Posts Tagged ‘Grandview Corners’

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Does Size Matter To You?

Friday, August 6th, 2010

Could you live in 600 square feet? Is location more important than size? Should your home be a place to live out of, rather than in?

A recent article on msnbc.com touched on all of these points, stating that when it comes to condo living, smaller spaces are set to attract Baby Boomers and Generation Y.

That got us thinking.

A smaller space is meant to be the trade off for living an urban lifestyle, but it definitely doesn’t have to be. At Glenmore and Morgan Heights we’re proud of our homes – they’re spaces that you can grow with, in an area that’s young, fresh vibrant and urban.  And as condos in the downtown core get smaller and smaller, we think it’s nice to know there are still full-sized homes available at affordable rates elsewhere.

What do you think? We’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback. Could you live in 600 square feet or less?

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Want to Get Away this Long Weekend? Why not nip over the border to Washington?

Wednesday, July 28th, 2010

At Glenmore and Highland Park in Morgan Heights you’re perfectly positioned to head south.

It’s B.C. Day on Sunday, and we’re really looking forward to the long weekend. The weather promises to be beautiful, and a short work week is certainly something to smile about.

Even better? At Glenmore and Highland Park in Morgan Heights you’re perfectly positioned to head south over the border for the day (or better yet, the weekend!).


If you’re looking to escape for a day trip, Chuckanut Drive is a must. This scenic route connects Bellingham to Skagit Valley, weaving through beautiful farmlands onto the rock shoulder of the Chukanut Mountains down to the historic town of Fairhaven.

The natural beauty of the Drive is an experience in and of itself. The bright colours of Skagit Valley’s well-known tulip fields are perfectly complemented by the lush greenery and dense agriculture of the area. Discover the old pilings, dikes and barns of historic Edison and then continue along the back roads to Samish Island and Bay View. Both Bay View State Park overlooking Padilla Bay or Larrabee State Park on Samish Bay are ideal places to stop and have a picnic. Of course, if you’re looking to indulge your tastebuds, why not try a few oysters? Native to the region, you can enjoy freshly shucked oysters at Oyster Creek Inn or The Oyster Bar.

Beyond the fresh produce and seafood, there are plenty of art and antique shops to explore as well. It truly is a drive like no other.

Then again, if you’re feeling like you need to add a few items to your summer wardrobe you may want to spend the day at Seattle Premium Outlets in Tulalip instead. The Back-to-School & Fall Preview Sale is happening from Thursday, July 29th to Monday, August 2nd. That means deals on items that are already reduced! There are designer fashion and sportswear stores such as BCBG Max Azria and Lacoste as well as children’s outlets like OshKosh B’Gosh. Any summer weddings to attend? You might as well get the gift out of the way this weekend, too. Houseware and home furnishings outlets include Kitchen Collection, Le Creuset and Restoration Hardware, to name a few.


Of course, with an extra day in the mix, you actually have enough time to get away for a night of camping, or even two.

Start your camping weekend with a visit to the quaint town of Port Townsend – known as Washington’s Victorian seaport. There is plenty to explore in this pretty seaside town, hit the beaches and trails on bike or foot, learn a thing or two at the museum or dance up a storm at one of the many live music venues. There are jazz clubs and festivals happening all weekend.

A short drive away, you can set up for a night of camping at Fort Worden along Admiralty Inlet. The 434-acre park – and the location site for the film An Officer and Gentleman – is situated high on a bluff overlooking Puget Sound. Fort Worden was actually active as an army base from 1902 to 1953, and many historic buildings from the military fort still remain.


If you prefer, a short ferry ride will bring you to Fort Casey on Whidbey Island – another great locale for camping. Fort Casey State Park is a 467-acre marine camping park that overlooks Admiralty Inlet and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Considered strategic to the defense of Puget Sound in the 1890s, Fort Casey was built with huge artillery guns on disappearing carriages, many of which were shipped to Europe during World War II. Two 10-inch and two 3-inch historic guns are still on display today.

So go on, treat yourself to a mini vacation. It’s only a short drive from Glenmore and Highland Park, after all. And whether it’s a day or the entire long weekend, we think you’ll agree there’s plenty for you, your friends and your family to do south of border.

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It’s a Grand Life

Friday, July 23rd, 2010

As you can tell, we’re really excited about how much the area around Glenmore and Highland Park is growing. What’s even more exciting though is that residents and businesses alike are working together to showcase the area and all it has to offer. We recently came upon a blog titled The Grand Life that was built by South Surrey enthusiast Heather Burton with the sole purpose of highlighting all of the “Grand” things to do in the Morgan Heights area. We particularly enjoyed the following post:

WHAT TO DO IN SURREY THIS SUMMER?
Posted by heatherburton on July 16, 2010 on www.thegrandlife.ca

Do you have guests coming into town? Or are you just new to the area?
There are some great things to do in the lower mainland, without having to venture over a bridge or through a tunnel. Borrowed from the Tourism Surrey Site, here is a great list to get you started.

