Coombs, A Hippy Haven
Coombs is a strange little town running along a small stretch of Highway 4A, between Naniamo and Port Alberni on Vancouver Island, BC Canada. It’s one of my favourite places on the island so far. Goats adorn the rooftop of the local speciality grocery store beside food trucks, ornate statues, an abandoned paddle-boat and turrets of single story shops.
Coombs Plaza
Tye dye, paisley prints, tapestries adorned with marijuana leafs, Bob Marly and elephants flap in the breeze off the main plaza, pictured above. The roadways into, and out of this quaint spot is lined with small farms, fair grounds and a 50ft inflatable bong.
The Bookstore
Tucked into the corner of the plaza, shown above, is any book lovers treasure trove. The 5th largest used bookstore in Canada, the largest on the Island. A comforting smell of paper and ink hovers about the towering wooden shelves, each row designated with a hand drawn sign.
The Dutch Store
was a surprise. To my knowledge, there’s not a large dutch population in this part of Canada. But clogs, wheels of cheese, candies and preserves line up in bright wrappers adorned with tulips and puzzles. I purchased a large coffee cake with chunks of candied ginger for an afternoon treat, then headed to
Coombstock
A hippys joyland of vintage clothes, insence, stickers and mushroom charms. The volkswagon ordained with flowers below a peace sign invites shoppers to pose for a photo at the entrance to the little store. Stickers, Incense, and charms purchased I forced myself to leave only to pop into
The Mushroom Hut
A cash only operation selling herbal and magic mushrooms and some beautiful art works, printed on tea towels and canvas bags. Pamphlets on how to use mushrooms, and have a safe trip were folded beside a stack of free stickers. The woman at the counter happily shoved about a dozen into my brown paper bag as I donned a new mushroom necklace.
Small, Charming, Off the wall, Coombs is a wonderful community to spend an afternoon exploring about in. With several campgrounds for those wishing to attend the many events such as barrel racing, bluegrass festivals or country fairs. Even if you don’t stop, highway 4A will run right through the heart of this bizarre community with pretty bright views.
