prairie girl musings

Category: City Guide

Hong Kong Happenings

I had contemplated an extended layover in Hong Kong for awhile. However, with the Canadian dollar being so weak at the moment, I was initially apprehensive. After two weeks in Vietnam, Hong Kong’s prices felt noticeably high. Fortunately, we were only there for a few days and managed to survive in a teeny tiny hotel room for four nights.

Hong Kong has something for everyone. It’s a hub of activity and an eclectic mix of culture and consumerism. I was dying to experience both the old and new. Travellers will appreciate the traditional diners and eateries, the vibrant nightlife, the extraordinary views, and the seemingly infinite markets of Kowloon.

Sightseeing & Activities/

The Kowloon markets are so much fun and come in all shapes and sizes. Without a doubt, the flower markets were our favourite. We spent hours perusing the beautiful blooms on display and regretted not being able to take anything home with us.

Be sure to check out the Goldfish Market and Bird Market, both are unconventional and interesting, and the Ladies Market for souvenirs.

Hong Kong is known for its shopping and nightlife, but most of the brands are similar to what you’d find in North America and Europe. With our dollar being so weak, we steered clear of the malls and ventured to the aforementioned markets. If you’re looking to drop some cash, Causeway Bay is a good place to start.

Whatever you do, make sure you hike (rather than taking the tram) up to The Peak. It’s a fantastic workout and the spectacular view provides the perfect reward.

While most tour books highly recommend day tripping to see Big Buddha, we decided to give it a miss. Natalie had already been and I was satisfied with the Buddhas we had already seen in Vietnam. Maybe one day I’ll go back!

Eat/

The food scene in Hong Kong blew me away. Traditional diners, where not a word of English is spoken, sit alongside trendy cafés and ultra modern ice cream parlours that delight both the eyes and the tastebuds.

Oddies Foodies: My favourite spot, by far, was Oddies! The tiny storefront on Wan Chai Road is usually jam-packed with locals and tourists. The Hong Kong-style waffles look as good as they taste!

Via Tokyo: If matcha’s your thing, you’ll love Via Tokyo. The matcha soft-serve here is drool-worthy. And for those who prefer soft-serve in other variations, they’ve got that too!

Mido Cafe: This timeless cafe is straight out of the movies, in fact many Hong Kong movies were filmed here. The mint interior is timeless and charming. The food isn’t anything special, but the atmosphere makes up for it.

Little Bao: I’m bao-obsessed, and this place came highly recommended by several people. After a particularly gruelling hike up to the Peak, Natalie and I were craving something a little different. She had the vegetarian bao and I had the pork belly, and we were both thoroughly impressed by both the quality of the baos and the super friendly service.

Grassroots Pantry: After all the ice cream we’d inhaled, it was time to replenish with some greens. Grassroots Pantry, with its swoon-worthy interior and plating, is the place to do it.

Hello Kitty Chinese Café: While Natalie and I were the only adults there without children in tow, all my childhood dreams came true at the HK restaurant in Kowloon. The wait is worth it for the Hello Kitty dumplings, buns, cutlery and decor.

Coffee/

After drinking way too much Vietnamese coffee (usually instant coffee with condensed milk), I appreciated the vibrant cafe culture in Hong Kong.

The Cupping Room: The tiled floors at the Wan Chai branch are as iconic as the flat whites. Breakfast here also deserves a mention!

Elephant Grounds: Another solid option for fantastic coffee. Their ice cream also looked delicious, but I didn’t have a chance to try it!

Stay/

We had a bit of drama with our accommodation (which was no one’s fault but my own) and ended up staying at Mini Hotel – Causeway Bay. While the walls are paper-thin and the rooms are smaller than my closet, the location was perfect, which is really what I’m all about.

February 25, 2016
24 Hours in Canberra

Admittedly, I had pretty low expectations prior to visiting Australia’s capital city. With the exception of politicians, ardent museum goers, and city planners, Canberra is seldom considered a destination. However, when Nick suggested a day trip to Canberra from Southwest Sydney, I was more than happy to oblige. After all, we have somewhat unique tastes when it comes to travel.

