Cowichan Valley Treasures A Hunting We Will Go

The Cowichan Valley; a veritable trove of hidden treasures

When I was managing the Monk Office Supply store in Duncan, I met a lot of Cowichan Valley business owners. I saw first hand how hard they work. I also witnessed A TON of generosity. Even in difficult times they supported local causes.

Local shop owners are not only passionate about what they do; they take pride in and are supportive of their community.

These business owners taught me the importance of shopping local and what it is truly like to be part of my community. When I buy from a locally owned independent shop I am supporting my community, my friends and my neighbours.

It feels great being supportive, it’s nice being genuinely appreciated and I’m provided with expert service. They aren’t just merchants, they are specialists.

I know, I know, I’ve said this before a favourite thing about shopping locally is that I like to visit. For me it’s all about the experience, especially the smiles.

Thanks to the girls at Flynn’s for their wonderful smiles (including Amanda our very first Winner of the Winningest Smile Award), the amazing cheese fries and for helping me to finally convince hubby, that my kind of exploring is fun! Ummm I wanted to share Amanda, Kendra & Taylor’s beautiful smiles but it seems that Robert’s phone crashed. We’ll be back soon…hope to get all 3 of you together again. Kudos to all three of you for great service and radiant smiles!

It took some prodding but hubby is now on board and has started exploring (and shopping) the Cowichan Valley with me. I love being out and about; seeking caches of hidden treasures that Cowichan has to offer.

This month we discovered and visited (twice!) Old Farm Gifts/Specialty Coffee. We’ve been going to the market for years and never realized what was going on inside next door. These pictures will help put into words what I can’t….

There is something for everyone.  In fact there are a whole lot of somethings for everyone 🙂 What a difference a week makes. Our first visit to Old Farm Gifts/Specialty Coffee was on a cold rainy day. What is better than sitting in front of a real fireplace sipping a coffee?

The next week when we went back we sat outside enjoying the sunshine (while I sipped my delicious coffee). The one constant for both visits was Mariah Viberg’s warm welcoming smile. When she smiles, you just can’t help smiling back. Thank you Mariah for being so wonderful at what you do. You are ILoveCowichan.ca’s latest Winner of the Winningest Smile Award!

 

I’m happy to report that my husband Robert, my daughter Brittany and my youngest Victoria are all on board with supporting their community (the Cowichan Valley) by shopping locally as much as they can. Can’t wait to see where we go next week.

Take care!

Shelley

 

PS- Remember to shop local…support your community, your neighbours & your friends.

PPS- Old Farm Gifts/Speicalty Coffee 5169 Francis Street 250-748-7147