Nothing says summer barbeque like ripe, juicy, sweet corn on
the cob. What would a picnic be without the corn?
While it is difficult to imagine a use for corn that could possibly
be better than eating it, you haven ’t been
formally introduced to Meadows Maze. A whole new twist on corn,
this adventure
will keep you (and the kids) busy for hours as
you work your way through hidden pathways, dead ends, and endless
walls of corn. When you finally make your way
out (hopefully!), there are plenty of other activities to discover
as well, including a petting zoo, bee observatory,
and the Lion’s Goat Bridge. Visit www.meadowsmaze.com for details.
Love Asia and Europe but can’t seem to give up the enchantment
of Vancouver? Imagine the spectacular sound
of violin strings being caressed, manipulated, and artfully
played by an artist blending the cultures of Tokyo and
Vienna. Now set the scene … the shimmer of sunshine
glittering atop rolling ocean waves, a cosmopolitan city rich
with diversity and culture, and a festival like no other.
Japanese musical star Joji Hattori, world renowned
string orchestra leader and violinist will lead the Tokyo Quartet
at this year’s festival. The festival encompasses
the finest classical, opera, jazz, world music, orchestral,
chamber,
and early music that the world has to offer, all
packed into two amazing weeks in Vancouver. This year catch
Festival
Vancouver from August 7 – 19.
See www.festivalvancouver.com for
information.
Have you ever seen the movie Maverick with Mel Gibson, Jodie
Foster, and the ever talented James Garner? If
you have, you should be able to instantly remember the scenery
that backed the witty banter engaged by the
characters. Rolling hillsides, muddy rivers, tree-lined waterways,
and of course, the old-style casino setting that
rewinds time. Now is your chance to live the movie in person,
aboard the MV Native, a paddlewheeler riverboat.
Cruising up and down the expansive Fraser River, this year’s
17th anniversary marks a delight of activities
including learning Texas Hold’em. Playing with
real chips, a real dealer, and someone else’s money
is the true way to improve your gambling
(okay, maybe the money actually belongs in a Monopoly game!),
but
hey, you can still keep your shirt at the end of the evening!
While Maverick wasn’t filmed on the Fraser, don't
let this stop you … the riverboat
actuality is much better than the movies! Visit
www.vancouverpaddlewheeler.com for details.
… there was a little town called Squamish. A tiny jewel, often passed
through by visitors, but rarely discovered. It
seemed odd to the residents of this gem, as they were so
proud of their town, eager to show it off, yet protective
of it as well, afraid to let the secret out for fear of losing
the quaintness of the area. Then came a pivotal
announcement, the world was coming to Vancouver and Whistler for the
2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
Well, Squamish has embraced the spotlight, for it lies
nestled in between these two hosts, and stands ready to
shine! Now visitors are flocking in numbers, eager to explore
Squamish before it expands. New Zealand-style jet
boat tours are the latest way to uncover the most surreal beauty,
as visitors climb on board this new and fresh
idea combining adventure with a sightseeing tour. Squamish Riverjet
is your ticket to join the trend, so hurry and
visit Squamish before 2010. See www.squamishriverjet.com for
information.
This may be the only bed and breakfast in the west with
a connection to Mount Everest. Okay, so we aren’t talking
about sherpas to carry your luggage (although it would
be quite handy), and we might not be referring to
accommodations with the simple style of a base camp,
we are talking about Peter Austen, the owner of Glacier
Gallery and trekker extraordinaire. Peter organized and
led BC’s first and Canada’s first truly
national Everest expedition. This
was also the first time Everest was to be climbed for
charity, the “Rett Syndrome ”. Asking
nicely may get you stories of Mt. Everest, Peter’s
hunt for George Mallory, and a few slides. If you really pry,
you may get a “Monty Pythonesque” reading
from one of Peter’s books. Enjoy this alongside
a six course BC seafood extravaganza
in the evening, including crab and whisky soup, gin scallops,
hot and sour Vietnamese kingsize
prawns, Cajun and curry sole, and the list goes on. Paired
with some terrific BC wine, this stay will go
a long way into your own memory
lane. Visit www.austeneverest.com for details.
In a society of “first’s ”, we are proud
to announce one of our own. Welcome to Beauty in Motion
Spa, the world’s first professional
mobile spa brand which started right in Vancouver. Thousands
of customers (and we
are talking anyone from celebrities (hmmm … someone
should ask Angelina!) to bankers, to waitresses have taken
advantage of this unique concept. Beauty in Motion Spa
comes to you, and trust me, there is nothing like having
a spa right in your hotel, office, or even your home … pure
bliss! Beauty in Motion has been highlighted in
the Vancouver Sun, Lush Magazine, Today’s Parent,
and more. Get in touch with this unique Vancouver connection,
and reconnect your mind, body and soul with a fabulous
spa treatment! See www.beautyinmotion.ca for information.
