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There are few things finer in life than food and, being that me and Rebecca’s trip to Parksville had been so packed full with fantastic cuisine at every turn, it was fitting that we ended our girls’ getaway with the dinner of all dinners.

It’s impossible to walk in the front doors of The Landing West Coast Grill and not notice the immense wine cellar as you enter. Recently installed, the cellar is capable of storing quite literally thousands of bottles of wine and is maintained through an exact science. Wine is both exquisite and temperamental in nature, which I suppose is the reason it is also so perfect. This cellar is truly a source of pride for the Landing’s in-house Sommelier, Atilla Cimsit, who has put countless hours of love and devotion into creating this for the restaurant.

Also not to be overlooked is the Landing’s impressive 6,000+ gallon aquarium that swims its way through the centre of the dining lounge. I found it both intriguing and peaceful.

It should come as no surprise to anyone that Rebecca and I are suckers for anything made of bread or any kind of cheese. When you put the two together, it’s double trouble (and I’m not just talking about us girls). Naturally, this was the direction we wanted to take in ordering our shared appetizers.

Because we couldn’t decide between the Warm Oregano and Cheese Whole Wheat Flat Bread with Artichoke & Parmesan Dip or the Spicy Fire Cracker Flat Bread with Warm Goat Cheese and Tomato Dip, we ordered both. And yes, this was in addition to the savoury artisan breads with fresh butter delivered to our table.

While I don’t eat meat, I was quite happy to see that The Landing is a huge supporter of the Vancouver Aquarium’s Ocean Wise program by serving sustainable seafood choices. This meant Rebecca could indulge in her Cedar Plank B.C. Wild Salmon completely guilt-free!

I chose the Linguine with Alder Wood Grilled Vegetables and Herbed Olive Oil. While it may sound plain, it was seriously anything but. Never before have so many vegetables danced so wildly on my tongue!

Just when I thought our bellies were about to burst and Rebecca and I couldn’t possibly fit another bite into our mouths, a wooden tray was brought to our table. Somehow there is always room for dessert, and we watched each others’ eyes grow as we were presented with the entire dessert menu. While for a moment I thought it was implied that we were to try each and every single one of the bold creations, we chose two and shared. This concept was (almost cruelly) fantastic in that, rather than trying to envision what you’re deciding off the menu, you instead know exactly what you’re ordering.

After humming and hawing for close to five minutes over the dessert tray, we decided to split the orange-tinged chocolate mouse and a raspberry and lemon-laced crème brûlée.

After two days in the Parksville sunshine topped off with a fantastic meal, I think we both look deliciously sun-kissed.

The beauty about calling Vancouver Island home is that, no matter where on the Island you are, there’s no place you’d rather be. The exciting part is knowing that the next undiscovered awe-inspiring place is always just around the corner.

You can check out Rebecca’s review of the restaurant – and scope out some pictures of her grilled salmon – on her blog.

Located at Nanoose Bay’s Pacific Shores Resort & Spa, The Landing West Coast Grill is open year-round with their delectable menus at 1-1600 Stroulger Road. To find out more about the restaurant or to make reservations, please visit their website or call toll-free at 1-888-640-7799.

For almost the entire duration of our friendship, Rebecca and I have dreamed and giggled about visiting New York City together. Finally – finally – the trip planning has been set into motion, and with Rebecca’s recent whirlwind trip this week, my stoke meter has been spiking. Though our girls’ vacation to the Big Apple isn’t going to happen until May, 2010, it doesn’t hurt to scout out a bit in advance.

Photo: Miss604 on Flickr

While we’ve agreed to rely more on spontaneity and avoid the usual tourist traps and a packed itinerary, there are certainly a few things I need to do and experience.

1. Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge at sunrise to take in the views of Manhattan from the Brooklyn Heights Promenade.

