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This is undoubtedly the best of the
Markets around Victoria. It has been around for a long time and the
organizers have obviouslyh figured things out. It is well organized and
there is literally something for everyone. I arrived early and took
some of my photos before things got going. A bell rings at 10 am
precisely and then the vendors start selling. The locals know, as they
head directly for the fresh vegetables and especially the organic ones.
There are instantly line-ups for these vendors. There is also someone
who must make amazing bread as there was a long line up there. They
have an entertainment stage and this morning the Obrien's were playing.
There are lots of food vendors to choose from in the centre of the
market. The smells made my knees week. The neighbourhood crows know
when there is a free lunch and were lined up along the fence waiting for
the first person to drop some food. They seemed to fit right in.
About 10:10 am the place was packed. This is indeed the Grand-Daddy of
local Markets. Check it out but come a bit early. enjoy the photos. For more photos, click this link.
The
market also has over 75 craft and food vendors, all offerings made and
sold directly by the local producer. The market is complimented by local
musicians, great coffee, special event days, and the annual Moss Street
Paint-In.
Once you step through the doors into
this tropical paradise you will discover why Butterfly Gardens is one of
the Top 5 World Class Attractions in Victoria. It is not all about the
butterflies, although they are the main attraction and tourists chase
them around trying to get great pictures of them. Those darn dull brown
ones that open their amazing blue wings when they fly, just never stop
long enough for a picture...or do they? Then there are the tropical
plant life, the amazing birds, the fish, the turtles, and the amazing
educational displays. Be sure to stop in their great gift shop before
leaving. Enjoy our tour of the Butterfly Gardens by clicking on this link.
Beautiful Property, well organized
business, outstanding wine tasting facility, friendly staff and wine
good enough to take home. What more can we say about this local
vineyard. It is located at 6181B Old West Saanich Road. The drive is
beautiful to get to and the scenery there is amazing. This is well
worth a visit. Check it out. For more pictures of this property, click here.
Our
evening started at the Scottish Pub, the Bard and Banker on Government Street at
Fort in the heart of Victoria. General Manager Brad Skerrett greeted us as we
arrived and made sure he got around to every table to meet and greet his the
guests! This has to be the most beautifully designed and decorated pub around.
It is visually striking, the food is great and the beer even better with a
choice of over 40 beers on the menu. Cocktails and wine are also available,
providing visitors with a very impressive selection of spirits under one roof.
The pub is large with 12,000 sq. ft. and seating for 320. For years, the
building was a bank. With the live music Wednesday thru Saturday, this place
rocks! Outdoor seating on the Government Street patio completes the scene.
From the Bard and Banker we hopped on the gigantic Big
Bus and we given a tour of Victoria’s gorgeous waterfront, down
Dallas Road in Victoria and then through Oak Bay ending at the Penny
Farthing Olde English Pub in the middle of Oak Bay Village. We
received a warm welcome from General Manager John McDonald who was waiting for
us as we arrived. This pub has fires crackling in four fireplaces, dark rich
wood, Victorian etched glass doors and windows, a fascinating collection of
memorabilia and a fabulous bar. Break through Oak Bay’s tweed curtain and enjoy
a true British experience at the “Penny”. This Pub is connected to the VIS-à-VIS
WINE BAR + CHARCUTERIE which has a restaurant licence so all family
members can go there, or you can choose to eat in the Penny Pub. We had dinner
in the VIS-à-VIS which served well for our group function.
As the sun set, we all boarded the Big Bus and returned downtown to the Irish Times Pub. Warm and inviting, it
is located in downtown Victoria at 1200 Government Street, just two blocks
north of the Bard and Banker. The Irish Times Pub is home to 190 seats on two
floors with 80 seats available on the patios, opening onto both Government
Street and historic Bastion Square. This pub is a fun place with authentic live
music 7 nights a week. The tradition of Ireland has also been extended to the
menu, which features Irish Pub Food as you would see in Ireland today. After
our meal at the Penny Farthing, we were treated to Irish Coffee and a yummy
brownie dessert covered with Irish Cream liqueur and pistachios. General
Manager Nancy Stewart had joined us at the Bard and Banker and was with the
group through the entire evening.
