Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
GRANVILLE ISLAND BROOM COMPANY
HOMEWARES
(
www.broomcompany.com
; 1406 Old Bridge St; 10am-5pm; 50)
Ever since Harry Potter
arrived on the scene, locals and visitors have been entranced by this Granville Island
fave, which makes its own beautifully handcrafted straw brooms right in the store (you
can watch the mesmerizing process in action). But these gnarly handled lovelies aren't
just for decoration. You can pick up cobwebbers, golf-shoe brushes and car whisks that
will easily fit in your luggage.
And just in case you're wondering, the brooms - which can take anywhere from 20
minutes to several hours to produce - are all made from broom corn, which grows in
Mexico.
UMBRELLA SHOP
ACCESSORIES
(
www.theumbrellashop.com
;
1550 Anderson St; 10am-6pm; 50)
It may be that the only
outdoor gear you need in Vancouver is a sturdy brolly to fend off the relentless rain.
This family-run company started in 1935 and has just the thing, with hundreds of bright
and breezy designs that should put a smile on the face of any torrentially drenched vis-
itor. Duck inside, choose a great umbrella, then launch yourself back into the tempest.
In summer, the window is taken over by parasols - it's your duty to bring this old-
school approach to sunny weather back into vogue. Make sure it's as frilly as possible.
CIRCLE CRAFT
ARTS & CRAFTS
(
www.circlecraft.net
; Net Loft, 1666 Johnston St; 10am-7pm; 50)
This 40-year-old co-
operative hawks 100% BC arts and crafts, including sculptures from found objects,
quirky oversized ceramics and sleek jewelry, with hand-sewn puppets and dolls thrown
in (not literally) for good measure. Prices vary considerably but there's usually
something here to suit most budgets and just looking around the gallery-like space is
fun.
AINSWORTH CUSTOM DESIGN
ARTS & CRAFTS
(
www.ainsworthcustomdesign.com
;
1243 Cartwright St; 10am-6pm Mon-Fri, noon-6pm Sat &
Sun; 50)
Ostensibly a metal-design studio working to commission, the Ainsworth's
front-of-shop area showcases a kaleidoscopic array of arts and crafts by mostly local