2. Eat a pretzel from a different street vendor every single day (I love warm, salty pretzels)!

3. Visit Times Square at 1:00 a.m. to snap pictures.

4. Cruise across to Staten Island on the free ferry (and maybe “enjoy” an infamous Staten Island iced tea).

5. Take a deep breath from the top of the Empire State Building.

6. Aimlessly wander Greenwich Village to find something unique for each of my special someones.

7. “Hit up Magnolia and mack on some cupcakes…”

8. Allow my darling Meghan to drag us to her favourite places and allow her to set me up with she-knows-who (and I won’t forget, Megs).

9. Buy myself a charm bracelet at Tiffany & Co. and have it engraved with the date to commemorate the trip

10. Devour a tasty lunch in Central Park in the sunshine.

I have no doubt I’ll probably put on a few pounds from all the tempting food. I know for certain I’ll drink a lot of coffee; sleep is overrated and I plan on making the most of our week there (even if it means heading out on some solo excursions). And fingers crossed, this is where we may be staying. We’re checking out our options, but those rooms sure would make from some cute photo shoots!

As a recent dog owner, what becomes quite clear is not only the division between those who own dogs and those who don’t, but also the division between dog owners themselves. However, whether we find ourselves with a canine companion or not, there are some unspoken rules that we can all benefit from. That is, of course, in my humble opinion (which you’re all entitled to).

In no particular order…

10. Jordy and I recently came across a man with his two dogs, one of which was a dachshund. Without warning, the dachshund lurched at Jordy, sending him into a tailspin and leaving me to quickly get my balance to avoid crushing Jordy after being tripped by the dachshund’s leash. Point being: keep your dog(s) under your control at all times for everyone’s safety.

9. If my 12-pound furball trots onto the elevator and you scream like a school girl, guess who looks like the moron. If you’re not fond of dogs, then believe me, there are plenty of apartment buildings in Vancouver that don’t allow them at all.

8. Get your dog spayed or neutered! All points of the globe are already over-run with a severely swollen population problem, so please don’t contribute to it by breeding your dog for a quick buck. You have zero control over what will happen to those puppies, and half will most likely end up dead or in shelters due to your irresponsibility.

7. Like humans, dogs have allergies and can be intolerant to some foods. Never give a dog treats or food without explicit permission of the owner first. The last thing we dog owners need is a $100 vet bill because you thought it would be cute to feed our dogs a bite of your lunch.

6. Invite good karma into your life and buy me this t-shirt. Size small, please.

5. Dogs will positively thrive when you provide a structured, disciplined and loving environment for them. Not only will it encourage their emotional health and well-being, it will also instill confidence in them for the times you’re not around.

4. Both Vancouver and Vancouver Island are full of terrific off-leash spots for your dog. However, being off-leash is a privilege, not a right. If your dog’s misbehaving, show her who’s boss.

3. Ask first, pet later. I’d never walk up to your child and give him or her a hug, so please refrain from walking up to my dog and nuzzling or petting him without asking first. It’s intrusive and inappropriate. This is, of course, negated at dog parks where dog piles are an inevitability.

2. In the same vein, when walking your dog, make sure it’s okay to approach another dog before doing so. When an owner is trying to work with and train his or her dog to obey and “walk nicely,” your playful dog can be a huge distraction and derail the entire process.

1. Pick up the poop! Do I need to say it again? Pick up the poop! Leaving your dog’s poop on the sidewalk to smear, squish and rot in the sun is both disgusting from the standpoint of human decency, but also contravenes City of Vancouver by-laws. Pick up the poop!

To all of you responsible dog owners out there, thank you! Both dogs and people are a part of every community, so it’s important to have an understanding both ways. If you have something else to contribute, please feel free to do so in the comments.

And lastly, if you’re considering bringing a dog into your home, remember the rule of thumb: Adopt, Don’t Shop!

It’s no secret that I’m a true Island girl – born and raised – but few know that I was actually born on the north Island. Many communities north of Campbell River are heavily populated with proud First Nations bands who have been able to maintain a grasp on their heritage through a deep sense of community. The Village of Alert Bay on Cormorant Island is no exception.

