Your friends are suddenly less available in the evenings. Your neighbours seem to be out more often. Heck, even your parents are into it. What’s going on? 

Pickleball, that’s what: the court sport that’s sweeping the nation (and taking over its tennis courts.) But what exactly is it?

Pickleball was invented in the backyard of Joel Pritchard on Bainbridge Island, Washington, in 1965 to entertain children who had grown bored of their summer vacation. They improvised with equipment they had on hand: ping-pong paddles, a wiffle ball, and a badminton net. By combining the rules of existing racquet sports, the game of pickleball was born.

And why pickleball? Joan Pritchard coined the term after a “pickle boat,” which in rowing refers to a boat that is crewed by leftover oarsmen, just like pickleball was made up of parts “leftover” from other sports.

Any way you slice it, pickleball might be the fastest-growing sport in North America, indoors and outdoors—including in the Fraser Valley. And one of its top spots is Abbotsford’s TopSpin Pickleball Club. The Fraser Valley’s only indoor pickleball club, it caters to players of all skill levels—from classes for those who have never played pickleball before, to top-level pickleball tournaments that see players compete from all over British Columbia. 

Co-owner Brock Coutts opened TopSpin last year after some time spent with friends just finding space wherever they could put up a net. “We were renting a gym in Greendale,” Coutts recalls, “and we thought it best to find a better place. So we found this warehouse and renovated it, put two courts in here; and it’s now something dedicated for pickleball.”

Since then, TopSpin has become not just a place to play, but a real hub for learning and socializing around the sport, and nurturing the pickleball community. “We’ve taught lots of people the game,” Coutts says. “We host lots of corporate events, team building events, so we get to introduce the game to lots of people in those settings, [thereby] growing the game.”  

One of the reasons pickleball is so popular, according to Coutts, is the accessibility of the game right from the start. “It doesn’t matter what skill level you have,” Coutts says. “There’s lots of different steps. You can be 20 and fit and go and play a couple 50-year-olds and get beat. It’s just fun to see in that sense, where there’s no limitations on it.”

Coutts cites practice, practice, practice as the number one way to improve your game, and leveling up by playing better players. Luckily, that’s not hard to do at TopSpin. “We’ve been blessed with a lot of really high-level play here,” Coutts says. “The Valley is full of great talent. We’re lucky enough to have [Canadian pickleball pro] Steve Deakin play here quite often. Being one of the best players in Canada, it’s great to see his level of play.”

And if you’re going to step onto the pickleball court, you better know your pickleball slang. Coutts cleared up a few terms for us:

• Dink shot: a soft and controlled shot that falls shortly after it clears the net, ideally at your opponent’s feet.
• Banger: a player that likes hitting the ball—HARD
• Kitchen: the 7-foot section up at the net, into which a player cannot enter unless the pickleball bounces first. Also known as the “No Volley Zone,” It encourages finesse over power by eliminating smashes at the net.
• Getting pickled: losing a game without scoring a single point.

So whether you’re a seasoned pro or just curious about the game, head on down to TopSpin Pickleball Club the next time you’re in the mood for a pickle(ball)!

The post In the “Kitchen” with Abbotsford’s TopSpin Pickleball Club appeared first on The Fraser Valley.

It seems like every year, our holiday shopping list ends up ballooning a little bit more. New friends, old acquaintances, gift exchanges, secret Santas— it’s almost enough to toss the gift wrap and say you’ll be wintering somewhere warmer this year! But of course, we would never be so bold as to flee the holiday spirit, at least not when we know of so many local gems around the Fraser Valley with unique gift ideas. If your list is getting too lengthy to manage, then perhaps it’s time you broaden your scope a bit. The Valley is filled with boutiques and artisans to help you find that perfect gift; it’s a pretty big place though, so we’ve made a list of our own to cut down on your sleigh time.

Langley

1. Historic Otter 248th Trail

This country trail has plenty of retail highlights and rural charm for a wonderful pre-holiday outing. Stop by Krause Berry Farms & Winery and grab a bottle for the family sommelier, visit JD Farms Specialty Turkey for one of their famous holiday birds for the big occasion, or mosey by Loft Country to purchase a camp package for the little horse enthusiast in your crew.

2. Fort Langley Village

What would the holiday season be without a visit to Langley’s picturesque historic village? Visit one of the gems of the Valley and see how beautiful the streets light up this time of year. If you’re ever struggling to get into the giving spirit, a walk through Fort Langley will melt your inner Ebenezer in no time. Looking for a few pieces of art that will warm up your friend’s new home? Maven Fort Langley is full of gorgeous work from painters and potters across the country. At True Aromatherapy Products & Spa you can purchase all kinds of natural products (skincare, bath products, essential oils) to soothe and rejuvenate your giftees and maybe even stay for a spa treatment while you’re there!

