Local in the Know: Matt Holmes from Highly Strung
Tell us a secret only a local would know:
No-one ever checks how long you have been in the 2P area at Sunshine Plaza!
What is your favourite time of year on the coast and why?
Spring is the time of year I enjoy the most. It's warm without being too humid and it's usually dry with the daylight starting to last a bit longer.
It's a great time to indulge my passion for mountain biking. My wife and both my children have their birthdays in the spring so it is also a time of year that we get to spend time together celebrating and having some fun.
What do you do to relax on the Sunshine Coast?
I should probably think up something unique to the coast but honestly sitting on the deck watching the sun set with a cold beer is a great way to relax.
When friends and family come and stay, what do you recommend for them to do during their stay on the Sunshine Coast?
Other than visit the beach we usually suggest a trip to Montville or Maleny, Eumundi markets, the gallery trail, lunch or dinner at The Boatshed in Cotton Tree or Sails in Noosa – nothing too hectic!
What is the your favourite aspect about living on the coast?
Everything moves at about half the pace it does elswhere and there is no traffic – these are huge plus points after living in London for 40 years!
What is your idea of a perfect day spent on the Sunshine Coast from dawn to dusk?
For me a great day is to hit the singletrack trails at parklands on my bike for a few hours followed by a swim and a good breakfast.
Spend some time with my lovely wife just hanging out and enjoying her company. My two children are both under 10 and spending time with them in the afternoons is always good fun, they love the surf or to go horse riding and I love the 'freshness' of the way they look at everyday things.
A barbecue with friends is a great end to a day or just sitting on the deck watching the world go by sipping on something cold.
What do visitors love about Highly Strung?
The helpful friendly service, the quality, the range of products and the keen prices.
Who are your favourite local artists?
There are too many to list. They are all on our website though.
Describe the art scene on the Sunshine Coast:
Vibrant - could do with better national PR though.
What can visitors expect to experience at Highly Strung?
A cheerful and helpful team committed to suppporting the art scene on the coast and delivering excellence.
We want our customers to be 'delighted' not just satisfied and do all we can to make sure that is how they feel.
Your love and appreciation of art came from…
Our family has been in the art business for three generations so it's probably 'osmosis' but ultimately I just appreciate beautiful things and envy those that can create them.