Ringside Market - Hornby Island
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The Ringside Market
When I have been out riding my bike and I have been stopped by visitors asking "which way to town?" Hornby doesn't have a town, but we have something even better - The Ringside Market.
Veggie shopping at the Co-op
The Ringside Market is a circle of intimate shops, cafés, artisan booths and the Co-op and Gasbar. This is where islanders, summer residents and visitors come together to grab a bite, get that important plumbing bit, or have our bikes tuned up. More than just a being our commercial centre, Ringside is also the social heart of Hornby. More "business" is done in the produce section of the Co-op than just about anywhere else. The Co-op porch is where you can find out about upcoming events, meetings and what movie is playing that weekend. Just down the stairs you will find the Community Quilt hanging all summer - buy a raffle ticket for a chance to win this incredible hand stitched masterpiece which has been painstakingly assembled throughout the winter. Every summer the proceeds are dedicated to a local organization and for 2009 the monies are in support of fundraising for the New Medical Clinic.
Jan's Patio
Jan's Café and VORIZO are once again inviting you to enjoy some excellent and tasty snacks and meal on their charming and idyllic patios and outdoor seating areas. Island Potters is continuing to represent local and regional potters, including exquisite work by Deb Taylor and Rachelle Chinnery. Next door to the Island Potters, Donna Tuele operates a tourist service desk in her delightful and charming Coast Realty office. Jeremy Payne and Ira Vet of Hornby Outdoor Sports run a fully equipped bike shop and also book kayak trips from their shop. Not only has the Bike Shop expanded to kayaks they are also selling some great accessories and gear - these guys rock. Dale and Alex of Lix a beautiful spring wedding and they continue to expand their coffee business Hornby Island Coffee Roasting Co. - check out their new display in the Co-op.
A coffee after a morning
ride is a great way
to start the day
The Ringside also hosts a number of other small businesses that contribute to make the mix delightful and useful all at once. Fibres and Celestial Sphere round out fulfilling our clothing and accessories needs, selling fun and funky from around the world to high quality ladies wear. If you are after a good book for some beach reading, 32 Books Co. will amaze you with an extensive and current selection - incredible for such a compact space. Many local artisans sell their wares at booths around the Ringside Market. One favourite is Chris Sorenson with his handmade glass pendants which are a wonderful Hornby keepsake.
Tessa paints the
Bird is the Word bus
We can not forget the Co-op and Gasbar. Hornby is a small, remote community, but our Co-op manages to pretty much have it all. From staples to organic and exotic to treats it is here. Downstairs you can find hardware, clothing, all manner of beach toys and useful items as well as a liquor outlet. The Co-op is essential to those that live on Hornby year round and we encourage you to support this very important resource.
Across the street from the Ringside Market you will find the Beulah Creek Nursery which opened early this spring. The Nursery is a realization of a long held dream of Toglia Baird's and she is sharing the space with Bird is the Word Fried Chicken and the Fruit Stand. Wander through the greenhouses and enjoy the property will munching on Chef Ben's superb fried chicken and yam fries, then you can stop at the new Fruit Stand (designed by acclaimed builder Lloyd House to replace what was lost to the snow storms of last winter) to pick up a wide array of seasonal Okanagan fruit and vegetables, which are available Wednesday to Sunday all summer long.
