Even though we were busting out haircuts all season long, we still took time to enjoy some awesome summer spots around Nanaimo!
We visited old favourites, but found some new ones too. Our clients are always giving us the inside scoop when it comes to great food and entertainment, so here’s a quick list of some of our favourite local places from the summer of 2019.
#dropbydrip
The team at Drip Coffee Social are our neighbours and they have one of the best views of Departure Bay in town! Delicious coffee and local treats paired with a dog-friendly patio made this spot our #1 post work hangout. What’s better than live music, a pint of berried alive and an ocean view? Nothing! That’s what!
Mountainaire Campground
We never got the chance to camp here, but we definitely took advantage of their beautiful river location! For $5 bucks, you can park by the little convenience store, and then it’s a quick 15 minute walk down to the water. The river is deep enough to dive into, and clear enough to explore with snorkel gear. If you hit this spot in the middle of the week, it’s usually pretty quiet as well. 10/10 recommend if you’re looking for a great swimming hole close to town!
Chateau Wolff Estate
We lived in Kelowna for a long time, so we have been really spoiled when it comes to great local vino. Luckily for us, this winery made us feel right at home. Alex in the tasting room is a bonafide wine buff, and owners Matt and Natalie are welcoming and kind. I’m a fan of their 2018 Viognier blend, and Heavy D goes for the Syrah every time. Even if you’re not a wine enthusiast, the beautiful views from the estate are worth the trip. Plus the vines at Chateau Wolff are some of the oldest on the island, so go visit those grapes soon!
Nanda Chicken
We’ve got two words for you: Gangsta Sandwich. Get it, you won’t regret it! Killer fried chicken in the heart of downtown Nanaimo.
Sugarloaf Mountain Park
This is a favourite Nanaimo spot for our newest team member, Matt. The Strawhat Barber thinks this is a pretty easy hike up, and the views are unbeatable. If you have friends from out of town that aren’t the outdoorsy type, the quick scramble up Sugarloaf will give them a breathtaking view of Departure Bay without the leg cramps.
Thanks, Nanaimo!
At the beginning of the season, we figured we wouldn’t have much time to explore with the shop starting up. But there is just so much to do around town, that we didn’t have to go far to enjoy our summer.
So thank you, Nanaimo.
Not only is this a beautiful place to live, but the people here are top notch. We are super grateful for the amount of support and positivity that has come our way since we opened the doors at Heavy D’s Barbershop. The good folks of Nanaimo have welcomed us with open arms, and we are stoked to be part of the Departure Bay community!
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