Here are seven reasons why it’s my favourite time of year in the region

It’s almost September. No, really, it’s almost September. It seems as if the summer flew by in the blink of an eye.

While many will cheer for the kids heading back to school, September offers so much more for those living in or visiting Muskoka.

For many of us full time residents, it’s our favourite month of the year as the crazy summer crowds have dissipated and the weekday traffic seems a lot more to our “Muskoka Time” preference.

On that note, here are my Top 7 reasons why September is the perfect time to be in Muskoka.

The People. Whether it’s those who call this gorgeous part of the world our home or those making it a point to visit for a short time, people tend to be a more chill and have a generally congenial demeanour about them. One of my favourite things is meeting new people who want to know more about our communities and take the time to listen.

The Weather. Sure, the evenings are a bit cooler most days (perfect for campfires), but there are bursts of mid-summer heat throughout the month. It’s a great time to take a day off and hit the beach, go for a paddle or do anything you enjoy doing outdoors.

The Kids are Back in School. As much as we love our kids, we love to see them go back to school. Yes, we mentioned this in the lead-in, but it deserves to be stated again. It’s a lot easier to be productive (especially when you work from home) when you don’t hear “dad” or “mom” every five minutes.

Fall Colours. Though some trees started to turn in late August, the full bloom of nature’s palette can be enjoyed in mid-to-late September as summer turns to Autumn. The brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows still provide amazing views and fantastic photo opportunities every year.

Shopping. Especially mid-week when the kids are in school, people are working, and the region’s visitors are enjoying the outdoor scenery. It’s nice to see people you haven’t spoken to in a while and catch up without feeling rushed to check out or uncomfortably boxed in by those around you.

Eating, Drinking, Being Merry. For most of September, it’s still patio season and if you avoid weekend traffic, there are plenty of spaces available to dine or meet friends for a beverage. Even going indoors is a bit more appealing – see The People for the reasons why.

Hiking, Walking, Biking. The trails are amazing (often due to Autumn’s colours) and when you get a day that’s on the cooler side, it’s perfect for a little extra outdoor activity. Arrowhead Provincial Park, Algonquin Provincial Park, Limberlost Wildlife Reserve, plus all the spots along the Trans Canada Trail are lovely this time of year.

Golfing. Monday to Thursday the courses are a little less packed in September and getting a decent tee time at one of the many golf establishments is nearly a sure thing. Plus, in Huntsville at the Mark O’Meara Golf Club, there are some excellent charity tournaments being held in September, including The Scotty (to benefit The Parry Sound Friendship Centre, MiND-AID, the Doc Rob Fund, CMHA, and Enliven Cancer Care).

Those are my favourite things about September in Muskoka … What are yours?