A planned city, Canberra was built around the automobile and this is immediately evident. Not the most walkable of cities, we were armed with bicycles thanks to Little National Hotel. Navigating the city was a bit confusing at first, but eventually we found our bearings and cycled around the man-made lake and from museum to museum.

Speaking of the lake, make sure to spend an hour or two pedalling around and taking in the surrounding beauty. You’ll see plenty of cyclists, rollerbladers, runners, fishers and swans.

I highly recommend checking out the multitude of national museums, galleries, and parliament buildings. They are all educational, world-class institutions, but also an excellent way to escape the heat (it hovered over 30 degrees celsius the entire time we were there!)

If you’re pressed for time, like we were, start with the National Museum of Australia and the National Gallery of Australia. We were both inspired by architecture of these buildings and the breadth of information and artwork on offer.

If you have an extra day, The National Portrait Gallery and the National War Memorial are also worth a visit!

Canberra has been stepping up its food and drink game as of late, gaining the attention of several food bloggers. One of the coolest areas for food and film is New Acton. Check out any of the eateries in this area, and you won’t be disappointed. Afterwards, stop by Courtyard Cinema for an alfresco screening. Or, if you’re looking for the best range of films, visit Palace Electric – they show foreign films, art house films, documentaries, you name it!

We indulged in two delicious breakfasts (my favourite meal of the day) during our stay. Our first meal was at A. Baker, an edgy cafe with plenty of outdoor seating and delightful seasonal dishes. I loved the industrial fit-out of this spot. Our second breakfast was at Double Shot, a bustling contemporary café with excellent coffee. I ordered an açai bowl (obviously) and devoured it instantly.

Dinner consisted of burgers at aptly-named, Grease Monkey and drinks on gastropub, Hopscotch’s leafy patio. This was easily the busiest place in town with each table packed with twenty and thirty-somethings.

While many tourists forgo Canberra for Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide or Perth, Nick and I were pleasantly surprised. Our visit to the capital was rewarding on all levels and the arts, cultural and food scenes certainly delivered.

January 29, 2016
Wanaka Weekends

I was over the moon when my flatmate, Mel asked if I’d like to join her on a roadtrip to Wanaka. Apart from a pitstop a few years back, I had yet to explore this year-round resort town. The drive alone was worth the trip as we were rewarded with stunning, constantly changing scenery. Mel kindly drove the entire way as I gazed out the window and snapped photo after photo. After living in Auckland for three years, I had forgotten just how dramatic and diverse the South Island scenery is.

The following list should sufficiently equip the adventurous traveller ready to take on Wanaka.

Treble Cone: Granted we visited during the summer months, but Wanaka is a hit with skiers and snowboarders. Treble Cone is the closest ski area to Wanaka and the largest in the South Island. I’m already looking forward to a visit next winter.

Mount Iron: You can’t visit Wanaka without a hike up Mount Iron, an impressive, glacier-carved, 240-metre rocky knoll. Run or walk at your leisure!

Federal Diner: One of our favourite spots in town, we both loved the retro vibes and open kitchen concept of this diner.

47 Frocks: I fell head over heels for this must-visit boutique, which stocks many of New Zealand’s most covetable labels.

We daytripped to Queenstown, which is a short 45-minute drive from Wanaka. For a first-timer, I highly recommend partaking in all the adventure tourism on offer: skydiving, bungy jumping, white water rafting, oh my! Oh, and you can’t forget Fergburger. Other great spots for lunch include Vudu Cafe & Larder (food pictured below) and Bespoke Kitchen (as lauded by Denizen).

A few stops along the way:

Lake Tekapo: Characterized by its vibrant turquoise colour, Lake Tekapo is a popular destination in the summer months. Despite how beautiful it appears in photographs, it’s about 100 times more gorgeous in person.

Lake Pukaki: The largest of three alpine lakes along the northern edge of the Mackenzie Basin, Lake Pukaki is a glacial lake that has become famous for its milky-blue colour and as the foreground to Mount Cook.

January 26, 2016
Saigon Sights

Ho Chi Minh City is quickly modernizing and now is the time to visit as buildings that are here today will be gone tomorrow!

Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi (see city guide here) couldn’t be more different. Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, retains much of its old world charm whereas HCMC (formerly Saigon) is fast-paced and racier.

