Things to do this week online and in person

Have you reached a point where you are simply out of ideas on how to keep yourself entertained during these trying times? Well I feel your pain there is little to do and with the holiday season gone and over with there is simply not much to do aside from brace yourself for winter weather. But there are other things to do to keep yourself entertained and less on your phone. 

 Some people don’t want to leave their house unless it is absolutely essential, while some people are totally comfortable with going to restaurants and stores. Everyone is at a different comfort level and that’s okay as long as provincial guidelines are being abided by. For this list I have tried my best to create some options for everyone, from the super cautious to the risk takers. Just remember the importance of staying local right now with provincial guidelines in place. 

Here are some ideas on how you can spend this week whether that be at home and virtual or in real life. 

Take a Walk/ Hike: We have been blessed with relatively good weather for this time of year, with a mix of rainy and sunny days with that typical cool air letting us know it is winter time, even if we aren’t met with snow. But that could all be changing as soon as this weekend with snow warnings teasing us in parts of the Lower Mainland and the Fraser Valley. So get out into that fresh air and sunshine while you still can, head to a local park or trail where you can take in the surroundings of nature and still not be too far from home. It is important right now that we are all taking the time to exercise and get fresh air as it has health benefits to our physical and mental health. If you are located in the Fraser Valley try a trail like Vedder Mountain Ridge in Chilliwack that is ranked easy to moderate or the Abby Grind in Abbotsford if you are looking for something really challenging. If you are located more into the city try Deer Lake in Burnaby for something more easy to moderate and  Grouse Grind in Vancouver for more of a challenge. Remember to keep socially distanced everyone!

Price: Free

Benefits: Copious 

 Glow Gardens Light Display: If you thought gorgeous light displays were for Christmas only then I’m here to share that this drive thru exhibit is on every weekend until the end of January at Milner Village Garden Center in Langley. If you did not have the chance to head over at Christmas time or  are just missing the holiday season and want to bask in the warm, festive glow a little bit longer than now is your chance. This event is the perfect excuse to get out of the house and yet not get out of your car, especially if the winter blues are starting to hit (it is Blue January today, or the most depressing day of the year). Tickets come with the option of adding mini donuts, or getting their famous LED light cup.

Price: 29.99 with add ons ranging from 2.49 to 4.49

Dates: January 21-23 , January 28-30 

https://twitter.com/glow_langley/status/1350306785983270919

Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival: An in person event that is still able to happen during COVID gives me a sense of normalcy in this crazy world right now. But this event is able to stay safe and socially distanced with its new modifications this year. This includes many venues doing  take-out only drinks and a virtual map that is available on their website. Hosted by 39 local restaurants, cafes and chocolatiers in the Vancouver area, this event is about bringing new customers to local restaurants they may not have known in an exciting way. Each vendor gets to put their own spin on hot chocolate, from  Honolulu Coffees dairy free guava puree and coconut milk hot chocolate to the Bench Bakehouses rosemary infused hot chocolate, there is a kind for everyone. Their website has the full list of vendors and their hot chocolate creations, click the link above and find your favourite match.

If you don’t live in Vancouver or are looking to participate at home then there are amazing and easy hot chocolate recipes out there that can be tailored to what you like. Prefer white hot chocolate or maybe you like yours with other flavours in it like a little heat or a hint of citrus, google some recipes or come up with your own creation at home. Most recipes require the basics cocoa, sugar, milk and the rest is up to you!

Price: Price of hot chocolate 

Dates: January 16- February 14

https://twitter.com/DailyHiveVan/status/1350174711263744000

Join a Virtual Event: Since the start of the pandemic the switch from at home and online spaces has made life carry on in some capacity, we can still go to work and get an education and we can still attend all these events just through our computers. It may not be as great as actually being there, but virtual concerts, exhibits and seminars are happening everyday. There are tons of local virtual events that are putting on display culture and education.

Check out this week an online and in person exhibit at the Port Moody Art Centre entitled “Are We Still Together?” by  Ghislain Brown-Kossi a French artist based here in Vancouver that highlights how we interact with each other, how relationships form and feelings of disconnect between diverse communities. 

Price: Free 

Date: January 14- February 15, Virtual Tour is on January 21 7:15 pm over Facebook live 

Another virtual event taking place this week is the Vancouver Short Film Festival that starts this weekend, highlighting BC based local film makers. Starting in 2005 this local event has been trying to connect young filmmakers with established professionals in the business. Composed of 61 films in total for a virtual all weekend event, it takes supporting local to a new level. 

Price: Ranges, starting at 7$ with the option to get the full weekend passes for 40$ 

Dates: January 22-24 

Enjoy this week friends!

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