Photo: Loutron Glouton on Flickr

Located just an hour southeast of my hometown, Port Hardy, access to Cormorant Island is available through a scenic 45-minute ferry ride from Port McNeill.

Map: Air Adventure Tours

It’s impossible to decide on the most beautiful aspect of Alert Bay. While the incredible cultural history of the area is something to be revered, the infinite wildlife around every corner is simply mind-blowing. It’s not unusual to see anything short of bald eagles, sea otters, humpback whales, grizzly bears, orca whales and the occasional sea lion.

Photo: ACCESS

Photo: Bluewater Adventures

Photo: Seasmoke Whale Watching

For longer than I can remember, I’ve felt a strong and unwavering connection to the people and history of the First Nations bands of British Columbia. Alert Bay is home to ‘Namgis First Nation, a sub-group of the Kwakwaka’wakw. 1999 proved to be an historical and harmonious year for the tiny island village as the band signed a document with the Village of Alert Bay, both agreeing to support civic and cultural matters impacting the community.

Photo: iGrrl on Flickr

Photo: oinegue on Flickr

Photo: Loutron Glouton on Flickr

Naturally, Alert Bay is also home to many phenomenal First Nations artists, including John Lancaster. A few summers ago, I purchased one of his orca whale rings for myself on the First Nation reserve in the Comox Valley.

Many First Nations tribes have powerful beliefs about what the orca whale represents, but it is particularly of importance to me because it symbolizes both family and strength.

Those who wish to visit Alert Bay will be treated to a truly unique experience in that, while it offers the modern-day eco-tourism staples of kayaking, hiking and mountain biking, it is also a place that remains unchanged after so many years. A delicate balance between history and cultural diversity is undoubtedly the key contributing factor to the sense of community in Alert Bay.

It hardly needs to be said that Alert Bay is a picture-perfect example of natural beauty.

Photo: iGrrl on Flickr

Photo: Chris Corrigan on Flickr

Because the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve is located only 22 kilometres south of Cormorant Island, some areas surrounding the Village of Alert Bay are part of a protected nature area that can be explored by boardwalk.

Photo: Loutron Glouton on Flickr

Photo: magnopere on Flickr

Photo: iGrrl on Flickr

Alert Bay is a vibrant community and a wonderful place to visit on your “staycation” within British Columbia this summer. As I stated, access to Cormorant Island is by way of BC Ferries with a number of accomodations available for hosting. This is in addition to various restaurants, museums and cultural destinations. For more information about Alert Bay, please visit the village’s website. To learn more about the First Nation culture of Alert Bay, please visit the ‘Ngamis First Nation online.

One of the rights of passage on family vacations for kids who grow up anywhere on Vancouver Island is a trip to Paradise Fun Park mini golf. Situated on the Island Highway in the area of north Parksville, Rebecca and I found it impossible not to be lured in by the colourful lights, bright flowers, towering castle and the Old Woman’s Shoe.

Aside from two putt-putt courses, Turf ‘N Surf or Treasure Island, Paradise Fun Park also features bumper boats, an arcade, gift shop, Italian café and yours truly’s favourite: Island Farms ice cream. For those wishing to celebrate their birthday at Paradise Fun Park, party with your pals in the Old Woman’s Shoe.

Photo: Miss604

I landed myself a hole-in-one on the pirate ship!

Photo: Miss604

Mini skirt for mini golf – Rebecca knew exactly what she was doing…

If you can believe it, I resisted temptation… until the next day.

Final score: Rebecca – 49, Keira-Anne – 56.

Paradise Fun Park is located at 375 West Island Highway in Parksville, BC with summer hours from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., seven days a week. Please keep in mind that the course closes during the winter months and also has an adjacent seasonal RV/campground and pet-friendly motel. Paradise Fun Park offers a really fun and affordable experience for families and pals like Rebecca and me. For more information, please visit their website.

