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This week: Cheer on Canadian athletes at the Edible Olympic House, get inspired at the BC Home + Garden Show and more
Let the steam rise as you indulge in a Lovers Afternoon Tea at Victoria’s stately Fairmont Empress Hotel. Enjoy savory tea sandwiches, signature scones and sumptuous pastries created in-house by the historic hotel’s award-winning Pastry Shop. Overlook the scenic Inner Harbour and enjoy the melodies provided by a live pianist as they float through the room and steep you in romance. Book for $49.95 per person, from February 14 to 16, from noon to 2:45 p.m., by calling 250-389-2727.
There are lots of great places to watch the Winter Games — your own couch included — but arguably the best? Edible Canada House‘s Olympic celebration on Granville Island from February 14 to 16. Join 650 fellow revelers for classic Canadian fare like bison chili, Alberta beef brisket and maple flapjacks, plus beer from Granville Island Brewing, live bands, family entertainment and, of course, plenty of opportunity to cheer on Team Canada with the Games best moments captured on three large projection screens.
For most of us, buying a home is the single biggest investment we’ll ever make. And let’s face it, big bucks don’t buy much in Vancouver, the steepest housing market in North America. So if your digs could do with an upgrade, you’ll pick up tips aplenty at the B.C. Home + Garden Show, held February 19 to 23 at BC Place Stadium. After all, you’ll meet more than 425 eager-to-inspire experts, including HGTV celebrity guests like Brian Baeumler (Leave It to Bryan). Buy tickets for $12 online or $15 at the door.
Is your glass half-full or half-empty? We’re betting the answer will be “neither” if you happen to be one of the revelers raising a glass at Parksville Uncorked, a sixth annual wine and culinary festival held from February 20 to 23. Better be sure to lock down a designated driver, though, ‘cause it’s tough to resist temptation when libations include B.C.’s best beer and wine at events ranging from gourmet dinners and bubbly brunches to local tasting tours and even vino-inspired spa treatments, all set at A-list locales like Tigh-Na-Mara and the Beach Club Resort.
In the dead of winter, who doesn’t fantasize about setting off on a summer escape? So stop daydreaming and start planning at the Earlybird RV Show & Sale, held from February 20 to 23 at Tradex Centre in Abbotsford. Not only will you find all the newest RV models, but you can also pick up expert tips at seminars covering everything from family getaways to weekend road trips to cross-country adventures. Swing by from 10 a.m. for $8 at the door, with more details online.
When it comes to artists, it takes one to know one. That’s why you can be assured that the works you’ll see at the Student Scholarships Exhibition at Circle Craft Gallery (Net Loft, 1666 Johnston St., Granville Island) represent the best of B.C.’s brightest new artists. No amateur efforts here, this talent showcase spotlights the up-and-comers you ought to watch, until February 25. Admission is free.
If you think talk is cheap, you’ve obviously never been to the Talking Stick Festival, where B.C.’s aboriginal community will have plenty to say from February 13 to March 2. This citywide celebration spotlights First Nation culture, from the traditional to the contemporary, across all areas of performing arts – including drama, dance and drumming to music, poetry and multimedia. And, bonus, you’ll even get a chance to witness a real-live Powwow! This annual extravaganza takes place at various Vancouver venues, including the Roundhouse Community Centre and Vancity Culture Lab.
Did you know that Victoria boasts the second highest number of restaurants per capita in North America? That’s why it’s the perfect place to host Dine Around and Stay in Town, a price-slashing promo running from February 20 to March 9. Eat up the deals at 60-plus restaurants, from fine dining to neighbourhood pubs, all serving special three-course meals — including celiac options — for $20, $30 or $40 per person. And if you want to make an overnighter out of it, you’re in luck ‘cause several local hotels are offering reduced rates of $69, $79, $99 and $129 per night.
Ucluelet may be known for its rugged seaside setting, but it’s also gaining acclaim for the Black Rock Oceanfront Resort. Perched on a promontory overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this rustic retreat is also a perfect spot to check out winter’s wild waves. That accounts for the popularity of the resort’s two-night Storm Watching package, which includes fab freebies like a $75 credit redeemable at Fetch Restaurant or Float Lounge, starting from $207 per person until March 31.
Mixing fun with philanthropy is the aim of Shred for the Cure, Ladies Ride Free at Mount Seymour on Monday nights till March 31. This annual fundraiser entitles women to ski for free with the price of a donation to the BC Cancer Foundation. Pick up a voucher from participating retail partners, including Pacific Boarder in Vancouver, Comor Sports in Burnaby and Coastal Riders in Langley, then redeem it at guest services anytime after 5 p.m. for a lift ticket.
