Fall For Victoria
"There comes a time when Autumn asks What have you been doing all Summer?"
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 We may be experiencing one of the warmest September months, but Fall nights are in the air and this vibrant season is just around the corner. It's one of our favourite seasons at Abigail's, as we take a breath from the busy summer season, enjoy the tasty cornucopia of fall flavours and once again enjoy the roar of our wood burning fireplaces.
Chef Victoria baked these wonderful Vanilla Maple Leaf cookies (above), perfect for Fall! The detail in the icing is amazing!
We have some great fall specials and packages to make your stay in Victoria as comfortable and enjoyable as possible:
Stay A Little Longer: starting at $138 CAD
Receive 20% off when you stay 3 or more nights
Fall for Victoria: starting at $242 CAD
Includes accommodation, tickets for 2 to The Butchart Gardens, tickets for 2 to either the Royal BC Museum or Craigdarroch Castle and a delicious 4 piece box of Purdy's choclates
Fire and Ice: starting at $267 CAD
Includes accommodation, a bottle of Zanatta Vineyards sparkling wine, chocolate covered strawberries and a Breakfast in Bed basket delivered to your room the next morning.
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 Ghosts Abound
Did you know Victoria is the most haunted city in BC? With over 5000 years of Native History and almost 170 years of colourful characters and events, since the founding of Victoria in 1843, it's no wonder! Whether you believe in ghosts, or just enjoy a good story, there are some narrative tours which will take you through narrow alleys, historic courtyards and buildings where the sights and sounds of ghosts make their presence known day or night.
Discover the Past - Ghostly Walks Narrated by local Ghost Historian, John Adams, Discover the Past offers tours year round. The most exciting time to enjoy these tours is during the Ghost Festival from October 20-31. Experience a variety of walking, bus and horse drawn carriage tours which will take you through the most haunted neighbourhoods of Victoria, from the hangings at Bastion Square to one of BC's most picturesque yet haunted burial grounds, Ross Bay Cemetary. Even the Victoria Golf Course is haunted! Craigdarroch Castle's Spooky Theatre Production Every October Giggling Iguana Productions puts on a spooky show at Craigdarroch Castle. This year they will present a site specific adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe's classic tale of horror; The Fall of the House of Usher. The magnificent grounds and interior of Craigdarroch Castle, provide the backdrop for this tale of a family gone horribly wrong. Join the intrepid narrator as he reunites with his old school chum Roderick Usher. Meet the sad and lost Madelaine whose body and mind guard a terrible family secret. Be repulsed by the ancient family doctor who protects and serves the name of Usher. Haunted Horse Drawn Carriage Tour and Dinner Here's a different take on our City Carriage Ride and Dinner add on. Enjoy a ride back in time through the dark streets of Victoria with Victoria Carriage Tour's "Haunted Trolley Tour". These fully narrated, 45 minute Tours depart every hour from 6pm - 9pm and run on October 22, 23, 28, 29, 30. The Narration is written by John Adams, of Discover the Past. Cost: $20 Dine at Camille's restaurant, with its unexplained smells of cigars and perfume and other paranormal activity. Don't believe us? Ask our own chef, Matt McGinn, to share some stories from when he worked at the restaurant. |
 Unleash Your Wild!
by Kelly J Clark
Vertigo threatens my vision as I clip the karabiners into what my guide refers to as my "Lifeline". Nervous tension builds at the nape of my neck. My muscles tense. My mind doubles back on itself. I wonder, "Why did I volunteer to go first?" I curse my machismo. I look back from the edge and the steel cord connecting me between two ancient trees. I wonder why do I always-the guide says go and that's as far as the thought gets.
Tuck in. Hands up. Knees up. I go.
I'm flying.
WildPlay West Shore is one of the four outdoor adventure parks bearing the same name around British Columbia that dares guests to face their fears by bungy, zip-line, or the exhilaration of tree-to-tree games, or in their own words: "UNLEASH IT!"
The beauty of the WildPlay experience is that it's been created to be accessible outdoor entertainment for both the athletic and the couch potato. Being rocketed along a steel cord set between two ancient trees isn't how I spent most days, but I wish that it was. The focus isn't about physicality or athleticism, but is instead about being outdoors and having fun with friends.
The course that I completed, Monkido, pits guests against a gauntlet of brilliantly designed tree-to-tree games and zip-lines as they attempt to make it to the finish. But don't worry! While it's not exactly easy, it's completely safe and well worth it. And if you manage to finish the basic course and find yourself still ready for action you're welcome to attempt the ominous Black Course (which I passed, FYI).
Every WildPlay location uses safe and environmentally-friendly building techniques to create an exciting aerial obstacle course through the lush, primordial beauty of British Columbia so you can feel good about the experience and the impact the course is having on the environment.
There isn't any place on Earth like the Pacific Northwest and WildPlay is the perfect way to get out of the house and to go appreciate every second of the majestic environment that we're so lucky to be a part of; so get on out there and Unleash It!
www.wildplay.com
Wild Play Element Park is located in Victoria's West Shore, on the Island Highway (#14) behind the Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre. About 15 minutes by car from the hotel.
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Spicy Chipotle Cocktail
Shortbread Rounds
1 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup icing sugar
1 3/4 cup all purpose flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp chipotle powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
Place the butter and sugar in a kitchen-aid or mixer, beat until smooth and creamy
In a separate bowl, stir together the flour with the cornstarch, parsley, chipotle powder and salt. Stir in the cheese
Add to kitchen-aid, just to mix, scrape down and mix until just combined
Form dough into a log about 1 1/2 inches
Refrigerate for at least 1/2 hour
Slice into 1/4 inch disks
Bake in a preheated oven at 325 degrees on parchment lined paper for 18-20 minutes or until lightly golden
Cool on wire racks, keep in an air tight container
Serve as is or make into a canape
Makes 3 dozen shortbread
Enjoy!
Chef Victoria
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 It's combo month at The Pearl Spa!
3 custom combo Spa packages to choose from with Fall pricing!
a) 1 hr Reflexology with a Yonka Escape Facial
$150.00 plus tax
b) Rose and Champagne Body Polish with a 1hr Hot Stone Massage
$150.00 plus tax
c) Yonka Escape Facial with a Pearl Pedicure
$110.00 plus tax
Call 1-800-561-6565 to book your appointment in advance
Valid until September 30, 2011. Based on availability. Not valid with other promotions. |
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