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Funky Fernwood attracts Big Apple media spotlight

Victoria neighbourhood featured in New York Times print, online versions

Victorians think of it as their own local funky ’hood, but Fernwood has hit the world stage.

A photo montage and writeup of the community was featured in the New York Times’ travel section, released Sunday. Fernwood “has been the best place to explore the city’s blossoming alternative culture,” wrote freelance writer Erica Gies, based in San Francisco.

“It intrigued me because it is different from the perception I’d had previously of Victoria as a bit more conservative and traditional,” she wrote in an email to the News.

Included in the web version, but not the hard copy, is a picture of Fernwood’s famous bubbleman, Terry Wilson.

“I ran around and bought about the last copy in Victoria,” he said. “Bolen Books was sold out after about an hour and a half.”

He gifted his copy to the owner of Stage Small Plates Wine Bar on Gladstone Avenue, which is also featured. But not before he made 30 coloured photocopies. “I’ve been taking them around the neighbourhood,” he said.

Wilson got a kick out the whole experience.

“I just love that they think we’re a quaint hippy outpost.”

Check it out at http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2012/07/08/travel/20120708_SURFACING-6.html.

rholmen@vicnews.com