Super Sunday
If you're like my wife and I, with a 14-month old toddler perpetually on the go, keeping him entertained is first and foremost. Do you watch re-runs of Elmo on TV, or head out and find something the whole family will enjoy? Considering Elmo makes us want to put our foot through the TV, heading out for entertainment is a must. Last Sunday we discovered Super Sundays at the Vancouver Art Gallery.
Super Sunday transforms the gallery space into a fun-filled place for families with children (12 and under) to learn about art together. Children and adults are invited to draw, paint, sculpt and watch and engage in dance performances. The thing I really liked about Super Sunday was that all the projects are tied in somehow to the current exhibition at the gallery. So it's not just a place to let your kids finger paint and mash modelling clay, they actually learn about the art that surrounds them through hands-on projects.
We found the staff to be very helpful and amazingly patient with kids who likely stand just a little too close to the art. To be honest I was surprised how casual the gallery was about the art. You'd think with hundreds of kids tearing through the gallery space everything would be roped off, but the kids get to experience the works just like anyone else.
On the Sunday we went, the gallery was packed with parents and kids, the perfect atmosphere for our son who is just starting to socialize with other children, not to mention my wife and I got to take in the exhibition too. Needless to say, the three of us had a great time.
So if your family finds itself in Vancouver the third Sunday of any given month, might I suggest heading to Super Sunday at the Vancouver Art Gallery. You won't be disappointed, and it's far and away better than any Elmo re-run you'll find on TV.
Echo Valley Ranch
With Summer winding down and the potential of an increased workload looming the horizon, a R&R getaway was just what I needed. I had heard many great things about Echo Valley Ranch and Spa and made the decision go up there for 4 days. The Ranch is a 6 hour scenic drive from Vancouver and is nestled in the Cariboo Chilcotin Region of British Columbia.
I really had no idea of what to expect at the Ranch other than what I had heard about it and what I had read on their website. I have to say, the Ranch was amazing and I wish I could’ve stayed longer.
On the first night of arrival the staff had arranged for an outdoor BBQ, a campfire complete with a stockbroker-turned-cowboy strumming country tunes much to the delight of all us city tourists not quite used to this type of outdoor hospitality. While roasting marshmallows I could not help but notice the hundreds of stars that brightly dotted the night sky. I came to the realization that light pollution was virtually non-existent here which made my star gazing experience truly mesmerizing.
The next few days were filled with activities. From participating in Thai yoga every morning at 7:00am, horseback riding, fly fishing and hiking, time just flew by. My evenings were spent sampling the various Thai massages offered by the Ranch. I have to tell you that I’ve never experienced more authentic Thai massages anywhere. It was a truly relaxing experience.
With an Austrian chef preparing delicious and healthy meals served 3 times a day, I could’ve stayed in the dining area all day long. Amazing food was prepared and served by even more amazing staff.
The accommodations were first class. I stayed in a large ranch cabin next to the horse stables with a wonderful view of the mountains and surrounding areas. Each morning I sat on the porch drinking coffee, reading a book and soaking in the atmosphere. Good times!
I could go on and on but suffice to say that whether you are looking for a relaxing or active getaway, Echo Valley is worth looking into. Check out their website at http://www.evranch.com
Grinding in Whistler
All I can say it that I’m glad I forgot my dancing shoes and had to wear my stompin’ boots when I went out "clubbing" last week in Whistler . It had been a while since I had gone dancing in the village and I forgot about the variety of music that gets played at Buffalo Bills , a favourite après-ski, après-mountain biking, and après-ziplining dance club.
While current top hits like “SexyBack” (Justin Timberlake) and “Maneater” (Nelly Furtado) were on the list, so were old favourites like “I Wear My Sunglasses at Night” (Corey Hart), slam-dancing songs from Spirit of the West and The Pogues (not that anyone wanted to slam dance with me and my boots…), and a myriad of head-banging tunes (there were plenty of folks to bang my head and whip my hair around with. Bettina – you rock!)
Pique, Whistler’s newmagazine, calls it “A mainstream mix of tunes that gets the dance floor going.” Fair enough. Don’t forget to hit the bar for the Jager Bombs.
Pacific Winter Beach
Jacqueline, one of my co-workers just send me a link to a video she made of her trip to the coast in the winter. We'll have to give her an account to this website so she can post more.
Calling all skiers and good deal hounds….
Don’t forget that this coming Thanksgiving weekend is Whistler Blackcomb's legendary Turkey Sale. This annual event, held in the upper village, is not to be missed. It’s the resort's biggest and best ski and snowboard sale. All types of ski/snowboard equipment and clothing are on sale at huge pre-season savings. For details, check out www.whistler.com/events/october
As well, it is the last weekend of the Whistler farmer’s market. Thanksgiving in Whistler is one of my favorite holidays – the air is crisp but skies are usually still blue; perfect for a hike or stroll through the village before the ski season is upon us.