colleen heslin photo, courtesy of gudrun.ca

As I spend more and more of my unemployed time wandering the streets of Steveston I’m discovering new things every day. First thing I’ve discovered is it’s weird to go to the dog park when you don’t have a dog. People stare and put their dogs back on leashes. So after my night at gudrun fromagerie earlier in the week, where I enjoyed a fine selection of wine and artisanal cheeses, I’ve been sticking to the people streets and in doing so have uncovered some more treats in the suburbs.

Best undiscovered treasures are always found in thrift stores and there are lots to choose from around here. My favorite things to check out the accessories as they seem timeless and I love funky plastic. Next I always head straight to the bookshelves. I shouldn’t laugh but self help books from the seventies instantly make me feel better about whatever situation I’m currently pondering. And an old 25c romance novel is the perfect afternoon coffee companion.

After a tour of the Moncton St thrift stores and a stop in at the old converted bike shop, it’s off to Second Ave to the General Store. From sewing machines to potato mashers to table runners this place has everything a 50’s housewife could want, and a lot of weird and wonderful that I actually want (need?). Terri got a great vegetable dicer that makes some of the best guacamole (or guaca-salsa) that I’ve ever tasted. You need at least an hour in this tiny store to feel like you’ve had a good look at each shelf. Aside from food this is your typical ‘General Store.’

Last thing worth mentioning is the Artisans Gallery on Moncton. They’re hosting the 2009 Indian Summer Art Show Aug 19- Sept 30. One artist, Elise Quarmby, let me have a sneak peek at her piece ‘Snow Ghost’ (pictured above). Local artists will display their art in this gallery/boutique amongst pottery, jewelry and other locally made pieces. Definitely worth checking out.

Whew, a day in the suburbs can take a lot out of a girl. Good thing there are coffee shoppes and cafes on every corner. The problem is choosing! Only from locally owned options of course…