What to Do Before Your First Cottage Weekend of the Season

There’s something seriously magical about that first cottage weekend of the year. The windows get flung open, the lake is sparkling like a dream, and you can practically smell the summer ahead. It’s a moment full of possibility… until you realize the pantry holds nothing but stale crackers, the coffee filters are mysteriously missing, and your one kitchen knife couldn’t slice a marshmallow.

Let’s be honest, this is not the weekend for perfection. But a little thought before you hit the road can mean the difference between “Ahhhh, I needed this” and “Why didn’t we bring ANY condiments?”

This isn’t a checklist (there are plenty of those already). Think of it as a quick gut check before the car gets packed and the highway playlist kicks in. Let’s make sure you land at the lake ready to relax.

Have You Thought About What Was Left Behind Last Year?

Opening weekend is like stepping into a time capsule… one that’s been closed for eight months and smells a little weird. Did you leave a half-used bottle of olive oil up there? A crusty box of pancake mix? Maybe a spoon with a melted handle?

Here’s the truth: just because it was there in September doesn’t mean it’s still usable—or still there. Winter has a way of doing weird things to dry goods and Tupperware lids.

Take a few minutes to mentally walk through what might be waiting for you. It can be helpful to write down what you think is up there—but don’t rely on your memory alone. (Ask me about the summer I forgot we ran out of salt… in May.)

Bottom line? If it’s essential to your weekend happiness—coffee, spices, oil, snacks—bring a fresh version.

What Do You Actually Want from the Weekend?

In the rush to “just get away,” it’s easy to overlook this one. But trust me, the first 24 hours can set the tone for the whole season.

So pause and ask yourself: What do I want this weekend to feel like?

Do you dream of arriving, pouring a cold drink, and sliding right into a cozy dinner? Is your idea of bliss having your favourite hoodie and a freshly brewed cup of coffee on the deck before anyone else wakes up?

Those little rituals matter. They ground you. And when they’re missing—because you forgot the coffee filters or didn’t plan for dinner—it can throw things off.

Don’t just pack for “maybe” or “if we need it.” Pack for the version of the weekend you actually want to have.

How Much Do You Want to Wing It?

This one’s personal—and no judgment here.

Some people love the thrill of MacGyvering a meal from the five things left in the freezer and an onion that’s seen better days. Others (hi, it’s me) find that deeply stressful.

So be honest with yourself. If forgetting a bottle opener is going to ruin your night, put one in the glove compartment today. If you’re someone who enjoys a fridge roulette challenge, great—just make sure you’re still stocked with the basics so you’re not forced into a pickled beet and canned tuna situation.

Whether you’re a planner or a freestyler, a little forethought saves your sanity later.

Let’s Wrap This Up

Look, cottage life is meant to be joyful, not chaotic. And while it’s totally okay to wing it here and there, opening weekend really benefits from a little intentional prep.

That’s exactly where The Essential Cottage Cookbook comes in. This book isn’t just about what to eat—it’s about how to make the most of your time at the cottage. From your first arrival meal to how to ride the rhythm of the season, this book’s your low-key, high-impact guide to a smoother, more delicious summer.

Because if you’re going to spend all that time getting away, shouldn’t it actually feel like a getaway?