Thanks to these three establishments for a great evening of English, Irish and
Scottish hospitality, just as it should be. We enjoyed being so close and
personal with the staff and management of the Victoria Pub Company operations.For more great pictures of these amazing pubs, click here.
The Fairmont
Empress is the majestic cornerstone of our beautiful Inner Harbour which is
the centre of activity for the vibrant City of Victoria. This Vancouver Island
hotel is located in British Columbia's capital city and features turn of the
century architecture, classic beauty and an unrivaled location. Since 1908, it
is Vancouver Island's most celebrated resort, spa and meeting destination. Last
night we had the opportunity to tour the hotel and get a taste and feel for
this classic hotel. The Fairmont Empress
is renowned for the special treatment the guests receive and we were no
exception. As we arrived we were greet
by many of the friendly staff and offered our choice of two special cocktails
and some delightful appetizers. We tried
the signature cocktail the 1908 and it was delicious. Don Fennerty, the General Manager of the
hotel provided the greeting and then our tour began. Our first stop was one of the tastefully
decorated guest rooms with a magnificent view of the Inner Harbour which is
just across the street. The hotel is
over 100 years old but has had extensive and multiple renovations over that
time. Part of the Hotel is used for
their Fairmont Gold product which is an add-on Concierge Service and special
guest area that provides a hosted refuge with breakfast and appetizers. As we moved
through the Fairmont Empress Gold lounge it was easy to see why it epitomizes
the style and service that ranks among the best Fairmont
Gold experiences in Canada.
Our last stop in the tour was to the highly acclaimed Willow Stream Spa regarded as one of the best
spas in Canada. Here we were treated to hand and arm massages and treated to a
sampling of the famous Fairmont Empress afternoon tea. Many of the staff we met has worked at the
Fairmont Empress hotel for many years.
We had the feeling that we were being escorted by the Empress Family and
that they were proud of the hotel and what it had to offer. From previous experience and this tour, we can
only describe the Fairmont Empress as top notch! Well done! For more pictures of our beloved "Empress" Click Here.
Last night was the annual Fam Tour of
Springtide Charters Whale Watching. Guests attended from tourism and
hospitality businesses across greater Victoria. Our hosts Captain Dan
and Joanne, the owners of Springtide, had their boats and staff
decorated with a Canada Day theme and guest were asked to dress in red
and white. It sure made it easy to spot guests as they gathered in
front of Milestones at wharfside. Fiona, the party organizer and her
sidekick Carlie did a wonderful job. There was plenty of great food
(supplied by Island Gourmet Caterers at the Ambrosia Centre), and lots
to drink (Wine from Church and State Wines, beer from Darcy's Pub).
Music was provided by a band called On Fire. The Marauder cruised
around the Inner Harbour as the party unfolded and captain Jeff brought
the large Zodiac along side and took groups of partygoers out for some
excitement in Juan de Fuca Strait. They all reported back about how
much fun it was, despite a few messed up hairdos. The staff appeared as
if they really enjoyed working for Springtide. As hard as they were
working, they had smiles on their faces all night long. Springtide is
one of the best whale watching companies in Victoria and they have great
experienced staff. You can be guaranteed that if you go on one of
their tours, they will do all they can to make sure it is a memorable
experience. Having been out with them several times, I can attest to
the great job they do. You will find no boat more comfortable for an
on-water excursion and it is more than fast enough to get you out to the
whales. I'm sure I can speak on behalf of all the attendees that the
event was a smashing success and that everyone went home more happy than
they arrived. Thanks to all the staff who worked so hard to make it
happen and to Joanne and Dan for hosting the event For more pictures of this event, please go to our Facebook Site.
