Carved wooden vases, elegantly handcrafted jewelry and local paintings have found a home on the highway in Miniota. In an era when small businesses have been shuttered in favour of big box retailers and on-line shopping, Jennifer Copet took a risk and bet on her own creativity and extensive retail background to open Studio 83 Gallery and Gifts.  This hidden gem is located in a converted church building, right on the highway, at the north east side of the road, as it passes through the town of Miniota. (Manitoba Highway #83, north of Virden.) You will be awestruck by the quality of merchandise and the big-city look the moment you walk through the door.  Studio 83 offers a curated collection of trendy styles and unique hand-made items. Jennifer says that she was inspired to open the store because she truly believes in supporting her local community. “When stores close and rural people have to go further and further to buy the products they need and want, the local economy suffers. Keeping stores and services alive and vibrant, keeps the towns alive and vibrant.” Studio 83 Gallery and Gifts is celebrating one year in business this weekend.  Jennifer says that she turned to Facebook and Instagram to keep sales strong during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. She started showcasing products online and offering contactless pick up and delivery. She’s shipped products as far as British Columbia and loves helping people find that perfect gift. Textile artists like Hayleigh Maximchuk (Smalltown Stitches by Hayleigh) have found success at Studio 83 with products like crochet apple bags, newborn toques and hanging planters. Copet says that there is a consistent demand for Hayleigh’s gorgeous work and new stock arrives regularly. Copet knows that the secret to success in the retail business is building relationships and really looking after people. That’s why she goes the extra mile to work with artists and to special order in products for her regular clients.  She also is happy to work with businesses and homeowners looking for the perfect painting for their office, or something to give their space an updated look. She often suggests paintings by Kayla Monique (Scatter Mind Design of Minnedosa).  Paintings like “Owl Tribe” can change the look of a room and give new depth to the interior design. When asked about the hot trends of this fall and holiday season, Jennifer talked about the texture of woven baskets, and hand-beaded bracelets along with gorgeous fall scented candles. “Candles and oversized pottery coffee mugs are always in high demand when the weather cools off” says Copet. “And we have a really great selection of both, made locally.” Studio 83 Gallery and Gifts is open Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, but you can always shop online at their Facebook page “Studio 83.”

The quest for Westman’s best pastries and interesting, scenic drives continues. This time we’ve gone north east through Neepawa to Gladstone. To start the day trip, head north out of Brandon on Highway #10, then east when you reach junction of #10 and #16. Neepawa is an engaging and picturesque town worth so much more time than a day trip. When you approach the town from the west side, on Highway #16, you will first see a bustling mix of modern stores and conveniences. You’ll see a Co-Op gas bar, a Chicken Corral Restaurant and a Boston Pizza franchise. You’ll also see a home-grown industry and their well-known Farmery Brewery. Farmery has set up an outlet store for their beer sales and their logo merchandise in a high traffic, high profile spot right on the highway. Even if you don’t see the storefront, their antique truck should catch your eye. Don’t just stay on the highway and pass by the historic downtown. It’s definitely worth a detour. So turn north onto Mountain Ave, slow down and enjoy the view.  Vintage signs, and historic buildings line both sides of the avenue. Push on until the end of Mountain Avenue and you’ll arrive at the Yellowhead Centre, home of Neepawa’s MJHL team. (MJHL is Manitoba Junior Hockey League) First game of the MJHL season goes Friday, October 9th at 7:30 when Neepawa will host the Winkler Flyers. Once out of Neepawa and back on Highway #16, heading east, you won’t have far to go before you see the signs to Gladstone. Gladstone’s must-visit stops are the bakery, and the “Happy Rock” statue. The bakery, is at the corner of Morris Street and Dennis Street. Open Monday to Saturday, they serve both breakfast and lunch meals plus offer a wide array of fresh baked goodies.  They have two sizes for sticky cinnamon buns, filled donuts, decorated donuts and even “Happy Rock” smiley face donuts. The kids will love them! It’s hard to beat a honey-glazed, but their blueberry-filled donuts were positively worth raving about. When heading out to the small towns of Westman, be respectful of their Covid-19 guidelines. Many businesses may be operating under modified hours and will ask for guests to wear masks indoors.

Poutine King, a Brandon food truck owned/operated by Jayson McCallum, recently presented a cheque to Westman Dreams for Kids in the amount of $6,300. Starting in the middle of June, the Poutine King has been setup in the Precision Toyota parking lot serving up a variety of their most popular poutine dishes. "This is a very substantial amount of money for Dreams for Kids during a time when we can’t operate our normal fundraising events".-- Angie Ball, Westman Dreams For Kids A percentage of proceeds from the sale of the Poutines was then donated to the Westman Dreams for Kids organization.

For many, renting a bus for sports, music, or corporate events in the past may have been confusing, costly and overwhelming. Jen Pearson, the current Executive Director for Brandon Area Realtors, and David Anning the former Brandon Wheat Kings coach for 7 seasons and current head scout for MJHL's Steinbach Pistons, are hoping to change those misconceptions about the industry. They own & operate Compass Coach Lines, a new luxurious ground transportation company based out of Brandon. The company currently features a fleet of 3-buses (56-seats per bus) and 6-drivers. In conversation with bdnmb.ca earlier today, Jen said that luxury, safety and professionalism will set them apart from other charter companies. For your travelling comfort, amenities on the bus include premium leather seating, flat screen TVs, clean and modern washrooms, hardwood flooring, USB charging stations at every seat, and more. Compass Coach Lines is available to rent for a number of activities including: sporting events, concerts, corporate functions, airport transfers, graduations, and more. As always, BDNMB.CA is pleased to promote and support new local businesses and we wish Jen and Dave all the best in this venture. For additional information, a list of services available, and price quotes visit their web site: https://www.compasscoachlines.com/

Apple + Pine Present A Farmers’ Market ⠀⠀ Friday, October 2nd (5pm-8pm) ⠀⠀ Saturday, October 3rd (10am-4pm) At the Keystone Grounds! ⠀⠀ Home Decor, Food & Drink, Clothing, Jewelry, Candles and MORE! Shop from 50+ local Manitoba artisans! ⠀ Apple + Pine are thrilled to be hosting this AMAZING event to support MANITOBA LOCAL MAKERS! If you haven’t yet grabbed a ticket you can still get them online at Eventbrite or at the gate upon arrival! One $5 ticket gets you in for the weekend! 12 and under free!⠀ If there is a line please be patient as they will be limiting shoppers. They will have plenty of room to shop and they've  divided into vendors into two groups: some will be under the big tent with others spaced outside and around the tent. There is plenty of room and they are all outdoors!! ⠀ Hand sanitizing stations will be available for your safety as well as every vendor will be doing their part in keeping their area sanitized, clean and friendly! ⠀⠀ The safety of their guests and vendors is most important. Organizers want to ensure you enjoy your visit, but also in a safe manner. ⠀ There will also be directional arrows viewable at your feet, so you can find your favourite vendor! Please follow them. If you do not have a mask there are a number of vendors that will be selling them. ⠀ Organizers look forward to seeing all your colourful faces and they thank you in advance for hanging in there, staying safe and supporting local!