Hip-Chic-Vic: Much More Than Tea & Roses
November 25, 2009 by Hedonista · Leave a Comment
Ah, dear, sweet, classically-refined Victoria. The mere name of the city evokes so many words. Tradition. Tea. Education. Excellence. Blooms. Museums. Carriages. England. Imperialism. Newly-wed. Nearly-dead.…
Nothing says "classic Victoria" like a cup of tea at the Empress. Pure comfort for those with a hankerin' for the truly traditional.
But that was then, dear readers. Back in the day (that’s waaaay back). This, is now. And Victoria is worth a serious second (and sassy) look.
This past October, Canada’s The Globe and Mail ran a piece by Sarah MacWhirter (a.k.a. “The Hungry Traveller”), “Wake up to great taste in once-sleepy Victoria” that covered a few places apparently worth a visit while in Victoria (many of which will get a re-review by your Hedonista in the coming days, so stay tuned, my dear hedonists).
For although all of the ol’ chestnuts of Vic traditions are still alive and well, those newly-weds are all grown up – with sophisticated tastes to match. Last week, your Hedonista took flight – literally – to her ol’ stomping grounds (for she attended the University of Victoria many years ago) with Cornichon’s Ronaldo in tow as her designated chaperon (for your Hedonista needs one, to be sure) as well as her “enophilic escort extraordinaire.” Together, we spent 5 glorious days and 4 fab nights exploring Vic’s “haute cuisine scene.”
Nothing says "goodbye roses, hello martini" like Clive's Clover Club (c. 1880) - gin, fresh lemon and raspberry syrup - tucked under a light egg white blanket. The perfect nightcap!
(Your Hedonista also flew solo to explore the simply must-visit “stellar spa scene” … and was not disappointed.) We came home with more article content that you can shake a walking stick at. Dozens, literally – so many that we’ve added a Victoria, B.C. category to keep them all straight and simplify your hedonistic hunts. All to be reviewed in the days to come throughout November and December (and likely beyond that).
To summarize the wonders of things to come: in short, vivacious, vibrant Victoria (a.k.a. “Hip-Chic-Vic”) is well worth the visit. Over 3 to 3.5 million overnight visitors experience Victoria each year. Tourism contributes over $1.1 billion to Victoria’s economy. And as of September 2009, nearly 43% of all tourists to Victoria herald from the States (BTW – that’s Canada-speak for the United States of America, or “U.S.A.”).
Has your Hedonista convinced you to head on over to “Nouveau Victoria”? (She’d better have.) If so, be sure to contact Tourism Victoria. Tell them the Hedonista from Heed the Hedonist sent you. Believe me – they’ll remember me.
