Get ready for what’s looking like a weekend full of sun (and plenty of reasons to get out and stay outside). Start things off by heading out to your nearest choice patio post-work Friday. A few we’ve got on our radar these days: the recently re-done patio at Dockside located on Granville Island offers the perfect, laidback and stylish spot to unwind. Looking for something closer to the downtown core? Head to the always fun Yaletown Brewing Company and nab a coveted, street-side table for some serious people watching.
On Saturday, take advantage of the weather and tune up your bike to hit the trails. Whether it’s a quick zip around the Seawall, through the trails within Stanley Park, or a more ambitious ride along some of the North Shore trails, there are plenty of options. Post-fresh air fix, we’re thinking you’ll likely be looking for a place to park it. What better a spot than at the latest Cactus Club to grace YVR’s dining scene, made all the better by their beachfront location at English Bay. Right now we love their take on ceviche served with crisp, salted tortilla chips and the sharable West Coast seafood salad.
Feel like going Greek? Spend the rest of your afternoon taking in the scene along West Broadway (in Kits) as part of the Annual Greek Day celebrations that take over the street. It’s the perfect way to enjoy free live music and entertainment while you stroll along sampling souvlaki, baklava and dolmades we think Socrates would approve of.
Saturday night, who really feels like cooking? Use your laziness as an excuse to check out one of the latest hot spots to open on “The Drive” and head to Merchant’s Oyster Bar for a foodie fix. Owned by the same folks behind Gastown’s Cork and Fin, look for a menu loaded with tasty share plates and unique entree items bound to tempt your taste buds. Worth noting: try their take on Crudo (done Italian-style) and Bison tartare – definitely not your run-of-the-mill menu but oh-so-worth-it!
A must-do for any Notable YP on Saturday night, head down to Stanley Park’s Malkin Bowl for the beat-driven return of Piknic Electronik that kicks off the 23rd Festival d’Été. Grab a group of groove-worthy friends and beeline it to this buzzworthy party in the park. With a stellar lineup of Montreal-based DJs ready to rock, Vancouver’s own Vincent Parker promises to get things going in West Coast style. For more info visit, click here (and brush up on your French).
Start things off on Sunday by heading over to the Kitsilano Farmers Market located on Larch (between 10th and 12th Avenues). Grab your coffee fix and a sweet treat while you load up on locally grown goods, specialty items and plenty more to stock your fridge for the week ahead.
After you’ve unloaded your morning purchases, why not pack a picnic and head to one of Vancouver’s local beaches for a bit of down time after a packed weekend? Recharge your brain batteries and grab that book you’ve been meaning to dig into and head to Spanish Banks or Third Beach. Or take off to picturesque, laid-back Boundary Bay where you’ll feel transported into vacation mode.
Head back home for a relaxed night and get ready for the week ahead. Keep in mind…it’s a long weekend coming up!
Photo courtesy Cactus Club Cafe
