Lindt Chocolate Shop Grand Opening at The Exchange Tower in Downtown Vancouver

Comments 217 by Rebecca Bollwitt
Disclosure: Sponsored Post — Sponsored by Lindt Canada Please review the Policy & Disclosure section for further information.

Downtown Vancouver is about to get a whole lot sweeter! A brand new Lindt Chocolate Shop is opening up at The Exchange Tower, the long awaited reconstruction of the old Exchange Building on Howe Street at Pender.

The 1929-built heritage building has been converted into Canada’s second-largest LEED Platinum building. At street level, it will be home to a brand new Lindt retail location, filled with truffles, chocolates, and all of their incredibly delicious creations.

Lindt Chocolate Shop Grand Opening at The Exchange Tower
Where: 455 Howe Street, Vancouver
When: Grand opening on Tuesday, November 7, 2017

The fist 100 shoppers to spend $25 during the shop’s first 6 days the shop is open will receive 1lb of Lindor Truffles for free ($30 value).

Back in 2009 during a trip to Switzerland I visited Lindt & Sprungli Chocolates, it was like a dream. They had a massive shop filled with holiday treats (like the signature gold bunnies with red bows) and I even got to learn how to properly do a chocolate tasting. It’s Swiss chocolate at its finest!

Enter to Win

To celebrate the grand opening on November 7th, I have a Lindt gift basket to give away (valued at $100) sponsored by Lindt. Here’s how you can enter to win:

  • Leave a comment on this post (1 entry)
  • Like, comment on, or this post on Facebook (1 entry)
  • Click below to post an entry on Twitter

[clickToTweet tweet=”RT to enter to win a $100 @LindtCanada #LoveLindt prize + visit the new shop Nov 7 http://ow.ly/4Qa330glZjG” quote=” Click to enter via Twitter” theme=”style6″]

I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 12:00pm on Friday, November 10, 2017. Open only to BC residents. The winner must be able to pick up the prize in person at the new Lindt Chocolate Shop in Vancouver by November 30, 2017.

Follow Lindt Canada on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more information about the new shop in Vancouver.

Update The winner is Angela Zanatta!

The Chan Centre Welcomes the Texas Troubadours: Win a Date Night with Dinner and Tickets

Comments 28 by Rebecca Bollwitt

The Chan Centre for the Performing Arts at UBC presents Ruthie Foster, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, and Carrie Rodriguez, the Lone Star State’s diverse and celebrated songwriters on November 8th at the Chan Shun Concert Hall. Performing as part of of the Texas Troubadours project, these three distinctive voices come together for the first time to swap songs and collaborate.

Texas Troubadours

Where: Chan Centre for the Performing Arts (UBC)
When: Wednesday, November 8, 2017 at 8:00pm
Tickets: Available online now from $38, in person at the box office, or by calling (604) 822-2697.

Texas Troubadours

Born and raised in the small town of Gause, Texas, Ruthie Foster has been described by Rolling Stone as “pure magic to watch and hear.” Taking inspiration from such singers as Mavis Staples and Aretha Franklin, she developed her own soulful sound tied to several southern-rooted styles. She has recorded three GRAMMY-nominated albums: The Truth According to Ruthie (2010), Let it Burn (2012), and Promise of a Brand New Day (2014). In 2017, Foster released Joy Comes Back, an album showcasing her power-house voice on honest and heartfelt songs blending blues, folk, soul and gospel.

Hailing from the West Texas town of Lubbock, Jimmie Dale Gilmore’s career spans more than five decades. Like Foster, his inspired music cannot be categorized but combines elements of folk, rock, country, blues and bluegrass. Gilmore pursued his first solo project, Fair & Square (1988), and recorded several more albums which brought international success, and resulted in Rolling Stone naming him ‘Country Artist of the Year’ for three consecutive years. His latest solo album, Come on Back (2005), was dedicated to the memory of his late father, and garnered him a GRAMMY nomination.

