Oh yeah! It’s that time of the week where we get to discover the city through the eyes of a creative human being. Today’s city walk is PACKED with tips from one of my favorite bloggers and email buddy (so 2012) – drum roll please – say hello to Chloe Douglas of Plenty of Colour!
Prepare yourselves for a blast of color, pattern and Vancouver awesomeness.
South Main
Main Street has my heart so it is hard to narrow down my favourites. Go on a walking tour of street art and neighbourhood details, visit Heritage Hall, pop into Little Mountain Gallery or play a game of giant street checkers at 18th and Ontario. Shop at Much & Little, relax at beautiful café/market Marché St George and grab some sweets at French Made Baking. Still hungry? Have a paloma and some arepas at El Camino’s, try a little bit of everything at The Acorn and take in a concert at Biltmore Cabaret.
Gastown
Okay, Gastown has my heart too! The oldest part of Vancouver, I love soaking up the mix of history and modern style. I have always felt magic in the angles where Homer and West Cordova meet. Grab something delicious at beautiful Nelson the Seagull then go on a walking tour of architecture, stylish shops, hand painted typography and vintage tile floors. Shop at LYNNsteven (and stare at the amazing paperback book installation), dream up projects at DressSew (I live in the sequin aisle) or ponder true craftsmanship at Union Wood Co in Railtown. Sample a couple of the many restaurants that make Gastown a true “foodie heaven” including Salt Tasting Room and The Sardine Can. For nightlife, try Guilt & Co or travel East to music venue/gallery Chapel Arts.
South Fraser
Fraser Street is rapidly transforming and one area I love is 15th between Fraser and Kingsway. Shop at Spool of Thread or Collage Collage, grab a coffee at Matchstick Coffee, relax in lovely Robson Park or try the delicious Les Faux Bourgeois. If you fancy some bright colour eye candy, head up to 45th and Fraser to see both the vibrantly patterned South Hill library and neon pink alley installation.
and
West Broadway
Less famous than its 4th Avenue sister, I love the West Broadway section of Kitsilano (from about West of MacDonald) and its Greek flavour. Shop at The Travel Bug, Plenty, Bed, Kids Books and Stepback. Try najib’s special and halloumi cheese at Nuba, sample Malaysian treats at Banana Leaf or grab picnic essentials at Parthenon Supermarket and head to a nearby beach.
Cambie
I love the true neighborhood vibe of Cambie around 18th. Visit stellar curated store/gallery Walrus, eat at Pied-à-Terre and head to a flick at 1940’s movie house Park Theatre. Oh and drool in line at Vij’s when the Vancouver culinary star opens on Cambie in the next few months.
Everthing else
Go to a concert at one of my favourite spots, the Art Deco venue The Commodore Ballroom. Try a homemade oreo or dozens of other treats at the amazing Butter Baked Goods (MacKenzie at 33rd). Try everything on the menu at Rangoli (especially the Pakoras and Meeti Roti). Shop curated paper supplies at Paper Ya. Discover culinary objects of beauty at Ming Wo. Explore one-of-a-kind garden treasures at Southlands Nursery in Vancouver’s “equestrian pocket”. Oh I could go on and on…
And I wish you would Chloe! Wowza. Thanks so much for all of your wonderful tips. Was this a great city walk or what?! So many places to discover and so much to EAT. God, time to get those stretchy pants out of the closet.
Go explore! Happy weekend amigos :)