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You wouldn’t know it by looking out the window, but July is right around the corner and Canada Day is notoriously hot and sunny across British Columbia. Being the optimist that I am, I’m packing my swimsuit, sunblock and summer dresses and heading to Vancouver Island on Wednesday after work for a bit of solitude.

Photo: Ian Muttoo on Flickr

Many of you will be extending Canada Day into an extra long weekend, so here’s a quick round-up of events across Vancouver Island to help you celebrate Canada’s 143rd birthday.

Port Hardy

Join the day-long party at Storey’s Beach, kicking off with a parade at 11:00 a.m. and finishing with explosive fireworks. Crafts, games and a Duck Race from the Rotary Club will keep you busy during the afternoon. [event info]

Port McNeill

A pancake breakfast, fishing derby for the kids at Port McNeill Harbour and a special airshow at the Port McNeill airport are just some of the family-friendly activities being offered. The events kick off around 8:00 a.m. and runs all afternoon. [event info]

Campbell River

Campbell River promises to be the Canada Day party destination for the North Island, starting with live music the night before at Ostler Park. Canada Day itself is packed full with a children’s festival, even more live music, a parade and the Salmon Festival before a fireworks display brought to you by Quality Foods. Also, get around to the events with free bus rides on public transit between 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.! [event info]

Mount Washington Alpine Resort

The Island’s only alpine destination celebrates Canada Day with the Thrifty Foods Family Fun Day, running from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. A kids’ relay race, cookie decorating contest, bouncy castle and even birthday cake are part of the celebration. Don’t forget to take a mile-high chair ride while you’re up there! [event info]

Comox Valley

Canada Day is always an action-packed day in the Comox Valley! The 5th Street parade in downtown Courtenay, Ducky 500 race, car displays and BBQing at Lewis Park, dancing, concerts and so much more will ensure non-stop fun. This is most definitely where I’ll be spending my Canada Day. [event info]

Port Alberni

A long-standing tradition is returning to Port Alberni once again this Canada Day, starting with a free pancake breakfast prior to the 10th Avenue parade. The fun’s not done then, as all-afternoon festivities keep rocking at Glenwood Centre. [event info]

Qualicum Beach/Parksville Oceanside Region

The Rotary Club of Parksville spearheads the festivities in the Island’s premier Oceanside region, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Starting the day with a Canada Day parade, this day of fun is highlighted with a concert from Canadian rock legends Trooper at Community Park in Parksville! The day-long celebration wraps up with fireworks brought to you by Thrifty Foods. [event info]

Photo: tempest_kat on Flickr [used with permission]

Tofino

Tofino comes alive on July 1 at Village Green, headlined by the Tuff City Skate Competition. The Tofino public market will also be in full swing, as well as interactive displays, live music, a beverage garden, face painting and birthday cake. The day wraps up with fireworks over Tofino’s harbour. [event info]

Ucluelet

Uclulet hasn’t been left out of the party as they play host to the Colour Guard parade, as well as children’s crafts and activities, a family BBQ and live music. [event info]

Nanaimo

Canadian pride is strong in Nanaimo with an action-packed afternoon at Maffeo Sutton Park. Live entertainment, a flag parade and multicultural food are just a few of the festivities worth checking out. [event info]

Ladysmith

Transfer Beach in Ladysmith is the place to be to partake in a little fun in the sun. This family-friendly event is a free-for-all with events getting underway at 10:00 a.m. [event info]

Cowichan Valley

Canada Day celebrations are largely centered around cultural celebrations in the Cowichan Valley at festivities in and around Cowichan Lake. Story-telling, dancing, face-painting, multicultural music, arts & crafts, foods and a fireworks display are just a few things to look forward to. [event info]

Duncan

There’s no better place to be in Duncan than the BC Forest Museum. When you’re not riding the the steam train for free, nosh on hot dogs, jump in the bouncy castle or take in a little live entertainment. [event info]

Sidney

There’s no place more quaint to celebrate Canada’s birthday than than by the sea in Sidney. The day begins with a pancake breakfast and gets into full swing with a parade on Beacon Avenue, a family fun fair and street market before winding down the day with fireworks on the Sidney Waterfront. [event info]

Sooke

Sooke plays host to a very unique Canada Day celebration, bursting with tradition. Between logging sports competition, canine agility demos, a pie-eating contest and live music prior to the fireworks, there’s bound to be something to grab your interest! [event info]

Victoria

Our Province’s capital is no doubt home to the largest Canada Day celebration on Vancouver Island. Starting at 10:00 a.m., downtown Victoria comes alive with an open house of the coastal defence vessel HMCS Nanaimo at Ship Point in the Inner Harbour, jazz music, free historic walking tours, chalk drawing for the kids, a live ballet show and a vibrant fireworks display after dusk. [event info]

If there’s a Canada Day event happening in your Island community that isn’t listed here, feel free to leave information in the comments. For a complete listing of celebrations across the Lower Mainland, click over to Miss604.

