9 Mistakes Every local Makes (2)
The newbie's guide to Squamish

It is NOT the water!

Many have been heard to remark our communities recent baby boom is due to the tap water. Good livin’, Jaggermister, and broken condoms would be closer to the truth. There is a veritable bambino boom going on and if you’re pumping them out you’re in very good company.

Remember when you used to meet people at the pub? Well now it’s at ‘tot-time’.
For those getting used to their new routines, some good socializing activities include:

- Story time at the library.
- Indoor Gym at the Leisure Center
- Splash and Play at the pool.
- Smart Start at Squamish Elementary

As for activities, the best bang for your kids entertainment buck is the Brennan Park Leisure Center. *Note: registrations are usually taken before the guide comes out so be sure to ask the wonderful staff at the front desk when registration begins and NOT when the guide comes out.

Getting your drink on.

Each burb has it’s own watering holes so it really depends on what you’re thirsty for and how far the walk or cab ride home will be.

Best beer: For craft brews head to our local brewery The Howe Sound Inn and Brewing Company downtown. The beer is alive and like all living things there are good days and bad. Ask the bartender what brews are at their peak.

The chill atmosphere and award winning craft beers are definitely a delicious combo.
Be sure to inquire about the ‘paint your own mug’ nights where you get your own mug hanging on the wall to fill at ‘locals’ prices. Sweeet deal.

Best Import: To the north, the Shady Tree Pub has the best imported taps with Guinness and Kilkeny on tap. You pay for the privilege but they go down smooth at their insanely good ½ price appy day.

Best Bistro: Brackendale has a fantastic breakfast place that turns pub in the evening.

Who to Trust (aka:Media).

PRINT:
The Chief: Squamish oldest running rag. Old school community newspaper feel. If nothing else read the letters to the editor for some entertainment as well as education.

What’s On! Squamish Events Guide: Decent free event listing flyer found almost everywhere.

Radio.
Sadly there is no truly local radio station.

Mountain FM: If you’re not sick of their music yet, give it a day. Just another cookie cutter Rogers Media station with mostly pre-recorded voices from Vancouver. Great for advertising to Whistler cars stuck in traffic without a CD player. Locally however it’s occasionally good for traffic updates and the all too sparse local voice.

CBC: a better audio option. And they’re now available in FM. Yeah! Un-believably this only happened in May 2007.

ONLINE:
Cynical Sunshine.com: Here is where you’re at. The writin' archives make for an interesting history lesson. As well you’ll find drunk teddy bears, epic mountain bike events, honest movie reviews, and of course legendary stickers and shirts.

Mysquamish.com: A catch all for local info.

Squamish.ca – District of Squamish Website where to get the official word. The official word also comes as an email newsletter just email kmuler@squamish.ca to get hooked up.

Then there's mine. A quick monthly update of the view from council chambers. Just click this link: http://www.bryanraiser.com/newsletter/subscriptions.

Whatsonsquamish.com – An online version of the event listing flyer.

Shop local.

This may seem like a no brainer. But from coffee and gear shops to services and accessories of all kinds. At least try to shop at locally owned stores. The benefit is obvious (I hope).

Now go have fun in your backyard!

There you have it, I hope this helps and if you find a local secret nugget of your own, feel free to share.