One of the things I enjoy in the Spring and Summer is taking day trips around Vancouver Island. Many of those trips involve visiting markets.
One of our all-time favorites is the Old Country Market in Coombs a small village on the Alberni Highway, 5 and a half miles west of Parksville. It has several heritage buildings which have been converted into stores as well as new buildings. But what it is famous for is it’s goats, which graze on the roof of the Market store. Yes goats with horns, whispy whiskers and big bug eyes. They are cute ornery looking animals, well worth visiting. If you go to the market’s webpage you can watch live video streaming, but seeing the guys up close is much better. Here’s a video:
On Father’s day we went and checked out all the unique shops (think tie dye to antiques with lots of incense), went crazy in the book store which I’ll tell you about in a minute, bought fresh local produce at outrageously good prices and sipped tea with friends on the terrace of a beautiful Italian restaurant. Does life get any better?
The used book store, Cozy Corner Books, recently celebrated its twenty fifth anniversary and is going strong. I think this is due to the bookseller. He has a friendly outgoing personality,and he knows books, better than anyone I’ve ever met. All books. You name an author and he’ll tell you five authors who are similar. He considers such groupings to be like sub-genres. It’s wonderful. You can say I like x and he’ll recommend a pile of books for you, and here’s the kicker, you’ll love them.
Yes, the fresh green onions I bought in the market were tasty, but visiting the used book store was magic. As you know, I’m working at getting rid of dead tree books, but I couldn’t resist a bag full.
We visited the museum for the first time and were welcomed by Beryl, a retired school teacher who grew up in Coombs and loves telling people about its history. She’s like the keeper of the books. She told us about how the Salvation Army and the railway played major roles in the development of the village… and much more.
The first goat photo (i.e., the head shot) came from the Market website sited above. The last two photos were taken by PJ, my husband. Something about goats makes me smile and… feeds my muse.
Ooh, I’ve been here. Seeing the goats on the roof was fun, and I loved the stores. Thanks for the memories 🙂
Hi Shelley
Yeah, it’s that kind of place, isn’t it. You have to see the goats to get it:)
Happy to share the memories with you.
Jo-Ann
I’m going to have to plan a trip. I’ve got to see the goats, but more importantly, I’ve got to see that book store.
Stephanie
It’s sooooo much fun. It’s like being in a candy store for writers.
Thanks for stopping by.
Happy writing
Jo-Ann
Yep, they’re definitely on the roof! Love it. We haven’t been there, though have seen some lovely sites up in the Seatle/Port Angeles/Port Townsend area the last has a store for writers! Pretty cool.
The closest thing to your goats on the roof I’ve seen is the Oreo Cookie cows, I believe in Vermont near the Von Trapp House. They have a real name and the pics are cute, but alas–I’m lacking the skill to add here–is that even possisble for a reply person? Anyway, the cows are black on the front and back ends and are white in the middle. Seriously. They make me smile. Like your goats.
Hi Marsha
It’s amazingly easy to make us smile heh:)
A store for writers in Port Townsend? That does sound interesting, and not too far away.
Thanks for stopping by. I hope you’re enjoying Spring.
Best
Jo-Ann
Oh, Jo-Ann, we’re dead into summer here in North Texas! Heading back to the 100’s this weekend. We had that in May for several days and then back off to a more reasonable 91-94. Winds blowing, 70’s in the morning. Really nice, you know. After last summer’s month or more of 100’s, this has seemed almost spring-like. But alas, it’s about to end.
Do check out the writing store in Port Townsend–which is a delightful little town. I found the brochure! Can’t believe that. The Writers’ Workshoppe 940 Water St. http://www.writersworkshoppe.com
Hope you can go.
Hi Marsha
Your weather sounds so extreme to us west coasters. We’ve had a cold wet Spring. We may have hit 70 for an hour on one day, but that’s it. I’m tired of wearing layers.
That being said, I don’t know that I could acclimatize to 100 degree heat. You must have good air conditioners.
Thanks for the tip on the store.
Happy Writing
Jo-Ann
I gotta get back up to Coombs! Your stories and pictures were enticing! Thanks for the reminder of such a fantastic place! Great writing! Lisa
Lisa
Thanks for stopping by, and being so wonderfully encouraging (as you always are). Coombs is great. We are so lucky on the island to have so many wonderful places to visit. If you go, don’t forget to visit the bookstore.
Happy writing
Jo-Ann