Thursday, October 23, 2008

The Fairwinds Community, Nanoose Bay, BC

The Fairwinds Community at Nanoose Bay, BC is an innovative 1,350 acre development designed in harmony with the beauty of its surroundings.

Conveniently located between Nanaimo and Parksville, warmed by the ocean and sheltered by mountains, Fairwinds is blessed with Canada's mildest climate - a master-planned waterfront community offering breath-taking location and world-class amenities. Golf, sail, kayak, hike, walk - it's all here. As they say at Fairwinds, it's a lifestyle that allows you to Live Here and Live More.

Community and lifestyle identify people living at Fairwinds. They talk continually about the fun of daily activities, be it on the water, golf course, at the Fairwinds Centre, walking on the miles of meandering paths or just indulging in quiet time.
It is a vibrant and active community passionate about the surrounding environment and many groups are involved in water conservation, stream clean-up and other sustainability issues.


The Fairwinds Golf Club has established itself as one of Vancouver Island's finest courses. Designed by renowned architect, Les Ferber, it was voted 1999 Facility of the Year and continually receives accolades in prominent golf publications. Towering fir and rare Garry oak trees along with the spectacular ocean views and abundant wildlife provide the backdrop for lush, manicured fairways, natural lakes and challenging bunkers. Facilities, programs and events are extensive and due to the mild climate, available year-round. When the International Association of Golf Tour Operators selected BC as the "2004 Undiscovered Golf Destination in the World", they probably had Fairwinds in mind.


Nestled on the water's edge on the Nanoose peninsula, Schooner Cove Marina offers visitors and residents a 360 slip, full service marina for vessels up to 150 feet.
In addition, there is a pub, coffee shop, liquor store, power, water, gas/diesel pumps and laundry/shower facilities. No room for golf clubs on the boat? The nearby Fairwinds Golf Club offers free rental clubs to overnight marina guests with the purchase of a full rate green fee.


At the heart of the community is the Fairwinds Centre - a stunning example of west coast architecture featuring high ceilings, wood beams and warm colors. The facility is a popular meeting place for area residents looking to improve fitness, socialize or relax. Amenities include a 20 metre indoor saltwater pool, hot tub and sauna, fully equipped exercise room, gymnasium, tennis court, billiards and card room and library with fireplace. The location is perfect for community events such as the annual Christmas Craft Fair, Water Conservation Fair, and local art exhibits.


Fairwinds of the future is an exciting on-going development. The community has the opportunity to become one of the finest oceanfront residential areas on the island - or anywhere, for that matter. The future vision is a community centered around a village that unites the area's forested uplands with the ocean. A community with golf, trails and an endless array of recreational opportunities. The new Schooner Cove Village will see a new seaside village with public access to the waterfront and a vibrant mix of community-oriented retail shops, services and food & beverage establishments along with residential apartment homes. The goal is to build on the Official Community Plan to deliver sustainability and a high quality of life for residents. Whether you are looking for a new state-of-the-art patio home within walking distance to amenities, an exclusive waterfront residence or a large estate property, the Fairwinds community has what you are looking for. As they say, Living - it's what Fairwinds is all about.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Acme Food Company Review, and Last Day of Westjet's Seat Sale

Today's the last day of Westjet's big fall seat sale, save up to 40% flying into or out of Comox or Victoria, or lots of other destinations for that matter. EXTRA LOW airfares to Canada and the U.S. today only. Only at westjet.com.
Cheap Flights at westjet.com!


It had been probably about 2 years since I went to Acme Food Co in Nanaimo, located at 14 Commerical St in Nanaimo. It's in a prime location - situated in the lovely downtown core directly across from the new Vancouver Island Conference Center. We decided to do lunch, expecting it to be less busy. At 1pm the place was rather bustling and the smells made the mouth water. The waitress was prompt and took our drink order right away. She was pleasant, friendly and quick despite how busy it was. We ordered a hot tuna roll as an appetizer, I was determined to make my mother enjoy sushi. It appeared quickly and looked marvelous. It was lightly battered, with chipotle mayo and teriyaki sauce - smothered in sweet chili salsa. It tasted even better! I've been to every sushi place in town and this was tops for sushi rolls. Amazingly enough my mother (an avid sushi hater) enjoyed it too! For our main entree we ordered the 2 for 1 Acme burgers, one with fries and one with caesar salad. The burgers come with cheese bacon and slathered in chipotle mayo (delicious!). The burgers were picturesque and they were perfect for satisfying a burger craving. I noticed they've changed their menu since the last time I was there and they offer lots of new and enticing looking meals that I will definitely have to go test out soon!