December 01, 2005 | Tips from Us >
Victoria, Museums
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It is finally here! The long awaited showing of Linda McCartney’s exhibit, “Sixties, Portrait of an Era” opened today at the
Royal British Columbia Museum. The 51-photograph exhibit of 1960s musical icons includes Jimmy Hendrix, The Beatles, Janis Joplin, Aretha Franklin, the Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, etc… I can’t think of a better way to escape some of the Christmas shopping mayhem and slip back in time to the days I remember so well. Since seeing the exhibit this morning, I find myself humming my old favourite tunes.
The exhibit runs from now until January 31, 2006.
November 28, 2005 | Tips from Us >
Duncan, Dining
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About 30 minutes drive from
Victoria is the
Cowichan Valley, a region which is becoming known as a mecca of food and wine production. As my in-laws live in Cobble Hill, my husband and I often spend time in the area. We've spent many weekends bombing around the backroads, searching out unique nooks and crannies. Over the years, we've developed our list of "must-stops" for every visit. On the top of the list is
Merridale Cider, which is the only estate producer of sparkling hard apple cider in the province. Their not-too-sweet ciders are worth seeking out, and we usually buy a supply to take home with us. They recently opened a bistro on premises, which is a fantastic place for lunch. There's nothing I like better than their "ploughman's lunch" of cheeses and bread, accompanied by a chilled glass of cider, while overlooking the orchard. There's a number of wonderful, small wineries in the area too. My mother-in-law favors Glenterra's "Brio" as her house white, and it's a perfect summer sipper. Nearby
Venturi Schulze winery produces wines that are a real treat, and we always ensure we have a ready stock of their "Millefiori" on hand. Winter might be approaching but the Cowichan is has the mild temperatures of Southern Vancouver Island that rarely drops below freezing. I'm looking forward to a couple days in the Cowichan soon.
November 25, 2005 | Tips from Us >
Vancouver, Shopping
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When I visit a new city, I love to discover items I'll never find at home. Here's a few of my favourite local clothing shops in Vancouver that'll have your friends asking "Where'd you get that?" when you get home: Dream in Gastown boasts that 98% of the store is stocked with local designers. The funky boutique has clothes, handbags, jewelery and other accessories. This is truly a favourite of mine, especially for the
Funk Shui felted wool hats and scarfs, and
Angelfish necklaces and earrings. South Main Street - dubbed "SoMa" by some, has a growing collection of fantastic independent stores.
Narcissist Designs is hands down my favourite for simple - yet unique - dresses. just a few doors away is the
Barefoot Contessa, where 'pretty' is given an edgy side. And
Eugene Choo is so darn cool it hurts. For shoe afficianados,
Gravity Pope on 4th Avenue is like coming home. Shoes that only existed in your wildest dreams live here. My most recent purchase is a colourful pair of rubber boots, perfect for the west-coast weather - they make a rainy day very fun. If you need some help navigating the choices, there'a tour company that'll take you to the best finds.
Shopabout Tours has a range of half-day excursions to different neighbourhood to check out the merchants.
November 25, 2005 | Tips from Us >
Kelowna, Arts, Culture & History Tours
Wow - it just doesn't get much better than this. Last week I was so excited about the return of Discover the District with Dickens - the outdoor adaptation of Charles Dicken's "A Christmas Carol". Now I find out that I can purchase the
Kelowna ArtsCard and receive great discounts on all kinds of performances for the next year! For only $20.00, the ArtsCard saves me up to 20% when I buy my tickets for Suessical the Musical or A Cowboy Christmas and you already know how excited I am to see Dickens again this year! The card is valid for an entire year so who knows what great events I'll be able to see during the next twelve months! As well, I can purchase the card at a variety of venues including London Drugs or even right downtown Kelowna at the
Rotary Centre for the Arts or the
Visitor Info Centre. You know moving to Kelowna almost three years ago, my husband and I were a little concerned we were leaving behind the bright lights of Vancouver for the fields of "small townville". However, I have to say we have been pleasantly surprised how urban Kelowna truly is and impressed by the availability of great events and performances. (And there is nothing like getting tickets for these great events at a discount!) If you're coming to town over the next year and would like to take in some entertainment - be sure to consider the Kelowna ArtsCard. It's definitely a great deal.
November 23, 2005 | Tips from Us >
Kelowna, Dining
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Recently, I took a trip to the Okanagan with plans to stop at a few wineries during my stay. What I didn’t count on is finding a gem of a place called
Carmelis Goat Cheese Boutique. This is not just a place to shop for cheese; I learned all about the traditional cheese making process and discovered you can make more from goat’s milk than just feta!
Carmelis is a small, family owned, low quantity/high quality dairy producing 20 varieties of goat cheese. I didn’t realize that it is quite rare to find hard cheese made from goat’s milk. In fact, this is one of the few places in the world that makes it!
I was encouraged to sample any of the varieties before purchasing and I sampled a lot. The Yogurt Cheese (a soft, spread cheese) topped with olive oil and a blend of spices was out of this world. Want something unusual? Try the Goatgonzola.
