Do you have a favourite spot in BC we should know about?
Contact getawaybc.com
Editor, Cheryl MacKinnon Or click here to submit a calendar event
Visit the country areas of Cedar and Yellow Point for agritourism activities.
Tuesday, May 19th, 2009 by GetawayBC.com
Corn maze
Ladysmith is the perfect jumping off point to a plethora of agritourism opportunities in Cedar and Yellow Point, rural communities filled with family farm fun.
In the fall Murray McNab opens his corn field to the public because he has created a seven acre corn maze. He has been building the mazes at 4613 Yellow Point Road.
The theme of the maze changes from year to year. Last year, the design reflected the celebration of the founding of the Crown Colony of British Columbia in 1858. B.C. 150 was cut into the tall swath of cornstalks.
Coming up with such designs is part of the challenge McNab faces each year. Over the years, these have included a Mayan-style temple, a tractor, and back in 2002 – the first year McNab waded into the maze business – a pattern based on the crop circles conspiracy theorists blame on expressive extraterrestrials.
Family and friends help put the maze together. First though, McNab draws the maze pathways on the computer, and then transfers the data to a portable surveying device called a total station, which is used in a range of professions from archaeology to policing. By plotting points on the patch where the corn is grown, McNab and his helpers can mark where they need to remove the corn stalks to create pathways.
Yellow Point Cranberries
This 43 acre family owned and operated cranberry farm specializes in delicious cranberries, but has delightful events throughout the year.
The farm also makes heritage cranberry sauce, along with other speciality cranberry products. The products are made by hand, in small batches, and available through the farm store.
This year, the farm hosts a Blossom Festival on June 21. Tour the farm and see berry blossoms, tour the farm, sample products or hitch a hay ride. Local musicians are performing. Admission is by a suggested donation of $10 per person, and the funds will go to the BC Cancer Foundation.
In the fall, the ever popular Happy Turkey Night is back on Sept. 23. The evening is filled with delicious food, plenty of which stars the illustrious cranberry.
On Sept. 27, the farm is open for a Family Fun Day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Children can play outside, learn about farming and enjoy healthy food. There will be Admission will be donated to the BC Children’s Hospital.
Find Yellow Point Cranberries at 4532 Yellow Point Road, across from McNab’s. For more information see www.yellowpointcranberries.com. Call 250-245-5283.
Yawning Acres
The farm, on Cedar Road, offers activities throughout the year, from corn roasts to haunted hay rides at Halloween. The pumpkin festival, and pumpkin patch, are popular seasonal events.
Events are also held at Easter and Christmas, and the park at the back of the farm can be rented for weddings, picnics and more. Call Yawning Acres at 250-713-6304. Yawning Acres is at 1949 Cedar Road.
Cedar Farmers’ Market
The market is open Sundays, so take a pleasant drive into the country.
The market is held in on the fields by the Crow and Gate Neighbourhood Pub (2313 Yellowpoint Road). It features around 27 vendors, and 25 of those sell farm products. Arts and crafts, baking, eggs, milk, cheese, fruits, veggies, organics, preserves and flower are just some of the wonderful items to be found.
The market is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays from Mother’s Day to Thanksgiving.
Cassidy Farm Market and Deli
Located across from the Nanaimo Airport, this market sells fresh, local seasonal fruits and veggies, homemade pies and more. Call 250-245-7674.
Russell Farms Market
In the opposite direction, towards Chemainus, head to Russell Farms Market located at 2711 Mt. Sicker Road in Chemainus.
The market offers a full service deli and ice cream parlor, and is open year round. In the summer, the market is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., and the garden centre is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. . Call 250-246-4924. Call the garden centre at 250-246-4940.