Just when I thought crossing the street was difficult in Hanoi, HCMC was a whole other level of chaos! Intersections were crammed full of motorbikes, cars, buses with the odd pedestrian thrown into the mix. As many a tour guide will warn you, “traffic lights mean nothing to the Vietnamese. Green means go, yellow means go faster and red still means go.” Paired with the hottest temperatures I’ve experienced in a looooong time (maybe ever?!) I found HCMC to be a wee bit stressful. That said, it is a thrilling experience and I’m glad I visited when I did as I’m not sure I could handle HCMC later in life.

Stay/

We stayed at the ever-miniscule (only 22 rooms), Ben Thanh Boutique Hotel. The oriental-style hotel is somewhat hard to find (it’s in an alleyway off a side street), but a a lovely place to lay your head after a busy day of sightseeing. Its convenient location means you can peruse the night markets and the myriad of cafés in the area.

Eat/

Our favourite place for pho was Pho 2000, which is located near Ben Thanh Market. The roomy restaurant has enticing options for both vegetarians and meat eaters. I also loved the vermicelli noodles (pictured below!)

Discovering new brunch spots is a full-time hobby of mine, and L’Usine appeals to both the design and food-focused. Grab a seat on the balcony, which overlooks the hustle and bustle of the city below and order eggs florentine or the big breakfast. After your meal, check out the shop below which carries hard-to-find brands.

My sister and I enjoyed The KAfe Saigon for its nutritious breakfast options. Natalie enjoyed her smoothie here and I was a fan of the fruit bowl with yogurt.

Shop/

Vietnam is a great place to find affordable ceramics and china. I suggest visiting L’Authentique Home for gorgeous vases, bowls and tea sets. Home to three workshops, Authentique is committed to celebrating the fine crafts traditions of Vietnam. Known for refined design, carefully selected materials and beautiful craftsmanship, you might find yourself checking a second suitcase.

Another spot for interior design lovers is The Vintage Emporium, which is also a café. I marvelled at the carefully chosen decor and the stunning tile floors!

Sights/

We had quite a bit of time in HCMC, so Natalie and I decided to book a few day trips through our hotel. First, we headed to the Mekong Delta for some boating and rowing adventures. We visited local villages, indulged in delicious fruit and coconut, and even visited a temple and Happy Buddha, which just so happens to be my favourite Buddha!

January 13, 2016
Soho Weekend Guide

What hasn’t been said about New York City? I’ve even written about it on this blog before. What I find most impressive about this city is that there’s something new to discover with every visit; whether sticking to one neighbourhood or venturing to each of the five boroughs.

Soho has received a lot of blogger attention due to its gorgeous storefronts, cobblestone streets, and abundant eateries. It will undoubtedly satisfy the most discerning travellers and denizens.

Stay/

There are many accommodation options in Soho and nearby. My sister and I decided to book boutique hotel, The James when we were last in New York City. The art hotel only has a few rooms and is perfectly situated for those who plan on spending significant time in Soho. The views from each room, but especially the rooftop gym, were incredible!

Eat/

With eateries and cafés on every corner, this is where Soho shines. There’s an endless array of world-class brunch spots and cafés that will keep your tummy full throughout your stay.

The Butcher’s Daughter: This juice bar and organic café uses seasonal ingredients to create delicious concoctions that will keep you going no matter what the day holds. The service is friendly and speedy, which is a necessity in Soho.

Egg Shop: My personal favourite, Egg Shop does wonderfully creative things with eggs. The interior is simple, bare bones, really, and the food is eggscellent!

Café Select: A casual (gorgeous) European rail-station bistro, Café Select is a must-visit from morning to the wee hours.

Jack’s Wife Freda: Brunch is very, very real at this understated all-day bistro. My sister and I decided to indulge in a late lunch because the lineup during breakfast was frightening.

Black Seed Bagels: New York-style bagels with the freshest ingredients, need I say more?

Lombardi’s Pizza: Choosing a pizza place in NYC is difficult, okay? Lombardi’s will surely delight

Freemans Restaurant: Search #freemansalley on Instagram, and you’ll see why this is a prime spot for picture-taking. It’s also a delicious dinner option with an extensive food and drink menu.

