Vancouver Weekender: December 16 through 18, 2011

We can’t believe how quickly the holidays are approaching!  Our weeks are jammed-packed with notable events, parties and pop-up gatherings, so this weekender is all about taking it easy and getting that last minute shopping dialled in.

Start your weekend off right with a break from the workload and head over to Cobre in Gastown for some Cuban eats. We can’t get enough of their ceviche and Nuevo Latino take on tapas, washed down with any one of their by-the-glass wines and craft cocktails available. 

Shift down the road to Milano for a quick java fix and something sweet before heading over to the Rio Theatre to catch a seasonally-minded screening of Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, set to take place at around midnight.

Up for something a bit more lively? Check out The Waldorf’s special DJ set featuring Rob Garza of Thievery Corporation, whose in town to play for one night only as part of Tropidelica. 

Ease into Saturday with a trip to Granville Island’s Farmers Market and pick up a few last-minute Christmas gifts, as well as stock your kitchen with all the fixings you might need when visitors come to town. We love wandering through the endless array of fresh produce, locally produced pastas, imported cheeses, meats, spreads, and pretty much everything in between. Be sure to grab some home-style soup courtesy of The Stock Market indulge in later. Once you’ve fully stocked up, stop by Railspur Alley and the Net Loft to check out the works of various designers and artists before breaking for a late lunch.

Granville Island has plenty to offer in that category, too. One of our laid-back favourites has to be Cats Socialhouse, which you’ll find at 1540 Old Bridge Street, close to the island’s entrance and conveniently across from Granville Island Brewery. Go there for a bite and a brew with a view, or opt to cozy up on Sandbar’s heated patio and take in all the action of False Creek while relishing the fact that the rest of Canada is likely dealing with a wind chill factor.   

On Sunday, avoid the crowds on South Granville and Robson and head down to Gastown for a stroll to take in all the latest additions to their retail collection (Roden Gray, B&B Italia, Old Faithful, Dutil, Haven). With so much happening and such a notable shift in this once-rundown neighbourhood, we love any excuse to explore. 

Why stop at Gastown? Head up Main Street toward Mount Pleasant (past W.Broadway) and discover a plethora of reasons to open your wallet. Start at one of our favourite gifting go-to’s, Lark, and then head to Bird on a Wire, where you’ll score goods for those hard-to-buy-fors on your list (or perhaps something just for you). 

Squeeze in a bit of holiday fun and head to the Bloedel Conservatory located at Queen Elizabeth Park (just a bit further along Main toward 33rd Ave.) and duck out of the cold and into the tropics. Bloedel Conservatory has transformed their massive dome into a Christmas Jewel Box of Lights. It’s an excuse to pretend you’re a few thousand miles south as you take in thousands of lights, Christmas decor and plenty more. 

Alternatively, head over to the North Shore and be sure to check out Capilano Suspension Bridge’s mesmerizing Canyon Lights display as part of holiday celebrations. Open starting at 5pm until the New Year, this is one tricked out, 400-foot long bridge you’ll definitely want to cross. 

Before retiring from the weekend, grab dinner at one of our favourites, Lolita’s South of the Border Cantina on Davie Street, for a quick Mex-fix. Lolita’s is the perfect, cozy spot to wind down after a weekend spent exploring the city and serves up a drool-inducing array of authentic dishes guaranteed to warm up your appetite. Try their selection of mix and match tacos (they offer a half a dozen different kinds). We love the chili relleno, taquitos and empanadas, too. Be forewarned; their freshly mashed guacamole and chips can become a serious obsession, we recommend you ask for extra to-go.