Monthly Archives: May 2019

Travel Guide|| Stay, Eat & Experience Abbotsford, British Columbia

MAGIC

I’m so excited to share our Abbotsford travel experience with you! I’m going to highlight our favourite eateries, experiences and hotels to help you book an amazing getaway. From the peaceful plains of Sumas Prairie and Matsqui Flats, to the rolling hills of Mt. Lehman and the rugged backcountry of Sumas Mountain the views were such a stand out on this adventure. We went on a romantic couples trip this past month, so the theme towards this travel guide will be an adult perspective. We flew with Swoop Airlines from Edmonton to Abbotsford, great staff and you couldn’t beat the price! I highly suggest checking out this airline for the price alone. By request on Instagram stories, I will hopefully have the pleasure of going back with the family next year to shift my tips and travel tricks in that of a more kid friendly direction. Here are my top places to eat, stay, and experience in Abbotsford, BC:

Accommodations: When available I love to book a suite of any kind. Ample room for my husband and myself is usually a priority. And that aspect coupled with a bed/ breakfast is even better. We love the amenities of home, it truly takes the stress of travel off the table and lets us relax together. Brookside Inn is an award-winning three-story Tudor style hotel featuring crown moulding, high ceilings and wonderful views of Mt Baker and Pepin Brook Vineyard. We stayed in the luxury suite Under the Tuscan Sun.” It was so charming, with it’s own patio deck. The owners Chris and Sandi go out of their way to make your stay amazing. The home cooked breakfast is not be be missed, we will would stay with Brookside again in a heart beat.

Experience: Bloom-The Abbotsford Tulip Festival is located at 36737 N Parallel Rd, Abbotsford. This visual experience was a stand out from the entire trip. The blooms are exceptional. For a little background Peter Warmerdam and his family immigrated from the Netherlands and settled in the Fraser Valley in 1950. Peter proudly brought his Dutch heritage, horticultural knowledge and farming experience to the Bradner area – here he would grow a few acres of daffodil flowers. Peter’s passion for all things flowers was one that the entire Warmerdam family shared. So it wasn’t much of a surprise when Alexis, Peter’s granddaughter, came up with the idea for Bloom–The Abbotsford Tulip Festival. One of the most asked questions from my Instagram stories was: how did I take so many photos without anyone else in them? This is a very popular attraction in the area, so we arrived right for opening to have ample time to wander the blooms and capture some moments before the crowds.

Eats & Sips: If you’ve ever read my travel guides before, you already know when/ where I’m getting my next incredible meal is a priority. I have so many restaurants to list, so here are our local favourites:

Bow and Stern: harbours a sense of character. Rustic woods, boat details and tables sandstone floors. This nautical restaurant is an Instagram dream for photos. We had the fresh shucked oysters… and they were perfect.

The Polly Fox: bakery and bistro specializing in 100%
gluten and allergen-free baking. Our favourite treat was the sled cowboy cookie! So YUM!

The HABIT Project: A sister team passionate about wellness, and nourishing your body with locally-sourced ingredients. We make a habit of tracking down a juicery on all our travels, it feels so good to get some greens in your life! Especially with the stress of travel and airport food. Plus, their zero waste mission is amazing! The pulp is returned to partnering farms for composting.

Tracycakes Bakery Cafe: The perfect spot to sit, sip and treat yo self! The High Tea experience is not to be missed! You can even get it with a glass of champagne. While there we noticed so many people getting cakes to go. Why not take one to go and share some amazing decadent cake with friends and family.

Wine Tastings: My husband’s favourite part of the trip was easily our winery tour with Brookside Boutique Tours. They offers intimate wine tours, private group and customized excursions, in their shuttle throughout the Lower Mainland. Our stops included 3 wineries not to be missed:

Singletree Winery: Our favourite, the bubbly 2017 Victory. Rose petal aromas with tropical fruit notes. They also sell local cheese to add to your wine tasting experience.

SeaSide Pearl Farmgate Winery: Estate Petit Milo 2016. If we were going to renew our vows, this charming winery would be an unbelievable venue.