Morgenstern’s: You’ll need something sweet to wash down all that brunch and pizza, right? Morgenstern’s delivers excellent quality and a wide array of flavours!

Coffee/

Happy Bones: New York has an array of New Zealand and Australian-owned cafés and Happy Bones is a crowd favourite for its minimalist interior. Order a flat white and a doughnut from Dough.

Gasoline Alley Coffee: This gem serves artisanal brews in the most lively environment.

Two Hands: This is a go-to spot for açai bowls, avocado toast (with a fried egg on top), smoothies, and quality coffee. You’ll love the fairy lights that adorn this café.

Shop/

Shopping in Soho, for me at least, is more about window shopping and gathering inspiration than actually spending. The stores are beautifully decorated and the cobblestone streets ooze elegance.

McNally Jackson Bookstore: An independent bookstore with a café that hosts events and offers self-publishing.

The Reformation: Did you know fashion is the third most polluting industry globally? This repurposed vintage boutique is all about recycling fabrics and tracking how much of an impact their garments have on the environment? Cool, right?

Acne Studios: If you’re a fan of Stockholm brand, Acne, you’ll want to stop by their Soho studio. Mesmerizing!

What’s your favourite NYC neighbourhood?

January 10, 2016
How To Spend a Day in Surry Hills

You’ll never be wanting for things to do in Sydney. There are plenty of incredible beaches, jaw dropping sights and excellent cuisine. If you’re looking to experience a more local side of Sydney, I suggest spending a day in Surry Hills. One of the city’s hippest neighbourhoods, Surry Hills is only a short walk from Central Station. On my most recent visit, it was my first stop when given a day to roam Sydney.

Coffee is free flowing in Sydney, but in my experience, it can be hit or miss. Surry Hills has an abundance of quality cafés and I suggest you get your morning fix at Artificer Coffee. The bare bones shop isn’t the place to grab a bite to eat, but the coffee speaks for itself.

After an early morning espresso, you’ll likely be craving something a little more substantial. Hit up either Le Monde café, Chez Sun or Reuben Hills, all three serve enticing breakfast options ranging from açai bowls and smoothies to eggs benedict.

Le Monde is a local favourite, and it’s easy to see why with its assortment of delicious breakfast options (how can you possibly choose only one?) and top notch coffee. The zucchini and haloumi fritters served with a poached egg caught my eye immediately!

Photo via The Urban List

Chez Sun is a pretty terrace café that will have you reaching for your phone (gotta Instagram that lovely interior, am I right?)

Reuben Hills is a coffee roastery, so you can expect excellent coffee to complement your meal.

After breakfast, be sure to check out a few of the many stylish shops that line Crown Street. My favourite was The Standard Store, which features covetable Australian, European and US brands. The gorgeous window displays are also worth mentioning!

Workshopped classifies Australian design and garners local and international attention by supporting young emerging designers. Find innovative furniture, lighting, homewares and jewellery.

Photo via The Design Files

Although Sydney is the sunshine capital of the world (or at least that’s what I’ve heard…) there are occasionally rainy days. On those days, Golden Age Cinema and Bar has your back. This 1940s cinema is housed in the former headquarters of Paramount Pictures and has retained its art deco features.

Stay tuned for my updated Sydney guide.

January 8, 2016
Vancouver City Guide

Don’t shoot me for saying this, but Vancouver and I didn’t hit it off right away. The perpetual grey skies were somewhat of a deterrent despite having visited Vancouver on unexpectedly sunny days. Regardless of our previous differences, I fell in love with Vancouver on my most recent visit.

I was fortunate to stay with my friend, Todd, who had recently moved to the area. He was the perfect host and tour guide, and I saw Vancouver through a new set of eyes. The city overwhelmed me in the best way possible. We also caught up with Brooklyn and Brianna, two Yorkton gals who were both in my sister’s class, and it was such a pleasure catching up with these prairie kids.

Whenever I travel, I like to dabble in various activities. I usually start my day off with a strong coffee (always espresso) and delicious breakfast before I take in something cultural or artistic. What I loved most about Vancouver was that my afternoons and evenings usually involved cycling (Stanley Park seawall!) or hiking (Grouse Mountain Grind!) As a somewhat sporty person (and yes, I wear Lululemon when I exercise) I loved how active I was during my three days in Vancouver.