Carrie Rodriguez, an Austin native, began her musical journey as a classical violin prodigy, having by the age of 10 already performed at Carnegie Hall. Following a year studying in the classical department at Oberlin Conservatory, she pledged herself to her true love: the fiddle. Rodriguez’s career took flight when she joined forces with Chip Taylor (the songwriter of Angel of the Morning and Wild Thing) to produce four critically-aclaimed duet albums. For her latest release, the 2016 Spanish-English album Lola, Rodriguez looked to the legacy of her great aunt –1940s-era Chicana singing sensation Eva Garza. The album was recognized by NPR as one of 2016’s top 30 releases.

A series of ancillary events programmed in conjunction with Chan Centre performances, exploring the role of arts and artists in society. There will be a Pre-Show Talk on Wednesday, November 8, 2017, 7:15pm at the Chan Centre’s Royal Bank Cinema. JUNO award-winning songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Shari Ulrich discusses the power of “the song,” shedding light on this fascinating art form from an artist’s perspective.

Win a Date Night with Dinner and Tickets

The Chan Centre has offered up two tickets for a lucky Miss604 reader to see the Texas Troubadours, along with a set dinner menu for two at Sage Restaurant ahead of the show.

Here’s how you can enter to win:

  • Leave a comment on this post (1 entry)
  • Click below to get another entry by posting on Twitter:

[clickToTweet tweet=”RT to enter to win dinner + tickets to see the Texas Troubadours at the @ChanCentre http://ow.ly/OmV330glj8c” quote=” Click to enter via Twitter” theme=”style6″]

You can view the set menu for the Texas Troubadours pre-show dinner online now. Sage Restaurant is located at UBC (6331 Crescent Rd, Vancouver) across from the Chan Centre. Follow the Chan Centre on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest show info.

I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 12:00pm on Tuesday, November 7, 2017. Prize must be redeemed/used on the same day as the show. A reservation will be made for the winner and their guest.

Update The winner is Eileen Hwang!

Things to do in Vancouver This Weekend

Add a Comment by Rebecca Bollwitt

Join Variety – The Children’s Charity of BC for the Variety Week Street Festival on Friday afternoon at Robson Square. Start your weekend off right with family fun, live music, a Global BC broadcast and more! It all starts at 12:00pm, with music at 3:00pm, and it’s free for everyone. We’re celebrating another Variety Week and there’s still time to donate. Call 310-KIDS, text KIDS to 45678, or donate online. Here’s what else is happening around Metro Vancouver this weekend:

Things to do in Vancouver This Weekend

Things to do in Vancouver This Weekend

Events that run for longer than three days in a row are highlighted in green.

Friday, November 3, 2017
Variety Week Street Festival
City Opera Presents: Missing
The Space Centre Presents: Art We Alone in the Universe?
Langley Weavers’ and Spinners’ Guild: Beyond Fibre Artisan Sale
Douglas College: Concord Floral
Coquitlam Beer Festival
Youth Education Farms Gala
Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat
Authors at the Seaforth Armoury: Benjamin Hertwig
Shameless Hussy Productions Presents: Girls Like That
Theater Crossing Presents: The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde
Jesus Christ Superstar at Centennial Theatre
Ballet BC Program 1
Diwali in BC Shows
Vancouver Jewish Film Festival
Cirque du Soleil: KURIOS
Heart of the City Festival

Saturday, November 4, 2017
65 Roses Gala
MAGIC! by The Vancouver Magic Circle
Dirty, Dirty Rock and Roll Super Show
The Deep Cove with José Contreras
Perfect Bid
Franchise Canada Show
Coquitlam Beer Festival
TriCity International Food & Wine Festival
Filipino Festival, Surrey
Langley Weavers’ and Spinners’ Guild: Beyond Fibre Artisan Sale
Shoppers Drug Mart Beauty Boutique Holiday Gala
KPWA Christmas Tea and Bazaar
Bottoms Up Exhibit Opening at New Westminster Museum & Archives
Vancouver Latin Showcase Party
Vancouver Health Show
Nat Bailey Winter Farmers Market
Theater Crossing Presents: The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde
Jesus Christ Superstar at Centennial Theatre
Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat
Douglas College: Concord Floral
Ballet BC Program 1
Diwali in BC Shows
Vancouver Jewish Film Festival
Cirque du Soleil: KURIOS
Heart of the City Festival

