Victoria's Finest

This past weekend I took a trip to Victoria to visit a dear friend but also to explore a few places I've been hearing some buzz about. These three are now permanent fixtures on my "must-go-to-when-in-Victoria" list!

Photo by Annah van Eeghen

Lovely Things Vintage, located at 768 Yates, is still fairly new on the scene in downtown Victoria but you can expect this store to be around a long time! Owner, Chelsey has killer aesthetic, an amazing eye for vintage, and only buys things that she is truly proud to have in her store. I've been hearing about this shop since it opened in November but was actually blown away when I finally got a chance to visit. The store stocks everything from shoes and hats, to beautiful vintage dresses, housewares, and custom pieces. The selection of jewellery is a little dangerous but so is everything else, so go there prepared to love everything. I got a chance to stand back while Chelsey and my friend Annah (who shot the photo above) pulled some clothes for me to try on....I felt very pampered! Annah snapped some pictures for me while I was mulling over the pieces I loved best, so expect to see a little more of Lovely Things later this week! Go ahead and like the store on Facebook, because I know you're now dying to pay Lovely Things a visit.

Photo from pinkbicycleburger.com

I don't know how I had never heard of this local favourite...it is hands down the best burger restaurant I've ever been to. I had the Black Bean Veggie Burger, probably just the best burger I've ever eaten; no exaggeration. The Pink Bicycle  (1008 Blanshard) menu is not your average burger joint menu, offering up items like the Metchosin Mutton, Seared Ahi Tuna, and Blue Cheese Lamb burgers. If you're still keen on your New Years resolutions, they also have some yummy looking salads and great sides for sharing - Truffle Poutine, anyone? Absolutely my new favourite spot to fuel up during a marathon shopping session. They also happen to have a great selection of cocktails if you want to up the chance of impulse buy! Check out the menu so you can start daydreaming now about what you'll order. You may as well follow them on Twitter too, so you can drool over pictures of burgs.

Photo from bonmacaronpatisserie.com

The macaron is definitely the new cupcake; I'm beyond obsessed. Bon Macaron Patisserie is not just another pastry shop though; the flavours are innovative and decadent and the owners are clearly incredibly passionate about what they do. Not only does Bon Macaron offer more classic,sweet varieties like strawberry, coffee, tiramisu (my favourite), caramel, hazelnut and lavender chocolate (second favourite!) but also boasts quirky savory flavours like white chocolate and wasabi, bacon and cream cheese, hummus and poppy seed, and goat cheese and fig. If you haven't yet visited this new downtown gem; get there ASAP. Check out their Facebook to see current flavours and to suggest new ones, and while you're at it follow Bon Macaron on Twitter for daily specials.