For the next three weeks I have taken on my most ambitious writing project to date. The Heart of the Creek is our de facto downtown and I want to profile those businesses that are in easy walking distance from the three corners. This will take a while, as I count 25 separate entities!
The location of the General store is where the Seaview Market was built in the early ‘40s, the third store in the Creek at the time, one was down the hill near the wharf, and a second where the Gumboot Cafe resides. Kiwoong and Monica employ four (and want more help!) and our “Gen” is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., five days and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Starting as a reading room in 1967, our independent library grew into its present day digs in 2009, when the post office moved out from what is now the children’s room. Owned by our community association, funded by the SCRD (and book sales!) and operated by 30ish dedicated volunteers, our vintage library serves supportive patrons in the Creek. Open to all, hours are 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.
Since 2012, the smiling face in the Hawaiian shirt behind the counter of the Gumboot Restaurant is David, who has managed restaurants from St. Martinique to Kitsilano for more than 40 years. With 15 to 17 people working there, they offer food to go, but the patio is open! The interior is (for now) a provisions shop, filled with a super yummy assortment of goods. Hours are noon to 7 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekends.
Behind the restaurant is Take a Fancy Chocolate and Ice Cream (aka: The Folly Artisan Food Shop). Serving Vancouver farmers markets since 2010, Becks moved the operation to the Gumboot Nation in 2018, after a stint at the woodworking school. Chocolate made from scratch, with beans roasted in small batches at the shop in Roberts Creek. Employing three, the current hours are 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday to Sunday, expanding to seven days a week in the summer.
Opening again this summer, in the sunlit shop in the parking lot, is the Temporary Utopia flower shop, selling original flower print clothes by Ryley, as well as flowers by Kyra. See strathconastockings.com for more.
With six people working there (four teachers), Melomania Music is the finest music shop on the Coast! Vinyl, instruments, accessories and lessons make it a hub for those who decorate time with sound. Paul has been behind the Café since 2006 and will price match any Vancouver music shop! Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Joe has been in the kitchen at the Gumboot Café since ‘96, when he arrived from East Van looking for work. He became owner in 2000 and employs eight, including Krys, who is responsible for the sweet treats that keep me coming back for more! Open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day, to me, it’s the true heart of the Creek!
Upstairs from the Café, Elfinstones Rock and Gem offers the most spectacular minerals and crystals anywhere. Jeff has been rockin’ the joint since 2001 and employs one. Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Much more to come, [email protected]