Sunday, November 5, 2017
Rehearsal for Operation Frozen Toes Flash Mob
Raffi 40 Years of Singable Songs
Dirk Terpstra: “The Intuitive Heart” HeartMath Workshop
Franchise Canada Show
TriCity International Food & Wine Festival
Vancouver Art Guild Winter Salon Art Exhibition and Sale
Secrets of a Salmon Stream
Vancouver Health Show
Hastings Park Winter Farmers Market
Theater Crossing Presents: The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde
Jesus Christ Superstar at Centennial Theatre
Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat
Douglas College: Concord Floral
Vancouver Jewish Film Festival
Cirque du Soleil: KURIOS
Heart of the City Festival

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The full November event list is available now. If you have an event to list, please send it in by email for a free listing. Follow Miss604 on Twitter for more daily updates.

Fan Expo Vancouver 2017: Win Tickets

Comments 142 by Rebecca Bollwitt

Fan Expo Vancouver is a three-day extravaganza is packed with exciting family-friendly activities and celebrities. 2017 Celebrity Guests include Grant Gustin (Flash), Stephen Amell (Arrow), Henry Winkler (Happy Days), Famke Janssen (X-Men Films), and more.

Fans of all ages are invited to attend Vancouver’s largest pop culture celebration as the highly anticipated phenomenon mixes comic, sci-fi, horror, anime, and gaming genres November 10-12, 2017.

Fan Expo Vancouver 2013

Fan Expo Vancouver

Where: Vancouver Convention Centre
Tickets: On sale now including child, single day, deluxe, and premium options
When: Friday, November 10th 2:00pm to 8:00pm; Saturday, November 11th 10:00am to 7:00pm; Sunday, November 12th 10:00am to 5:00pm

Don’t miss the opportunity to gain interview access with iconic legends, capture rare reunion moments with nostalgic pop culture personalities, and witness comic culture coming to life.

Untitled

Confirmed Guests (as of publishing, Nov 2,17):

The Cast of the The Flash: Grant Gustin makes a rare appearance, along with Flash co-stars Tom Cavanagh, Candice Patton, Carlos Valdes and Danielle Panabaker.

The Saviour of the Starling City with Friends and Foes: Stephen Amell, aka Oliver Queen: the saviour of the Starling City, is bringing along Arrow co-stars David Ramsey, Neal McDonough and Paul Blackthorne to keep him company

The Fonz: Meet the 80’s icon, Henry Winkler, from Happy Days.

X-Men Fans Rejoice – Phoenix Rises: Famke Janssen, the actress behind the iconic Jean Grey / Phoenix is making a very rare appearance.

iZombie’s Unique Crime Solving Duo: Hold on to your Brains! iZombie’s unique crime solving duo, Rose McIver and Rahul Kohli will be in town.

The White Canary Returns: Back by popular demand, Legends of Tomorrow time traveler, White Canary, played by Caity Lotz.

A Stargate Legend: Michael Shanks, the man behind Stargate SG-1’s iconic Dr. Daniel Jackson and Saving Hope’s Dr. Charlie Harris joins the lineup!

Meet the Stars of Bones: Meet the King of the lab T.J Thyne & the Queen of Egypt, Michaela Conlin.

It’s an Original Degrassi Reunion: Spend some time with your favourite characters from the original cast of Degrassi: Joey Jeremiah, Caitlin Ryan, Snake “Archie” Simpson, and Tessa Campanelli! Otherwise known as Pat Mastroianni, Stacie Mistysyn, Stefan Brogren, Kirsten Bourne Kelly.

Meet your Voice Actor Favourites: Charlet Chung (Overwatch), Jennifer Hale (Mass Effect), Troy Baker and Nolan North (Uncharted), Maurice Lamarche and Rob Paulsen (Animaniacs), and Josh Grelle, the voice of Yuri Katsuki from Yuri on Ice.

The Original Blue and Red Power Rangers: It’s Morphin Time with Austin St. John and David Host of the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.

DSC01975

With over 250,000 square feet of fun, Fan Expo Vancouver has all the gear that any fan could need, including the latest and greatest, as well as the rare and coveted. The 200+ exhibitors include artists, dealers and retailers, making it the perfect place to shop for your holiday ‘nerdy or nice’ list.

