After 6 at Penny’s Motel – June 2, 2022

Holy cow that was fun! It was another incredible BMCC After 6 evening, co-hosted by Penny’s Motel and Rally Beer. The weather was perfect for an impressive turnout of guests, who gathered on the Penny’s Motel new patio and around their fire pits to enjoy appetizers from Penny’s restaurant, Apres, and delicious brews from Rally. Local favourite, musician Isaac Goodings, provided the entertainment and wowed us with his talent and energy.

John Belknap, owner of Penny’s Motel, shared the often hilarious challenges and triumphs of completely renovating a roadside motel that has long been part of Thornbury history. A tour of the beautifully updated rooms and outdoor spaces proved that all of that effort was more than worth it. Penny’s constant support of local businesses and their collaborative spirit in highlighting all that the Blue Mountains has to offer is an inspiration, and is just another reason why they are such a welcome addition to our community.

Co-Founder and CEO of Rally Beer Company, Alan Wood, told us about how a home brewery in a little apartment in Thornbury grew to what is now a province-wide company offering a selection of amazing beers. A visit to their website, www.drinkrally.ca, will show you just how quickly they are growing — they are regularly selling out in their online store, and their products are now carried in grocery stores, markets and beer and liquor stores across Ontario. As avid outdoor enthusiasts and wild supporters of all things active and fun, the Rally team set out to create tasty, low-calorie beer that you can feel good about drinking after a long paddle or a day on the trails, and did they ever nail it. And as if healthier, ethically-sourced beer wasn’t enough, Rally is also deeply committed to fostering inclusive, accessible and diverse communities where everyone has the chance to get out, enjoy the outdoors and celebrate every win. And one of our lucky guests got to take home a raffle prize of a cooler packed with Rally products!

Finally, tourism expert and guest speaker extraordinaire Allison Davies let us know about all of the resources, opportunities and supports that RTO7 offers to small businesses across the Grey Bruce region. From mentorship support, to funding opportunities, to training and up-skilling programs, to a wide array of promotional avenues, RTO7 is there to help small businesses in the area attract and charm the heck out of visitors and locals alike. Find out more about how they are helping small businesses flourish at www.rto7.ca.

Keep an eye out for news about our next After 6 in July — we hope we see you there!