After touring Harrison’s soon to be ‘hot spot’, I am even more eager for it’s long awaited opening scheduled for sometime this July.  The Layback Lounge is located right on the waterfront of Esplanade Avenue and is the vision and hard labour of Beach Potato owner Tim Flanigan and business partner, Colin Watchorn.  Both of these highly creative individuals have put together a space that is most definitely laid back with some unique artistic touches.  From the hand stained stage, plush carpet pillars, custom lava lamps and acid washed bar the environment is not only welcoming but inspiring.  Although it’s unique details are immediately memorable it’s true value is in it’s versatility.  It’s ability to function as a relaxed games room, live music venue and facility for private functions lends it the ability to be the kick back place all year long.  So, keep your eyes and ears open for the grand opening of Harrison’s newest establishment – you won’t want to miss it!

Recently my sister was married on the beach in Harrison Hot Springs and naturally as the maid of honour one of my duties was to arrange a day of pampering for the whole bridal party at one of the Village’s exceptional local spas.  From our very first phone conversation,  Janet the owner of Lake Haven Spas, was more then courteous and 100% flexible in fulfilling the needs of our group.  The moment we all walked in the door our their Executive Hotel location, there was a clear sense that we were in good hands and free to enjoy ourselves to the utmost.  The staff was both friendly and knowledgeable and although we challenged them with unique nail designs, they embraced the opportunity to try something new with an end result that was exactly the creative flare we had hoped for.  Overall it was a fantastic spa experience and every member of our group was delighted by the individual attention we received including our junior members who were treated like the little princesses they most certainly are.

Lake Haven Spas has two locations – one in the Harrison Beach Hotel and the other in the Executive Hotel.  Both sites offer a comfortable and relaxing environment decored in various soothing shades of this season hot colour – purple.  Their services include massage, specializing in couples massage (which the bride and groom thoroughly enjoyed), and aesthetic services such as manicures, pedicures, facials, etc.

This Sunday, July 19th from 11 am to 5 pm head over to Kilby Historic Site and celebrate Father’s Day with some good old fashioned BBQ and black powder.  This annual event features live entertainment including Cowboy Action Show, archery and knife throwing demonstrations and of course, our local black powder gun enthusiasts.  Regular admission applies however if you come dressed in garb admission is free!

A new art installation has been added to the walkways of Harrison Village Mall.  Just follow the white footprint outlines and you’ll find it.  A beautifully crafted life-size wood carving of a grinning Sasquatch.  The Sasquatch has been a part of the areas history since the early 1920′s and has an even longer presence in the oral traditions of the First Nations communities of Harrison Lake and Harrison River.  Harrison Hot Springs is believed to be a hot bed of Sasquatch activity with a number of sightings in the surrounding mountians as recent as 2009.  Harrison is also home to some of the best and most notable Sasquatch investigators in the world, including legendary Mr. Sasquatch, John Green.  Green has dedicated a lifetime to collecting scientific data that supports the existance of the elusive forest creature.  He has also written the only truely in depth and informative books on the subject.  So, while you’re out shopping for that perfect one-of-a-kind keepsake be sure to stop by and visit our friendly local Sasquatch.  We promise it won’t bite!

The Scenic 7 Highway, aka Lougheed Hwy, is not only a beautiful drive but it also offers a number of interesting points of interest.  New this year is the Scenic 7 Yellow Banner Arts & Cultural Tour that highlights some of these great stop offs.  To take the tour simply keep your eyes open for the yellow banners displayed all along the highway.  A displayed banner is an open invitation to stop and visit with local artisans and cultural workers.  The Yellow Banner Tour stretches from Vancouver to Hope and offers everything from historical sites to First Nations art galleries.  So get out there on the ‘off the beaten path’ highway and taken in the vivid scenery and the rich arts & culture scene of the Mighty Fraser Country.  And as an added bonus you can by pass all the terrible road construction on Hwy 1!