Get things started by stepping out of the office on Friday afternoon and heading straight to the beach for a bit of R&R. We love the fact that our city has so many to offer, no matter where you live. Our favourites have to be Locarno (on the West Side) or Third Beach, tucked a bit inside Stanley Park but still easily accessed via drive or quick trail ride. If you’re hankering for a drink, you can always make a pit-stop at a patio en route home. There’s always the Fish House at Stanley Park, Cactus Club at English Bay, Boathouse or good ol’ Local (opening up their next hotspot in Calgary in the next few weeks).
If you haven’t already had a chance to check out one of the flicks playing at this year’s DOXA (Documentary Film Festival), be sure to take a in screening Friday night – if you can. The festival wraps up on May 12th and has seen plenty of talent take over the silver screens around town. Check out the full weekend schedule here.
Start off your Saturday by popping by Abode Restaurant on Robson Street for your cup of java and a sweet treat. We’ve been watching their progress (located at the base of the Blue Horizon) for months and the paper just came down from the windows to reveal a great deal of effort at revamping the space.Our verdict (yummy offerings aside): it looks pretty slick and stylish. We’re hoping they open in time for the weekend – so keep up to date by visiting their site in the meantime.
Abode aside, you can always grab a tasty breakfast fix at one of our Notable favourites, Waffle & Berries. Their quaint, Coal Harbour location is the perfect spot for starting your day. Fuel up on a plate of freshly made Belgian Liege waffles (get the Nutella) with a perfectly prepped latte on the side and you’re good to go.
Post eats, grab your bike and get ready for a cruise. Next on our suggested list of to-do involves a bit of a pedal out to the Trout Lake Farmers Market, which kicks off the summer-shopping season in true style this Saturday starting at 9am. It’s always a well-trafficked marketplace with hundreds of vendors on hand selling their locally-produced goodies: vegetables, fruits, crafts, coffees, pastries and more.
En route back to the city, pop by False Creek’s Fishermen’s Wharf and pick up some freshly caught prawns as part of this year’s Spot Prawn Festival. Unfortunately tickets for their big prawn boil have long since sold out, but there is still plenty to take in, like live music and plenty of people-watching.
Also taking place this weekend is the return of the artist collective performance that is Brief Encounters 19 at Granville Island’s Performance Works venue. Take in the unique showcase of work created through the pairing up of different artists who are challenged to create a collaborative piece. It’s laid out cabaret-style and features a DJ, cash bar and in-progress live art. It’s guaranteed to be an eye (and mind) opening experience.
Come Sunday, if you’re like us, you’ve got something in the mix to celebrate Mother’s Day. Not quite sure what to treat her to? No problem, we’ve got plenty of ideas that are easy to organize – last minute or not.
The weather ‘may’ be calling for a bit of rain – let’s see though. If it doesn’t happen, head to one of the city’s stunning outdoor gardens for a bit of bonding time with mom. We love the UBC Botanical Gardens, The Van Dusen Gardens and Queen Elizabeth Park. The latter two both have the added convenience of restaurants nearby (Season’s In The Park and Shaugnessy Restaurant) if you wish to follow suit with lunch.
If you missed stopping by Trout Lake on Saturday, not to worry; the Kits Farmers Market gets started on Sunday, so you can always swing by and load up for the week ahead and squeeze in a bit of extracurricular shopping too.. we know you’re looking to add a few new beach-worthy pieces to the wardrobe.
