Now that the May long weekend has passed I can safely say it is cottage season. I was very lucky growing up (although I am sure I didn’t always think so) that I got to spend most of my weekends and all summer at the cottage since the age of 9. Before then we would spend time at my Grandparents cottage, so you could say I have been cottaging since birth. Heading to the lake is as much about having some beach time as it is escaping the heat of the city. If you are heading up north this is your cottage weekend packing list.
Cottage Weekend Packing List
- Weekender bag – when packing for the cottage the first thing you are going to need is a bag. I usually go for the weekender style that has enough space for 3 days. I have even gotten a weeks worth in a weekender bag before because I am all about rewearing basics when I am at the cottage. I love that this bag has a comparment in the bottom for shoes.
- New York Sweatshirt – I am all about packing cozy relaxed basics when I go to the cottage. Partly because there are lots of sporty activities to do like hiking, biking, tennis to partake in but also because it can be chilly. Especially if you are visiting cottage country in the spring season. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that cottage country temperatures are the same as in the city. Depending on how far north you go the temperature could be 5 to 10 degrees colder. Pack layers!
- New Balance 520 Sneakers – I tend to pack casual shoes for the cottage because most of the time is spent hiking and wandering around our bay or biking into town. I also like to pack a pair of birkenstocks as I can walk quite far without any blisters.
- Leather Travel Case Set – I try to be minimal when I am heading up to the cottage because most of the time I am not really doing anything that requires makeup. But I do like to have my usual skin care and shampoo. This travel set allows for lots of room for hair and skin care options and even room for some minimal makeup options.
- Gibson Jogger Pants – lounge pants are a must for the cottage. Chilly mornings and evenings. I also pack some workout pants. I just bought these, they will be perfect
- Whitby Waterproof Jacket – A rain jacket is a must for spring visits to the cottage. Great for early morning walks or chilly evenings. Walking along the lake can be quite windy so having a jacket like this can be essential.
- Tour Packable Rainboot – Wet grass, muddy hikes. These things require rainboots. They also come in handy if kids want to explore for turtles or go fishing.
- Canvas overnight tote – I really struggle with using a suitcase when just going away for the weekend. Each of us in our family has our own overnight bag to use for weekend cottage trips.
- Summer Fridays Tee – The one things I always pack extra of is t-shirts. They always seem to come in handy.
- The Medio sandal – I like to have a more fashion forward pair of sandals for when I get dressed to go into town. Even if it is just for ice cream. But I still want a pair that is easy to slip on and off.
- Summer Breeze Straw Hat – Any time I am heading to the beach I need a good hat. This one has a nice big brim to provide some shade from the sun.
- Distressed Shorts – I usually pack some cut off shorts as an alternative to all the lounge and athletic clothing.
- Air Heart Sunglasses – I don’t go anywhere without sunglasses, especially not the beach even if it is up north.
- Classic weekender bag – We have weekender bags in various sizes. Kids get the smaller ones and adults have larger ones to carry extras.
- Jersey Drawstring Dress – I like to pack a dress to wear over my bathing suit. Whether it is for the walk to the lake or the walk to get chip wagon fries. Or maybe your kids convinced you to go to the beach when it wasn’t really all that warm.
- Santorini Swimsuit – Cottage country is home to some gorgeous beaches and fresh water swimming. Be prepared and pack a suit or two.
- Raida Slide Sandal – This style is the easiest to kick on and off at the cottage.
- Eyelet dress – I have talked mostly about casual clothes and that is mostly what I pack. However I have grown to start packing one dress for dinners out so that I don’t get caught trying to put something nice together from the casual clothes I picked. Because sometimes that just wouldn’t be good enough.
Of course you still need to pack undies and toiletries. If you are renting a cottage you might also have to pack your own sheets and towels. Also consider packing a cooler of food from home. Cottage countries prices rise for the summer season so you will pay a premium if you do all your shopping up north. If you want to go rollerblading or biking or anything like that you might need to pack those items as well. Face it your car will be FULL when you head up to the cottage!
What do you put on your cottage weekend packing list?