Finding your local thrill

lsproule@thereview.ca
Let’s just start by saying that we at The Review do know that not everyone is part of Facebook. But what we do know is that it is a new place for us to meet with some of you and find out what you think. Sometimes we are serious and sometimes, the conversation is just for fun.
Seems like it is mostly my job to keep our Facebook page active and interesting and I do my best. And so I was pleased to hear a high school intern recently say that it was really cool that someone my age was so into Facebook. (Yes . . . I’m quite adept as long as I have my glasses on.)
As we prepared our “Shop Local First” feature for next week, a lot of our office conversation was about what we buy locally, what we like about “local” and yes -- what we are missing. Opinions varied.
So that made me ask you on Facebook, “What kind of shop or restaurant would YOU like to see? Name what you want and where you would like it. Think independent business, now.”
Here are some of your comments. (Note that the initials L.S. are not mine, but those of another L.S. I indicate my comments using ‘me again’.)
P.M. - Combined used book store and internet cafe; lots of room and comfy chairs.
L.C. - A bakery it would be nice to have another one in Vankleek Hill. I remember when I was younger the smell of fresh bread and goodies :)
D.L. - Wendy’s on Highway-17. We have 3 Tim Horton’s, a McDonalds and a Burger King - it’s only fair. :D
J.R.  - Sushi restaurant!!! And I totally agree for a bakery.
R.M.: Sushi, Thai, Indian food :)
P-M. L.: A good old fashioned donut / coffee shop (no, not Timmies). Remember real donuts with pink frosting?
J.L. : As much as I love Wendy’s I’m kind of glad there isn’t one within an hour of my home. I can’t wait to try out the new Pizza place in VKH, the pizza in Hawkesbury is hit and miss, but L’O has some awesome ‘za.
R.B.: a medical cannabis dispensary would do wonders in that community.
L. C. : St-Hubert would be good here.....
D. B.: An A & W or Montana.
L.S.: She said independent businesses, folks! And personally I wholeheartedly agree - I’d hate to see any chain opening a restaurant here... As for what I could see actually working in VKH, I would say some kind of organic produce/health food store (non-existent at Mike Dean’s). When the seasons permit, it could carry produce from the local farmers who have stalls at the farmer’s market.
Me again: My wish list, folks, to keep you going: a real old-fashioned Italian restaurant with red and white checkered tablecloths. More ladies clothing and men’s clothing stores to attract shoppers. Some little art boutiques with fun t-shirts. A store full of interesting stuff from around the world, like Ten Thousand Villages.
L.S. : I especially like that last idea, Louise!
C.G.: I would love to see one of those indoor play parks open up in someone’s old barn; maybe even go karts! If I ever get the $ that is what I will add to our community :D
Me again: Yes, so many kids and young families. I often thought that those malls in Hawkesbury should add a kids play area . . . it would attract lots of people! But yes, an indoor play park and a used toy store! (One person liked this.)
C.G.: oooh, used toy/sporting goods, like play it again! (One person liked this.)
Me again: Yes, we have so many sports activities, what a great idea!
Me again: Shawarma mmmmm.
R.Y.: A Harvey’s burger joint and a St Hubert.
T.T.: Gonna think outside the box a little and say... A family doctor would be nice. (Four people like this.)
J.M.: How about a really nice movie theatre in Hawkesbury! And throw in an East Side Marios beside it too...
Me again: NOT East Side Mario’s . . . really? What do you like about it?
J.M.: I’m sorry - please don’t hate me....but I like East Side Mario’s. My kids love it. It is reasonably priced and I like the ambiance. I am tired of going to any number of restaurants in Hawkesbury and find duplicate menus - we need choice! I’d love to see a theatre and a restaurant like East Side’s come to Hawkesbury as it saves me the trip to SilverCity in Gloucester.
Me again: I hear you! I wish we had just ONE restaurant with a play area for kids! There are LOTS of young families in our area and I am sure a restaurant that was affordable and catered to family dining would be a hit!!!! And FUN MUSIC playing. You go to the city and there is music everywhere!
D.M.: Personally, I think we need a gym in Vankleek Hill!
J.R.: I think there is enough “restaurants” in Vankleek Hill.
L.S.: Great idea, Debbie! Just read about a new fitness club starting up: https://www.facebook.com/groups/287292137958827/ Apparently it’s free for now! :-)
L.S.: It would also be nice to have a dentist here again...
M.L.:  An Amirs restaurant would be amazing.
C.O.: Lebanese....Lebanese.....LEBANESE.....and in case i didn’t make myself clear....please please please someone bring Lebanese to town. And in the Hawkesbury area or close to it.
M.L.: ohh wouldn’t that be nice colleen! a great shishtaouk would be so  good right now with extra hummus and garlic mayo. arrrr
T.F.: Marie, I’m with you. Amir’s!
W.H.: Cage aux sport at train station in Lachute.
J.R.: Newspaper in Vankleek Hill.
A.L.: I think that it would be nice for Vankleek Hill or somewhere in the area to have a “all in one” rustic wedding site. Somewhere really nice that you can get married at, have beautiful pictures, then enjoy your meal and reception. Oh, and can’t forget the “inn” that would be on site. This was something that I was looking at when I was getting married. Similar places that come to mind at Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farms, Strathmere, and Bean Town. It would really help the local economy and attract tourism (to go shopping at the local shops, and eat at our “Mom and Pop” restaurants. Hopefully there would be people who would have enough vision (and financial backing) to start this up.
W.H.: A small fry stand in Lac Louisa like they once had.
And there you have it: some inspiring “wish list” ideas that show what people are thinking about.
I think it’s good news. People see possibilities and that alone should send a message to those considering business opportunities.
Indeed, if we get all of these new restaurants, we will need a really big gym for workouts!