Planning a trip to Vancouver? The following is a list of my recommendations:

Coffee/
Revolver Coffee: This cozy café is the perfect place to meet a friend or settle in with a book. The cortado was one of the best I’ve tasted.
Timbertrain Coffee Roasters: Another excellent option for espresso lovers.
Matchstick Coffee Roasters: A specialty roastery that focuses on single-origin coffees. Their Chinatown location is absolutely stunning.
49th Parallel Coffee Roasters: If you’re looking for a top notch locally-roasted bean, you’ve come to the right place. Oh, and they also serve Lucky Doughnuts, so it’s a win-win!
Prado Café: One of the liveliest cafés in Vancouver, it’s all about atmosphere at Prado.
Lukes General Store: More of an old school general store, Lukes sells everything from Mast Brothers Chocolate to kitchen and homeware. The highly curated grocery and apothecary carry hard-to-find brands. Don’t get me wrong though, the coffee here was the best I had in Vancouver.

Breakfast/
Medina Café: I had read about Medina from a few trusted sources, so it topped my list of brunch spots to try. You won’t be disappointed with anything on the menu, but I recommend the lavender latte and the rosewater pistachio waffles!
Chambar: Another great option for weekly breakfast or weekend brunch.
Nelson the Seagull: If you’re after a simple breakfast, this place reigns. The interior is beautiful and the coffee and avocado toast are impeccable.

Baked Goods & Sweets/
Small Victory: An airy bakery with a delectable selection of sweets.
Beaucoup Bakery: Croissants from your dreams!
Cartems Donuterie: High-quality cake donuts in refreshing flavours. Think earl grey and Canadian whisky bacon.
Earnest Ice Cream: I had a scoop of London fog and my life will never be the same!

Lunch/
Birds and the Beets: Healthy, wholesome sandwiches and salads in a stunning café/flower shop. This is the ideal spot to spend a few hours with a coffee and a book.
Tacofino: The freshest fish tacos in the cutest surroundings.

Dinner/
L’Abattoir: If you’re looking for Pacific-Northwest fare, you’ve come to the right space. This intimate setting serves up some of the inventive dishes and delicious seasonal cocktails.
Six Acres: Housed in Vancouver’s oldest brick building, Six Acres is a cozy pub that serves rustic comfort food (think macaroni and cheese!) and a large selection of beer and cocktails.
Wildebeest: You’ll start to notice a Gastown trend as it’s my favourite Vancouver neighbourhood. Wildebeest is a carnivore’s dream, with adventurous meat-centric dishes made with local ingredients.

Shop/
Old Faithful Shop: If you’re on the hunt for carefully curated goodies and gifts, Old Faithful’s got your back. The beautiful general store sells everything from bourbon maple syrup to shower curtains. It’s the perfect place to stock up on good quality essentials for your home.
One of a Few: This gorgeous boutique stocks locally made threads and an extensive jewelry range. My personal favourite are the Kara Yoo necklaces that are so reasonably priced.
The Block: With covetable brands like A.P.C., Filippa K., and Nudie, The Block is a great spot to stock up on womenswear, menswear, and accessories.

Activities/
Stanley Park: Save time to explore this beautiful park that is almost entirely surrounded by water. Autumn was the ideal time to cycle around the Seawall, taking in scenic views from every angle. The changing colours were breathtaking!
Grouse Mountain Grind: Commonly referred to as nature’s stairmaster, the Grind is a relatively steep 3km hike up to Vancouver’s highest peak. On average, it takes an hour and a half to complete, but give yourself two hours if you want to stop a lot to take in the views.

Culture/
Vancouver Art Gallery: Located along Robson Street in the old courthouse, the Vancouver Art Gallery features a diverse mix of contemporary and historic exhibitions highlighting artists from around the world, Canada and British Columbia, such as Emily Carr.
Vancouver’s Public Library: A beautiful building inspired by the Flavian Amphitheatre in Rome, the library has six floors chock-full of books.

