Welcome to our first post on the unique and fun Cedar Yellow Point Artisan Trail! 
The Cedar Yellow Point Artisan Trail is a self-guided tour that introduces you to local artisans, chefs, farmers, and owners of your homes-away-from-home! Over the course of the next few months, we will be exploring the Cedar Yellow Point Artisan Trail, as we bring to you the art, food, and people who make this trail so unique!
In part one of our series we head to Monika’s Quilt & Craft Shop, the Lohmann Gallery & Gift Shop, Yellow Point Cranberries, and the Blanket & Spoon B&B.
Monika’s Quilt & Craft Shop
Nestled along Hummingbird Drive, amongst quaint and homey abodes, lies Monika’s Quilt & Craft Shop. Owned and run by, you guessed it, Monika, this quilt and craft shop houses an array of treasures. From delicately hand-painted egg figurines to intricately built miniature room boxes to beautifully sewn quilts, Monika has the artistic flare to do it all!
She creates such beautiful work and with such love for her craft – just spend a few minutes chatting her up and her passion will become abundantly clear! Monika’s Quilt & Craft Shop is the perfect spot to grab a gift for loved ones back home, or even as a treat for yourself! Usually open Friday to Sunday, Monika is more than willing to open her shop if you happen to be visiting during the week, just be sure to give her a call beforehand.
Address: 2211 Hummingbird Drive
Phone: 250-722-2021
Hours of Operation: July-Dec, Fri-Sun, 10:30am-5pm, or by appointment
Lohmann Gallery & Gift Shop
Next on our stop is Lohmann Gallery & Gift Shop. The first thing you’ll notice as you arrive is the beautifully landscaped property – with colourful flowers, a sprawling yard, and wonderful shade trees. Steer down the gravel driveway until you reach the gallery:
Here you’ll find “original paintings in an original style”. These works of art must be seen in person to fully experience! While perusing the gallery don’t be surprised if Monty, the Lohmann family dog, comes in for a quick hello!
In addition to her colorful, and mesmerizing, paintings Claudia also creates “up-cycled” pieces – which she describes as thrift store finds made into practical art, worthy of any home. Claudia herself has a few such items in her own home including an old, large wooden table that used to sit in her family’s dining room. The result is an intricately painted work of art. In addition to paintings and up-cycled pieces, the Lohmann Gallery also sells an array of nick knacks!
Address: 3095 DeCourcy Drive
Phone: 250-722-3445
Website: lohmanngallery.com
Hours of Operation: Thurs-Sun, 11am-5pm, or by appointment
Yellow Point Cranberries
Self-described as a “bog to bottle family-run cranberry farm”, Yellow Point Cranberries is a must-stop for any cranberry fanatic. Tour the farm as owner Grant explains the cycle of the cranberry from soil to harvest.
As he speaks, you’ll get a real sense of the pride and love he has for his work. After touring the grounds, head up to the farm’s shop where they sell everything cranberry-related under the sun!
From marmalades to jellies, liqueur mix to cookie mix, there is plenty to choose from to satisfy your cranberry-tooth! For an extra special experience, make sure you visit in the fall when the farm hosts their annual Cranberry Harvest. Here, you’ll be able to experience what’s know as “wet harvesting” – dry bogs are flooded with water as a machine called a water reel releases the cranberries from their vines. The result is a sea of floating cranberries – an event not to be missed!
Address: 4532 Yellow Point Road
Phone: 250-245-5283
Website: yellowpointcranberries.com
Hours of Operation: Sept-Dec, 11am-5pm Daily, Open weekends year-round
** self-guided tours available year-round, guided tours available by appointment from Sept 16 – Thanksgiving
Blanket & Spoon B&B
Last up on today’s tour is the charming yet breathtaking bed and breakfast, aptly named the Blanket & Spoon. So you’ve spent hours, maybe even a full day, reaching your final destination – the Blanket & Spoon. As you walk along the stone path, set along a beautifully landscaped garden, you’ll marvel at the serene and picturesque setting of your home-away-from-home.
Once inside, Shane and Carol are there to graciously welcome you in.
Credit: Kennedy Photo / The Blanket & Spoon B&B
Shane (the Spoon) is a French-trained chef who has managed some of the finest dining establishments that Vancouver has to offer; and Carol (the Blanket), who has spent over 20 years experiencing the best and worst accommodations that North America has to offer, has the know-how to ensure her B&B offers their guests the utmost in quality and service. Together, they create an experience that can’t be missed.
In the morning, make sure you leave enough time for one of the B&B’s exquisitely-crafted breakfasts. Shayne isn’t a French-trained chef for nothing! Using only the best, local ingredients Shayne prepares every meal with love and care. Upon request, Shayne will even pack you a picnic lunch to take with you while you explore the rest of the Cedar Yellow Point region!
Credit: Kennedy Photo / The Blanket & Spoon B&B
Address: 4853 Aho Road
Phone: 250-924-1414
Website: blanketandspoon.com
That does it for part one of our series “Explore the Cedar Yellow Point Artisan Trail with Sarah & Sean!” We hope you enjoyed it. Stay tuned for part two when we feature more of the great artisans from the Cedar Yellow Point Artisan Trail!
– Sarah & Sean
EXPLORE NANAIMO 