Enjoy your Canada Day, have fun, celebrate and practice safe sun! To my American friends and readers, I wish you a fantastic Independence Day on Sunday! In the immortal words of Wang Chi and Jack Burton, “here’s to America’s colors, the colors that never run. May the wings of liberty never lose a feather.”

Truth be told, I was never much of a fan of dressing for the hot months. Jeans, boots and cozy sweaters have always been more my thing, but lately I’ve been embracing Summer-savvy style. The vibrancy of sunshine and blue skies is the perfect excuse to unleash splashy colour, while wearing less clothing leaves room for more accessories.

While I’m holding tight to a budget and saving most of my clothing cash for Fall and Winter, I could help but add a few essentials to my warm weather wardrobe on my recent trip to New York City.

The one must-have item that I didn’t want to be without was a romper and it was instant love when I found this silk-blend one-piece at Diane von Furstenberg’s studio flagship. The psychedelic tribal design caught me – hook, line and sinker. I wasted no time in wearing it while out and about in the city that never sleeps.

Sunglasses are a no-brainer and in more ways than one. Often times I’m mindless when it comes to sunnies and end up losing them in no time, so it’s one accessory that I don’t invest a lot of money in. $10 aviators from H&M do the trick and are essential for the beach. Swimwear is easy to stock up on without damaging my wallet, so when I found this nearly neon ruffled bikini at Victoria’s Secret for the price of a couple deluxe cocktails, I couldn’t refuse.

Canada’s best-kept fashion secret isn’t so secret anymore because Joe Fresh is graduating from Superstore and moving into it’s very own department store in downtown Vancouver this September [source]. These cork-soled sandals set me back $9 last summer, so stocking up on two pairs made the most sense. I’m a big fan of the gladiator sandal trend, but simple will go much further than elaborate in terms of design and versatility.

Jewelry is another accessory element that can’t be overlooked. I snagged this ring, also from H&M, for $3.95. Frappuccinos cost more.

I’m starting to sense a colour theme here…

I’m a big bag girl. Yes, I’m big on bags generally, but what I really mean is that I need room to play. Small handbags and clutches have their time and place, but I need the ability and space to toss some extras in when the occasion calls for it. This Summer I’ll be switching between this berry-coloured Marc by Marc Jacobs hobo that I found in Arizona with its price slashed by 90%. Yup, 90%. My other go-to carry-all is also brought to you by the fine folks at Joe Fresh for a whopping $5.

Just because it’s the off season doesn’t mean I can’t and shouldn’t represent. I was blown away by the two-storey NBA Store on 5th Avenue and picked up this vintage Phoenix Suns tee for me and a Steve Nash toddler tee for my niece. That little girl’s got too much Canucks gear.

My plans for the coming weekend included a mani/pedi until I weighed out the options. Shell out $50 for a once-in-a-while luxury or spend a fraction of that for new colours that will last all season long? The answer is obvious. From left to right I’d like you to meet Brisk Blue, Mango-Get-Em and Lickity Split.

Crown braids started to trend last summer and they haven’t lost any steam. It’s an easy way to keep my hair off my face while showing a little attention to detail. The same attention to detail can be said for this sweet, strappy and silky Quiksilver Women slip dress. The neck tie-up slays me.

Always one of the last and never one of the least is my pièce de résistance. I stalked it online, admired it from afar and gazed longingly at photos of it for months. The maxi dress is as crucial as they come for easy and effortless style while remaining entirely comfortable in the heat of July.

The Vertias maxi dress, also from DvF, is charged with romantic details and thoughtful design. The slight hem lift in the front allows the gown to bustle and flow rather than create the billowing effect that most maxi dresses fall victim to.

I bit my lip while trying to decide between the maxi dress and the romper, even though I knew they’d both be practical and that I’d wear each item a lot over the coming months. However, it was Rebecca who tipped the scales for me.

“How often are you in New York City, in the Meatpacking District, at your favourite designer’s studio?” she asked. Good point.