November 5, 2015
Los Angeles Layovers

LAX isn’t anyone’s favourite airport. While it’s currently undergoing improvements, I still aim to get out and see different parts of Los Angeles whenever I have a layover.

On two recent flights, I had six hours to kill in Los Angeles. I decided to explore Venice Beach and Santa Monica for a couple hours before returning to LAX to catch my red-eye. Needless to say, I’m definitely considering a non-layover trip to Los Angeles in the near future. Here’s my advice for those finding themselves at LAX with a few hours to spare.

Grab an Uber. Uber has completely taken off in Los Angeles and for good reason. Catching an Uber from LAX to Santa Monica will set you back approximately $20-25 USD, less than half the fare of a taxi.

My first stop was Alfred Coffee for a cappuccino and a strawberry croissant (both delicious!) I had heard a lot about Alfred and was instantly drawn to their branding and design aesthetic. It was the perfect way to kickstart the next few hours.

After coffee, I ventured to the Santa Monica Pier, so I could walk along the sand, watch the sunset, and gawk at all the palm trees. There’s nothing more rewarding than getting some fresh air and exercise to break up a long travel day. I loved visiting the pier and taking in all the neon sights of the rides and the exciting energy on the docks.

Venice Beach is another fun neighbourhood to visit, especially if you don’t want to steer too far from the airport. I recommend checking out Moon Juice for refreshing cleanses, cold-pressed juices, and other concoctions or Café Gratitude if you’re craving a wholesome, vegetarian meal.

If you’re getting anxious about making it back to the airport for your flight, I suggest hitting up Terminal 5 for lunch or dinner at Lemonade. A Los Angeles institution, Lemonade serves fresh, healthy salads and sandwiches made with seasonal ingredients. They’re also known for their delicious lemonades such as watermelon rosemary and blueberry mint, always a great pre-flight option.

Another enticing option, close to the airport, is In-N-Out Burger. Make sure to have your fries ‘animal-style’.

October 31, 2015
Kelowna City Guide

Kelowna is one of Canada’s most desirable destinations. Often referred to as Canada’s Napa Valley, it’s known for the numerous vineyards that produce some of our best wine. One of my best friends, Amanda has been living in Kelowna since beginning her career. Despite living on opposite coasts for the past three years, we’ve made every effort to spend time together. I wanted to make one more visit to see her (and her stunning city) on my way to New Zealand. Coincidentally, our friend Elyse had already planned a visit, so my cousin Lucia and I thought we’d crash the party last minute!

Geographically blessed with picturesque mountains and glistening Lake Okanagan, Kelowna is a popular tourist destination and offers an endless array of activities for all types of travellers. Whether you want to spend your time hiking, sipping wine, or indulging in some of Canada’s best cuisine, Kelowna undoubtedly delivers. Here are a few of our favourite local spots:

Canyon Falls: This 60-minute hike is ideal for those who want to see Kelowna’s natural beauty, but don’t want to miss out on wine tastings in the afternoon. Canyon Falls features gorgeous waterfalls and rugged terrain, so make sure you pack proper shoes.

Knox Mountain offers one of Kelowna’s best views, so you’ll want to bring your camera.

Bean Scene Roastery: The beans roasted here provide an excellent base for the delightful caffeinated beverages on offer. And the skilled baristas rival those at Vancouver’s best coffee shops.

Carmelis Goat Cheese Farm: Need some cheese to go with all those wine tastings? Carmelis is a goat farm where you can sample more than a dozen types of cheese. My favourite was the cream cheese laced with dill. Oh, and they also make goat cheese gelato. I tried the salted caramel and was blown away.

Okanagan Lavender Herb Farm: If you’re at all a fan of lavender, I highly suggest checking out Kelowna’s lavender herb farm. A beautiful farm overlooking Okanagan Lake, the boutique store sells face products, hand creams, scents, and lavender-infused goodies. I was especially intrigued by the lavender and rose petal scones and lavender jelly. You can even pick bunches of lavender yourself if you reserve in advance.

RauDZ: We had to check out Kelowna’s best restaurant and TripAdvisor’s fifth best ranked restaurant in Canada. It didn’t disappoint, every dish was perfectly executed and the cocktails (Lavender Bees Knees and rhubarb martinis) were a major selling point.

