Imagine this. It's June in Provence, in the countryside.
You are walking down well-groomed garden paths filled with wonderfully fragrant herbs, French cafe music is playing in the background, your nose twitches at the smell of some incredible delicacy cooking in the kitchen and your eyes are soaking in the beautiful artwork on display on the manicured lawn.
Oh, to be so rich... Is it Provence?
No - it's Hazelwood Herb Farm's "Two Days in Provence" Art Festival and it's within a few minutes driving distance of anywhere in Nanaimo.
Take a break from gardening and drive over to Hazelwood Herb Farm on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Adshead Road.
Twelve artists in various mediums will be showcasing original work.
Francois Regis Richardier, a well-known local artist who was born in Lyon, France will be one of the featured artists.
A percentage of art sales will be donated to the Ladysmith Food Bank.
Kenn Joubert, a local author originally from South Africa, will be signing copies of Escape to Freedom, his first fictional novel, that takes the reader directly into the trauma and danger faced by the Huguenots of 1600s France.
Visitors can catch food demonstrations by Richard White who will be on hand demonstrating his rubs and dips ideal for happy hour treats and outdoor grilling.
Cooking demonstrations will take place from 11 a.m. to noon and 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. each day.
For more information, contact Hazelwood Herb Farm at 245-8007 after 11 a.m. or visit their website at www.hazelwoodherbfarm.com.