No matter what you find yourself wearing – or not wearing – over the coming months, there’s one item no one should be without. Sunblock is your best friend. Practice safe sun because, though her designs are legendary, no one actually wants to look like Donatella Versace when they’re 55.

You tell me: what are your summer must-haves? Wish list items? Which items will you be stocking up on for Summertime?

One of the most common topics in e-mails I receive from readers is with regard to pet adoption. Those who have been following my blog know that I adopted a three-year-old rescue dog from a foster home in April, 2009 and have been raising and training him since that time. Though I was initially hesitant about bringing home an older dog, a little bit of education on the topic soon made my choice clear.

Unfortunately, pet adoption is often plagued with misconceptions – particularly the idea that shelter pets have behavioral or health issues. I can assure you that this is simply not the case, as anyone who has met my dog, Jordy, can attest to. To help clarify a few basic questions about pet adoption and general pet ownership, I’ve asked the fantastic folks behind Adopt-A-Pet to answer some of the most common queries I receive.

Q: “Although there are millions of pets in shelters needing homes each year, many pet-owners-to-be don’t consider pet adoption when they’re looking for their new four-legged friend. Why do you think this is?”

A: Many people who want to get a pet are not aware of how many great pets are available at shelters. They might also have the misconception that pets in shelters might be there because there was a problem with the animal. In fact, most pets end up in shelters not because of any problem, but because an owner died, moved, or simply didn’t have the time or money to care for the animal. In some cases animals are lost and never found by their owners. These animals are healthy and very eager to please. Rescued pets are wonderful – just ask anyone who has one!

Q. “I’m looking for a particular breed, so is adoption an option for me?”

A: Some people are seeking purebred animals or puppies and think these animals are not available in shelters. In fact, nearly 25% of all animals in shelters are purebred. Often someone will buy an expensive purebred animal and then attempt to breed that animal to recoup their money. Often these animals are not placed in homes and end up in the shelter. Also, keep in mind that many rescue groups deal only with particular breeds, so a quick internet search can point you in the right direction.

Q: “I’m interested in getting a puppy [or kitten] rather than an older animal. How can I go about this without supporting pet stores or breeders?”

A: Puppies and kittens often end up in shelters as well, but it is important to note that younger animals require a lot of work and training as they can be quite destructive (peeing on the carpet or chewing shoes). Puppies and kittens are great, but often people are much happier getting a pet who is older, and whose size and temperament is a known quality.

Q: What are the 5 most important things a potential adopter should consider when choosing their new pet?

A: 1. You need to make a real commitment to care for your pet for its entire life. Consider the cost of food, health care, toys, treats, grooming and vaccinations. These expenses can really add up if you’re not ready for them!

5. Make any necessary modifications to your home, yard and fence to provide for your pet’s safety.

Q: What are 5 positive aspects of pet adoption, and why is it a good option?

A: 1. When you adopt an adult animal, you can see his or her size and temperament. This helps ensure that the pet is right for you and your family.

5. Choosing a mixed breed animal can help avoid many of the genetic health problems that have developed in purebred animals due over-breeding and inbreeding.

I want to offer a huge and sincere thanks to Adopt-A-Pet for taking the time to provide some insight into animal adoption. It’s a huge undertaking for anyone and takes some serious consideration. However, the benefits and joys of bringing a rescued animal into your life are most definitely worth the effort! Please visit Adopt-A-Pet’s website to start your search for animals in your area that are looking for a loving home.

Despite its abundant natural beauty, there is one fame that Vancouver cannot claim. Only on very rare occasions do I find myself staring at the night sky and see stars winking back at me. It’s a luxury afforded only by those whose homes are on further reaches.

There are two things I do every single time I leave Vancouver and visit Vancouver Island. The first I accomplish the very moment I step off the ferry: breathe. Unspoiled air tinged with sea salt and pine fills my lungs.

The second happens at night. I step outside and take in the spectacle of stars, gold dust scattered across royal velvet. They shine brightly, they twinkle and they are quiet. It’s visions like those that seem to be created just for me in that moment.

Photo: Supernumerario on Flickr

Not long ago, I found myself on an airplane. I was caught at a point between Pacific time and Eastern time, somewhere between sunset and sunrise. The sound of the plane’s engine had reached a humming plateau, the cabin lights were low and apart from the crew, it seemed that I was the only one still awake. Leaning my head in the crook of the tiny cabin window, my eyes were met with a mirror image.

