With the weekend almost upon us in and the temperatures (though a bit below seasonal) are still looking pretty great, we’ve sourced a few things you might want to check out and check into for some well deserved R&R. (Assuming you worked as hard this week as we did.)
This Saturday, plan on heading down to Granville Island to experience the newly renovated Edible Canada Bistro and Market (formerly known as Edible British Columbia). This well-trafficked hot spot is set amidst the hustle and bustle that is Granville Island and stocked to the brim with nosh-worthy treats. Ever a popular destination for Vancouverite’s and visitors alike, the marketplace consistently overflows with locally sourced fruits, vegetables, artisanal cheeses and spreads as well as plenty of other mouth-watering confections. Add to this they’ve recently unveiled an equally inspiring and well-designed Bistro offering the best of BC for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. Find them at 1596 Johnston Street on Granville Island in Vancouver, and follow them on twitter @ediblecanada.
After you’ve loaded up on market produce and enjoyed a leisurely lunch island-style, we’ve got a few other options for you to entertain. Why not swing by the Ecomarine Ocean Kayak Centre (also conveniently located on Granville Island)? Paddle off the morning’s food-inspired indulgences by renting a kayak or joining a tour that will take you out toward Kitsilano Beach or around False Creek. Ecomarine offers the largest selection of kayaks in the city, suitable for all levels of experience. Drop by and visit them at 1668 Duranleau Street, Vancouver.
We’re thinking you might be feeling like something a bit more low-key by this point, and suggest that you head out to take in some groovy Blues tunage at Deer Lake Park. For one day only, Grammy Award winning k.d. Lang will take the stage, headlining the 12th Annual Burnaby Blues + Roots Festival with a stellar line up of artists. Performances start at 2pm and last until late in the evening with artist such as Ben Rogers and the Black Oats, The Secret Sisters, and John Mayall (to name a few) taking the stage at this laid-back festival.
When Sunday-funday arrives, roll out of bed and scoot over to Raincity Grill for some seaside brunch deliciousness. We suggest you ride your bike to avoid any parking hassles, but there are plenty of metered spots. Raincity Grill offers an amazingly fresh take on plenty of breakfast classics and offers a quaint English Bay patio view to boot. Load up on their fresh scones, Eggs Benedict or West Coast omelettes and wash it down with a mimosa or two. Find them at 1193 Denman Street, Vancouver, and follow them on twitter @raincitygrill.
Next stop, we say you cruise a bit further down Pacific Avenue toward Stanley Park for some Pitch & Putt, or get into the real swing of things on their picturesque 18-hole putting green surrounded by stunning gardens – a true oasis within the city. This is the perfect way to spend a few hours, and is easy on the weekend budget. Rentals and access start at just over $12 with varied start times.
Wind things down by heading over to catch some of KitsFest 2011 (on all weekend long from 9am to 8pm) and celebrate healthy living and lifestyle. There will be plenty to take in at this popular festival with BMX/Skateboarding competitions, a Nintendo 3DS Tour centre, live music and DJ performances.
Next up, we suggest you zip across the street to one of our favourite watering holes in Kits: The Local. With a great menu loaded with all the goods offering comfort to your cravings, this is the perfect place to chillax after a packed weekend city-side. Taste test their take on a classic Canadian drink: El Caesar (served in a funky glass boot with all the fixings). You can’t miss this popular spot that’s always full of beautiful people clad in wayfarers and beach-chic gear. You’ll find it at 2210 Cornwall Avenue, Vancouver, and follow them on twitter @Local_Kits.
Image courtesy Creative Commons.