Blog
Travel Q&A
Rebecca L. We were chatting in the office about how much we would all love a vacation when this whole pandemic situation is over. We did a little Q&A with a few of us here at TC! If things were different and you could travel to any country in the world, where would you go? Jas – The states, because its close and I planned a road trip that I couldn’t take last year. Matt – Spain, Mallorca for a beach holiday.Beth – Australia & New Zealand, and road trip around both places! Rebecca – Santorini, Greece for a long beach vacation. Where did you last go on Vacation?Jas – UK, to visit homeMatt – Mexico Beth – Road tripping the south-western states of the US! Rebecca – BC, Canada for a Roadtrip What is the best food you have ever had and where did you get it?Jas – ICELAND! I had the most amazing lamb dish at Lava by the Blue Lagoon. Matt – The best pizza in Capri, Italy. Beth – Ponchos Tacos in Puerta Vallarta.Rebecca – Ottoman Roll in Calis, Turkey. When you are away from home, what do you miss most?Jas – My shower.Matt – My bed! Beth – My shower and products. Rebecca – My own bathroom. Have you ever missed a flight? What happened?Jas – No, almost once, but only because of a connection delay.Matt – NopeBeth – No Rebecca – Never What kind of vacation would you like to take next?Jas – Canadian Road TripMatt – Beach Beth – Road Trip Rebecca - Camping Trip And finally, what was the first country you ever travelled too??Jas – Wales Rebecca – Also Wales!Matt – United StatesBeth – Unites States too! Let us know in your answers in the comments!
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I Wanna Go: Storm King Art Centre
Matt C. If you’re within driving distance of New York’s Hudson Valley, the Storm King Art Centre is the place to go. Explore the 500-acre outdoor museum while getting some safe, socially distanced fresh air. The center is is currently open as an outdoor-only 'Winter Weekend' experience, with per-vehicle pricing, or you can even rent a bike to cycle around the current exhibitions. This spring, Storm King will feature a newly permanent, site-specific 36-foot sculpture Fallen Sky by Sarah Sze.
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Rosalía, El Mal Querer Drop
Matt C. Last week's drop of "Lo Vas a Olvidar" by Billie Eilish and Rosalía from the (in my humble opinion) long-awaited, EPIC special episode of HBO's Euphoria, "Part 2:Jules", was a fervent reminder that I have been SLEEPING on Barcelona-born, singer-songwriter/international pop sensation, Rosalía. With my head slung low, I ran (not walked) to stream her 2018 Spanish album El Mal Querer. To my ears delight, my shoulders were shaking, and hips we're moving the second I pressed play. Listen HERE, just be sure to put on your dancing shoes first.
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What's in Your Backyard?
Rebecca L. Looking back on some photos this weekend gave me an idea to write up a few of my favourite spots I’ve visited here in Canada over the past few years. Particularly, I was reminiscing on the time I’ve spent around British Columbia, as this is where I am lucky enough to live. It feels like a lifetime ago since we’ve been able to roam freely around our provinces, states, counties, districts and regions, and for me it’s been a great distraction to look back on some trips I’ve already taken. If, like me, you are eagerly anticipating the excursions you can take once the world starts to open back up again, then taking this time to plan a few road trips that you could take locally might be a good place to start. I hope this small insight into some of the quirky little locations I’ve been too might inspire you to start planning a trip of your own for the future. It’s not always about the magnificent scenery and the mountainous views, sometimes it’s the unexpected places where you find the most fun. Occasionally you don’t have to go too far to find something new, and if staying local is the best thing to do it might be a good idea to look into some places near you that you might be able to explore one day.Here are some cool spots I found whilst out exploring British Columbia…. DEMILLE’S FARM MARKET (SALMON ARM) Salmon Arm is a city along the Shuswap Regional District, which is upon a beautiful lake. Driving through this area will afford you some amazing views across the Little Mountain Park. I’ve stopped at this market several times, not just for the local organic produce and snacks, but for the petting zoo too. For a donation you can take yourself for a walk through the little farm where you can meet some pigs, sheep, ducks, miniature goats and some alpaca’s too. After a long stretch of driving, this is a great way to stretch your legs, make some new friends and even get a nice cuddle from a super friendly llama, if that’s your thing. THE GLASS HOUSE (KOOTENAY LAKE) Located around Boswell, British Columbia, just on the east shore of the Kootenay Lake lies an unusually beautiful piece of architecture. Construction of the Glass House began in 1952 by David H Brown, after retiring from 35 years in the funeral business. Built with thousands of discarded embalming fluid bottles, the house was constructed by hand. Originally built as a home for Brown and his wife, the house is now a visitor attraction. Upon entering the garden of the house, which is also surrounded by glass walls, bridges and towers; you will be guided through the house. With all it’s original decoration and furniture this place will really take you back in time, and seeing every intricate detail of how this home was constructed will leave you baffled. The