LIGHTHOUSE COUNTRY BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL IS HAPPENING 27TH - 30TH JUNE, 2013.

"Alas for those that never sing, but die with all their music in them!" - Oliver Wendell Holmes

Lighthouse Country is celebrating its 3rd bluegrass festival this weekend. The event starts this Thursday 27th @ 7.00 p.m. with last years band contest winners, The Maple Mountain Boys opening the show.

The Lighthouse Community Centre in Qualicum Bay will be filled with the sounds of bluegrass being played by a wide selection of bands beginning Thursday evening & going until 10.00 p.m. Sunday.

Saturday & Sunday morning visitors & players can enjoy Lighthouse Community's famous pancake breakfast which will be in the community hall. This is open to the public.

How to find the Bluegrass Festival, Lighthouse Community Centre.

Coming from Nanaimo.

Coming from Courtenay.

Camping is available on site, suitable for camping vehicles & tents. There are showers & flush toilets. 

Check out the Lighthouse Bluegrass website: http://www.lighthousebluegrass.com/ where you can find out all the information on the different bands, the times, prices, camping rules etc.

Where is Lighthouse Country?

Lighthouse Country, Mid Vancouver Island.

OTHER THINGS TO ENJOY IN LIGHTHOUSE COUNTRY WHILE VISITING DURING THE CANADA DAY LONG WEEKEND.

Arrowsmith Golf & Country Club, an 18 hole club.http://www.golfarrowsmith.com/

Horne Lake Caves.

Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park. http://www.hornelake.com/

Spider Lake Provincial Park. http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/spider_lk/

Rosewell Creek Provincial Park. http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/rosewall/

Deep Bay is a cosy little corner of Lighthouse Country.

Sleepy Deep Bay.

A great place to launch a kayak or canoe, go fishing off the dock or hire a charter boat or going swimming down at the spit. This is home to Vancouver Island University Shell Fish Research Centre which is open to visitors. 

 Ship & Shore restaurant has a great little menu & is open until around 6.00 p.m. depending on the traffic. http://www.vancouverisland.com/regions/towns/?townID=52

Walking, hiking, biking & exploring Lighthouse Country.

Don't forget Lighthouse Country has some fantastic walking, hiking, biking & exploring trails. So take some time off & get out & enjoy the beauty of this area. To find out where the trails are just re-read this blog. 

Remember you are in bear country, so be prepared, carry a heavy stick, wear bear bells/bear spray. Have sturdy shoes with good grip, water bottle, cell phone & rain gear & be responsible for self & others in your care.

PLACES TO EAT IN LIGHTHOUSE COUNTRY.

There is an interesting selection of restaurants & cafes to enjoy in the community. 

Sandbar Cafe.

Sand Bar Cafe, Qualicum Bay is just down the road from Lighthouse Community Centre where you will find great food & live music on Friday & Sunday evenings, jamming is encouraged, so come along & meet the locals & have a sing along.

Alpaca Cafe & gift shop, Qualiucm Bay is a quaint little cafe serving great soups & crepes & has a selection of unique gifts.

The Ice Cream Zone, Qualicum Bay has 32 different flavours to choose from!

Crown & Anchor pub.

The Crown & Anchor pub serves fresh & delicious food.

The Bean Counter Cafe, Bowser has the best bread & makes scrumptious sandwiches along with soups, salads, desserts & fancy coffees.

PLACES TO STAY.

If you fancy visiting Lighthouse Country, but are not interested in the Bluegrass Festival, there is a choice of accommodations whether you want to camp or stay in a B&B or a resort. Take a look at http://www.lighthousecountry.ca/visit/ for some suggestions.

NOTE: This being a long weekend, if you are coming from the mainland, it is wise to pre-book your ferry passage, the traffic will be heavy.

HAPPY WALKING, HIKING, BIKING & EXPLORING.

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