Micro: Next door to RauDZ, Micro offers sharing plates, strong drinks, and an intimate environment. The Corpse Reviver consists of gin and absinthe, and will certainly kick start your night.

Krafty: Another spot for delicious local craft beer and cocktails with a fun, light-hearted environment. I’m also told they serve a 90s hip hop brunch on Sundays. Count me in!

Tantalus Vineyards: Tantalus was recommended to us by the friendly server at Cedar Creek Winery, for their riesling and pinot noir. A visit is worthwhile for the architecture and resplendent views alone!

Summerhill Pyramid: The best winery for bubbly, many of the local restaurants use Summer Hill’s brut for mimosas!

Mission Hill: Kelowna’s most well-known winery and one of the most respected in Canada.

October 27, 2015
{Mini} Sydney City Guide

I first visited Sydney’s stunning shores in 2009 while studying abroad in Auckland. We stayed at a raucous hostel in Kings Cross where each guest was offered daily pub crawl tickets and matching t-shirts. Needless to say, my recent trips have been a tad more civilized!

One thing I’ve discovered about Sydney is its appeal to the both adventurer and the urbanite. It’s a fantastically picturesque city (stunning beaches with the Blue Mountains in the distance, what more could a girl want?) but with all the trappings of an urban playground.

This guide focuses primarily on central Sydney and Bondi Beach. There’s so much to experience in Sydney, even in a few short days, you won’t be disappointed!

See/
Sydney Opera House: You cannot visit Sydney without venturing to the iconic Opera House. This architectural gem has some of the best acoustics in the world! I was fortunate to see the symphony here with my mom and sister during my second trip to Sydney.
Darling Harbour: Located on the western end of Sydney’s CBD, Darling Harbour is a beautiful pedestrian precinct.
The Royal Botanic Gardens: Located in the heart of Sydney, the garden opened in 1816 and is a testament to the state’s diverse floral and fauna.

Activities/
Vicious Cycle: Get your sweat on at this high-energy spin studio in Bondi Beach.
Art Gallery NSW: A beautiful building for the state art gallery’s collection of Indigenous Australian, contemporary and international art. Be sure to check out their Art After Hours series, the gallery stays open until 10pm!
Ramsgate Organic Foodies Market
Bondi Farmers Market

Coffee/
Kafeine: Great caffeine can solve all your problems, and Kafeine is no exception!
Gusto Espresso Bar: The best way to start the day is at Gusto, one of the oldest establishments in Bondi Beach. Grab a coffee to go, or sit in and sample their noteworthy breakfast rolls.
Gertrude and Alice Café Bookstore: A bookworm’s dream, this quirky bookstore is absolutely charming.

Breakfast/
Porch and Parlour: A trendy café that serves delicious breakfast and casual lunch. A favourite among vegetarians.
bills Bondi: A popular hang out among the surfer babes and creatives of Bondi Beach.
Ruby’s Diner: Healthy, organic all-day dining in a sleek setting.

Lunch/
The Fine Food Store Who knew a simple toastie could taste THIS good? Do yourself a favour and sit outside and watch the world go by, it’s utterly relaxing.
Henley’s Wholefoods: With three locations, Henley’s serves up healthy, organic dishes (often paleo, if you’re so inclined) in a bright, welcoming environment.
Two & Twelve: Craving American-style BBQ? Two & Twelve’s pork belly will melt in your mouth.

Dinner/
Drake Eatery: Seasonal, locally-sourced fare in a relaxed setting.
Pompei’s: On the hunt for traditional Italian fare? Look no further than Pompei’s!
Mamasan: Chinese, Tawainese, and Japanese tapas with some delicious cocktails to top it all off.

Drink/
Bulletin Place: This place is super cozy, and they have a cocktail made with rhubarb – my favourite ingredient!
Grandma’s Bar: Homemade ginger beer? I’m sold!
The Baxter Inn: If you like whisky, this bar has the best selection!

Stay/
Hotel Harry: A hotel of contrasts with impressive modern rooms impress and a speakeasy feel.
QT Sydney: Edgy and excellent customer service

Thanks for reading!

October 8, 2015