The stars scattered across the molasses-coloured canvas were reflected against gently flickering lights from tiny towns of the mid-west below. Waukesha, Warsaw and Warren were still fast asleep. With nothing but darkness to see, I closed my eyes for what felt like only a moment or two. It could have been more, it could have been less, but I was unprepared for what was painted before me.

Without warning, tomorrow’s sun showed its face, ripping across the horizon and flooding the indigo sky in screaming reds and oranges. The glimmering stars had not moved, pinned against the dome of night. What I saw was a battle of beauty that no one but the Creator could create. In a few minutes the sun would rise higher and the stars would disappear one at a time. But as I sat, silently suspended in the middle of that masterpiece, there was only one thing that I knew for certain. What is real and true is never very far, but the onus is always on me to press pause and open my eyes to see it.

When I’m not making the conscious decision to eat healthy food, it takes very little time for the habit to catch up on me. Believe me – few things go down as easy as a PayDay bar, a piping hot Americano or a bowlful of sour cream and onion potato chips. However, within a week or two – and sometimes just days – the effects of my poor eating choices start to stare at me in the face… literally.

The first tell-tale evidence is my skin. It’s not as soft and moisturized as normal, instead feeling oily and appearing entirely lacklustre. Going make up-free is most definitely no longer an option.

Second to the skin is fatigue. The psychological cause-and-effect of eating well translating into feeling well becomes crushed by the crash of sugary treats. And further, my body starts to feel squishy and bloated.

I recently found an article outlining some of the problems with processed foods and the benefits of giving them the boot. I know from experience that, once I’m able to bust through the bad habits that build up, my body rebounds in huge and healthy ways. Hair and skin glow, energy levels rocket through the roof, muscle tone becomes more apparent and I become mindful of what I put in my body.

The hard part is sticking to it for long periods of time – particularly because I’m always on the go. Meals for one can quickly become lazy and uninspired and I am normally clueless as to what to do with any and all leftover ingredients. British Columbia is abundant with tons of fresh, local food and finding healthy (and often organic) eating choices is a cinch. Between sustainable farmers’ markets and health-conscious grocery stores, this really shouldn’t be a difficult endeavour for me, but it is.

Your turn: What are some of your favourite on-the-go recipes that are both healthy and delicious? What helps you stay focused on healthy eating habits – or getting back on track?

Someone once told me that there’s no experience like riding the New York City Subway. Over 650 miles of tracks snake and slide their way deep under Manhattan, reaching out to four of the five boroughs. It’s impossible to descend the steps into any station and not be instantly overcome by the sensory experience that awaits.

The stations are hot and stuffy. The still air is a fragrant tonic of charred street meat, diesel and urine. The noise is deafening as trains rocket in and out of stations, sparking over the rails with an unmistakable squeal. The paint is peeling off steel beams, the overhead lights flicker and buzz and passengers wait like flocks of vultures to squeeze between the doors.

It’s intoxicating.

Photo: cafemama on Flickr

On the very last day that Rebecca and I spent in New York City, we traveled across the Brooklyn Bridge one step at a time. While Manhattan is most certainly its own world, crossing the iconic span over the East River felt much like stepping through a portal.

As my feet found solid ground in Brooklyn, every little thing I’d long associated with the city’s biggest borough suddenly came to life. It’s the home of the Beastie Boys, of sizzling Italian-American pizzerias, of Coney Island, of century-old brownstones and even the original Dodgers baseball team. When I was younger, my family lived on a cul-de-sac called Brooklyn Place and my school was called Brooklyn Elementary. Naturally, I secretly pretended we lived in Brooklyn.

After a couple hours of exploring, the time came to return to Manhattan and we decided to do so by way of the subway. High Street Station was bustling with people on that muggy Friday afternoon. Finding a seat was easier than expected and within minutes our train jolted to life and rattled toward downtown. A group of b-boys kicked their ghetto blaster into high gear and began to break-dance in the middle of the train. Our fellow passengers gave wide berth and kept the dancers moving with cheers and clapping as beat-heavy hip hop sputtered from the well-played speakers.

What should have been an uneventful journey from Brooklyn back to midtown turned into a Friday afternoon impromptu train party. Nothing short of something quintessentially Brooklyn, I can’t imagine a more fitting way for New York City to bid us farewell than with the smiles and laughter of 50 of our newest friends… at least for one afternoon.