And the winter season wouldn’t be complete without stopping at one of the famous Fort Langley holiday markets! The area is filled with festive gatherings where local makers and bakers meet to share their seasonal goods. Always a great opportunity to find something quintessentially local, it’s great for finding the perfect gift for any out-of-towners on your list.

Abbotsford

3. Glenda’s Christmas Cottage

This is a great gift spot to keep in mind if you need a little nudge to get into the seasonal swing of things. Home to hundreds of Christmas ornaments, trinkets and decor, a visit to Glenda’s is like stepping into a snowy chalet at the North Pole. You’ve never seen quite a sight! Stock up on festive stocking stuffers, or just explore the aisles, looking at all the different ways you can celebrate!

4. Spruce Collective

Another excellent place to ready your holiday preparedness kit, Spruce is a community favourite for cards, wrapping paper and everything in between! If there’s anyone on your list that you’re truly stumped over, chances are you can find something here. Between the kitchenware options, the robust book selection and the kids’ area, you’re bound to discover just what you didn’t know you were looking for.

5. November 23 – Winter Jubilee

Home to Abbotsford’s only tree-lighting event, this annual holiday festival kicks off the season with vibrant flair! With a vendor market, warm drinks and snacks, and live performances galore, you’re sure to be leaving with a little extra spring in your step. A great all-ages community event that we look forward to every year.

Mission

6. Goldenball Mercantile Ltd.

If you’re looking for off-the-beaten-path gift ideas, then look no further! A coffee table book about the history of tattoos? You got it. A pair of socks covered in unicorns? That too. The gifts here all act as part thoughtful gesture, part conversation piece, and depending on the tone of the evening you might need something that does double duty.

7. The Magenta Rose House

Located in a beautiful historic 1938 house, The Magenta Rose House has a unique vintage vibe and is filled with character. The residence may look quaint and unassuming from the outside, but the interior is home to all kinds of gothic-themed gifts. For anyone interested in the dark arts, you’ll be able to locate all manner of goods from the far reaches of our Earthly realm. Tarot cards, crystals, and books on magic, this little boutique casts quite the spell!

Chilliwack

8. Cottage Boutique

Finely curated homeware goods make this a chic and stylish boutique for anyone who values aesthetics. Beautiful towels and candles fill the shelves, and the room is fresh with subtle West Coast-inspired scents. It’s a must-visit for the modern homeowner.

9. Minter Country Garden

For any green thumb, Minter Country Garden is a fragrant paradise! If you’re looking for garden-related gift ideas, then this is your place. From seeds to saplings, you’ll be able to please even the grumpiest of garden gnomes. And the fresh Poinsettias are well worth picking up on your way to the party!

10. November 15 – 17 – 49th Annual Chilliwack Christmas Craft Fair

Now in its 49th year, this community craft fair is always reliable for a fun and festive outing. The market spotlights over 240 artists and artisans from across the province, with a wide range of products like woodwork, pottery, jewelry, fine foods, and much, much more! It’s the Chilliwack Art Council’s largest yearly fundraising event, so proceeds go towards community-building art initiatives.

Harrison River Valley

11. Blue Dandelion Gifts & Collectables

A homey boutique with lots of character, this little spot is chock full of good gifts, games, and decor ideas. They sell the wares of over 40 local vendors so shopping here doubly supports the local small businesses of the area. Whatever you’re looking for, jewelry, apothecary or children’s goods, you’ll likely be in luck with Blue Dandelion Gifts & Collectables.

12. Casa Lifestyles

Just look for the Sasquatch carving outside, you can’t miss it! Once you get by that big lug, you’re in for an impressive collection of jewelry, glass art and sculptures. Stop by and you’re certain to find beautiful ornaments and sentimental gifts that will mean the world to someone special.

13. Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory 

Area-famous for a reason, this local chocolatier has been handmaking its sweet wares since 1988. Pick up some seasonal delights like edible ornaments or snow-covered chocolate bombs, and you’ll be the hit of your next family gathering.

Hope, Cascades, & Canyons

14. Kerfuffle Creations

A fantastic shop for stocking stuffers, Kerfuffle is well known for its unique holiday gifts and treats. Whether it’s spooky homeware, pocket-sized sculptures or retro-inspired candy, chances are you’ll see something new each time you visit!

15. Artisan’s Attic and Fudgery Gift Shoppe

While their outstanding fudge might take centre stage, Artisan’s Attic has lots of other gift ideas to peruse while you snack on the freshly made sweets. Books, clothing, and local souvenirs—the store is filled to the brim with interesting goodies, ready to wrap as the perfect present.

16. The Country Store at Manning Park Resort

Boasting a wide selection of souvenirs, snacks and staples, it’s the perfect pitstop after a family nature outing. If someone has slipped your mind in the days before the holiday break, you might be able to find a nice keepsake to remember your time together in the fresh air.

The post 16 Unique Gift Shops in the Fraser Valley appeared first on The Fraser Valley.