The South Garden Blog

To all our dear guests who have stayed with us here at South Garden we say ‘thank you’. The time has come for us to close the Bed and Breakfast component of our business after ten years of hospitality to you all. What an adventure we have had to meet you as you graced us with your personalities and cultures from all over the world. Gratefulness fills our hearts as you have welcomed John and I to enjoy your company as you vacationed.

South Garden still welcomes you, as our Vacation Rental Option continues to offer hospitality. Family reunions, friend get-togethers, business meetings, church groups, etc have found retreat and rest in days spent here at South Garden, as the whole facility and property have been reserved as a Vacation Rental. We welcome you all soon.

Everyone loves a waterfall. There is something about thousands of gallons of water cascading down a rock face that draws people in. Bridal Falls, just 10 minutes south of South Garden is no different. Tumbling over 60 meters, this waterfall is most impressive during the spring runoff, but is a great destination all year round.

There is a great day use area for a picnic lunch, and the trail itself is an easy 30 minute return loop, meandering through the lush forest.

We visited this past Labor Day long weekend, and were not disappointed.

Have you stayed at a vacation rental before?

We (Ryan and Amy) just got back from spending the weekend in Seattle with friends.  We had 4 adults and 3 toddlers in a roomy, two-bedroom ground floor suite in a quiet neighborhood.

In July, we vacationed in the Sunshine Coast in a charming oceanfront home with Ryan’s family, another vacation rental.   We had plenty of space for seven adults and a toddler.

Vacation rentals are a great way to travel.  Here’s a few reasons why:

1.  Comfort- vacation rentals are usually apartments or homes.  This means that you have many of the comforts of home- multiple bedrooms, a living area, kitchen, laundry, and possibly outdoor space during your vacation.  When travelling with a group, whether friends or family, it’s nice to have an area to be all together.  Vacation rentals allow that- unlike many hotels.
2. Kitchen- Vacations are typically expensive.  It’s very nice to be able to cook some of your own meals, rather than eating out for every meal.  If you have dietary restrictions or kids, sometimes cooking what you know you can eat is much easier than finding a restaurant to suit everyone’s needs.  I realize I come from a slightly biased point-of-view, as I love to cook though.
3. Price- Many vacation rentals we have stayed at are priced at a lower rate per person than staying in a hotel, with more room to spread out and relax.
4. Kids- Traveling with kids is fun, but a lot of work.  As all parents know, life with a toddler is very busy, but they need their naps and early bedtimes.  We have loved the convenience of vacation rentals with our little guy.  We are able to put him down to bed, then go sit outside or around the table and enjoy our time with friends and family.  Many vacation rentals have lots of room for the little ones to run around and play.

I’d highly recommend considering a vacation rental for your next trip- we have enjoyed each one we’ve stayed at!

South Garden B&B is available to rent as a vacation rental.  Click this link for more information.

This is our second post about our vacation rental.  Read the first one here.

Have you been to check out the Harrison Festival of the Arts yet?  It’s on until Sunday, July 14th!  The festival is wonderful, with something for everyone!  There are concerts on the beach (a $2 donation is recommended), an art market on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, as well as concerts in the Harrison Memorial Hall.  The community of Harrison Hot Springs is buzzing during this event.

We have often gone to be a part of the festivities.  There are local artists and vendors selling their wares with a fabulous view of the lake.

On Wednesday, a friend and I (Amy), took our toddlers to the playground and beach in the morning, and then to Children’s Day at the festival.

The boys LOVED the playground, beach and wading in the lagoon.

Our son, Caleb is on the right.

Children’s Day was a blast!  There are performances included with admission.  We watched Dirty Grace, a trio of clown musicians and a puppet.  Caleb enjoyed the puppet best of all!

The Great Blue Heron Reserve was there with an interactive display, including a stuffed owl and duck that the children could touch. The owl was surprisingly soft.  Caleb enjoyed “petting” the birds.

Caleb with the owl

Other things to do for older children included a climbing wall, crafts, a water table, sandbox, Little Kickers soccer, and much more!

The boys (and us) had a blast!  Children’s Day happens every year as part of the festival, make sure you take your family next year.

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Looking for a little adrenaline rush this summer? The Harrison Water Sports Water Park is now open! Watch the video below, it looks like lots of fun!

The admission rate is $28.58 plus GST, with twilight rates available as well. Ages 6 and up.

For more information, visit Harrison Water Sports.