There are few charity organizations that speak to my heart as much as the BC-SPCA. They are tirelessly dedicated to providing loving care to British Columbia’s abandoned, hurt and loneliest animals. Each year the Paws For A Cause campaign seeks to raise funds Province-wide to support their annual goal of $1 million dollars. Without you and me, they couldn’t do what they do.

Aside from simply providing health care, shelter space and fostering animal adoption, the BC-SPCA is also exhaustively involved in investigating and gathering evidence to assist Crown Counsel in prosecuting some of BC’s nastiest animal abusers. Most investigations require a minimum of $10,000 – no cheap feat!

On Sunday, September 12, 2010, Jordy, Charley and me will be joining other animal lovers in the Comox Valley (and across BC) in a Walk to raise funds for this entirely worthwhile cause. It’s my personal goal to raise $2,000. Please consider donating… any amount is worth something to an animal in need. Even the $5 you’d normally spend on your morning latte will feed a litter of newborn puppies that day instead.

Many, many thanks and much love in advance. xo

If you’d like to donate to my personal campaign and help contribute to my $2,000 goal, please visit my personal fundraising page. Donations can be made anonymously and contributions of $20 or more are tax deductible. Stay in the loop by following Paws For A Cause on Twitter or liking the event on Facebook.

Here I am, dreaming of flip flops, sunglasses and maxi dresses with July on the horizon, and my Island mountain throws me the biggest curve ball of the summer. While the chair lifts traditionally re-open on Father’s Day each year to kick off mountain bike season (and to take in killer expansive views of the Georgia Straight from the highest peak), Mount Washington Alpine Resort is re-opening the lifts… for snow play!

Photo: Mount Washington Alpine Resort

With snow still falling as recently as the end of May, it’s a no-brainer to take advantage and shred under the hot sun. On June 19th and 20th, skiers and snowboarders can ride the lifts for only $25, while dads can ride for just $10 (when accompanied with their offspring) on Father’s Day. Being that I never managed to make it up the hill once all season, I can’t say that this isn’t entirely tempting…

For more information on Snowmer 2010, accommodations and other great summer events on the hill, visit Mount Washington’s website. Mount Washington is located in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island.

Round or square, hard or soft, creamy or crumbly… any way you slice it, cheese has more than its fair share of adoring fans. The ways in which it can be devoured are as limitless as the varieties of cheese to tease your palate. With endless acres of dairy farms on Vancouver Island, it’s now more simple than ever to discover a bounty of cheeses all within the 100-mile diet.

On a recent visit to Urban Fare‘s extensive deli, an “expert en matière de fromage” told me that even with all the imported bries from France Urban Fare carries in-store, the very best brie he’s ever tried comes from the Comox Valley. Harvesting homestyle Swiss techniques, Natural Pastures Cheese Company prides itself in environmentally sustainable cheese-making from local dairy milk – without using rennet! This winning combination has translated into solid gold, as Natural Pastures has received numerous awards, specifically for their brie and triple cream camembert varieties.

Located at 635 McPhee Avenue in Courtenay, visitors are encouraged to try before they buy at the cheese shop. Natural Pastures’ cheese is also available in most grocery stores across Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland.

Due south and a short drive out of the Comox Valley, Little Qualicum Cheeseworks operates as, what they like to call, a good old fashioned dairy farm. After visiting the farm last summer with Rebecca, I believe it’s safe to say that it’s so much more than just a dairy farm. This fully-functioning farmland is home to no less than cows, pigs, goats, a berry winery and an ice cream bar.

The assortment of cheeses produced by Little Qualicum Cheeseworks is enough to ensure that there’s something for everyone. While Rebecca preferred the squeaky curds, my favourites included the Rathtrevor raw milk cheese with hints of roasted nuts and the über creamy fromage frais swirled with crushed raspberries grown on the farm.

Little Qualicum Cheeseworks is located at 403 Lowry’s Road in Parksville (a little bit north of town, between Parksville and Qualicum Beach). Make sure you give yourself a few hours to visit – there’s lots to explore!

Photo: miss604 on Flickr

Amongst the rolling hills and expansive fields of the Cowichan Valley, Hilary and Patty Abbott were inspired to create artisan cheese from both dairy and goat milk. This hidden treasure is quickly becoming a foodie favourite, particularly known for their strongly-flavoured blue cheese. Hilary’s Artisan Cheese has been formulating fromage for close to a decade, putting a lot of local love into their hand-made creations.

