Editors Note: Today we are headed out to the Wednesday Farmers Market at Simms Park in Courtenay for the first of four NeighbourWood Eats events as part of the Eat Real. Eat Local 30-Day Food Challenge. Bring a picnic (including a dish to share) and join in near the band stand as kids get to explore their creativity while discovering what kinds of edibles are in season as they create Local Food People.
It runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., should be a lot of fun for kids of all ages and, of course, is free. Don’t forget your passports as we will most definitely be stamping:).
If demos are more your style, Hot Chicks Spice Co. will be on hand from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Brambles as well.
There are so many farmers and food producers in the Comox Valley that weren’t able to take part in food challenge events this time around. Today, we are taking a look back at some of the Farm to Family profiles we’ve done here on OBE to give you a few more ideas for eating locally every day.
Fresh fruit, preserves and more is always a major treat for me – and while apples are still a few months away, we often stop off at Watrin Orchard in Comox for their tasty canning, cider and other gems. Check them out HERE.
I am so excited to get out and see Anne Bayles at Happy Creek Farm in Royston. Her hazelnuts, walnuts and chestnuts are just as extraordinary as the beautiful farm they grow on. Check Happy Creek out HERE.
We spend a lot of time on the road. Fast food is out. Slow food is in. That’s why we always have time to stop at the Pattison Farm’s farm stand, packed full of amazing, organic fruit and veg all Summer long. Check it out HERE.
I wait all year, every year, for U-Pick Blueberries. Every year we hit Blue Haven Farm in Comox. Check it out HERE.
The garlic is legendary at Finlay Creek Farm just up the Old Island Highway in Courtenay. So is there soap, veg and hospitality. The farm store is fun. Check out our Winter feature we did on them HERE.
On my Northern farm route, we always seem to end up at Seaview Game Farm for fresh venison, organic veggies and a great interactive farm experience. I could not love this farm more. Check it out HERE.
This great crew and so many more are an intricate part of the local food culture that is blossoming in the Comox Valley.
Go forth and eat local. It’s fun.:)
Today’s giveaway question: What is your favourite farm in the Comox Valley and why?
I have a gorgeous hand-crafted tea towel from Victoria’s Smoking Lilly and another set of those lovely note cards for a random commenter today.
Rosalind won the giveaway from yesterday’s post on homemade stickers.
This giveaway is closed. Melanie P. won.
The Eat Real. Eat Local 30-Day Challenge is Brought to You By:
We just picked up our strawberries at Nature’s Way Farm. George had given my daughter a “dragon’s tear” at the Farmers Market, so she was so excited to go and see the dragons. As it turns out, there are many dragons at Nature’s Way. So if you have a little one excited about dragons and fairies (the pixies help out the dragons… there is quite a story behind it all that isn’t quite coming to me before my morning coffee), pick up some blueberries, or go for a wine tasting (opening soon, I think) and check it out!
We absolutely love Seaview Game Farm. It is a must several times a summer. I could do an entire photo journal of all of the tours we have had since we started four summers ago. The tour of the greenhouse, petting farm, tractor ride, scenery and perfect beach for a picnic. It makes for a beautiful day with family of any age. Guests are always amazed. It is a true Valley gem!
I LOVE Seaview farms, they do the cutest little petting zoo tours, the staff that works there are so friendly and there greenhouses are a real treat to walk through.
Well, Seaview is a firm favourite with us, too.
But.
After the weekend, my family have outvoted me and now are in LOVE with Lavender! Anything with fairies is a bonus, of course. So Island Lavender: the smells, the sights, the warmth, and the friendliness. It is awesome.
You just solved a mystery for me…had found a similar type green prickly seed and now I know it’s a chestnut seed! thank you!
Seaview Game farm is my kids favourite. The tractor ride and petting and feeding zoo are always a hit with everyone.
One of our favourites is Tannadice farms. They have the best local, humanely raised meats! We’re looking forward to buying a quarter cow from them as soon as we can to stock up the freezer with the best, freshest beef
And their happy pig bacon is fantastic for breakfast! The lady at the saturday farmer’s market is always so friendly and helpful.