Country Places

I find I am frequently amazed by country living. When we thought about it, it seemed we'd have to give up a lot of conveniences. Grocery stores aren't open as late. And grocery stores in the country have a tendency to just carry groceries. What's that about?? Could I really live without the one-stop Superstore shopping? What if I need groceries, household items, baby gifts, and hardware?
Ile des Chenes doesn't even have a grocery store. Not really. We do have a good-sized convenience store, and it is handy if I just need 1 or 2 items, but I am used to the Superstore prices, and that's not what this one is about.
Lorette's grocery store is a good size for a country store, and only about 10 minutes away. But consider my shopping trip last week.
I drove about 10 minutes... maybe a wee bit more, and picked up cheese at the cheese factory in New Bothwell, and then fresh sausage next door at the Country Smoked Meats. Across the highway... less than 10 minutes away, is the town of Niverville. The bakery (which is also a cafe and coffee shop) had wonderful fresh bread. (Although I was reminded of the 'small town' issue when I wanted buns, and was told those were available Thursdays, not Mondays. Quaint). Not far from the bakery, there was a small vegetable vendor with her garden produce. I went home with real food. Beats Superstore any day!!
By the way, they tell you that if you want to eat healthy, you should shop the outside aisles of a store and stay away from the middle aisles. I guess that's very much like what I did here! Only my 'outside aisles' were a bit further apart than they normally are.
Niverville also has a wonderful coffee shop/gift shop where I have had a wonderful London Fog or Vanilla Latte. Maybe I don't need Starbucks at all anymore! The MCC Thrift Shop there also ranks on my list of favorite places.
Other favorites.. The Back Porch is a coffee/lunch spot that a relative of mine opened in my grandmothers house. What a treat!! I think I'd love this place even if it wasn't my grandma's house, but of course this makes it a destination any time family comes. And it is also about 10 minutes away in Linden.
Then there is Apple Seed Attic. My daughter & I had seen the sign on Hwy 59 many times and wanted to stop in there. We finally did it when my sister was here from BC. The owner, who lives on the property, has set up a cute shop on the yard with gift items for the home. I couldn't leave emptyhanded, and made a small purchase. I love the entreprenureal spirit shown here and want to support that as much as I am able.
I'm sure my list of favorite places will grow as we live here longer. Yes, there will be city favorites as well, but I am glad I can find almost everything I need right here in rural Manitoba.