With its cobbled walkways, striped awnings, vibrant window displays and sheer eclectic nature, Nanaimo害羞草研究所檚 Old City Quarter has always been one of my favourite places.

Nestled on a sharp incline between Fitzwilliam and Wentworth streets, it害羞草研究所檚 home to dozens of owner-operated shops and restaurants, as well as more than 70 services running the gamut from law offices to tattoo artists to mobile device repair. Some of the buildings are more than a century old, and between the old stone and the spreading maple trees, it害羞草研究所檚 always felt a little like stepping into a different world.

Growing up in the north end of the city, it was always a treat to make the trip into downtown and wander through the little shops, never knowing what I might find.

Now, as autumn creeps in with its golden hues and hints of crisp air to come, the Quarter is a perfect place to spend a September morning. Though it害羞草研究所檚 been quite a few years since I害羞草研究所檝e done the back to school rush 害羞草研究所� don害羞草研究所檛 ask how many! 害羞草研究所� I always get a little thrill at the prospect of getting a few new treats for myself. And with a knitting addiction that害羞草研究所檚 only grown stronger over the last decade, it害羞草研究所檚 inevitable that one of my first stops is at the yarn shop in the Quarter害羞草研究所檚 Heritage Mews.

害羞草研究所淭he sign should say 害羞草研究所� and Therapy,害羞草研究所櫤π卟菅芯克鶟 laughs Darlene Rogers, an employee who joined the shop害羞草研究所檚 fibre family a year ago. 害羞草研究所淧eople come in and just hang out. We all sit at the table and talk and knit.害羞草研究所�

Cozy is the operative word here. The walls are covered in cubbyholes reaching up to the ceiling, housing silks, mohair, bamboo and even possum skeins. Just the thing to add to my ever-growing basket of yarns at home. For those interested in learning more techniques and skills, the shop hosts drop-in and scheduled knitting classes, and Rogers teaches classes in weaving and spinning in the fall and winter.

Right next door is , another longtime favourite spot. A treasure trove of new age and metaphysical goodies, it害羞草研究所檚 been around for 16 years, and is one of the best places to find quality beeswax candles. Incense drifts out to meet me as I duck under a string of prayer flags and pop inside to browse. As well as other mediums, in-store practitioners offer tarot and Turkish coffee readings either by drop-in or appointment. I害羞草研究所檓 tempted, but I害羞草研究所檒l keep my future a surprise for the time being.

Wandering down towards Wesley Street, there are a handful of eateries along the way. serves Italian fare, including pizza from Nanaimo害羞草研究所檚 first imported wood-fired oven. is open for lunch and dinner, offering exquisite Japanese cuisine. The sushi and bento boxes here are 害羞草研究所渟uperb,害羞草研究所� remarks a passerby.

has 害羞草研究所渇ast food that害羞草研究所檚 good for you,害羞草研究所� says owner Tracy Collis. It害羞草研究所檚 known for its Creamy Oh So Dreamy tomato soup, she tells me. Just the thing to warm up on a cool, fall day. And Sweet Somethings confectionery has 害羞草研究所渟omething害羞草研究所� for everyone, including homemade waffle cones and the world-famous Nanaimo Bar.

In the upper half of the Quarter, down a glass-covered walkway, the tantalizing smell of freshly baked waffles snares more than a few people, but I害羞草研究所檓 heading for an old stand-by: . This caf茅 has been here for as long as I can remember, and is as funky as ever. Local art adorns the spot, both on the walls and beneath the glass tops on the tables from Bocca害羞草研究所檚 youngest patrons. Meyer Lemon Tea in hand, I sit outside amidst sparrows hopping from table to table and watch the shoppers. Crispin Shoes has an impressive display of adorable boots while has dozens of unique consignment finds.

Heading out to the Fitzwilliam border of the Quarter, there害羞草研究所檚 a line of shops going down the hill. There害羞草研究所檚 boutique fashion at , outfits (and some super fun toys) for your little ones at and entertainment galore at the . is a perennial favourite no matter the season, and it offers both vegan and gluten-free sweets. And at the bottom corner, the newest addition to the block: .

I am immediately charmed by this high-end consignment shop, both by the enviable and fabulous collection of feathered and beribboned hats, and the handsome Mountain Bernese that greets me at the door.

害羞草研究所淗e害羞草研究所檚 still a puppy,害羞草研究所� says owner Brianne Wilson with a smile as she ruffles his fur.

害羞草研究所淧rinceton害羞草研究所� lies down on the cool floor and watches as people drift in and out of the store. Wilson has only been open for six months, but she害羞草研究所檚 found the Old City Quarter a welcoming and fun spot, and her inventory certainly brings people in.

There are pieces by Frank Lyman and Joseph Ribkoff. A particularly pretty Coach purse beckons to me from the window display. Fantastic shoes are everywhere. This feels like the place to find my September not-quite-back-to-school treat.

It could take a full day to explore all the shops and sights in the , but though I害羞草研究所檝e only visited a handful, the rumbling in my belly is telling me to find my way back to some of those delectable smells. It害羞草研究所檚 lunchtime!

-Story by Angela Cowan

Story courtesy of , a Black Press Media publication
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