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Now at the EMP Nirvana: Taking Punk to the Masses

May 20, 2011 in Travel Seattle by Vicki | No comments

I was a huge fan of Nirvana when I was in high school. Naturally, when the EMP opened its Nirvana exhibit, I couldn’t wait to go through the exhibit. I was invited to an open house of Nirvana: Taking Punk to the Masses with exhibitor curator Jacob McMurray, providing a behind the scenes experience. With rare and unseen artifacts, photographs of the band, crew and their families, the EMP was stocked with memorabilia celebrating Nirvana’s legacy.

The exhibition includes over 100 oral histories from key figures who were involved in some way with Nirvana or the independent music scene, including one of Nirvana’s drummer Chad Channing, and Bruce Pavitt & Jonathan Poneman, co founders of Sub Pop records. Guests can also record their memories or showcase their memorabilia at a kiosk located within the exhibit.

Visitors can also see numerous instruments, including guitars that were destroyed on stage by Kurt Cobain and the band, handwritten lyrics for Nirvana songs “Spank Thru” and Floyd the Barber” as well as the winged angel stage prop featured on Nirvana’s In Utero tour.

There was always one surprise after another. I won’t go into detail because you will have to go see it for yourselves, but did you know Kurt Cobain was thinking of naming the band Danger Mouse. I’m pleased they chose Nirvana.

Overall, it’s an excellent exhibit for the die-hard Nirvana fan, casual listener, or even those who didn’t appreciate grunge.

Hours for the EMP through May 26 are 10AM – 5PM.
After the 26th, they’re open 10AM – 7PM.

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The Oswego Hotel in Victoria, C’est et chic!

May 5, 2011 in Victoria BC Hotels by Vicki | 1 comment

Urban. Sophisticated. Modern. Adventurous. Luxurious. Five words synonymous with the Oswego experience. Located steps from Downtown Victoria and the Inner Harbour, nestled in the heart of beautiful James Bay, the Oswego Hotel is the premier destination in Victoria for the chic and adventurous traveler looking to experience everything the city has to offer.

Whether it’s a romantic getaway or business travel, Oswego has the contemporary design, modern amenities and West Coast luxury-designed to give you the very best in Victoria’s urban vibe.

Step through Oswego’s doors and be transported into a world of exquisite design with oversized windows offering gorgeous views of the harbor, elegant furnishings and gas fireplaces. Choose a studio, one bedroom or two bedroom suite and enjoy the ultimate in rich comfort with everything you could need to work, play and relax. Every suite features a queen sized bed, flat-screen TV, gourmet kitchen, luxurious soaker tub and separate shower, modern furnishings and fixtures, a pull-out queen-sized sofa bed, plush towels and robes and unparalleled views of the historic James Bay neighborhood from private patios.

The Oswego experience doesn’t end there. Pamper yourself with in-room spa services and room service or take advantage of the complimentary fitness centre. Enjoy the delicious West Coast fare at the hotel’s O Bistro, featuring fresh local seafood by the warmth of the stone fireplace or out on the patio, or sip a cocktail made just for you in the casual lounge. Every Wednesday night, the O Bistro is the place to be for talented local live entertainment with the ‘Jazz It Up’ series featuring the best of the local jazz scene.

Even pets can experience all the luxurious comfort the Oswego has to offer. From top-quality organic dog treats to designer water and food bowls and custom beds; your furry friends can relax and enjoy the fabulous amenities at Oswego too.

More than just a boutique hotel, Oswego has gone above and beyond to ensure that their guests receive not just the best luxurious experience within their doors, but in the city of Victoria as well. Oswego has formed strategic partnerships with attractions such as the Greater Victoria Art Gallery, Adrenaline Zip Line Adventure Tours, Craigdarroch Castle and organizations such as Clipper Vacations and Luxury Wine Tours and L.A. Limousines-designed to give their guests a taste of what Victoria has to offer for the best value.

