Happy Labor Day weekend, friends!

Can you believe we’re already saying goodbye to August and welcoming September? It always feels like a turning point—the last splash of summer before we slowly ease into fall.

This past week on our boat trip has been filled with beautiful anchorages, small-town charm, and plenty of new places to explore. We moved from the Sunshine Coast to Nanaimo, Ladysmith, and Salt Spring Island on Vancouver Island. Each stop brought its own kind of magic.

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Nanaimo

Our stop in Nanaimo gave us a little mix of city life and coastal charm.

We wandered around the harbor, checked out a few shops, and of course, enjoyed some good food along the way. Nanaimo has such an easy-going vibe, and it’s always a fun place to dock for a while.

Sometimes the best days are the ones when you’re too busy enjoying the moment to take pictures.

That was the case for us in Nanaimo, while we were catching up with friends. But don’t worry, I made up for it with plenty of photos in Ladysmith.

Ladysmith

The town of Ladysmith is full of history and charm.

We started the morning with breakfast at a little spot we discovered last year and couldn’t wait to revisit. At Appetit Food For Thought, the food is what makes this place so special—simple, delicious, and the kind of cooking that speaks for itself.

The space is tiny, so much so that at one point, they were turning people away. You can tell it’s a local favorite, with regulars who come in daily for their fix.

The kitchen setup couldn’t be more basic—picture a stove straight out of the seventies, no bells or whistles in sight. But honestly, that’s part of the charm. They don’t need fancy equipment when the food is that good.

We couldn’t resist stopping at the Old Town Bakery this time, especially since it was closed during our last visit and now had a line out the door. That’s always a good sign, right?

One of my favorite parts was being able to watch the bakers at work through the window. The smell alone was enough to make your mouth water.

There were way too many delicious goodies to choose from… but let’s just say that didn’t stop us from trying!

Post Office Antique Mall

You probably know by now how much I love vintage and antique home décor, so when I heard about the three-story Post Office Antique Mall, I couldn’t wait to explore.

There was so much to take in—room after room filled with treasures. I only ended up bringing home a copper pan, but if we weren’t coming from the boat on anchor with just our eBikes, I’m sure it would’ve been a much bigger haul.

One thing that really surprised me was the number of crocks for sale. There were so many unique pieces, and quite a few were priced really fairly. If only they weren’t so heavy!

I had to leave them behind this time, but they’re definitely on my wish list for the future.

Back on the Boat

The sunsets were absolutely stunning!

Ollie enjoyed himself as well.

1948 Bar and Bistro

I know, it feels like I’ve been talking about food a lot lately, but the next day we decided to switch it up and try happy hour at the 1948 Bar & Bistro.

The best part? The view.

From the deck, we could actually see our boat anchored out on the water, which made the whole experience even better.

The prosecco flights were a fun surprise too—one of them was even coffee-flavored, which was definitely something new for me.

Ganges – Salt Spring Island

Our next stop was the town of Ganges on Salt Spring Island, a place we’ve been to many times and always love returning to.

On our first day, we wandered around town,

The town is full of charm, with shops offering clothing, home goods, and garden décor.

Stowel Lake Farm Stand

The next day, we took our bikes out to explore.

This farm stand stole my heart with its gorgeous fresh veggies, fruit, breads, and even plants.

I would have loved to have bought some of the plants, but sadly, because we were in Canada, I couldn’t take them back into the U.S.

The bouquets were stunning, though, and I soaked up every bit of inspiration.

Salt Spring Island Cheese

We also stopped at Salt Spring Island Cheese Shop, which is another favorite of ours!

They sell a selection of local food, including chutneys, jams, crackers, vinegars, honeys, and smoked salmon. They also offer a selection of olives, olive oils, and teas.

You can actually watch the cheese being made through the viewing windows of their production facility.

They have amazing samples, which saved the day because I could never have chosen otherwise. They were all delicious!

We always take time to sit and enjoy a meal in the courtyard or the nearby garden.

Their pizza and salads are so good, and you have to try the goat cheese cake with fruit and berry compote if you visit.

They also serve gelato made out of the same goat milk they use to make their cheeses.

You can wander around the farm and see the animals.

The goats were the sweetest, and one little one came over for pets, completely melting my heart.

More Fun On the Bike Ride

We visited this roadside antique shop. I didn’t buy anything, but it was still unforgettable.

The next stop was a wine tasting at Garry Oaks Winery.

Ciderworks had a cider flight, which was really good as well.