Win Passes to Fan Expo Vancouver

I’m giving away a pair of Deluxe 3-Day Passes to Fan Expo Vancouver. Here’s how you can enter to win:

  • Leave a comment on this post (1 entry)
  • Like, comment on, or share this post on Facebook (1 entry)
  • Click below to post an entry on Twitter

[clickToTweet tweet=”RT to enter to win 2x DELUXE passes for @FANEXPOVAN http://ow.ly/hodk30gjvcL” quote=” Click to enter via Twitter” theme=”style6″]

Follow Fan Expo Vancouver on Facebook and Twitter for more information. I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 12:00pm on Wednesday, November 8, 2017.

Update The winner is Ana-Maria Gheorghiu!

5 Easy Walks to Try in Coquitlam

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Disclosure: Sponsored Post — Published in partnership with the City of Coquitlam Please review the Policy & Disclosure section for further information.

These leisurely Coquitlam walks offer scenic views, minus the hiking boots. Whether you’re toting a young child or simply in the mood for a short afternoon stroll, these five trails are ideal for all ages and abilities. Did we mention that one of the locations also happens to be home to Metro Vancouver’s largest free festive lights display?

5 Easy Trail Walks to Try in Coquitlam

1. Lafarge Lake

Lafarge Lake

A 1.2km trail loops this popular urban lake in Coquitlam’s Town Centre Park, offering views of both mountains and cityscape. It’s also home to the Lower Mainland’s largest free festive lights display, starting at dusk on Saturday, November 25, and running until January 21, 2018. Hundreds of thousands of lights will circle the lake in multiple themed zones. The Lafarge Winter Lights Display is just steps away from Lafarge Lake-Douglas SkyTrain station, also with free two-hour parking in Lot D off Trevor Wingrove Way.

2. Mundy Park

Mundy Park

The city’s largest park, at 400 acres, Mundy Park is rated by TripAdvisor as the #1 thing to do in Coquitlam. Home to two lakes, coastal rainforest and a 16km trail network, its mostly flat paths offer the easy “hiking” experience without having to trek up a mountain. The park is accessible by transit and offers free parking.

3. Hoy Creek

Hoy Creek

This flat, gravel trail stretches for 2.8km and offer prime viewing of spawning salmon at Hoy Creek. Whether you’re a young child, an international visitor or a seasoned wildlife spotter, this scene never fails to impress. Duck into the trail off Guildford Way, a short walk from Lafarge Lake-Douglas SkyTrain station.

4. Como Lake

Como Lake Coquitlam

You might want to pack your fishing rod to reel in a rainbow trout after your walk at Como Lake. A 1km trail circles this pretty lake, which is stocked with fish. You’ll also find a playground on site. The lake is accessible by transit and has free on-site parking.

5. Colony Farm Regional Park

Bird watchers flock to this immense park to spot rare bird life including great blue herons, purple martins and the elusive lazuli bunting. The terrain at Colony Farm Regional Park is crisscrossed by flat, wide trails, ideal for long, meditative walks. The park is accessible by transit (bus from Coquitlam Central), also with on-site parking.

What’s on in Coquitlam This Month

Hard Rock Casino Vancouver: Did you know Coquitlam is home to Canada’s only Hard Rock Casino? Check the website for music and events, including The Simon & Garfunkel Story on November 2, plus Fourever and Satisfaction (tributes to The Beatles and The Rolling Stones) on November 11, 2017.

Coquitlam Express:
November 11, 17, 19 & 29, 2017
Round up the family for a fun night of hockey that won’t break the bank. Cheer for the team, cold drink in hand, while scoping out the talent of the BCHL.

Brighten Up!
November 17 to December 13, 2017
A host of events, performances and workshops across multiple Coquitlam venues, including Place des Arts, which will let your creative inner light shine.

Santa at Coquitlam Centre
November 22 to December 24, 2017
Ho, ho, ho! Let the wish lists begin.

Coquitlam Christmas Craft Fair
December 1 to 3, 2017
Head to Poirier Forum to shop for locally crafted Christmas gifts from more than 100 artisans including handmade art, jewelry, food, clothing and home décor items. The venue is at 618 Poirier St. Entry is $3 adults, $2 seniors, children 12 and under are free.

Read about all of these events and more online, and share your fun summer photos using #explorecoquitlam.