views of the Kootenay lake from the backyard will really make you feel glad you visited and the staff are really keen to answer any questions and show you everything you want to see. OSOYOOS FRUIT STANDS (OSOYOOS) Osoyoos is a beautiful lakeside town in the Okanagan Valley of BC. The location is picturesque, with panoramic views of mountains, desert and vineyards. Typically, a go-to summer vacation spot for locals and Canadians across the country, this place is full of amazing wineries, beautiful beaches, desert trails, water sports and restaurants. I would recommend camping here if you go in the summer, as watching the stars in the warm evenings is pretty special. The one thing that enjoyed even more than tasting the local wine and dipping my toes in the chilly lake under the summer sun was picking my own peach from an orchard. Finding a local stall and purchasing fruit from the person who grew it, doesn’t get much better than that. BRITANNIA MINE MUSEUM (BRITANNIA Just outside of Vancouver on the Howe Sound, along the beautiful Sea-To-Sky highway lined with views of the gulf islands, is this spot where the mine used to operate. It’s one of those places that I often pass and think to myself, “I really want to check that out”, but never do. I finally got the chance to visit this place on a sunny but cold January morning, and it really was as cool as I thought it might be. Maybe you think that an old mine might not be an interesting place to visit, but it’s a lot more fascinating than you might think. The architecture of the Mill 3 alone is outstanding, built in 1923, this structure is moulded against the mountain face and once you get a view inside you will see how amazing it actually is. You can jump on the underground train and go back in time to see how the miners used to work, check out the museum and learn about the effects mining has had on the local environment and what the province has been doing to rectify the damage. You might just learn a few things you might never had if you’d not stopped to check it out. A little reminder to pull-in at that place you’ve always wondered about…when you can, of course. Hope this list of the little places I’ve kept in my mind inspire you to take a good look at what’s in your back yard, and hopefully find something a little local to visit when you can. Are there any spots local to you that stick out in your mind?
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My Perfect Afternoon in Victoria BC: Lower Johnson & Market Square
Bethany S. Victoria will always have a special place in my heart as it was the first home away from home that I made for myself. The people are friendly, creative, and generous and not to mention the scenery is breathtaking. I could spend hours on Dallas Road staring at the ocean or walking around downtown visiting with friends. Since moving to Vancouver, I still love going back to visit. So, for BC locals who can travel small, I’ve began to compile a list of places to check out starting with my perfect afternoon on Lower Johnson and Market Square. 1) Get your cup of coffee or comfort drink of choice at Hey Happy – A cozy little coffee shop connecting from Lower Johnson through the front door and to Market Square from the back. The creativity and dedication from the staff to an amazing cup of deliciousness is definitely proven once you have your first sip. My favourite drink has to be the Honey Latte! They also carry an array of baked goods and food if you’re feeling like having a nibble. 2) Next, if you’re anything like me, I love a good thrift shop and this area does not disappoint. My two favourite places to hit up are Flavour Upstairs and Vintage After Death. Both of these shops are the ones to thank for my most complimented-on pieces. 3) Once I’ve done my shopping and am feeling a little snacky I love to hit up Ayo Eat – an Indonesian street food stall in Market Square. My favourite item on the menu is the Satay Ayam (3 chicken satay skewers with peanut sauce, rice and pickle). After that you can finish off the afternoon with a beer in the courtyard at Whistle Buoy Brewing Company. There you have it. My personal favourite afternoon in Victoria BC. Pick and choose or leave it all to go explore. Victoria is an extremely pedestrian friendly city that never disappoints for delicious food, good shopping and incredible views. You could even take that coffee on a nice walk across the new Johnson Street Bridge and enjoy the ocean breeze. Have you ever been to Victoria BC? Let us know your favourite spots in the comments below!
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Vloggers to Live Vicariously Through
Bethany S. Living in the Pacific Northwest, I am lucky enough to be surrounded by gorgeous nature, gulf islands and forests. Normally, come summer my husband and I are able to take a couple of boat trips on our friend’s sailboat - which always brings lots of laughter, fun and adventure. Due to Covid-19 however, we’ve had to put those longer trips on hold. Instead, I’ve been loving to live vicariously through Sailing La Vagabonde’s YouTube channel. In these videos you’ll feel transported to salty waters and sunny skies. I hope you enjoy these as much as I do while also feeling a teensy bit jealous! Have you ever been on a sailing trip or to the Pacific Northwest? Tell us your experience in the comments - We’d love to hear them!
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Cider Mills of Somerset, UK
A rundown of 3 local, farmhouse cider mills in the heart of England’s ‘West Country’.
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