Campbell’s Gold Honey & Meadery: Every bee related, this winery was a unique experience with a general store that sells honeys and wax related products. I even picked up bee propolis healing ointment for my Dad! Such a large selection of products.

Disclaimer: This post was NOT paid but some experiences and accommodations were supplied in part by Tourism Abbotsford.

5 Things You Must Do in Harrison, British Columbia

Book a romantic cabin experience. Although there are plenty of places to stay in Harrison along the lake front, we opted for something different. Rowena’s Inn on the River is infused with European flair. Guests can stay in the historical 1920s inn or in four rustic luxury cottages. From a deep soaker tub, in-room wood-burning fireplaces, and magnificent views of the Harrison River, this resort is not to be missed. All guests also receive a complimentary breakfast and use of the outdoor swimming pool. Currently they are constructing more cabins with different layouts from 1,2, and 3-bedroom The new 1 and 2-bedroom layouts have gas fireplaces, TVs, and larger kitchenettes and are best suited for families and friend getaways, but the 3-bedroom units, combine the best of both worlds, with wood-burning fireplaces, TVs, and kitchenettes. We are so excited to go back with the kids and grandparents next year. Our stay with the Rowena’s team was a highlight of our couples trip. It was pure relaxing bliss.

Experience the Sasquatch legend and local history. Twenty minutes up the road from Harrison Mills, in Harrison Hot Springs, visitors can experience the Sasquatch Trail. Harrison is filled with history, breathtaking views and natural wonders including the world-famous BC hot springs, seasonal salmon runs and eagle nests! Harrison Mills is the world’s capital for the gathering of winter eagles. Stop in at the local Harrison Visitor Centre and explore the Sasquatch Museum. They can direct you to the local hikes, festivals, tours and spas in the area and it’s home to the Sasquatch Museum!

Get out on that water! Between the giant inflatable water park , bumper boats or the beach, Harrison Lake has so much to offer. We booked a boat tour with Shoreline Tours. Our guide Chelsea was so knowledgeable, she filled us in on prehistoric sturgeon, majestic salmon and, of course, the stunning bald eagles along the riverbank. We ordered Pinot Gris and took in the natural sights for two blissful hours of relaxation.

Shoreline Tours on Harrison Lake, British Columbia.

Grab an amazing meal with a view. There are plenty of places to grab a meal along the waterfront. The locals suggested several favourite spots: Morgan’s, Black Forest, Milo’s Greek Taverna and Old Settler’s. We opted for an authentic Eastern European meal of schnitzel and sausage at Black Forest. The breathtaking views of the lake are worth the visit alone. In the winter, the patio is heated and covered, so you can still enjoy the beautiful views.

Treat Yo Self. Along Harrison Lake there are tons of businesses to satisfy any sweet tooth. What’s your craving? Chantilly Ice Cream is sure to hit the spot on a hot summer day. Or stop into our favourite cross Canada Chocolatier, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. Almost every where we travel within Canada, we make an effort to bring take the Kid’s speciality chocolate gift sets from Rocky Mountain. This location carries Sasquatch feet!

Disclaimer: This trip was not PAID but some of the experiences and accommodations were in part covered by Tourism Harrison.

Style || These Are A Few of My Favourite Things

I love to find a piece of jewelry versatile enough to wear to the grocery store or a fancy dinner. It can be tough to strike that balance in the style department for sure. Thats why I’m so excited to partner with Harvest Jewels to show you how I wear my moon pendent with almost anything! Their jewelry concept is simple, mix and match necklaces with different pendents. So many different metals and gemstones, so many to choose from it’s easy to add to you collection and get a completely different look. The next one I’m eyeing up to build my Harvest Jewel collection? This gorgeous bumble bee! The perfect mix of oxidized sterling silver, pave diamonds and crimson and hunter green enamel.
Which piece is your favourite?

Disclaimer: This post was NOT paid by Harvest Jewels but the jewelry picture was gifted to me by the designer.