In truth, it’s been a while, but Jenny Lewis has finally hit one out of the park again. My lady love plays a darling caper queen in this video – a charming send-up of 1960s secret agent films.

I promise you won’t regret these three minutes and 39 seconds of your life.

Tucked in amongst the towering trees on Qualicum Beach’s West Island Highway lies what I truly believe to be the crown jewel of the Oceanside region. Such a bestowment is rather fitting, considering the regal history of Milner Gardens and Woodland.

In 1937, Horatio “Ray” Milner purchased the 70-acre estate with his wife Rina. Both put such tender, loving care into the expansive gardens and surrounding woodland. Sadly, Rina passed away in 1952.

Two years later Ray married British Aristocrat Veronica who then cultivated her artist’s eye to turn the land into a horticulturist’s paradise. Importing unique flora from around the globe, Veronica and Ray transformed the gardens into a space that defines unique. Veronica was an incredibly talented painter and often specifically plotted and planned where particular items should grow in order to provide creative inspiration in the years to come.

A direct descendant of Sir Winston Churchill, Veronica had strong ties with the British Royal Family. Prior to her death in 1998, Mrs. Milner hosted the likes of Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Phillip, Diana, Princess of Wales and Prince Charles at her home on the property.

Rumour has it that Prince Phillip once BBQ’d a steak for Queen Elizabeth II on the deck surrounding the garden’s pool. No longer used for swimming, it’s now a complimentary water feature adjacent to the gift shop.

Among Milner Gardens’ programs is Shoots With Roots, designed to instill a love and respect for nature in the children who participate through hands-on experience. Kids are encouraged to each take part in caring for the designated garden while exercising their artistic sides and inspiring critical thinking skills.

The blossoms on the Himalayan hydrangea grow to be the size of basketballs at their peak.

Perspective…

By the time Veronica passed away, much of the gardens had fallen into disrepair. Fortunately, in thanks to Vancouver Island University (formerly Malasapina University College) having acquired the property, Milner Gardens and Woodland have been fully restored to their former beauty.

Because maintaining the space is an enormous task, Milner Gardens relies on the support of the University, financial donations, admission fees and the work of volunteers to sustain itself. Once you can see the property for yourself, it is easy to understand the amount of work that goes into the gardens. The passion of Milner’s volunteers is evident in the countless hours of effort.

When she wasn’t wandering and enjoying her gardens, Veronica and her husband resided in their home overlooking the ocean. Today the house is used as both office space and a tea room in which visitors can fill their tummies with home-baked yummies, including traditional scones with jam made from the gardens’ berry bushes.

I was a tiny bit obsessed with the original wallpaper in the hallway.

As our tour wound to a close, Rebecca and I found ourselves on the front porch in the company of nursery grower Kim Hammond, treated to fresh croissants stuffed with egg salad and orange pekoe tea made in proper English style.

It’s clear to see how this space is so treasured by those who have experienced it. As the late afternoon sun and ocean breeze danced on our skin, I couldn’t help but wish I could spend every afternoon in that very spot. Parting is such sweet sorrow, and the same could not be more true of leaving Milner Gardens and Woodland. It’s a true treat for the soul.

Please take a few minutes to read Rebecca’s experience at Milner Gardens and Woodland here.

Milner Gardens and Woodland is primarily open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. betwee April and October with special events being held at certain times throughout the year, including Halloween and Christmas. Due to the delicate nature of the property, only certified guide dogs are permitted.

The gardens and woodland is located at 2179 West Island Highway in Qualicum Beach; look for the sign and interpretive centre. Summertime admission for adults is only $10, but consider an annual membership for only $25. You’ll be sure to want to experience this wonderland in each of the four seasons. For more information, please visit Milner Gardens’ website.

I was still in diapers when my family moved from Port Hardy to the Comox Valley in 1982. The Valley has always been and will always be home and, as such, has also always been an immense source of pride. Today I feel shame.

