Happy New Year! It may seem too early to be thinking about February – after all, we’ve just pinned up our new calendars and are still getting used to writing ‘2008’. But before we know it, February (the month of romance and winter adventures) will be here.
What do 86 percent of North Americans say is the ideal Valentine's Day gift? It’s not chocolate, not a romantic dinner-for-two… but a vacation! Forget flowers and sweet nothings: spend this Valentine’s Day on a getaway with friends and family, or treat yourself to a special day that’s just for you. From wine tasting to scuba diving to a chocolate boutique and a performing arts festival, the February issue of Story Starters is filled with ideas for that perfect getaway.
Valentine’s Day. Whether it makes you think of romance or overpriced bouquets, it's a great excuse to take a trip. Whisk your loved-one away for a romantic break on Bowen Island, a 20 minute ferry ride from West Vancouver. Ladies will love the Chocolate Suite, a ‘bed and chocolate’ retreat in the heart of Bowen Island’s Artisan Square. Created by Bowen’s own Cocoa West Chocolatier, the Chocolate Suite offers unique accommodation inspired by a passion for fine organic chocolate. Featuring fresh organic truffles made on-site, European-style coffee service, an expansive hot-chocolate menu and award-winning service (2006 Chamber of Commerce Service Award) at this Bowen favourite it’s sure to be love at first sight! Visit www.cocoawest.com for more information.
We all know that money won’t buy you love, but it will buy you a bottle of Abbotsford’s delicious honey wine. Surprise your Valentine with something different this year. Ready just in time for Valentine’s Day is Campbell’s Gold Honey Farm & Meadery’s honey wine. Boasting a spectacular perfume of honey with a smooth, crisp finish, it’s no wonder honey wine is thought to have been the drink of the ancient Greek gods! Campbell’s Gold Honey Farm & Meadery is also part of the Abbotsford Circle Farm Tour route – the perfect afternoon activity for a pair of Valentines! Visit www.bchoney.com for more information.
February isn’t just about romance. It’s also about winter adventure. Experience some of North America’s most amazing cold-water scuba diving on the Sunshine Coast. You'll find the world's largest species of octopus, the intriguing wolf eel, and you may even meet a mermaid! The Emerald Princess is a 2.7-m (9-ft) bronze mermaid sculpture sunk 18 m (60 ft) off the shores of Saltery Bay Provincial Park. The winter waters may be chilly, but it’s worth it - BC waters are clearest at 30 m (100 ft) between October and March. So, dive in! Visit www.exploreouroutdoors.com for more details.
Was your New Years celebration anti-climactic? Lucky for your there’s plenty of excitement in Sea to Sky Country this February. In celebration of the two-year countdown to the 2010 Winter Olympic & Paralympic Games, Whistler is hosting Celebration 2010™ - a showcase of performing arts, literary events, film screenings, snow sculpting, art exhibitions, outdoor stage and street performances. From February 1 to March 23, the festival will feature over 20 events with 150 participating artists and performers. For more information visit www.whistlerartscouncil.com.
Don't despair if you missed Cupid's arrow this year, the Spice Girls are back and so is Girl Power! Celebrate your bachelorette status with your girlfriends at the Coast Plaza Hotel & Suites in downtown Vancouver. The "Girls Night In Package" includes one night accommodation in a Superior or Premium One Bedroom Suite, a set of fabulous pyjamas for each guest (sizes S, M, L, XL), and a bottle of red wine delivered to your suite. Relax and have fun in a spacious suite that can accommodate up to six guests. The Coast Plaza Hotel & Suites also features a large indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna, and – best of all – is attached to Denman Place Mall! The "Girls Night In Package" is yours for $209.00 a night. For more information visit www.coasthotels.com.
