Archive for May, 2012

Bard on the Beach returns for Summer 2012

Tuesday, May 29th, 2012

Tents set up for Bard on the Beach


May 31st is the official opening of Bard on the Beach….a popular annual favorite that has been entertaining the masses since 1990.

The location of Bard on the Beach is quite convenient as it is situated at Vanier Park on the opposing side of False creek to us at the Sunset Inn. Just a 10 minute walk down the hill to the Seawall, you will be able to catch the cute False Creek Ferry taxi over to the Maritime Museam at Vanier Park. $3.25 one way and a round trip at $5.50 Cash Only!

The location for these great Shakespearean open air plays is pretty stunning, you have some wonderful views of English Bay and the City Skyline, definitely a photogenic moment that captures the city, mountains and rolling ocean.

Bard on the Beach runs from May 31st all the way through to September 22nd, so that is plenty of time to get your tickets for one of your favorite shows.

The performances for the 2012 season are as follows….

THE TAMING OF THE SHREW

The ultimate battle of the sexes! Fiery, hot-tempered Kate faces off in a crackling battle of wits with the only man who can tame her.

MACBETH

Seductive prophecy and devastating ambition are the forces that drive this dark and powerful tragedy.

THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR

It’s 1968 and the merry wives of Windsor, Ontario plot their hilarious revenge on the wickedly charming rogue Sir John Falstaff.

KING JOHN

King John plots to stay one move ahead in this game of high-stakes chess where the winner takes the crown.

And whilst you are down there, head round the corner to kitsilano and kits Beach , this is truly our little taste of California….nearby there are some very good bars and restaurants to choose from, and if you are up for a challenge…climb the steep hill up towards West 4th Avenue. This area which is very much like The West End – is a popular spot for some shopping, drinking and eating.

http://www.bardonthebeach.org/

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International Childrens Festival and more….

Saturday, May 26th, 2012

The International Childrens festival will be underway this Monday, so if you have kids and want to please them, this is certainly the place to be!

The festival has been running since 1978 and is by far one of Canada’s largest festivals, its home is now on Granville Island (for many years the festival was located at Vanier Park) where the whole family can enjoy themselves as there is something for everyone.

The festival involves a great deal of Performance Art, Song and Dance, lots of storytelling, with some highlights that include a Bedtime Pajama Party, this wiil be really good fun for the kids, as they can get dressed up in their best PJ’s where they will be captivated with awesome Childrens Stories.

Not only is the festival there for the family to enjoy, there is also the Kids Market that has its permanent home on Granville Island, here the kids can run around at their leisure and play on a 2 story play pen and climbing frame, get creative and artsy with their Arts and Craft room, or just peruse the amazing toys, costumes and clothes.

The original home of the festival used to be at Vanier Park. This area is still worth a look as it is home to the Maritime Museum, The Macmillan Space Center and The Police Museum, it also sits at the foot of False Creek and English Bay, around the corner is Kitsilano Beach, which we boast is our little taste of California and an area of amazing scenery of the Mountains and City.

And why not really push the boat out, get down to False Creek and take either the Falsecreek Ferry or Aqua Bus along to Science world, here the whole family will be dazzled with Science, entertainment and some incredibly fun workshops all in the name of Science!!! The ferry ride along the creek is pretty awesome too, so make sure you have that camera ready.

http://www.childrensfestival.ca/

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Richmond Chinese Nightmarket

Friday, May 18th, 2012
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In addition to the downtown Chinatown Nightmarket, on May 18th the city of Richmond is also opening its very popular nightmarkets.

This market is very easy to get too, Richmond is a city that is South of Vancouver and is easily accessible via Downtown Vancouver from the Skytrain (At Bridgeport), and YVR Airport.

Richmond is pretty much the ‘other’ Chinatown of its area, and looking back in History, it was when this area started to Boom, Chinatown itself went into a brief decline.

Those days are long gone now, and if you are interested in taking in some Chinese Culture, great food and other goods to buy, you will be really interested in this and will not be disappointed!!!!

Our favoured market is The Richmond Nightmarket, due to its location, size and the fact that it now well established, please check this out!
If you like there is also the Summerland market, its not as close to the skytrain but maybe worth a visit.

http://www.richmondnightmarket.com/

There are also some excellent Q & A on their website which you can look at directly from here….this should help you in the right direction.

http://www.richmondnightmarket.com/faq.html

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Come on down to the Night market and other attractions at Vancouver Chinatown.

Wednesday, May 16th, 2012

The Chinese have a long history with Canada and Vancouver especially around 1880 and 1920 where thousands of Chinese immigrants made their way to Canada, they were to settle in this area of the city, where it was commonly known as either Shanghai Alley or Cantonese Alley, much of the area was built around a 500 seat Theatre that was built by the Chinese in 1898, and from there the town grew and Flourished.

