails

Beyond skiing, Blue Mountain Resort boasts over 25 km of hiking trails that cater to various skill levels. Trails offer diverse terrains and lead to breathtaking vistas of the Niagara Escarpment and Georgian Bay. ​Blue Mountain Resortthebluemountains.ca+1Blue Mountain Resort+1

️ 8. Craigleith Provincial Park Trails

This park near Blue Mountain offers short trails that are perfect for a quick nature walk. The trails provide access to the shoreline of Georgian Bay, where you can enjoy the unique shale rock formations and panoramic water views.​

Tips for Your Trail Adventures:

• Plan Ahead: Check trail conditions and weather forecasts before heading out.
• Stay Safe: Wear appropriate footwear and bring water, especially for longer hikes.
• Respect Nature: Stay on marked trails and carry out all trash.
• Wildlife Awareness: Be mindful of local wildlife and maintain a safe distance.