This is actually a great place for the whole family. The operation is small so the goats are pretty much right there in full view. There were 110 female goats, 3 Billy goats and tons of baby goats (kids) running around. Lucky Billy goats!
The tour I took included a look into the dairy plant where the cheese is produced, a visit in the aging cellar, a stop at the milking station and a look at the goats with more chances to sample their varieties.
For 2006, they are planning wine and cheese pairing lessons. I think I just found another good reason to go back to the Okanagan.
The farm is located about 12 km south of downtown Kelowna.
November 21, 2005 | Tips from Us >
Vancouver, Museums
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Although it is a bit hard to find, the
Vancouver Maritime Museum is a great way to get to know
Vancouver's shoreline history. I went there with my family recently and was surprised at how much they manage to fit in what looks like a small A-frame building. First, we toured the restored RCMP Schooner St Roch, which was the first schooner to circumnavigate North America. Then, into the replica of the Tugboat wheelhouse and through Pirates Cove. We spent an hour opening and closing drawers in the kids gallery and I found a great book on women explorers in British Columbia.
November 18, 2005 | Tips from Us >
Kelowna, Skiing & Snowboarding
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What a beautiful sight to see giant white flakes falling from the sky! We had our first snowfall here in Kelowna and while it melted as soon as it hit the ground, it was a beautiful sight to see. I love to see the hillsides dusted with snow and both
Crystal Mountain and
Big White Ski Resort are opening up this weekend for alpine skiing. It is shaping up to be a great winter here in Kelowna.
November 14, 2005 | Tips from Us >
Vancouver, Skiing & Snowboarding
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Have you seen the mountains? "Excuse me?" "Have you seen the mountains?" I usually don't talk to people during my morning commute. It's my chance to Zen-out for a few minutes before I start the day, besides I usually end up talking to the most eccentric person on the train. "Yeah buddy, I live here. I see them everyday." "Well take a look." Holy Moly! They're... covered... with... SNOW! A solid of week of cold, heavy rainfall has paid off in spades!
Vancouver is lucky to have three ski hills all within a one hour drive of downtown. And while the opening of
Whistler/Blackcomb always creates a buzz amongst the snow-obsessed in this city, the buzz doesn't really kick into high gear until the local mountains get dusted. Each mountain has its own personality.
Mount Seymour boasts the most snow of the three mountains, three terrain parks, snowshoeing, snowtubing and is the only mountain with a tobogganing area.
Cypress Mountain is actually two mountains, Black Mountain and Mount Strachan, and offers the greatest variety of downhill terrain, extensive Nordic and snowshoe trails and a snowtube area. It's also the future home for some of the 2010 Olympic events.
Grouse Mountain has unquestionably the best views and offers something for everyone; even a non-skier can find plenty to do atop Grouse during the winter. In addition to the downhill and Nordic trails, there's ice skating, snowshoeing, sleigh rides and award-winning dining. Most locals make a day of it, spending the day on the hills before then hitting the town at night. Or they switch it up, spending the day in the city before heading up for a evening of alpine fu
November 07, 2005 | Tips from Us >
Kelowna, Arts, Culture & History Tours
I am so excited that
Discover the District with Dickens is back this year in Kelowna. Everyone knows the story of Mr. Scooge and Tiny Tim, but to watch it live under the winter sky while bundled up and sipping hot apple cider - it just doesn't get any more festive. The play moves throughout Kelowna's Cultural District which is transformed into Victorian England, complete with traditional carolers and lampposts.
http://www.kelownasculturaldistrict.com/ Last year my husband and I took my Mother-in-law to see the play. It was a clear starry night and we bundled up and followed the actors around to the five venues throughout the District. The cast had us really engaged in the story, laughing and joking along with them. We enjoyed it so much that this year we are planning to take my parents to see the December 16th show and experience this Kelowna holiday favorite. If you happen to be in Kelowna over the holidays, I definitely recommend that you Discover the District the Dickens!
November 03, 2005 | Tips from Us >
Vancouver, Dining
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As proud, albeit sleep deprived, new parents, we recognize the fact our priorities need to shift; but it doesn't mean we're dead! We still have the urge to travel. Now though we have to consider our little guy as well. So while a backpacking trip through Belize would be great, I just don't think it's the right trip for our newborn; we definitely need to visit baby-friendly destinations. Which got me thinking about how baby-friendly Vancouver is. We drag the boy everywhere we go, and rarely has that been a problem. Even some of the swankiest Vancouver establishments are gracious and accommodating. And while you might not get the best table in the house, you can still count on having a great experience. A few favourites haunts are
Wazubee's on Commercial Drive;
Subeez on Homer St;
Solly's Bagels on Yukon St;
Stella's on Commercial;
Locus on Main St. and
The Whip on E 6th Ave. The common thread with all of them? Great food, a casual, hip vibe and lots of room for strollers and car seats. But that's just the tip of the iceberg. I honestly can only think if a handful of spots where a baby would be a challenge. And don't forget there are tons of baby-friendly
attractions and activities here too. So if you're thinking about taking a BC vacation, and you've got a cherub in tow, don't sweat it - you'll find us most accommodating.