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Mountain bikers head up Blue Mountain in the gondola with a beautiful view of Georgian Bay in the distance. -- Photo by Phil Raby

With gas prices rising every week and little respite on the horizon, it makes sense to ditch the car during a vacation. A good place to do that is the Village at Blue, part of Blue Mountain Resort in Collingwood, Ontario.

Sitting in the shadow of the Niagara Escarpment and flanked by beautiful Georgian Bay, this resort's natural resources create the perfect place to spend a vacation immersed in outdoor activities.

But there's a lot more to be found at the Village at Blue. There's world-class shopping, dining and activities all within walking distance of accommodations with the right amenities for families on the go. Linking all of it together is the Village's pedestrian walkway, making it super easy to explore.

Dining:

With more than 15 eateries to choose from in the Village, finding something to satisfy every craving won't be difficult. Although some of the restaurants cater to more adult tastes, most offer kids' menus and other family-friendly indulgences.

The Original Motorcycle Café, with its minimalist chic industrial look, might intimidate parents with little ones in tow, but they'll love its spacious main floor. It's the perfect layout for maneuvering strollers and the friendly staff offer colouring sheets with crayons the moment a family comes in. You've also got to love a place that offers 18 drafts on tap as easily as booster seats and high chairs.

For lunch, The Blue Moose has fast food fare with lots of taste. Juicy burgers and fresh-cut fries are on the menu, but its large milkshakes are what will make the kids and parents cheer.

There are also Beaver Tails for kids and Starbucks coffee for the adults when the late afternoon munchies hit. Dinner can be spent at the unique Fire Hall Pizza Co., a restaurant mimicking a Northern Ontario fire station with looks so authentic visitors may think they're looking at the real deal. Inside, there's a great Italian menu and casual atmosphere. Kids can even watch their pizza being prepared right before their eyes.

Accomodation:

The Grand Georgian, Weider Lodge and Seasons at Blue are the three hotels in the Village. Each location is as individual as its name, but the high level of comfort and amenities that each offers is a common theme for all.

Seasons at Blue's country cottage feel provides a relaxed setting for families. Weider Lodge pays homage to ski lodges of old with a rustic décor and grand fireplace in its entrance. The Grand Georgian's unique look was inspired by historic railway hotels.

Between all three properties there are 419 suites which range from studios to three-bedrooms. The suites include full kitchens, balconies, fireplaces and access to hot tubs, fitness rooms and underground parking.

Adventure:

Imagine being lifted up high over the expansive Georgian Bay from your own private gondola. That dream becomes reality with the Silver Bullet Gondola at Blue Mountain. Once you've reached the top of the escarpment you can hike or bike on one of the many trails.

The main plaza at The Village at Blue, featuring great shopping and dining in buildings designed to resemble small town Ontario. -- Photo by Phil Raby

For the more adventurous, there's mountain biking, horseback riding and even Hummer tours. A slew of other activities can be organized from Activity Central located in the Village. Described as a "one-stop action shop," it's the place to go for adventure.

As well, staff at Activity Central can fill families in on what's happening at 8 Mill Ponds, a fun spot to spend the afternoon. Some of the activities include catch-and-release fishing, pedal boats, kayaking and remote-control boats.

Shopping:

There's a variety of shops to visit in the Village, but families will probably get a kick out of visiting two of the stores in particular.

The Olde Stanton Store brings memories of general stores from small-town Ontario. From the creaky wooden floor to the items hanging from the rafters, people will get a taste of what it was like to shop at the turn of the century. But you won't find general goods inside, this store is a gallery that sells works of art and folk art souvenirs.

A young mountain biker head off a jump on the way down Blue Mountain. -- Photo by Phil Raby

For the latest in toys and games -- and some perennial old-time favorites -- there's The Jack and Maddy Toy Store. It's jam packed with fun, and even if you leave without buying anything (although highly unlikely), you'll have a blast looking at all the aisles of toys.

For more information:

The Village at Blue - website

Travel writer A.P. Rodrigues can be contacted through R + R Creative

Guests at the Village at Blue listen to live jazz in the main square while enjoying the sun and snack from the nearby eateries. -- Photo by Phil Raby