Top 12 Things to do in Surrey

AGRI-TOURISM

Approximately 1/3 of the land in Surrey is used for agricultural purposes and agri-tourism is growing in popularity. Surrey is one of the Lower Mainland’s major agricultural producers, and as such our city is packed with local markets, farms, and stands where you can buy fresh fruits and vegetables direct from its source. Other agri-tourism attractions include a corn maze, pumpkin patches and our own local winery. Whether you prefer picking your own blueberries in the summer or want to go for a hay ride in the fall, you just have to be here!

BEAR CREEK PARK

King George Boulevard & 88 Avenue
Phone: 604-501-1232
www.bctrains.com

Bear Creek Park is one of Surrey’s most popular parks. With quiet nature walks and outdoor activities, it is an excellent park for families or individuals seeking adventure. The park’s facilities include sports fields, a running track, picnic areas, shelters and a swimming pool. In addition, the Bear Creek Steam Train, “Eddy The Engine and Chough” take you through the woods and a magical tunnel featuring seasonal displays.

ANTIQUING IN CLOVERDALE

Highway 10 (56 Avenue) & Highway 15 (176 Street)
Phone: 604-576-3155
www.cloverdalebia.com

Cloverdale is a historic centre of Surrey and is known for its small town charm. If you love antiques, then you have come to the right place. The traditional Cloverdale Town Centre is well known for being the “Antique Capital of BC”, famous for its antiques and collectibles. While visiting Cloverdale, you will be at the home of the popular TV series “Smallville”.

CRESCENT BEACH

Located in the southeast corner of Surrey. Can be accessed through Crescent Road off of Highway 99 & Highway 99A Crescent Beach is one of the sunniest beaches in the Greater Vancouver Region. Popular activities at Crescent Beach include swimming, kayaking, crabbing, fishing, and boating. There are shops nearby and restaurants with ocean views. Make sure you stop in for an ice cream cone or some delicious fish and chips before strolling along the pathways that wind around the beach.

DARTS HILL GARDEN

170 Street & 16 Avenue
Information: 604-598-5767
Tour Bookings: 604-501-5050
www.dartshill.ca

Darts Hill is a stunning 7.5 acres of land that contains thousands of species and varieties of plants from around the world. With 55 years of history, the garden was given to the City in trust by Edwin and Francisca Darts. Darts Hill is internationally renowned and visited by amateur gardeners as well as professional horticulturists. The garden is not open for general admission; however, groups of five or more can call to pre-book a guided tour.

FRASER DOWNS

17755 60 Avenue
Phone: 604-576-9141
Email: info@fraserdowns.com
www.fraserdowns.com

Tired of sightseeing? Head to Fraser Downs Racetrack & Casino to try your hand at a game of luck. The newly completed Fraser Downs has a gaming floor with 420 slot machines, a new simulcast area for horse racing fans, an atrium styled welcome centre, a major show lounge with state of the art visual technology, and three restaurants. Come out for a chance to win big bucks.

GOLF

Stay & Play Surrey
Golf is all right here with 8 full length courses, 2 executive courses, and several driving ranges. Made famous by Mike Weir’s first PGA Tour win in a dramatic fashion of the 1999 Air Canada Championships, Surrey boasts not only some fabulous golf courses but also more courses offering greater variety than any other city in the Lower Mainland. Surrey’s Executive courses are well suited for the entire family. Great practice range facilities round out the terrific selection, a perfect match for the dedicated golfer.

HISTORIC STEWART FARM

13723 Crescent Road
Phone: 604-592-6956
www.heritage.surrey.ca

Open mid-February to mid-December. Call for hours and special events.
Visitors will experience a beautifully restored farmhouse, pole barn, root cellar, and heirloom gardens, all sitting on the shores of the Nicomekl River. Enjoy round tours by volunteers dressed in Victorian-style clothing. Unique activities at this historic site include woodstove cooking, heritage crafts, parlour games, and old fashioned fun.

REDWOOD PARK

180 Street & 20 Avenue
Phone: 604-581-7130
Experience the diversity of trees at Redwood Park. In 1893, twins, David and Peter Brown, were given 80 acres of land by their father. Through the years, they collected seedlings from all over the world including California, Austria, Russia, Japan, France, and Italy. They planted 32 different species of evergreens and built a 2-storey treehouse. After their death in the 1900s, the park was turned over to the city of Surrey for maintenance and care.

