It may seem like eons ago that we rung in 2009. And though we are already well into the calendar year, most of us are still adjusting to everything a new year brings. That being said, a lot of exciting things have been happening at Vancouver, Coast and Mountains. As the calendar changed, VCM sadly said goodbye to Laura Woodbridge and gladly welcomed a new member to the team.
I’m Lisa Clement, the new Regional Media Relations Representative and I’ll be writing story starters. Being originally from Ontario, every day I am still in awe of the natural beauty of this region, even though I’ve lived in BC for five years. I can’t wait to work with all of you and I am excited to hear about all of your adventures.
It’s that time of year when most of us are ready to say so long to winter — and what a heck of a winter we had! With record breaking snowfall, I have to say, I am among the many that are glad to see the icebergs on the sidewalks melt away. While the ski slopes are still plenty busy, I’m ready for spring. But what’s a gal who is anxious to wear sandals to do if Mother Nature doesn’t comply? Spring is around the corner but it’s not quite here. So in the meantime, here are a few things to keep you warm while you wait for sunshine.
Nothing keeps me warm like a cup of hot tea. So get cozy with some good company at the London Heritage House and enjoy their own blend of “London Lady" tea, homemade scones with jam served on fine English bone china. The Heritage site is Located in Richmond, and overlooks the south arm of the Fraser River. The country style Tea Room serves tea every Saturday and Sunday from 12 noon to 5:00 pm. After tea, put a spring in your step and stroll the beautiful grounds. But if fine china isn’t your style, enjoy a more contemporary tea experience at the Urban Tea Merchant in West Vancouver. Located conveniently in the Park Royal Village, it’s the perfect place to catch up with old friends or to take a break from shopping (after all, a new season means new clothes!) Allow a Tea Ambassador to assist in finding a blend perfect for your tastes and lifestyle. For more details, visit www.londonheritagefarm.ca and www.urbantea.com.
Stay warm in Whistler bumping shoulder-to-shoulder in the crowd at one of the coolest outdoor concerts at the Telus World Ski and Snowboard Festival. You don’t have to hit the slopes to enjoy this 10-day event, which runs from April 17-26. Bundle up and celebrate music, arts and sports at the one of the largest snow parties located at Whistler-Blackcomb. Don’t forget to check out the new Peak 2 Peak Gondola, the longest unsupported ski lift in the world—that’s one cool way to check out the party! For more information about this annual event and great deals on weekend packages, visit www.whistlerblackcomb.com/twssf/index.htm.
Stay active indoors at a series of workshops for families at ArtStarts downtown gallery. These 45-minute, culturally diverse, interactive performances are free and fun for the whole family. Kicking off the series is Sand Northrup, a seasoned circus artist wo is sure to get your child up on his/her feet (or head!), with her introduction to circus skills. Workshops take place on the last Saturday of each month (beginning January 31st) at 11 am and at 1 pm. Other workshops include drumming, South Asian dancing, and string puppetry. For more information, visit www.artstarts.com.
Get some rays on a weekend getaway on the Sunshine Coast. And what better way to get closer to the sun, than getting an aerial view of luxury. They say the best way to see of BC is by air—and what a view you will have flying over Sonora Island Resort and West Coast Wilderness Lodge on the Sunshine Coast, aboard a Beaver float-plane, provided by West Coast Air. Your trip begins with a 175 kilometer flight from Vancouver to Sonora Island, perfect for a weekend away. These luxury lodge resorts offer a range of exhilarating outdoor adventure opportunities. Enjoy the ultimate escape— a thrilling helicopter tour to a glistening glacier for a private picnic, or take a full-day boat cruise to a remote inlet in the rainforest where there are no roads, just untouched, magnificent nature. Visit www.wcwl.com and www.sonoraresort.com for more information.
Celebrate V-day a different way. Forget about Cupid this year ladies, grab your girlfriends and head to Mission for Clarke Theatre’s rendition of the Eve Ensler’s Vagina Monologues. With a stellar cast of women from Vancouver, Mission, Abbotsford, Surrey and Chilliwack, this production raises money to help stop violence against women. Tickets for the Feb. 7 shows are $12 for the matinee and $18 for the evening performance. Tickets are available in Mission at Murdoch’s Books on 1st Ave. and Mackie Naturals on Grand St., and in Abbotsford at Monem Garden and Gifts on Essendene Ave. For full details, visit www.heritageparkcentre.com/th-calendar.htm.