The town went into decline and disrepair during the 1980s, partly due to the Cantonese population moving elsewhere within the Vancouver metropolis, however, since 1986 and the Expo event the town became revitalised. Nowadays, the Town is undergoing some major changes, upgrading and economical boost, in part due to wealthier peoples from Asia and specifically Hong Kong, setting up business and real estate. This has created a boom in more modern upscale restaurants and homes within the neighbourhood.

What attractions you should see in Chinatown?
Dr Sun Yat Sen Classical Chinese Gardens
Chinese Cultural Centre Museam and Archives
China Gate
Chinese Night Market
The Chinese Night Market officially opens on May 17th. This has to be one of the highlights of the summer season in Vancouver, and definitely a must go see attraction. There are plenty of vibrant and colourful stalls with excellent food , and plenty of items such as clothing, crockery and jeweler for sale, all at a fantastic price too!!!

Chinatown can be easily reached via bus, foot or Cab, the Number 6 bus will take you very close to the area, or a Cab ride itself will cost around $15, if you are feeling energetic – walking there will take around 45 minutes from The Sunset Inn.

www.vancouver-chinatown.com

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We have the perfect gift for Mothers Day at The Calixica Spa

Wednesday, May 9th, 2012

Here are some great suggestions for Mothers day

We have a great package set up with Calixica Spa on Granville Island.
As a special treat for Mothers day, you can treat Mum to a wonderful stay at the Sunset Inn and include our great Spa Package deal as a perfect gift for this special day.
At the Calixica , the Sunset Rose Bliss Massage engages all the senses. Your mother will be greeted at the door and offered tea in the Secret Garden Lounge. The healing touch of the Calixica spa practitioners instils trust, candles and quiet music transform the space, and the rose oil melts away tension, renewing a sense of harmony and balance. Since rose oil is also an aphrodisiac, the stage is set for the rest of the evening. Your Mum will return to the Sunset Inn with all the accoutrements for a fantastic evening infused with Calixica’s organic and wild crafted scents and oils.

Sunset Inn Rose Bliss Spa Package includes:
One night in a Sunset Inn Executive Suite and Complimentary Parking
Rose Bliss Beyond Couples Massage – 90 minutes at Calixica Holistic Spa Boutique on Granville Island
Foot Reflexology
Calixica Treasure Vase filled with Rose Gemstone Massage Oil, Calixica Rose Essence Spray, Chakra Candle, Two Single Roses and ChocolaTas Rose Chocolates.
Package price starts at $458.00 plus taxes (based on double occupancy).
Calixica Holistic Spa Boutique on Granville Island

#109-1535 Johnston Street
Vancouver, BC V6H 3R9
Telephone: 604.568.0086
Spa Hours of Operation
Monday to Friday: 10am ~ 7pm
Saturday & Sunday: 10am ~ 6pm

http://calixica.com/

The location of the Spa is on Granville Island, and it is close to some very special restaurants in the area, notably, the fantastic Sandbar Restaurant and a relatively new spot Edible Canada. Both have great patios and some of the best food the city has to offer. What with the Spa package and great food, this will be a Mothers Day to remember for quite some time.

http://www.vancouverdine.com/sandbar

http://www.ediblecanada.com/

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Playland Amusement park is now open on the weekends!

Wednesday, May 2nd, 2012

Playland Amusement Park and Vancouver in the distance

Canada's oldest Amusement Park...Playland @ The PNE

Opened in 1958, The Wooden Rollercoaster is a recognizable feature of Playland

The Playland amusement park is now ready to open its doors for the 2012 season, at the moment the park will be open only on weekends. As the Summer season hits its peak, the park will be open during the weekdays as well.

The park is also home to the PNE and the Hastings Race Course – the Playland Amusement park itself is Canada’s oldest amusement park, it opened its doors to the public way back in the 1950s and still has the original wooden Rollercoaster in operation, which has been entertaining thrill seekers since 1958, there are also 2 other rollercoaster rides at Playland.

Playland like to shake things up a little, so every year, two of the amusement rides are replaced with something brand new, there are also festivals and events happening every year, with the climax of Playland and PNE joining forces at the end of August for a bigger festival for the public to enjoy.

If you decide to go there in the summer, please look out for any concerts that may be happening, the PNE generally has some fantastic line ups. You can easily make a whole day of it too, get yourselves there at early doors, have a mess around at the Playland Park, then you can go check out the Races at the nearby Hastings Racecourse, and then finish up the day with a good concert!!!!

Playland is also home to one of the best places to enjoy Halloween, they really know how to scare your wits with their crazy Haunted House and other spectacularly scary exhibitions!

To get to Playland is quite straightforward, situated on Hastings Street in East Vancouver close to the city of Burnaby, just follow Hastings Street Eastbound all the way.

If you like to explore some further funky areas, you can even stop off along the famous Commercial Drive district. Commonly known as ‘The Drive’ it has a similar atmosphere to our own Davie Village and Main St districts. You will be spoiled for choice for quirky shops, fantastic Bars, Cafes and Restaurants, please ask the front desk for details regarding this area, specifically Dave and Elvis who are both very familiar to this district and have both resided in the area.

http://www.pne.ca/

www.thedrive.ca

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