It’s a community comprised primarily of three towns – Courtenay, Comox and Cumberland – and is a community born out of a vibrant history. Though, like any community with deep roots, the stories are often marred. When Cumberland was a booming mining town in the late 1800s, it was also home to North America’s second largest Chinatown as well as a substantial Japanese population. These immigrant workers were brought in simply to risk their lives doing the most hazardous of mining jobs that others would not do. Countless immigrants died in doing so.

Much of Cumberland’s Chinatown was destroyed in a fire in 1936 that originated in a chop suey house; the area was never rebuilt. And further, in 1942 amongst the shadows of World War II, the entire local Japanese population was ordered to be shipped to internment camps in the interior of British Columbia.

Neither population recovered from these decimating events. One could say that these were the first examples of blatant racism in the Valley’s history.

As I grew up, the Comox Valley’s population was predominantly comprised of Caucasian people of European descent. Being that the Island is still home to many First Nations reserves, there has also always been a sizable native population. In junior high I had one girlfriend who had immigrated with her family from South Korea, and went to high school with a brother and sister from Pakistan. The number of black families in the community could be counted on one hand.

While the diversity of the Comox Valley has certainly increased over the last decade, what has always been apparent to me, however, is that none of this ever seemed to matter. We all had our respective backgrounds, history and ancestry, but that was just a matter of fact – not a matter for tact. The idea of any form of racism in the Comox Valley seemed entirely outlandish to me.

There are still numerous men who drive their trucks around the Valley with Confederate flags emblazoned in the front license plate holders, but I always assumed they were paying tribute to The Dukes of Hazzard rather than knowing what it symbolizes. It would seem that I am incorrect. A recent event in the parking lot across from the Courtenay McDonald’s restaurant has changed what I thought I knew in an instant.

Last Friday a 38-year-old landscape artist by the name of Jay Phillips was accosted, cornered and both verbally and physically attacked by three young men between the ages of 19 and 25. In broad daylight, Phillips was bombarded with fists, kicks, racial slurs and threats of lynching. What his cowardly attackers did not expect, however, was that the man well-versed in mixed martial arts was prepared to fight back – and he did.

“If nobody says anything or does anything, they’re going to do this again,” Phillips stated in a local news interview. The attack, which was caught entirely on video and subsequently posted on YouTube, was the silver lining. “Otherwise it would have been three or five guys’ word against mine,” he said. “I don’t want this shit to ever happen ever again.”

The three men have been identified, arrested and charged with assault. The RCMP are currently investigating and further charges of a hate crime are pending.

I applaud Jay Phillips for standing up, for using his voice and for fighting back against such a disgusting display of ignorance and hate. The kind of behavior perpetrated against Mr. Phillips simply cannot – and will not – be tolerated. It is my hope that by his brave example, more people will be strong enough to resist backing down and instead fight for love and acceptance.

During my training to teach pre-school, we were told a story of a group of 15 pre-schoolers that were engaged in a sharing circle together. Each child was instructed to say something about the other children that makes each of them different or unique. One child was permanently bound to a wheelchair, and when it came to his turn, his classmates took turns praising his artistic skills, his fun laugh, his willingness to share and exclaiming that he always had the best snacks. Not one single child noted that his wheelchair made him different or unique.

Perhaps we can all take take our cues from the uncorrupted.

Finding ourselves with time to kill on Friday morning, I suggested to Rebecca that we visit Little Qualicum Cheeseworks. Needless to say, she didn’t take much convincing at all – especially when I let her know that wine was also produced on site. Counting on a vino tasting combined with cheese sampling was all we expected, but that was more than enough for us gals.

Somehow I had it in my head that we’d be arriving at a storefront, so you can imagine my surprise as we made our way up the dirt drive and onto an expansive farm overlooking Mount Arrowsmith.

As it turned out, Little Qualicum Cheeseworks is situated on an active dairy farm with far more than just cheese and the cows that produce the milk to make it with.

