The former surf club that once served as a community hub in the late-1960s has re-opened in Muskoka.

The Port Carling Surf Club – more commonly known as Frankies Surf Club – originally started in the ’60s as a local clubhouse, bringing arcade games and live music to the waters of Muskoka.

Now, Frankies Surf Club is back in Port Carling as its new waterfront location officially opens and feature a stylish mix of surf and cottage culture.

After Ian McGrenaghan and Colin Tooke, owners of award-winning Toronto-based restaurants Grand Electric and Electric Mud BBQ, heard about this little-known phenomenon, they began working on the concept to recreate Frankies and give Muskoka a fresh take on a piece of local history.

“Frankies is a place to relax during the day and let loose at night,” says Tooke. “Think wooden boats and wayfarers, campfires and cocktails, surf tees and bikinis and Sunday socials in a northern paradise.”

Part east coast beach bar, part vintage Muskoka social club, Frankies Surf Club is a must-visit when escaping downtown Toronto to relax and enjoy the cottage life. 

Located on the same boathouse property as Grand Electric Muskoka – the second Mexican eatery McGrenaghan and Tooke opened in 2014 – Frankies Surf Club will bring the same community vibe with live music, movie nights and other events, while also adding some new components to the mix.

As if that wasn’t enough of a reason to visit, you can also enjoy a coffee and juice bar that serves Phil & Sebastian coffee roasters and Greenhouse Juices. It’s the perfect compliment to  the delicious snack menu and cocktail list which happens to be inspired by the awesome tropical beach bars of the ’70s and ’80s Mexico and Caribbean.

“Bright, boozy and easily drinkable, these cocktails are less about complex ingredients and more about easing you into a sunny day on the water,” McGrenaghan says.

Along with food and drink, there will be a retail boutique carrying a variety of brands curated for the savvy vacationer, including:

• Frank & Oak
• Mara Hoffman
• Kini Bikini
• Bather Trunk Co.
• Parkdale TeePee Company
• Coqui Coqui

For more information on Frankies Surf Club, follow @FrankiesSurf on Twitter, @FrankiesSurfClub on Instagram and like Frankies Surf Club on Facebook

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