Fun fact: five numbers was enough to make a phone call back in the day. You could dial “88,” but only needed “6-xxxx” for calls in Gibsons and the Creek, “4-xxxx” got you Howe Sound, “5-xxxx” from the actual creek in Roberts Creek north, and 883 up in Pender Harbour (it was long distance!)
Our fish and chip joint is open! Barbara’s been slinging her own catch at Sharkey’s Fish Locker for more than 16 years, selling fresh and frozen seafood and hot meals to go. Picnic area available to enjoy the local caught bounty, open 9 a.m. for uncooked and 11 a.m. for cooked, seven days a week. Last orders at 6:45 p.m. 5-0844.
They are so excited about spring at Sunshine Coast Nursery, they wet their plants! Located on the highway and West Reed Rd. They are open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. all week, sunshinecoastnursery.com. 6-2796
John, (wearing his big straw hat) at Coastal Sun Greenhouses offers up another choice for your inner gardener. 1652 Pell Road, open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, closed Wednesday. 5-0128
Up the hill from me are Danise and Jeff, producing award winning spirits at Bruinwood. Their Advocaat makes me think it’s always Christmas! Eggnog on steroids! Open on Porter off Conrad Thursday through Sunday noon to 5 p.m. 6-1371
Chris has been heating it up at Byng and the highway since 2005 and over the next two weekends, there are one-on-one glassblowing classes at his hotshop, Molten Spirit. The showroom is also full of artful creations, ready to find a new home (hint, it’s your home!) [email protected] or 6-0357
For canine family members, there is Castle Rock Kennel, across from Cliff Gilker. Daycare and boarding facilities with a large fenced-in yard, heated kennels for rainy days and a heated cabin for the little doggos. Who’s a good pupper?! 5-9840
Before food delivery services become so popular, there was Coastal Organics. Kelly started delivering certified organic produce to the Sunshine Coast in 1997 and continues with a wide variety of choices brought to your door weekly. Order by Saturday noon and they deliver to Roberts Creek, Davis Bay and Gibsons Monday’s 3 to 7 p.m. (Sechelt to Garden Bay Tuesday mornings.) Sign up at coastalorganicshomedelivery.com.
Martin at Up the Creek Backpacker Lodge has been offering up his home with affordable accommodation for travellers since 2004. In harmony with the local community, the lodge is sometimes a springboard for folks searching for permanent Coast residency, a needed service indeed. COVID was tough and his carpentry skills kept things afloat, but the travellers look to be set to return. More at upthecreek.ca.
Open noon to 7 p.m., Jerk Pan Man serves up coco bread, chicken wings and jerk chicken in the authentic Jamaican style, 1180 Orange Rd, 604-840-7279
The Gumboot Nation is home to engineers and excavators, consultants and carpenters, heck, there’s even a blacksmith! We have much more, much closer to home than we realize, so before you get on that ferry have a look in your own back yard. Maybe give them a call.
