Oct/100
Discover The Beauty Of Butchart Gardens
Visitors to Vancouver Island have enjoyed the sights, sounds and smells of Butchart Gardens for several decades. Perched on the Saanich Peninsula in Brentwood Bay, these floral gardens have evolved over the years into the spectacular showcase seen today.
Rich limestone deposits in this region led Robert Butchart to relocate his cement making company to this area of the west coast in 1904. The gardens were born several years later when his wife Jennie arranged for Isaburo Kishida to design a Japanese garden for their Canadian estate. The Sunken Garden became a reality when the quarry was exhausted in 1909 and the project for its transformation was begun.
The couple chose to name their home Benvenuto in 1921. This Italian word for welcome was fitting since that was the same year they opened their gardens to the public. The tennis courts became an Italian Garden five years later and by 1929, the vegetable garden had become a bed for roses.
Open year round, the gardens are in a constant state of change as different plants and flowers complete their growing season and others take their place. The landscape takes on different characteristics as the seasons change and there is always something new to see. The greenhouse displays are also changed seasonally and the huge sliding window gives photographers a chance to capture clear images of the contents.
An elaborate light system has been installed to provide illumination after the dark and adds a whole new dimension to the gorgeous landscaping. Fireworks shows and live entertainment during the summer months only add to the experience.
Every corner of Butchart Gardens is filled with stimulating scenery. The sculpture collection features several pieces including creations by Sirio Tofanari. One Tofanari piece is the fish fountain found in the Japanese Garden and the other depicts a donkey and foal and is located near the residence. Visitors love to visit the wild boar named Tacca and rub its snout for good luck.
The young at heart will not want to miss a ride on the Rose Carousel. Completed in 2009, the hand carved ride is the only one like it on the island and it has become a popular tourist attraction. Bears, horses, zebras, ostriches and other animals chase each other is a delightful tableau and there are two chariots for those who prefer to lounge.
There are three choices for those looking for a meal. The Blue Poppy Restaurant offers cafeteria style dining and is perfect for families. The Dining Room Restaurant occupies space inside the original residence. Enjoy local cuisine while taking in the beautiful surroundings including Tod Inlet, the Italian Garden and the Private Garden. High Tea is served during the winter and afternoon tea service is provided during the warm weather months. Light snacks and beverages can be found at the Coffee Shop.
A visit to Butchart Gardens is the perfect way to spend the day.
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Jan/100
Stay Near the Mountain in Ski Condos
One of the most popular ways to enjoy a winter vacation is to stay at a luxury ski resort. People from all over the world take advantage of ski resorts and the services and amenities they offer. When planning a vacation at a ski resort, one has to decide what kind of accommodations they will book. One type of accommodation that is very popular is Ski Condos.
There are many benefits to staying at a ski condo. The convenience of staying in a condo at a ski resort makes this type of lodging a popular choice for couples and families. Staying at a condo allows one to be only minutes away from the ski slopes. As well, guests are in close proximity to all of the on-site amenities and activities that the resort has to offer. This can include hiking excursions, ice skating, ice-fishing, horse sleigh ride, snowmobiling, and much more.
The ski condos feature essential amenities that provide all of the comforts of home as well as additional luxury amenities. Each condo is completely furnished and is fully equipped with such items as kitchen essentials such as a stove, microwave, refrigerator, cooking and dining utensils, and a coffee maker. As well, the condos come with linens and bath supplies such as soap and towels. Depending at the type of ski condo you stay at, you may also have such features as telephone services in the condo, cable TV, wireless internet, charcoal grill, hot tub, sauna, patio deck, and much more. As well, guests will have access to the resort's features such as fine dining, lounge, swimming pool, luxury spa...etc. If you are bringing children to the resort, you will be in close proximity to the resort's kids' activities programs where they will participate in games, crafts, and many other fun activities.
Many resorts offer a number of beautifully decorated bedrooms that cater to a couple, as well as one or a few families. They are ideal for people traveling as a couple, with a group of friends, or with a couple of families. Condominiums often range in size from a studio condo to four-bedrooms or more. Most condos come with a wood-burning fireplace with complimentary firewood. There are also usually laundry facilities. Many condo complexes also offer ski-in/ski-out access. Condos are the perfect solution for people who want comfort and scenic lodgings in a private location where they can enjoy the awe-inspiring view of mountains, lakes, and trees.
As well as enjoying all of the amenities the ski resort offers, you also have the option of having either a short walk to the local town or a short drive which is normally arranged by the resort. You can then enjoy such activities as fine dining, shopping, local museums, theater, art galleries, and other cultural attractions.
There are many advantages to staying at a ski condominium. Most resorts have a wide range of elegant condos in various places in and around the resort. There are condo rentals that are just a minute walk to the ski lifts. One can relax and enjoy a fun filled ski vacation full of exciting activities while making long lasting memories with friends or family.
Enrich your winter vacations by residing in these cozy and sophisticated ski condos. If the gorgeous mountainside scenery of British Columbia strikes your fancy, you may consider relocating to BC real estate for the long term.