The Fall Cottage Life Show returns November 15-17 in the International Centre in Mississauga, Ont. More than 200 exhibitors from across Canada will be there. We asked contractors Michael and Sherry Holmes, the co-hosts of the new Cottage Life TV series, Holmes on Homes: Building a Legacy, “Which vendors are you excited to shop at the show?”
Michael’s Picks
Ontario Wood Ontario Wood products—look for the Ontario Wood leaf logo—are grown locally and sourced sustainably. “As a carpenter, anything wood related is exciting to me. If it is locally sourced, that is even better,” says Michael. “You can find Ontario Wood exhibitors showing everything from charcuterie boards to full cottage builds.”
AXCADMY This Toronto-based forge offers blacksmithing workshops for beginners. Good news for Michael: forging and woodworking are two trades that fascinate him. “I’ve always wanted to make my own axes and knives!”
Vanderlinden Luxury Ltd. If you love a good steak, “you need a good knife,” says Michael. “I’m looking forward to checking out this booth and seeing if they will make the cut!” (We see what you did there.)
Sherry’s Picks
Das King Kayaks & Paddleboards One of the many great things about owning a cottage? A lake at your doorstep. “Having a cottage lets me and my family try new things, including kayaking and paddleboarding,” says Sherry. So it goes without saying that she’ll be checking out Das King Kayaks & Paddleboards.
Ocean Sales – The Toastie Microwave Sandwich Maker “I’m always looking for ways to make meal prep time fun with my girls,” says Sherry. “This sandwich maker looks super fun, not to mention fast and easy.”
Fora Outdoor Living “I’d love to find some weather- and kid-proof outdoor furniture,” says Sherry, who spends a lot of time on the patio at her cottage. “I have a wicker set, but I’m finding it’s not holding up.” Along with outdoor furniture, Fora sells outdoor fireplaces, heating appliances, and accessories.
Sherry and Michael’s Picks
Superior Meats “My favourite part of entertaining is creating yummy charcuterie boards,” says Sherry. Michael, meanwhile, is “a sucker for smoked and cured meats.” (Isn’t almost everyone?) At the show, you’ll find a selection of artisan meats and specialty cheeses on offer from Barrie-based, family-owned Superior Meats.
Titanium Exclusive Cookware Inc. Want cookware that ticks all the boxes—long-lasting, versatile, and good-looking? Sherry and Michael do: “I love to cook, and I make most of our meals, so good cookware is important to me,” says Michael. Sherry agrees. “I like that their cookware cooks with little or no oil or water,” she says. “I currently have a non-stick collection, but it’s not very durable.”
Cutco Cutlery Along with full sets of kitchen knives, Cutco sells tableware, pots and pans, and kitchen gadgets. “I always love seeing what new additions I can add to my kitchen—I spend as much time there as I do on the barbecue,” says Michael. Sherry, too, enjoys cooking and entertaining. “Cutco Cutlery has some great knife sets,” she says. “I think they could also make great gifts.”
Chucky Habanero David and Erin Marshall first launched Chucky Habanero after their homemade hot sauces got rave reviews at dinner parties. “I’ve tried some of their hot sauces before—I was a big fan,” says Michael. “I’m excited to see if they have any new flavours to sample (and go home with).” Sherry can’t wait to try the hot pickle habanero. “I love dill pickles!”
You can check out these exhibitors and more, plus see Michael Holmes Jr. and Sherry Holmes on the Main Stage, at the Fall Cottage Life Show. For information and tickets, visit cottagelife.com/shows.
And don’t miss Michael and Sherry, alongside their dad, construction pioneer Mike Holmes, in the all-new series Holmes on Homes: Building a Legacy, premiering Tuesday, November 12, at 9 p.m. ET/PT, exclusively on Cottage Life.
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