Salt Spring Saturday Market

We wrapped up our visit to Ganges with the Salt Spring Saturday Market in Centennial Park. We arrived right when it opened at 9:00 a.m., which made for a better experience for us with fewer crowds.

The fresh flowers were beautiful.

I also found amazing scents at Saltspring Soapworks.

I couldn’t resist a blue “Salty” baseball hat. And look at those delicious and beautiful loaves of bread.

There was pottery.

How cute are those felt flowers? And more goat cheese!

Our Favorite Restaurant in Ganges

We wrapped up the day with dinner at the Tree House Café, one of my favorite spots on Salt Spring.

The food was delicious, the atmosphere was lively with a band playing, and the best part—dogs were welcome in the outdoor seating area!

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More Fun On the Boat

There was even a little time to kick back and relax on the air mattress. Sweet Jax kept coming over to check on me, just to make sure I was alright. He’s such a good boy.

We also spent some quiet moments in the cockpit—really the boat’s version of a covered porch—just soaking in the views and letting the day slow down. Those simple moments are always some of my favorites.

One rainy afternoon, my hubby even found time to whip up a homemade quiche on the boat. There’s just something about comfort food on a drizzly day—it made the whole space feel extra cozy.

Costco Mums and Spring Bulbs

I always get so excited when our local Costco starts stocking mums and spring bulbs. It’s usually my signal that the new season is just around the corner!

Sadly, we won’t be home in time to pick any up this year. This is where I normally stock up on all the tulip bulbs I plant in the raised beds every fall, so it feels a little strange to miss out.

How to Choose Which Mums to Take Home With You

Here’s a tip if you’re bringing some mums home: always choose plants with more buds than open flowers. Here’s why:

It’s tempting to grab the ones already bursting with color, but trust me—choosing mums that are just starting to show will reward you with a much longer and more beautiful show all season long.

Flower of the Week: Sedum Autumn Joy

Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ has to be one of the hardest-working plants in my garden. It offers something to look at in every season, starting with its thick, fleshy green leaves in spring, followed by clusters of tiny star-shaped blooms that shift from green to pink, and finally a rich coppery red in late summer and fall.

Even after the flowers fade, the dried seed heads hold their shape through winter, adding texture to the garden and even looking pretty under a dusting of snow.

Here’s why I think every garden needs this beauty:

If you’re looking for a plant that delivers season after season, Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ is one you’ll never regret planting.

September Decorating Ideas: Budget-Friendly Fall Home Decor

Are you looking for simple, budget-friendly early autumn decorating ideas? September is one of my favorite months to refresh my home, as summer is winding down and cozy fall vibes are just around the corner…CONTINUE READING.

September Gardening Tips and To-Dos for the Pacific Northwest

Are you starting to see signs in your garden that the fall season is approaching? During this important seasonal transition, I’ll share essential September gardening tips and to-dos for your Pacific Northwest garden…CONTINUE READING.

How to Warm Up Your Fall Table Using Pumpkins and Mums

Are you looking for warm and welcoming fall tablescape ideas? Nothing says autumn quite like a table filled with pumpkins, mums, and a soft glow of candlelight…CONTINUE READING.

Benefits of Leaf Litter Mulch in the Garden and How to Make It

Every fall, I look around my yard and see one thing: piles and piles of leaves. For years, raking and hauling them away felt like an endless chore. But here’s the thing—I was literally throwing away garden gold… CONTINUE READING.

My Favorite Inspiration Around the Web This Week

These mini pumpkin bundt cakes are perfect for the fall season.

This gorgeous home features a kitchen renovation, a laundry room redesign, and a primary suite update that you’ll love.

Looking for creative pinecone wreath ideas? Here are three.

This autumn apple and pecan salad is perfect for the fall season.

Here are 3 room decor layers that add the most personal style.

You’ll love this UK coastal retreat.

Create a relaxed and refreshing end-of-summer menu with these tips and recipes.

Check out this easy no-sew kitchen towel DIY.

You’ll have to try this white chicken chili corn chowder recipe.

This Robledo Design portfolio is gorgeous.

Here’s a tutorial on how to make coffee paper for your craft projects.

Embrace the essence of fall with this hot apple cider recipe.

Final Thoughts for the Week

This week has been the perfect send-off to August, filled with quiet anchorages, charming towns, and those little everyday adventures that make boating life so rewarding.

As September begins, I’m looking forward to soaking up the last of summer’s warmth before we start shifting toward fall.

Wishing you a wonderful holiday weekend, no matter how you’re spending it!

Until next time,

Wishing a wonderful week ahead,

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