After last weekend’s non-stop downpour, we’re super stoked to report to Notable readers that this weekend’s forecast is calling for fair temperatures and loads of sunshine. With that in mind, our YVR weekender has lined up some outdoorsy offerings, as well as plenty of alternative activities, to help you bide your time.
Post-work Friday, we think you ought to head over to The Oakwood in Kits to take advantage of a treasure trove of tasty menu offerings they’ve been featuring as part of Dine Out Vancouver 2012. Tempt your taste buds with this sneak peek and book one of the last remaining tables. Alternatively, head down to Gastown’s sleek and sexy L’Abaottoir and dig into their special $38 multi-course Dine Out menu before heading over to grab drinks at The Diamond. Our best bets for cocktail heaven? The Pink Lady, Vesper or East Van Punch Up.
Roll into Saturday refreshed and ready for a day fuelled with activities and grab your board or skis for a day on the local mountains. Blue bird skies and powder runs await you at Cypress, Grouse and Seymour, so be sure to get up there early and score a few solo runs at the start of what is guaranteed to be a magical day. If you’re really looking for a weekend workout, might we suggest you trade in your alpines and ‘trial’ a pair of Nordic skis? Cypress offers 19 kilometres of groomed cross-country trails and conditions that may just convert you.
Opting to stick around the city? With temperatures promising to hit 9 degrees Celsius or more, dust off your rollerblades and enjoy a zip around the Seawall before making your way over to Granville Island for some shopping and lunch. Don’t own a pair? No problem; rental bikes and blades are easily found for as little as $5/hour at Bayside Rentals.
Need an excuse to get out of your kitchen Saturday night? Take note and bite into a good cause that’s also wrapping things up this weekend. Feast Van, the alternative to Dine Out with a charitable twist, is on for a few more days. More than 15 noteworthy restaurants have stepped up to the figurative plate, offering their own selection of multi-course meals ($20-$35 depending on location) paired with local wines, beers and more. Benefiting from this collective endeavour is the Vancouver Inner City Back Pack Food Program, which helps ensure that less fortunate children receive nutritional food on a daily basis.
Cruise into the evening with a full belly and be sure to check out one of the final performances as part of the Push Festival. With a handful of plays set to mark their stage this Saturday, score your tickets without delay.
Given that you’ll likely be glued to the game later on Sunday, why not enjoy some fair weather and fresh air with a trail run in Stanley Park, or along the Westside’s waterfront beaches toward UBC?
Post-workout, you’ll be primed and ready for an afternoon of Superbowl mayhem. Knowing the sports fanatics that abound in our city, we advise you score your seat early (kick-off is at 3pm). Spots around town for catching the showdown between the Patriots and Giants are the usual suspects like Earl’s, Joey’s, Cactus Club, Yaletown Brewing Co. and Steamworks.
Other worthwhile venues we suggest checking out: The Backstage Lounge on Granville Island and The Donnelly Group’s Public Houses (think: Library Square, The Bimini and The Lamplighter, each offering game-day deals). If you’re more the ‘go big, or go home’ football fan, perhaps you might want to consider scoring a seat at The Commodore Ballroom (868 Granville Street). They’re set to host one of Canada’s official Super Bowl parties complete, with NFL personalities, cheerleaders, live music and more. Score tickets for around $50 on Ticketmaster and prepare to party.
Photo courtesy Cactus Club