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Vibrant Victorian Vacation

05.02.10

By Joanne Tucker

Whether you arrive via high-speed ferry or land in a seaplane, getting to Vancouver Island in Canada’s British Columbia province is just the beginning of a splendid adventure. Victoria Island boasts spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife, the world-renowned Butchart gardens and the capital city of Victoria, which is ranked by many travel publications as one of the world’s top destinations.

Located on the southern tip of the island, Victoria is the most British of cities in North America with its turn-of-the-century architecture and timeless beauty that is showcased in the Parliament building and the famous Fairmont Empress Hotel.

The historic, ivy-covered Fairmont Empress Hotel, which overlooks the Victoria’s truly scenic Inner Harbor, is located in the heart of this bustling city. Since Victoria is a walking city, “the empress” is within easy access to harbor recreation, hip sidewalk cafés, hot nightlife, stylish boutiques, open-air markets, theatres and an authentic Chinatown.

We enjoyed our elegant Fairmont Empress suite and reveled in the comfy English-inspired living room and old world, yet modern marble bathrooms. On the hotel’s concierge level, a sumptuous breakfast spread awaits guests as well as pre-dinner apps and drinks.

For more than 100 years, The Fairmont Empress has had a reputation as a fine food haven with a to-die-for and decidedly British afternoon tea service. The Empress Room features ingredients straight from nearby and mostly organic nets, fields, wineries, farms and cheese makers.

Known for its colorful hanging baskets of springtime flowers, Victoria also offers extensive hiking and biking trails, boating, golfing, museums and strolling through exquisite parks.

Mom’s Love La Quinta!

04.27.10

By Joanne Tucker

For a relaxing Mother’s Day getaway, escape to the desert and take in the beauty of springtime flora and fauna in La Quinta. Located just over two hours from Orange County and 19 miles east of Palm Springs, the city of La Quinta has much to offer stressed-out moms: a quaint village filled with fine dining restaurants and charming boutiques, biking along the Bear Creek Trail or hiking in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto mountains.

If mom is seeking relaxation, head to La Quinta Resort & Club. Built originally in the 1920s as a getaway to Hollywood film stars, La Quinta Resort is still a super peaceful retreat. The resort sits on 45 acres of lush grounds with colorful flowers and sweet-smelling groves of citrus fruits like grapefruit, lemons and oranges.

Set against the backdrop of Santa Rosa’s purple-hued mountains, La Quinta is relaxing because the highly modern, yet old world Spanish-style casitas are centered around 41 warm pools and 53 hot Jacuzzis. And, La Quinta Resort features some of the country’s best spa, golf and tennis facilities.

Does mom love good food? Newly-opened Morgan’s in the desert is worth the trip alone to La Quinta Resort. Start with some vintage cocktails and inspirational live music in the lounge and then move into the handsome main dining room for Chef Jimmy Schmidt’s outstanding farm-to-table contemporary American cuisine.

Or, you can drive mom to Downtown La Quinta and dine in at such excellent restaurants as Desert Sage Restaurant, which also has a popular piano bar.

To book a La Quinta getaway, visit La Quinta Resort Accommodations.

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