Realizing this, our first stop was the gift shop to get our bearings with a self-guided tour map. Within moments, we were greeted by Little Qualicum Cheeseworks’ Phil Charlebois. He was more than happy to tell us a bit about the farm and the cheese-making process while showing us around.

Adjacent to the sterile environment in which the various cheeses are carefully crafted and made is the farm’s gift shop. If it’s farm or cheese-related, it’s in there!

Perhaps the best part of the gift shop, aside from the copious cheeses for sale, is the ability to sample each and every one of them. The farm produces everything from award-winning brie to curds, fromage frais to feta, and a few creatively inspired varieties of their own – including Monterey “Jill”.

For the grown-ups, right next to Little Qualicum Cheeseworks’ farm, is a collection of berry bushes designated solely to berry-based wines that are produced on site. None of the newly-launched Morningstar Creek wines contain any grapes and instead are fermented with gooseberries, raspberries, cranberries and blackberries among others.

The winery is truly a pride and joy for Phil, but unfortunately, due to a trademark on the name “Morning” in a winery, Morningstar Creek Winery will soon be known as MooBerry Wines. None of these wines are available in restaurants or liquor stores, so you’ll have to pay a visit yourself if you’d like to get your hands on a bottle.

My absolute favourite part of the tour was setting my sights on all the animals that call Little Qualicum Cheeseworks home. And on that note, I should mention that the farm is the only SPCA Certified dairy farm on Vancouver Island. Click here to read more about what that means for the health and welfare of farm animals.

These baby piglets were only four weeks old!

The only ram on the farm, Dodge (get it?) was one friendly boy.

These young calves were happy to receive attention. I think the black and white girl in front may have mistaken me for her mother as she took my entire hand in her mouth and tried to nurse it.

Photo: Miss604 on Flickr

Being an animal-friendly farm, the dairy cows are provided with a fabulous lifestyle and are free to roam the vast acres when not being milked.

The view of Mount Arrowsmith is simply breathtaking…

Cute? Yes. Friendly? Not really.

You can imagine my excitement when I spotted an ice cream stand serving Island Farms ice cream. Also featured were several flavours from The Udder Guy’s Ice Cream Company out of Duncan, BC on the south Island. While I’ve never tried their ice cream, all 24 flavours are made from scratch so it would seem it’d be safe to say that they make for tasty cones!

Tried, tested and true, I stuck with Moose Tracks in a waffle cone.

Photo: Miss604 on Flickr

Be sure to read Rebecca’s re-cap of our visit to the farm here.

Little Qualicum Cheeseworks is open Monday to Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Allow for plenty of time on your visit to partake in a self-guided tour, but guided tours and hay rides are available for groups of eight or more. The farm is located at 403 Lowry’s Road between Parksville and Qualicum Beach.

For more information, please visit Little Qualicum Cheeseworks’ website or call them toll-free at 1-877-248-4353. The various cheeses are available in most grocery stores on Vancouver Island and in the Lower Mainland, so keep your eyes open for it and grab one variety or four!

In 1946, a single log cabin was constructed by the newlywed Van Normans on a then-11 acre property along the shores of Parksville. Today the Tigh-Na-Mara Resort and Conference Centre is perhaps the best-known and most well-loved accommodation in the Oceanside region.

Now double its original property size, the Tigh-Na-Mara boasts over 192 log buildings nestled into towering trees. Did I mention this is where Rebecca and I stayed during our getaway to the Island?

Settled into a one-bedroom, top-floor condo, we had views of the local beach that were simply untouchable. Everywhere you go in the Parksville and Qualicum region, auburn Arbutus trees are reaching to the sky.

Guests of the Tigh-Na-Mara can choose either waterfront condos or singular cabins. Suites are complete with kitchens, jacuzzi tubs and – in our case – a king sized bed. The on-site Grotto Spa also features bungalow suites.

Locals will appreciate the names given to each of the condo structures. Rebecca and I stayed in the Ballenas lodge, named for Ballenas Island found just a few kilometres off the shores of Parksville. It also happens to be the name of the local secondary school.

