February is the month of love and there’s lots to love in the Cowichan Lake area! As Valentine’s Day nears, why not show your love for this beautiful community and shop local?
Whether you’re seeking the perfect gift for a special someone, hoping to pick up a fun family activity for Family Day (Feb. 21), or looking to treat yourself, the businesses of the Cowichan Lake area have something for everyone. Here’s just a sampling from the Cowichan Lake Chamber of Commerce….
A romantic dinner out … or in! A nice dinner enjoyed out or in is a classic way to indulge your special someone – or the whole family! – and you’ll find a full menu of options here. Visit Farm Table Inn, the Youbou Bar & Grill, River Side Inn, Jake’s at the Lake, J&V’s, Deep Fried Ice Cream (now also serving fish & chips and more), newcomer Little Town Pizza, the Cow Café and Lakeside Sushi. Gerard’s Specialty Foods is also now open for take-out, along with the Grab Bag, and Honeymoon Bay Food and General Store, where you’ll also find lotto tickets and everyday essentials. Or pick up a coffee and a treat at Cassy’s Coffee House or Ed’s Coffeehouse and enjoy a day exploring the sights!
If you’re dining in, pick up a bottle of locally made wine at the Riverside Best Buy Liquor Store, or turn it into a day out with a tour of Cowichan Valley vineyards.
A special gift for someone special – You want to give a gift as unique as they are, and the Cowichan Lake area is the place to find it! Swordfern Boutique has lots of eco-friendly gift options, including cork yoga mats, jewellery, Tentree clothing, lip balm, bar soap and bath supplies. For family-friendly gift-giving, visit the Lake Mercantile for puzzles, toys and board games – perfect for those rainy late winter days! – plus specialty gifts like bar soap, jewellery and preserves.
Lorna’s Emporium has cards and foil balloons for your sweetheart, along with spa-inspired gifts like candles and bath bombs. For the avid reader, a browse of the secondhand books at Butler’s Locksmithing is a must (not to mention hand-painted signs to spruce up your decor), while animal lovers (or animals!) will appreciate a little something from the Lake Cowichan Pet Emporium.
For sweets for your sweetheart, check out the new Jack’s General Store or the Grab Bag, while Fanny’s Farmhouse is a home-based business with beautiful, unique items. And for the country music fan? You won’t go wrong with Sunfest tickets!
Gifts for the DIYer – If projects get your sweetie’s heart racing, visit Home Hardware or Lake Cowichan Home Centre for the supplies to get them started (or finished!) Or, give them the day off with a call to Vancouver Island Labour Services or Mike’s Mowers & More.
Casting for their heart – In the beautiful Cowichan Valley, outdoor adventure is never far. For the fishing enthusiast, visit Lake Cowichan Fly & Tackle to peruse a wide selection of fishing gear, or cast an eye to sunny fun with a summer tube rental with the Lake Cowichan Tube Shack. You could also book a motorboat from Cowichan Lake Marina for a romantic cruise about the lake, or rent a kayak from Kaatza Adventures for a slower-paced natural experience.
Local indulgence – A local weekend “away” can be the perfect gift for someone in dire need of a close-to-home escape. Check out Farm Table Inn, Cowichan River Lodge, Handsome Dan’s in Port Renfrew, Greendale Riverside Cabins, Honeymoon Bay Lodge & Retreat or Lake Cowichan Lodge.
Pair it with a gift certificate to the salon, where you can also primp and prepare for date night, including the new Salon Muse, Ramblerose Hair Studio, Remedy Salon and Heads or Nails Salon and Spa, not to mention Honeymoon Bay’s Angie’s Esthetics. For facial waxing, ear piercing, and hair and tanning services, check out George’s Hair & Tanning, and for a barber, head to Cutz by Skutz.
Eat local, stay local, play local and shop local, and discover all the Cowichan Lake area has to offer this February, and beyond!
