Cooking from Your Pantry by Barrie Elliott

Local's Perspective

Kalina Whitelaw

Miner’s Mud

I am the owner/operator of Miner’s Mud, a coffee stand serving organic, fair-trade coffee and fresh baked goods. I grew up in Nova Scotia where I learned about entrepreneurship, an appreciation for quality ingredients and the value of supporting small business while growing up on my family’s maple syrup farm and restaurant deep in the Maritime sugar woods.

I love hiking, camping, snowboarding, archery - essentially anything outdoors - and being an early riser, great coffee has always been a part of my adventurous lifestyle.

When I moved to Fernie in 2019, I found myself on the hunt for early morning coffee to kickstart my day. I had always thought about opening my own coffee stand, so I decided to make this idea a reality and opened Miner’s Mud in May 2021.

Despite the challenges of being in business during a pandemic, my first year was so amazing because of the incredible support from the community and the connections I’ve made with our customers. I’m inspired by the resilience and creative thinking in the Food and Beverage sector and the businesses who turned challenges into opportunities.

I’m excited to watch this continue to unfold and am proud to be part of such an innovative and dynamic community.

Q. If I had to describe Fernie in one word, it would be…

A. Vibrant.

Q. The first thing I do on a powdery morning is…

A. Make myself a cup of Miner’s Mud and get outside to enjoy it.

Q. Winter is a unique time in Fernie because…

A. Everything is so accessible! You can snowboard, cross-country ski, snowshoe and skate all in one day.

Q. What is one thing you recommend visitors try or do during their stay?

A. Grab a hot drink, turn off your phone and go for a walk by the river to soak up the Fernie Magic.

FOOD AND DRINK

Before a day of adventure, while out shopping with friends, or after hitting the spa or hill, you will be after a little something to get you going or replenish you to ensure you can do it all again tomorrow. Hip coffee shops, cozy cafés, scrumptious bistros and diners, gastro pubs, fine dining, cuisine from around the world… you want it, Fernie has it. While we wish we could help, it’s up to you to whittle it down this trip. Don’t worry, it will all be here (and maybe more) on your next visit.