Vancouver Weekender: January 20 through 22, 2012

If you can swing it, we think you should convince the boss that you need to head down to the Yaletown Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre for Fridays day-long XYBOOM 2012 Conference. If you’ve recently graduated, are looking to change career paths or just looking for a great opportunity to mix and mingle with some of Vancouver’s most notable movers and shakers, this is a must-do. Starting at 9am, the event will bring business professionals and youth from the X, Y, and Baby Boomer generations together for a variety of discussions, facilitated panel sessions, case studies and a lot more. It might just be the best $150 you spend this year, and if you get the workplace go-ahead, you might even be able to expense it.

Fresh out of conference mode, we bet you’ll be a tad wired and thirsty. Head out to any one of Yaletown’s popular pubs for an après drink and discussion with friends. Our picks? The New Oxford, Pierre’s (tucked away at 1035 Mainland Street), and Society. Of course we’d be remiss not to mention a Notable favourite, Rodney’s Oyster House, where they fill your glass to the rim.

Roll into Saturday with a bit of brunch at Cento Notti, located at the OPUS Hotel. Sip your morning coffee surrounded by gold-tinted decor and indulge by ordering their lobster and prawn eggs Benedict. Take in the well-heeled scenesters who’ll likely stumble through the doors still dressed for a party, making for great people watching and conversation.

Next, head over to Nat Bailey Stadium to peruse the latest offerings on display at Vancouver’s Winter Farmers Market. With plenty of fresh produce, dairy, meat, fish and fruit available, we’re pretty sure you’ll be stocked for the week ahead. Looking for a little more variety? Then hop on the Seabus and make your way over to North Van’s Lonsdale Quay Market for some more shopping. Grab a pint and a bite at the quaint and cozy Cheshire Cheese Restaurant and Bar overlooking all the inlet activity. This well-priced hub for hungry shoppers is always a popular pick and a great way to unwind.

After you’ve made your way home and unloaded your goods, consider swinging by The Legacy Liquor Store for a taste or two of unique beers they’ll be sampling as part of their ongoing free events. Located in the Olympic Village at 1633 Manitoba Street, we suggest you bookmark their events page to learn more and stay in the loop.

If you’re not watching the Canucks cream the Sharks at the Rogers Arena, score the next-best seats by catching it on the big screen at Bimini’s or Mahony & Sons Public House. Both are bustling with game-time activity and the perfect spot to wind up on a Saturday night.

With the shot of winter weather that has recently hit YVR, take advantage of the snow this Sunday and head outside. Whether you’re up for slope side action at our local mountains, an epic snowshoe trek, or want to take it easy with a stroll around Stanley Park, you’ll find your fix.

Post-workout activities call for a celebratory glass of wine (or hot-toddy, as it were). What better a place to mellow out with a front row view of English Bay than at The Sylvia Hotel‘s cozy waterfront lounge? We love the laidback atmosphere, pub grub and friendly service at this landmark spot (it’s been around since the early 1900s).

If you haven’t already made a few reservations around town as part of Dine Out 2012, try to score a few seats and enjoy a relaxed no-fuss Sunday dinner deal before you head back into the work week ahead. To review listed restaurants, menus and hours visit, click here. Or you can trust us and visit one of our Notable selections.