Posts Tagged ‘White Rock Shopping’

A Winter’s Day at Glenmore and Highland Park

Saturday, December 18th, 2010

Way back in the summertime—gosh, it seems so long ago—we took you through a day in the life at Glenmore and Highland Park.

Since then, a lot has changed: the days have become shorter; the leaves have fallen from the trees; new shops have opened at Grandview Corners across the street from Glenmore and Highland Park; and the community has grown.

Waking up here you’ll still be greeted by carefully landscaped gardens and decorative arbours, but a layer of frost will have replaced the early morning dew.

Venture to De Dutch for a hearty breakfast with friends. Their sweet and savoury pannekoekens are just the thing to warm you up on a winter’s day, and keep you going for a busy day of shopping in the neighbourhood.

First item on the shopping list? Gift wrap and holiday cards from Hallmark. Then it’s off to Future Shop and Sony Style to get the perfect gifts for dad and hubby. A Blue-Ray player is sure to go down well as is the latest box set of MadMen.

With that out of the way, you can focus on the fun stuff. Finding a stellar outfit for tonight’s yuletide soiree at Morgan Creek Golf Club! Crush Clothing has a great selection of Betsey Johnson pieces, and BCBG MaxAzria’s winter collection has all sorts of dresses—short and frilly, long and elegant and everything in between.

But it’s the perfect pumps that bring an outfit to life. Fortunately, Sterling Shoes is just steps away from Glenmore and Highland Park. A matching clutch will tie it all together.

It’s not everyday that you attend a holiday party, so you might as well make the most of it. A ten-minute walk from your front door to Casbah Day Spa at Grandview Corners means you can actually indulge in some “me time” without having to devote a full day at the spa. Enjoy a soothing foot massage and pedicure to prep your feet for the night ahead. And why not grab a gift certificate for mom while you’re there?

It’s been a full day, but you’ve managed to check everything off your to-do list. And all within walking distance from home. Just another day at Glenmore and Highland Park.

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A Taste for the Holidays at Everything Wine

Friday, November 12th, 2010

It’s that time of year. Time to start preparing for the holiday season. And we’ve got just the event to kick off your holiday prep in festive fashion!

It’s called “A Taste for the Holidays,” and it’s happening this weekend at Glenmore and Highland Park’s local wine store, Everything Wine.

One of the biggest wine stores in BC, Everything Wine regularly hosts wine makers, wine tasting events and a variety of food and pairing courses, but we especially love their Tasting Bar where all events are free.

As we mentioned, from November 12 to 15 between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., it’s all about tantalizing your taste buds for the holidays as Everything Wine’s Tasting Bar will be presenting a selection of party wines that are perfect for stocking up the cellar this winter. It’s an excellent opportunity to try before you buy and expand your knowledge about wine.

Keen to learn more? Join the store’s VIP Club and receive regular updates about upcoming courses and events or simply walk over from Glenmore and Highland Park. Manager Rick Meinhardt and Assistant Manager Cheryl Couch are looking forward to getting to know their neighbours.

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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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Full-Time Beach Access From Morgan Heights

Wednesday, June 9th, 2010

At South Surrey’s Morgan Heights, you can escape to your own seaside getaway in a matter of minutes.

If you’ve lived in the lower mainland for any length of time, you know White Rock is a great place to be in the summertime (and for those of you who are new to the area, take note). That means Morgan Heights, located minutes from White Rock beach, is not only a great a locale for your everyday needs – it’s also a short trip from one of the best beach days in the area.

White Rock beach is accessible by the C52 Seaside/White Rock Centre shuttle. But you may want to rev up your 64 Ford Mustang instead. It seems the city’s warm weather and easy disposition attracts many vintage car enthusiasts, and you’ll see various classics cruising the town’s main strip all summer long.

But the best way to take in White Rock’s scenic beaches is on foot. White Rock’s 2.5 kilometre long beach promenade connects the community’s east and west beaches together. As you walk its length, you’ll breathe fresh sea air all the while, and enjoy an iconic, nostalgic seaside feel. The promenade draws visitors from downtown Vancouver, the tri-cities and the neighbouring U.S. alike. Families with strollers, young couples and youths – all out to enjoy the beauty of this strip. Pause to appreciate the view of Mount Baker and the San Juan islands before heading to the historic white rock.

The rock, from which the city derives its name, lies along the beach beside the promenade. It is, in fact, a glacial erratic left behind from the last ice age, but the rock is also central to a mythological tale about the beginnings of White Rock’s Semiahmoo tribe. (White Rock/South Surrey has a rich past worth learning about, if you’re so inclined.)

Of course, a day by the beach wouldn’t be a day by the beach without the feel of wet sand sifting through your toes and a refreshing dip in the water. The bay’s protected waters are safe for swimming and kayaking. And when the tide is out, there is plenty of exploring to be done in the tidal pools.

Parallel to the sea runs Marine Drive – White Rock’s main strip for funky boutique shops, bustling bistros and fine restaurants. After a day at the beach, you’re sure to feel a little peckish, so take some time check out what’s on offer. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself to some homemade ice cream at Seaside Scoops Ice Cream Café or indulge in a fine dining experience complete with a bottle of robust cabernet sauvignon at Cielo’s Tapas and Oyster Bar, you’ll have no trouble satisfying your palate here.

Wrap up the day with one last stroll along the promenade to White Rock’s historic pier. Dating back to the 1920s, White Rock Pier features a boat launch and 1,559 feet of boardwalk. The Pier underwent restoration about 20 years ago, and still serves as a Canada Customs point of entry for small boats. It is the perfect vantage point to watch a summer sunset.

Clearly, there’s plenty to do in the summer at White Rock. And as a resident at Morgan Heights, you can access it all.

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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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