Next time I’m choosing a cabin – I couldn’t help but be reminded of the John Candy classic The Great Outdoors. Thankfully there were no raccoons causing a mess of the trash cans.

Six years ago the Tigh-Na-Mara expanded by adding what is now the largest resort spa in British Columbia and, in my opinion, simply stunning.

Featuring a full line of European esthetic products with an array of cosmetics, nail polish and locally-crafted wood burl art, the Grotto Spa offers a full menu of uniquely designed spa treatments.

It should go without saying that The Grotto Spa’s pièce de résistance is undoubtedly the mineral pool for which the spa is named. With a two-storey waterfall and a healing blend of various mineral salts, the spa’s grotto is a place to escape, relax and restore.

While I couldn’t snap any pictures (in an effort to respect the privacy of others), I can tell you that Rebecca and I each blissfully enjoyed the Pacific Body Balancing Treatment. Beginning with a yummy sea salt and green tea blended full-body exfoliation, we rejuvenated our skin with a thermal body wrap, a hydrating facial treatment and finished with an all-over body butter massage.

The irony is that I never normally feel relaxed in spa environments – when you’re alone with your thoughts, all you can do is think. At The Grotto Spa, however, it was the first time I actually fell asleep during a treatment, waking only to wipe drool from my chin.

Okay, so here is where The Grotto Spa gets really unique. On the third floor of the building is a relaxation lounge as well as the Treetop Tapas & Grill. “Robes and sandals only” is the requirement, and spa-goers can dine on detoxifying tapas created with specific health benefits in mind.

Perhaps not the healthiest choice, I started our journey through “endless tapas” with a Tigh-Na-Mara Sour, consisting of lime and amaretto blended with ice. SO. GOOD.

First up: wilted spinach in a buttermilk dressing with seared portobello mushrooms and phyllo.

Olive and artichoke antipasto with the best fresh-baked bread sticks I have ever had in my entire life.

Greens with cherry tomatoes, bocconcini cheese with a light pesto dressing. Apparently I am no longer allergic to pine nuts.

Grilled flat bread with local goat cheese and caramelized onions. Commence drooling.

Flaky pastry tart stuffed with local blue cheese.

Vanilla bean pudding-style tart with fresh-picked raspberries for dessert…

…only to be followed by a red velvet cupcake with cream cheese icing.

Did I mention a delectably delicious walnut tart with vanilla ice cream?

With our stuffed bellies and restful bodies, Rebecca and I floated back to our suite in time to catch what I thought was the most amazing sunset over the region.

That was, of course, until 20 minutes later when I discovered that the sunset became even more stunning.

And after a solid sleep, I awoke blinded to see the sun rising over a low-tide beach. There is absolutely nothing like sea air to awaken your senses in the morning – not even a strong java can compare.

Ready for more food? Ever after the “endless” tapas the night before, Rebecca and I found ourselves in the Tigh-Na-Mara’s Cedar Dining Room for breakfast. I was tempted by and gave in to the apple and cranberry french toast with orange cinnamon butter and maple syrup. No regrets.

Normally when on vacation, the hotel is essentially just a place to sleep and shower when the day’s adventures are over, but the pet-friendly Tigh-Na-Mara is an adventure all in itself. With kids’ programs and babysitting, a swimming pool, gift shop, cappuccino bar, bike rental, multiple beach accesses, numerous dining options and, of course, The Grotto Spa, once hardly needs to leave the property.

UPDATE: Be sure to read Rebecca’s re-cap of our heavenly stay at the Tigh-Na-Mara here.

Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort and Conference Centre and The Grotto Spa are located at 1155 Resort Drive in Parksville, British Columbia. The resort is most easily found by taking exit 46 off Island Highway 19; from there, look for the signs. For more information and to book your next trip (or spa treat!), visit the Tigh-Na-Mara’s website or The Grotto Spa’s website.