The Oswego Hotel is a proud member of the Green Key Eco-Rating Program, with a near-perfect four key designation rating. The hotel is dedicated to ensuring that the environmental impact of the property remains low while committed to continuing to provide guests and clients alike with unparalleled service and luxurious experiences.

Book your luxury getaway today

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Rocky Mountaineer’s Whistler Sea to Sky Train

March 24, 2011 in Travel Canada, Travel Vancouver BC, Travel Whistler by Vicki | No comments

All aboard! Sit back and relax on a 3 ½ hour rail journey between Vancouver and Whistler, British Columbia. You’ll experience stunning scenery around every corner including Stanley Park, Howe Sound, Shannon Falls, Mount Garibaldi (soaring 8,786 feet above sea level), Cheakamus Canyon and Brandywine Falls (a spectacular 230-foot cascade framed by stately Douglas fir).

Traveling northbound from Vancouver to Whistler, you leave in the morning and enjoy breakfast at your seat as well as complimentary non-alcoholic beverages. Traveling southbound, you leave in the early afternoon and enjoy a light meal. All meals are prepared fresh by the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. While you can do this trip in one day, we highly recommend spending a night in Whistler or Vancouver to experience these great destinations.
Sea to Sky train

Rocky Mountaineer offers two levels of service on the Whistler Sea to Sky train: Classic and Dome. Both levels of service provide assigned seating, breakfast (out of Vancouver), a light afternoon meal (out of Whistler), access to the Heritage Observation Car and commentary by knowledgeable onboard attendants. The difference is that Dome Service offers views through full-length dome windows and Classic offers views from picture windows. Both are spectacular. Dome service allows you to have complimentary beverages including wine and beer, while the Classic service offers complimentary non-alcoholic beverages.

Rocky Mountaineer was named in National Geographic’s Journeys of a Lifetime as one of the World’s Greatest Trips and also voted by the Society of American Travel Writers as the Best Train Experience in the World.

Book your Sea to Sky adventure today!

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Hotel Vintage Park, a Boutique Seattle Hotel

January 27, 2011 in Travel Seattle by Vicki | 1 comment

Seattle + Washington Wine = Hotel Vintage Park

The state of Washington has over 500 wineries and the Hotel Vintage Park pays homage to 126. This charming hotel in the heart of downtown Seattle celebrates Washington’s wine country by dedicating each room to a local winery and vineyard. Each guest room captures the romance of Washington’s wine country in rich gold and warm red fabrics, custom-designed cherry wood furniture and the artwork in the room has been selected by the winery to help share the message.

Seattle Hotel

Recently named to Travel + Leisure’s list of the “Best 500 Hotels in the World,” the Hotel Vintage Park is within easy walking distance of Pike Place Market, monorail to the Space Needle, shopping, theaters, and many restaurants. Adjacent to the Hotel Vintage Park is Tulio Ristorante, an award winning Northern Italian restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and 24-hour room service.

You will also experience a nightly complimentary wine reception in the hotel lobby featuring Washington winemakers, winery owners and local wine enthusiasts.

A few of the amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi, complimentary morning coffee service and newspaper, and “Om Away From Home” in-room yoga program with Yoga Channel.

When you consider hotel accommodations in downtown Seattle, remember the Hotel Vintage Park brings Washington wine country to you.

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Holiday Lights at the Butchart Gardens

December 10, 2010 in Travel Victoria by Vicki | No comments

Twelve drummers drumming, eleven pipers piping…

You know the rest, right? Visit The Butchart Gardens’ Magic of Christmas before January 6 in search of the Twelve Days of Christmas displays tucked away throughout the Gardens. An adorable Three French Hens display includes a café table set up with an Eiffel Tower statue; and you may ask yourself where the twelve drummers are drumming (just keep searching and you’ll eventually find them!), but I won’t give away all the secrets. It truly is an amazing experience.Butchart Gardens Holiday Lights

In addition to the displays, The Butchart Gardens are illuminated with tens of thousands of lights, fresh evergreen garland along the walkways, elegant ribbons and decorated wreaths. You can’t miss the charming ice skating rink near the entrance. It was a magical time seeing families celebrating tradition, friends laughing over hot chocolate and couples romantically strolling throughout the Gardens, it definitely brought out the joy of the season. Listening to the kids trying to remember the lyrics to the Twelve Days of Christmas was also a treat.

