In Audrey‘s Summer 2014 issue, we asked five tastemakers to give us a glimpse into their must-go destinations around the world. Here, Catherine Choi, founder of family-oriented bags and accessories line SoYoung, shares her favorite place, Algonquin Park, Canada.
Travel philosophy: If you think you might need it, bring it.
Why: At this time in my life, with three kids under 10, a full-time business and a husband who also runs a full-time business while studying for an MBA, we need peace over excitement. So while we love architecture, shopping and exploring cities, getting away somewhere where we can unwind and unplug is the hands-down choice.
Stay: I am not an outdoorsy type, but I make an exception for Bartlett Lodge in Algonquin Park. It’s just magical: from the solar-powered pontoon that takes you to the lodge to the luxury platform tents where you sleep. And no eating out of cans here – they offer five-course fine dining at their restaurant. We’re totally unplugged there.
Eat: Incredible desserts at the lodge’s fine dining restaurant. I recall feeling frustrated at having to choose only one.
Do: Jump off the dock into the cool, clear water, dry off, lie there like vegetables, repeat. Bring a pile of great reads, sit in a Muskoka chair and read to oblivion with no interruptions.
Bring: I take my SoYoung large cooler bag with me on every trip as I am a big snacker. My current go-to snacks are kombucha gingerade tea with Snapea Crisps.
Unforgettable: My husband and I decided to take a canoe out one evening. The water was so still and clear and there was silence all around us except for the sounds of nature. We stopped paddling at one point and watched the sky turn a beautiful orange-pink while the sun disappeared into the water. It was breathtaking and perfect.
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This story was originally published in our Summer 2014 issue. Get your copy here.
Catherine SoYoung Choi, founder of SoYoung, a Canadian line of urban, family-oriented bags and accessories, became an expert on children’s products through the tribulations experienced while carting around three young children and their associated paraphernalia. Choi holds a degree in commerce from McGill University and a master’s in things-to-bring-with-you-on-outings-with-children.
