Shopping is a recreational sport in Coombs, a tiny rural community 8.7km/5.4mi west of Parksville, with what must be one of the most eclectic arrays of one-of-a-kind retail outlets in North America.
A good selection of independent retailers and a summer street market also make downtown Parksville a haven for browsers. And award-winning cheeses and a fine selection of fruit wines are available at Morningstar Farm, home of Little Qualicum Cheeseworks.
Originally opened as a produce stand in the early 1970s, Coombs Old Country Market has evolved into a multi-faceted emporium specializing in imported goods and foodstuffs. The market is fondly known by many for the goats grazing on its sod-covered roof from April through October.
Seasonal produce and flowers remain a signature of the market.
Yet retail buyers have travelled the globe and filled the market's main store and various outbuildings with colorful and exotic items – East Indian textiles, vintage Chinese furniture, Mexican rugs, and a wide range of jewellery, wooden toys, knick-knacks, baskets and oddities included. The grocery store carries unique European food products, beverages and hot sauces. Also here: A deli counter with an extensive selection of cheeses; a bakery; ice cream parlour; and a buffet-style restaurant known for its fish-and-chips.
Other Shops in Coombs
Several dozen other stores operate in close proximity to Coombs Old Country Market, several of them surrounding a large courtyard filled with stone statues and benches. Blue Moon Gifts carries wind chimes, crystals, and a variety of spiritual/New Age totems and keepsakes. The Hammond Bay Fudge Company makes fresh candy onsite. Stairway to Hemp sells stylish, eco-friendly clothing. Other retail outlets specialize in carvings, rubber stamps, t-shirts, silk kimonos and Cuban cigars.
Parksville Shopping
Pick up the "Shopping in Parksville & District" brochure from the Visitor Centre. Or simply park in the downtown area across from the Lions' Community Park and discover the options on foot. Ladies fashions (From A To Zebra), candles (Infinity Gifts), quality used books (Fireside Books), fabric (Gramma's Quilting Cupboard) and connoisseur teas (Petal & Kettle) are on the shopping list.
Fine original work by local artists is available at the Oceanside Community Arts Council Gallery and Gift Shop (133 McMillan Street). Pick up a guide to galleries and home-based artist studios at the Visitor Centre.
More than 100 local merchants and artisans combine forces with street entertainers and community groups for the Summer by the Sea Street Market, held on Tuesday evening from mid-June to mid-August on Craig Street in the downtown core.
Read Less