Butchart Gardens Holiday Lights

At Clipper Vacations you can add the Butchart Gardens Holiday Lights tour to your Victoria BC hotel package. You can book it online or Call 1-800-888-2535

Prior to venturing out for the Holiday Lights, my husband and I enjoyed High Tea in the Dining Room. We started by choosing our tea then the waitress brought out the most scrumptious candied ginger scones, accompanied by the sweetest maple butter I have ever tasted. I wanted to box up every last bit of it.

High Tea includes more hot delicacies than Afternoon Tea (served in the summer), and is perfect for a chilly afternoon. The selection includes Cornish pasty, roasted vegetable and cheese quiche, and chicken and mushroom vol-au-vent, followed by a selection of sandwiches and savories. Everything was divine!
Butchart Gardens Holiday Lights

Oh, the sweets. These are all made in-house. If you have room for only one dessert after all of the previous goodies, try the Vanilla pot de crème. Ooh la la indeed, to die for! Plus, it’s the only one they can’t box up for you, so indulge, you’ll be glad you did.

Happy Holidays to you and your family!

P.S. I know you’re still trying to sing the Twelve Days of Christmas lyrics. If you just can’t remember, here’s the final verse. On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me: Twelve drummers drumming, Eleven pipers piping, Ten lords a-leaping, Nine ladies dancing, Eight maids a-milking, Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.

An Afternoon Indulgence

October 5, 2010 in Travel Victoria by Vicki | No comments

After a delightful afternoon tea at Butchart Gardens you may end up wishing that you were born in a different era. There are quite a few places in Victoria, BC to take in afternoon tea. What makes tea at the Butchart Gardens particularly special is arguably the beautiful scenery, but also the delectable menu.

As the weather cools in early autumn, the menu changes to accommodate guests. The main difference is High Tea offers more hot savory delicacies including Cornish pasty, roasted vegetable & cheese quiche, and chicken and mushroom vol-au-vent.

Here is a full menu to whet your appetite

Signature candied ginger scone (my personal favorite!!)

Served warm, accompanied by strawberry jam,

Whipped vanilla Devon-style cream and maple butter

Hot traditional delicacies include

Cornish pasty

Roasted vegetable & cheese quiche

Chicken and mushroom vol-au-vent

Sandwiches and savories include:

Locally smoked wild B.C. salmon and asparagus pinwheel

Egg salad and watercress

Cucumber with fresh ginger cream cheese

Smoked tuna loin on curried mango chutney

House-made sweets include:

Chocolate and brandy Napoleon

Marzipan-wrapped Battenberg cake

Vanilla pot de crème

Lemon cheesecake tart with Port glaze

Our server recommended that we each try a different tea to have a variety of tea to sample. Brilliant!

Here are the seven loose tea selections…

  • 100th Anniversary A light black tea blend of Darjeeling, Tea Black Hunan and gunpowder
  • Bachelor Button Chinese black and Sencha tea flavored with bergamot, rhubarb and blue cornflowers
  • Teaberry Blend Black Ceylon tea flavored with strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and currants
  • Rose Congou Chinese black tea scented with rose petals
  • Mixed Greens, 20% gunpowder and 80% pan-fired green tea
  • Earl Grey, China black tea scented with oil of bergamot
  • English Breakfast, Premium handpicked black tea leaves from China are blended to create a rich flavor

Between the 5 of us, our favorite was the Teaberry Blend and the 100th Anniversary was a close second.

We had plenty of time to explore the gardens before and after Tea. Butchart Gardens is an amazing place. Would you expect anything less from a place that employs 50 full time gardeners? I would highly recommend adding Tea to your Butchart Gardens admission. You won’t be disappointed – there is something to see every day of the year. Remember to make a reservation for Tea; it’s a popular option at the Gardens.

