About The Founder
Hi! My name is Amanda Simmonds. I am the founder and creative behind The Crossing Collection— a growing family of thoughtfully curated retail spaces rooted in connection, nostalgia, and intentional living.
It all began with Pretty Well Packed, my groovy little vintage camper shop, traveling from market to market, meeting incredible people and sharing my love of curated vintage, upcycled fashion, and all things nostalgic. When I first parked the camper on the property in Torrance for a pop-up in summer 2024, I had no idea it would become home, and the first location in The Crossing Collection. But something clicked. The vibe, the people, the potential—I fell in love. What began with a vintage camper boutique and a love for unique, storied pieces has evolved into two distinct destinations: Muskoka Crossing and The Crossing on Main. While each space has its own personality, both are connected by my passion for creating places that feel warm, welcoming, and inspiring.
At Muskoka Crossing, I hope to bring the spirit of cottage country to life with curated shopping, local food, beautiful goods, and community experiences in the heart of Torrance. From vintage treasures and artisan markets to wellness-focused groceries and slow summer moments, Muskoka Crossing was designed to feel like a little escape from everyday life.
The Crossing on Main offers a softer, slower expression of that same vision. Nestled in historic downtown Newmarket, the space focuses on elevated essentials for home, gift, and garden. I have thoughtfully sourced pieces that encourage intentional living and everyday beauty. Inspired by quiet mornings, meaningful gatherings, and timeless design, it’s a place meant to feel calm, grounding, and inspiring all at once.
Over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to live and work in places like West Palm Beach, Harbour Island, Nantucket, and London. These places each shaped my perspective and inspired the feeling behind these shops. But no matter where life has taken me, Ontario has always been home. The Crossing Collection is my way of bringing those inspirations home with me — blending coastal ease, cottage nostalgia, slow living, and meaningful connection into every space.
I’ve always believed shopping should feel experiential. It is less about transactions, and more about discovery, storytelling, connection. and community. Whether I’m sourcing vintage treasures at antique markets, working alongside local makers, or thoughtfully designing spaces that invite people to linger a little longer, every detail is chosen with care and intention.
The name “The Crossing” actually came from the train tracks that run through the heart of Torrance. The train rumbles by many times a day (impossible to ignore) and while brainstorming names for the property, Muskoka Crossing was born. I have to give my husband James credit for that one — he was the one who first came up with it.
To me, a crossing is a meeting place, where paths intersect, where people gather, where stories are shared, and where new memories begin. It represents movement, adventure, discovery, and the beauty of slowing down long enough to truly experience where you are. It’s the crossing of old and new, vintage and modern, cottage and town, travel and home. A place to pause, wander, connect, and stay awhile.
But over time, “The Crossing” began to mean so much more to me.
So… what do you say?