Hilary’s Artisan Cheese shop can be found at 1737 Cowichan Bay Road in Cowichan Bay, but if you can’t make it there in person, Hilary’s cheeses can be purchased at a number of BC grocery retailers.

Photos: Salt Spring Island Cheese Company

A quick ferry ride from Crofton will have you docking on Salt Spring Island and only steps away from not one but two phenomenal cheese producers. It’s difficult to miss the fanciful, floral works of goat cheese art from Salt Spring Island Cheese in any deli. Adorned with edible flora and fauna, seasonings and herbs, Salt Spring Island Cheese produces mainly soft, ripened cheese, specializing in the chèvre and feta varietals. Their cheesemakers take what they make quite seriously, and the entire process is a labour of love with many steps involved. Visitors are encouraged to partake in “Cheesemaking 101″ in an effort to further appreciate the process from the farm to the fridge.

If visiting Salt Spring Island Cheese is on your travel agenda, you can find them at 285 Reynolds Road, not far from Fulford Harbour. Those in a hurry can also pick up some fresh cheese at the Saturday Market at Grace Point Park.

Photo: Moonstruck Organic Cheese Inc.

Last, though certainly not least, a cheese tour cannot be complete without a stop at Moonstruck Organic Cheese. A small, purebred herd of Jersey cows provide the milk used to produce simple, organic cheese with unparalleled flavour. With an emphasis on their celebrated blue cheeses, Moonstruck is quickly making a name for itself. Open to the public during the summer months, the famous Moonstruck Jersey cows welcome visitors to come and sample their masterpieces.

Located at 1306 Beddis Road, Moonstruck Organic Cheese is open May though September and by appointment during the winter months. Also available at the Saturday Market and in local grocers, Moonstruck Organic Cheese is easy to find.

Picking my favourite spot on Vancouver Island is about as simple as choosing my favourite flavour of ice cream. However, few places on the Island hold a spot in my heart the way the oceanside communities of Parksville, Qualicum Beach and Coombs do. I’m not one to be kept away by rain, so on a recent showery afternoon, my mom and I made our way there.

Being that she’d never visited any spa ever before, I knew that a trip to the Grotto Spa at Tigh-Na-Mara would be perfect. Moms work tirelessly and that couldn’t be more true of my own. I firmly believe that it’s crucial to our own well-being to be kind to ourselves, and sometimes that kindness involves indulgence. Though I think she was a bit hesitant at first, the smile that spread across my mom’s face as soon as she dipped her toes into the Grotto pool was reminiscent of a kid in a candy store.

Allowing ourselves to unwind and relax before the massages I’d booked us in for was an important part of the experience, and every little detail at the Grotto Spa is designed with maximum bliss in mind. Plush robes, tranquil tunes, fresh fruit and water, deliciously-scented lotions and elements of the outdoors-in all worked together to create a perfectly serene atmosphere.

For a woman who’d never before enjoyed a complete and professional massage, it didn’t take long for my mom to find her inner princess. It’s simply an incomparable experience, and the skillful staff at Grotto Spa ensure that it’s a memorable one. I’ve been to my fair share of day spas, but none have ever proven as unique as my visits to Grotto Spa.

Unfortunately, like most of the best things in life, our time at Grotto Spa had to come to an end. However, I refused to head home without a trip to my personal must-visit each time I’m in the area – The Old Country Market at Coombs. I’m a self-confessed “foodie” and this place is my mecca.

While the shelves are stuffed full of international flavours and savours, the best part of the Old Country Market is the local abundance offered. It’s not difficult to prescribe to the 100-mile diet in a place like this with harvested vegetables, golden honey, fluffy bread baked from scratch and even Island Farms ice cream – thanks to some of Vancouver Island’s best cows.

Aside from the rosemary cheese bread that I always grab, I added curds from Little Qualicum Cheeseworks, Port Alberni honey, juicy corn and plump strawberries to my basket. However, I have no doubt that if I lived near Old Country Market, I could easily stock my entire kitchen all in thanks to this one market.

For more information on Grotto Spa at Tigh-Na-Mara, and to book yourself in for some heavenly body treatments, visit Grotto Spa online or call them directly at (250) 248-1838. Grotto Spa is located 1155 Resort Drive in Parksville. The Old Country Market is located in Coombs on Highway 4A between Parksville and Coombs. Please visit them online.

Disclaimer: I was not paid or asked to write about either Grotto Spa or The Old Country Market. I did however, receive the massages for myself and my mother as compliments of Grotto Spa.