Posts Tagged ‘Morgan Crossing’

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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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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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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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How South Surrey is quietly gaining a reputation for culture.

Tuesday, May 4th, 2010

Going to the suburbs for an injection of culture isn’t as crazy as it sounds. Without any great fanfare, Surrey is quietly creating itself as a destination for arts junkies.

Leading the charge is the, boasting cutting edge works from national and international artists and a world-renowned hub for digital media.

Internationally acclaimed Canadian artist Edward Burtynsky was so impressed when creating an exhibition for the space, he donated all 37 of the chosen photographs to the gallery in 2009.

It may be the gateway to culture in Surrey, but the gallery isn’t the only interesting destination. Further south, the White Rock Gallery has an enviable roster of exhibited artists, including Salt Spring Island-based ceramic artist Bill Boyd, Vancouver’s Michael den Hertog and the ever-popular Michael Stockdale.

The White Rock Arts Council is integral to many of the cultural offerings in South Surrey, supporting a vibrant music program that includes the annual summer Jazz on the Peninsula series of concerts.

Along with a vibrant arts community, newcomers to the growing Morgan Heights neighbourhoods of Highland Park and Glenmore can also immerse themselves in the history of South Surrey.

Experience South Surrey living from a different age at the Historic Stewart Farm, where costumed guides offer an interactive tour of the 1894 homestead.

Or head to the Surrey Museum for background on the area’s First Nations history, then check out the Canadian Museum of Flight where B.C.’s aviation history is brought right up to date.
And for the ultra local perspective, be sure to check out the waterfront White Rock Museum.

With a rich past and an exciting future, South Surrey is ready to be taken seriously.

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