There are many ways to get to the Butchart Gardens. We opted for a rental car, but there are several motor coach departures from downtown Victoria.  Call Clipper Vacations to plan your Victoria vacation today!

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A Magnificent Local Attraction

September 10, 2010 in Day Trippers, Northwest Destinations by Vicki | 1 comment

Explore the Northwest and visit one of our region’s most powerful attractions. Clipper Vacations offers a 12-hour excursion to view the remarkable scenery at Mount St. Helens. The tour is seasonal and only operates on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays through November 1. It includes transportation, lunch, morning and afternoon tea, selected Washington state wines, other refreshments, all entry fees and a comprehensive narration by a naturalist.

One of the fascinating things about Mount St. Helens is the peculiar silence that has been left behind in the wake of the blast that occurred thirty years ago. Unlike other forests you can look in directions and see an eerie emptiness for miles at a time. This very recent  video found on YouTube shows better in pictures than we can in words the unique beauty.

Video © Jenja Roman Doerig

On the Clipper Vacations tour you start out in a luxury Mercedes or Jeep. Along the way, your guide, also a naturalist, will make stops that showcase the recovery of the ecosystem from the eruption. There are stunning views from the Johnston Ridge Conservatory, just 5 miles from the blast-zone. Your naturalist will share events surrounding the eruption through a variety of stories, facts and short walks. Inside the Conservatory you’ll view interpretive displays and read amazing eyewitness accounts from survivors. Afterward, take a short walk on Eruption Trail to learn how the landscape changed and view the lava dome, crater, pumice plain and the landslide deposit. Don’t miss this tour to witness how the area was dramatically changed within moments. You can book your tour today!

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Summer Adventure – Combine Concerts with Travel in the Northwest

July 27, 2010 in Festivals & Events, Northwest Destinations, Travel Seattle, Travel Vancouver BC, Travel Victoria by Vicki | No comments

It wouldn’t be summer in the Northwest without going to an outdoor concert (indoor concerts are cool too)! I’m a fan of all types of music, and Seattle, Victoria and Vancouver are the places to be this summer to see live music.

Woodinville Wine Trail Experience

Outside of Seattle sits a beautiful winery, Chateau Ste Michelle. They host a series of outdoor concerts throughout the summer. If I wasn’t leaving for vacation this weekend, I would go see Jackson Browne on July 30! I’m not going to venture too far away in August to make sure I see Chris Isaak, Crowded House and Harry Connick, Jr. Before the concerts, visit Brian Carter Cellars and Hollywood Hill Vineyards, both have tasting rooms close to Chateau Ste. Michelle. Please assign a designated driver if you do! If you’d like to enjoy wine tasting in the Woodinville area where someone else does the driving, choose a guided tour with Evergreen Escapes to experience world-class wines.

Read the rest of this entry »

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Ziplining: Perfect Summer Fun in Sooke, British Columbia

July 7, 2010 in Travel Vancouver Island, Travel Victoria by Vicki | No comments

Adrena Line Suspension BridgeMy husband and I took a 2-night trip to Victoria this past weekend. On the second day we were feeling more adventurous so we rented a car from Budget. We took Highway 1 to 14, a winding but scenic drive that got us to Adrena Line headquarters, about 40 minutes from Victoria’s Inner Harbour. After filling out the waiver, our guides secured our harnesses and we ventured to the trainer “bunny” zip, which is only 12 feet above the ground. This helps any last-minute nerves and gets everyone ready for the more extreme 1000-ft long zip. Read the rest of this entry »

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Hiram M. Chittenden Locks – a Seattle Gem

June 10, 2010 in Travel Seattle by Vicki | No comments

I grew up in Northeast Iowa, a few miles from Lock and Dam No. 10 on the mighty Mississippi. I didn’t know what it was used for other than the barges to somehow make their way to other side. To me, it was just part of that concrete fixture on the Mississippi. Little did I realize as a young kid that it was a way for food, coal and other cool stuff to be transported north and south. It’s quite a process watching barges get through the lock and dam! Read the rest of this entry »

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