A FOODIE FAMILY VACAY YOU’LL EAT UP
03.24.08
The Cottage at Fairburn Farm
Duncan Island, Victoria Island, Canada
WILDLIFE MEETS THE CULINARY GOOD LIFE AT THIS FARMHOUSE RETREAT FOUNDED BY CHEF AND FOOD ACTIVIST MARA JERNIGAN.
Foodies with families, this is the spot for you: An idyllic island that’s dotted with organic farms, wineries and artisanal cheesemakers that’s also been described a “virtual petting zoo thanks to all the tame wildlife roaming the island.” It’s like roughing it in the Napa Valley, minus all the annoying crowds and adding several cute alpacas and otters.
island scenery
the cottage bedrooms, charming!
Duncan Island residents
LOCATION
Duncan Isand, Victoria Island, Canada
(fly into Victoria International Airport or drive from Seattle)
PLAYING
• Besides sampling all the local fare, adults can enroll in cooking courses or wine tastings at the Inn, like Jernigan’s ‘Field-to-Table’ classes where you’re spend the morning gathering your fresh ingredients from the farm and the afternoon creating an amazing dinner, accompanied by local wine pairings, of course.
• For the whole family there’s beaches to watch whales from, old-growth forests to hike, cider farms and honey farms to tour with your sweeties and alpaca farms to explore.
• Don’t miss the historic totem poles in Duncan.
• For a guide to the island, try:
EATING
• You won’t want to skip the dinners and breakfasts offered at the Inn, all using (as much as possible) seasonal, local, and organic ingredients.
• The Inn holds wonderful six course Sunday lunches in the summer months (June 29-August 31) on the Fairburn Farm veranda. Based around traditional Italian Sunday family meals, they always feature a hand-made pasta course and local wine pairings.
• The restaurants are fantastic, and with all the local artisanal offerings on the island, the picnicking options are just as good. Try the Sooke Harbour House for seafood (or burgers) or pick up organic breads and cheeses, and pretty much any other to go treats at the Cowichan Bay shops.
SLEEPING
• The cottage is best for families, but there’s also rooms at the Inn.
• Ask about the apartment for rent.
TIPS
A high chair and foldable chair are available, inquire when booking.
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photo credits: Fairburn Farm images by Andrei Fedorov copyright 2004