THE JEWEL OF THE FUNDY ISLES PART ONE
THE GRAND MANAN FARMER’S MARKET
I love Grand Manan Island! My mother’s family is from here and my
sister was born on the island. By the time I came along, Dad was stationed in
Halifax in the RCN. I was blessed to be able to spend time in the Summers
though on Grand Manan and many fond, fun memories will always be with me.
Fast-forward to 2013. My husband’s family is also from the island and
every year we hike (actually, we drive!) on down to the ferry terminal in Black’s
Harbour, take a breath-taking ferry ride across the Bay Of Fundy and stay for a
few days at The Surfside Motel
Now, right across from The Surfside is the Grand Manan Farmer’s Market.
Before I tell you of some of the vendors I need to let you know about the
cinnamon buns that are there. YOU HAVE TO HAVE ONE!!! They are incredible and
the flavour burst in your mouth will have your taste buds begging for another
one!
FYI about the market, make sure you have some cash with you as some
vendors are not set up for credit cards. I’m planning on taking some Christmas
present money with me next year as I saw some sweaters for my little
grand-daughters that they will definitely have for next year!.....and maybe a
few things for me……just say’in
Anywho…….back to the market in general. Like I said, right across the
street from the Surfside Motel in North Head, is where you’ll find the market
on Saturdays from 10:00-12:30. There is food aplenty (have your cinnamon bun
for a late morning snack and then a lobster roll for lunch!....and wash it all
down with some home- made lemon aid!), beautiful, well- made knit-wear, baby
items (home -made crib, Pak N Play sheet sets,
quilts etc), hand crafted jewelry that’s different from your
run-of-the-mill stuff that’s out there, food (oh, right…I already mentioned
that didn’t I?!), hand crafted mats, art work etc.
Here’s a snapshot of what I saw at the market.
Wilcox Natural Treasures is where I did some Christmas shopping. I know
it’s only August but I’m one of “those” people that start in January…..please
don’t hate me …
Susan has a lovely booth that was actually difficult to get any good
pics of because there was always a gaggle of ladies looking at her finely
crafted and fair priced jewelry, home -made soaps (one made with dulse!), lip
balms, bath crystals, seaweed face masks and lots of other goodies. Susan was
very helpful and I took my time looking through her well organized displays to
find my presents for some of my special ladies in my life! A great place to
find some treasure for yourself too!
30 Fathom Doormats manned and made by Claus Wolter, is a one of a kind
(as far as I know!) craftsman. He
fashions beautiful, unique door mats from reclaimed or new lobster trap rope. I
actually have two of Claus’ mats, one for my home and one for the cottage.
These mats will make your front entryway “pop” as guests arrive at your door!
Marine Paintings by Eric Allaby are some of the most beautifully
created paintings I’ve come across. Eric’s work depicts seascapes of Grand
Manan and area and he also has prints, note cards and more. Eric’s work can
been viewed on his fb page at: https://www.facebook.com/fromourcove
If woodwork is your thing, Ian Bernard’s beautifully crafted, bird’s
eye maple cutting boards are a must-see and a must-buy. I have to admit, that
Grand Manan has been blessed with incredible wood-working craftsmen. Ian’s
boards and other work ( he also makes furniture and uses other woods as well) will
be a much loved part of your home and with care, they’ll last a lifetime. He
has some easy care instructions before you take one of his creations home with
you. I also saw a beautiful clock that he made and I REALLY want it……however…..time and more
$$$....... I did not have……sad face here.
Heather Kinghorne has some of the most beautiful, unique baby items
you’ll ever see. Heather’s work rivals any “label” baby wear you’ll find in the
baby boutiques. Knit wear, crib and Pak
N Play sheet sets and lots of other very unique items for your little one. A
great baby shower or “Grammy” shop to say the least! Her creations are very
well made and will last for many years to the point that you’ll be able to pass
them on to the next generation! An heirloom item awaits you when you take home
one or more of Heather’s creations.
Faye Miller is a dear lady that I had a lovely chat with! She is an
extraordinary knitter and her work certainly shows her talent! Faye has sweaters for big and small, baby
sets and lots of other knit wear for the family.
Another artist I met was Bev Cary who specializes in painting Woodward’s
Cove and not to be left out, the Whale Cove knitters had some incredible works
of art-in-wool sweaters and other knit items.
There were many other crafts people that I would have loved to mention
but the best way to see them all is to plan a trip to Grand Manan, stay for a
few days and make sure you can stay over a Saturday for the market! You’ll be glad
you did……oh, and did I mention the cinnamon buns?!!!!!
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