SERPENTINE FEN

King George Boulevard & 44th Avenue
Phone: 604-582-5200

The Serpentine Fen, a spectacular 176 acres of land in Surrey, is home to more than 3000 species of wildlife throughout the year. Wildlife that can be seen includes birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, fish, and insects. There are also three covered viewing towers, several trails, and a covered picnic shelter. This is a great way for you to get back into nature and experience what it has to offer.

SURREY ARTS CENTRE

13750 88 Avenue
Phone: 604-501-5566
www.arts.surrey.ca

Visitors experience visual and performing arts in stunning surroundings. Plan ahead and be entertained by profesisional or community theatre, dance and music in the Main Stage and Studio Theatre. Drop by to see exhibitions of contemporary art presented by the internationally recognized Surrey Arts Gallery, the second largest public art gallery in the Metro Vancouver region.

SURREY MUSEUM

17710 56A Avenue
Phone: 604-592-6956

This beautiful 24,000 sq. ft. venue is the place where visitors can explore Surrey’s history. A 42-seat orientation theatre is available along with a state of the art exhibits that tells Surrey’s stories. As well, there is a textile library, a weaving studio and exciting changing exhibitions themes.

Many thanks to Heather – and be sure to check out all of her updates at www.thegrandlife.ca.

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A Day in the Life at Glenmore & Highland Park

Friday, July 16th, 2010

We keep talking about how much we love the Morgan Heights area of South Surrey – it’s got style and culture; it’s near parks and recreation; it’s a fun place for kids, but there are still plenty of amenities to occupy the adults too.

But like we said, we keep talking, so this time around, we thought we’d show you what a fantastic place this can be. A photo snapshot of a day in the life at Glenmore & Highland Park in Morgan Heights, if you will.


Waking up you will be greeted by lush landscaping, and carefully designed arbours. The well-manicured lawns and shrubs are yours to stroll though each morning as you head to the gym.  It wouldn’t be a productive day without hitting the gym first. Fortunately, the Clubhouse for Glenmore & Highland Park owners includes a workout room with weights, treadmills, elliptical trainers and more, just minutes from your front door.

A job well done deserves to be acknowledged. After sweating it out at the gym, heading to Moka House at Grandview corners (a quick 5 minute walk from your front door) for a fresh coffee or iced latte is just the pick-me-up you deserve.   Lap up the sunshine or settle into a book in the square at Grandview Corners.  Just remembered you need a few last-minute items for your son’s birthday party in the afternoon? Don’t panic.  Indigo books and Hallmark are among the many stores in Grandview Corners that are poised to make life as convenient as possible.  H&M, Jack & Jill, Please Mum, RW&Co, Stirling Shoes, Smart Set, & Tommy Hilfiger, not to mention banks, dentists, doctors, salons, cafes, and electronics stores – they’re all just across the street!

Picking up birthday cupcakes for the party – and maybe a frosty treat for yourself as well – is just as simple. Living in the suburbs doesn’t have to be about big chains and outlet stores. Boutique shops are part of the culture and appeal of living at Glenmore & Highland Park. But being close to nature is also part of life in this lively neighbourhood.

A bunny hopping across your path on your leisurely stroll back home is just one more thing to smile about.   It’s nice to feel at ease. Planning parties of any kind, can be a bit of hassle. It’s hard to find a suitable venue, and it can get expensive. Fortunately for Glenmore & Highland Park owners, there is a great clubhouse that residents can book. You can easily set up and host your son’s birthday here, and nip home quickly if you’ve accidentally left something behind.  You’ll love sitting poolside.  And the kids will have a riot splashing in the pool at the party.

You love spending time with the kids, but you also want to make sure that you get some time for pampering yourself. A ten minute walk from your front door to the shops at Morgan Crossing, you can actually indulge yourself without having to devote a full day at the spa. Get a quick pedicure at Pure Nail Bar.  Then visit the fabulous ladies at Blo Blow Dry salon to get your hair done before you head out for dinner.  Call the neighbourhood babysitter, and then head for a fun-filled night at South Surrey’s latest hotspot, ULounge.  You and your hubby can enjoy dinner for two, followed by a few after-dinner cocktails. It’s a great locale for a sophisticated and upbeat nightcap.

A jam-packed day, but it’s all within reach for homeowners at Glenmore & Highland park in Morgan Heights, South Surrey.

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It’s good to belong: Why having a Health Club on tap works for communities.

Monday, June 28th, 2010

It’s good to belong. To feel a part of something. And that goes especially for working out.

We all know we could exercise at home alone – and okay there are a few, rare people who have the willpower to do it. But let’s be honest: most of us will soon get bored and slack off.

