Think Parksville/Qualicum Beach is an area only populated by retirees and young families? Think again. Sure, the region is still a great choice for getting away from it all. But these once-sleepy towns are becoming hot beds for foodies, craft beer and wine fans -- and for discovering mom and pop shops making quality products that appeal to the hipster in all of us.
And the people? Don’t get me started. Living in the city, it’s easy to become a bit jaded or cynical, but one weekend in Parksville reminded me there is still good in this world.
124 Harlech Rd., Qualicum Beach
Not only is SodaWorks founder Mandolyn Jonasson too charming for words, her enthusiasm for creating local and/or organic, naturally fermented sodas, including living probiotics, is endless. Jonasson created this soul food gem, located in a former fire hall, to create a welcoming space for artists, musicians, locals, visitors, you name it.
The common draw is not only the soda, but an eclectic menu offering locally-sourced and thoughtful dishes. The entire space is decorated with garage sale finds — so if you drop by, make sure to check out the walls.
1-4134 Island Hwy., West Qualicum Beach
Despite the fact we gave owner/founder Dave Paul a hard time about the tiny sign out front of his pint-sized, micro brewery, a steady stream of customers filed through the door as my group gathered in the back room for a beer tasting.
The Whistler transplant, who lives life with wife Rachel and daughter Morgan, spent his first few weeks in Qualicum Beach building a tiny home dubbed the Love Shack. After moving into a home with a little more space, the Love Shack became the space where Paul began brewing beer before settling into their Island Highway location. Check out the D.P.A. (Dave Paul Ale), Killer Kolsch, Precious Porter and more.
Little Qualicum Cheeseworks and Mooberry Winery
Morningstar Farm, 403 Lowry’s Rd.
Before getting into our wine and cheese tastings at this family farm, the group I was with was treated to an up-close-and-personal tour of the outer buildings where we met some very happy looking goats, pigs, sheep, horses and cows.
We then headed into the Farmgate Store, which despite its homey, casual look and feel, sells some really great cheeses often served in high-end restaurants and sold in shops known for their quality. What I discovered is that by shopping at the source, the prices were very reasonable, so I stocked up on cheese, including a blue my husband announced was the best he’s ever tasted. Of course, taking part in a wine tasting before we did any shopping likely worked in the farm’s favour. The wine and cheese I bought that day were the only souvenirs I took home from my weekend away.
Parksville Uncorked: Feb. 15 to 18, 2018
This wine-tasters delight sells out most years, so it's better to plan ahead if you intend on going. We attended the signature tasting event, aptly dubbed Swirl, on Friday night and one of the two Winemakers' Dinner Saturday.
If wine isn't your scene, new to this wine and food festival is Parksville Untapped, showcasing regional breweries and distilleries and beer paired with local foods. Visit parksvilleuncorked.com for more information.
181 Beachside Dr.
Because the area is so popular with families and groups, there are plenty of resorts and vacation rentals available with kitchens and washers and dryers. We had the opportunity to stay at the oceanfront Beach Club during the extremely popular Parksville Uncorked event.
The resort was ideally located for all of our adventures, but best of all allowed me and my long-time friend, who I rarely see because she lives on the north end of the island, an opportunity to catch up and make our visit a real girls’ weekend. And at the end of our first day, after a night of wine tasting at the Swirl event, we did what we would have done 25 years ago — hit the hot tub, with another decades-long friend, shared old stories and laughed until we cried.
We also enjoyed a wonderful Bubbles and Brunch breakfast at Pacific Prime Restaurant Sunday morning, before we had to say our goodbyes. But only for a short time, because the homespun charm and growing food, wine and beer scene of Parksville/Qualicum Beach has me planning a second visit in the very near future.
Parksville Untapped will showcase regional breweries and distilleries and feature beer paired with delicious samples of regional cuisine.
sthomas@vancourier.com
@sthomas10