We need to belong to a club for motivation, for sociability. To ignite our competitive spirit, even.

That’s why people have been lapping up the benefits of belonging to a club for decades. And – as the American Sports Data tells it – health club membership is set to double from 35 million to 70 million in the next 20 years.

In naturally healthy B.C., that’s one trend we know all about.

Finding a convenient place to work out is crucial to a successful exercise regime: this is one routine that should be effortless to maintain.

Which is why it’s been so important to ensure that homeowners at Highland Park and Glenmore will have their sports club on tap.

Whether it’s a meditative downward dog in the yoga studio, a daily dip during the summer in the outdoor pool, a spot of floor hockey or a game of billiards, it’s as simple as stepping into the backyard: a backyard designed with the whole family in mind.

It’s never too early (or too late) to develop healthy living habits and at Morgan Heights, that means providing families with a space where everyone – from the youngest to the most senior members – can feel part of the club.

The experts reckon that school-aged children need at least one hour of exercise a day to set them up for a healthy future. And what could be more fun than a family swim or running rings round dad on the hockey court?

Living next door to your own health club makes regular, safe activity one habit you’ll be glad they pick up.

And after going for the burn you deserve a space where you can really kick back.

From a children’s playroom, a comfy media room to the Great Room and bar – this club covers all your recreational needs and desires.

And it’s all for you.

No hassle. No expensive fees. No excuses.

At Highland Park and Glenmore fitness is not a chore. It just means you’re part of the club.

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Who would have thought it? How South Surrey is a paradise for the foodie who only eats local produce.

Saturday, June 19th, 2010

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication ~ Leonardo da Vinci

Local, sustainable, organic… Now, more than ever, we care what we eat and where our food comes from.

But way before it was trendy to shop local, the natural habitat of South Surrey’s locavores was Mary’s Garden. Back when Jack and Mary Nootebos started farming they sold their fresh produce from a tiny vegetable stand. Drivers would honk their horns to call Mary back from the fields.

That was over 40 years ago and the farm shop has evolved into a major space supplying South Surrey’s residents.

These days they are only one of a number of committed producers in the area surrounding the Morgan Heights communities of Highland Park and Glenmore. It really is a foodie haven out here.

Hazelmere Organics have long been the port of call for Vancouver’s fine dining restaurants devoted to searching out the best fruits and vegetables grown with a loving hand and complete respect for the land.

But you don’t have to travel to the city to taste the fruits of Hazelmere’s labours: locals can have their weekly orders ready for pick up at the farm, or delivered straight to their door.

Order your fresh blueberries early, or get ready to be disappointed: Missing Goat Farm works on a first come, first serve basis for their annual berry harvest. They also grow garlic and sell homemade jams and chutneys.

But surely the most original spin on the whole u-pick concept must go to Colebrook Trout Farm where dinner is only a tug on the line away. Rods and bait are provided (serious anglers may use their own poles) and your catch will cost you $5 a fish.

In Morgan Heights, buying local couldn’t be simpler. It’s a growing community.

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With new boutique stores setting up, the ’burbs are the new cool hoods

Wednesday, May 5th, 2010

Head into the city no more.

Where once the ’burbs offered nothing but mall shopping, White Rock/South Surrey is enjoying a dramatic proliferation of boutique stores.

These specialty stores near the sea have been quietly building up a reputation that’s caught the eye of big city types. Even the experts are giving it props as a bone fide style hood – and the people living and working know something’s happening here too.

Retail therapy requires fuel: a serious shopper cannot risk a low blood sugar episode in the middle of picking the perfect pair of shoes.

A pre-shop stamina stop at White Rock’s famous beach-side Fieldstone Artisan Breads – where the only decision is whether to indulge in one of their famous cinnamon buns or plump for the protein in a homemade delicious quiche – is most definitely in order. Or grab a coffee (and a treat) at Moka House, part of the prolific Grandview Corners shopping district nearby, or give way to your passion for Cupcakes or go the full hog, literally, at the Memphis Blues Barbeque House.

Suitably fortified, it’s time for some real shopping. Head straight to Grandview Corners’ Ambiente store for brands such as Fruits & Passion biodegradable hand soap and fab Reisenthal designer bags, before trying to snag a pair of Jimmy Choo’s at H&M or a designer hit from BCBG Max Azria. For the Jamie Oliver wannabe, Kitchen Therapy is a must-visit store for every type of kitchen gadget.

At Morgan Heights and the growing communities of Glenmore and Highland Park, savvy shoppers find themselves living in the midst of a robust retail landscape.

Shop ‘til you drop – right on your own doorstep.

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