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Pinballs and Rooms for Rent in Mount Pleasant
I love my neighbourhood – the Mount Pleasant area in Vancouver, on the “other side” of the Cambie and Granville bridges.
It has a character of its own. Shiny, new buildings with endless glass panes have not (as of yet) invaded this area. In fact, my building is probably one of the tallest in the area, and it’s only 8 storeys-high. It’s an area full of history. According to this page in the City of Vancouver Web site, the area received its name in 1888. Its most important artery is Main Street.
My neighbourhood is strewn with visual jewels everywhere I look. During a recent walk, I captured some images that easily explain Mount Pleasant’s charm.
If photographic eye candy is not enough to attract you to my neck of the woods, there are some excellent restaurants on Main Street. Below are my favourites:
- Latitude: when at Latitude, try their lamb shank. I know someone who is used to ordering two portions at once. That’s how succulent their rendition of this classic is. Located on 3250 Main Street, between East 16th and East 17th.
Window Detail at Vancouver Architectural Antiques
- The Well: located on 3048 Main Street, this is a spot where I’ve had several meals – all of them absolutely amazing. Chef Saboor Assadi pours his heart and soul into each dish that he prepares, and it shows. This is a good pick for breakfast, brunch or dinner. On my birthday, he prepared a special platter (with game, beef, vegetables and Israeli couscous), and it was a culinary experience which I will not forget anytime soon.
Special Platter at The Well
Goh Ballet Academy
Continue exploring this side of Vancouver after your meal. For those looking for well-designed, unique and sustainable clothing (that looks stylish without making you look like you’re wearing a burlap sack), I highly recommend Body Politic, on East 12th, almost at the corner of Main (208 East 12 Ave, South East corner of 12th & Main). Owner Nicole Ritchie-Oseen is a sweetheart, and will take pleasure in finding a garment that suits your style and body type.
Window at A Baker's Dozen
Afterwards, I recommend walking up to Main and 19th to admire the (sometimes odd) antique findings at A Baker’s Dozen (3520 Main Street). Rare have been the occasions when I was able to resist taking photos of their window. More photographic jewels to be had.
Since your stomach might be full, and you might be in need of burning those calories, head to Main and 22nd, where Front & Company is located. If you’re looking for an awesome consignment store, this is it. I recently landed a leather jacket at that store for a third of its regular retail price.
Walking now in the opposite direction (North, facing the mountains), cross Broadway and walk one block. On your left-hand side, you’ll find one of the most beautiful antique stores that I’ve ever visited: Vancouver Architectural Antiques (2403 Main Street). Even if you are not planning on making any purchases, it is easy to lose yourself in the beauty of the items.
How to get here: if coming from the downtown core, you have a couple of options:
- Take the new Canada Line SkyTrain heading South (towards Richmond and the Airport), and get off at Broadway-City Hall. Take the 99 B-Line bus, which stops right at the exit of that SkyTrain station. This is an express bus, so you will be getting of at the first stop, which will have you right at the corner of Main and Broadway. From there, just start walking South (on the opposite direction from our snow-capped mountains).
- Take the Expo Line (the older SkyTrain line) from downtown, heading East. Exit at the Main Street – Science World station. When getting off the train, you want to take the stairs that lead you to the side of the street opposite from the Pacific Central Station (which, incidentally, also offers plenty of interesting visuals). Wait for the #3 bus, and get off at the intersection between Main and Broadway.
Welcome to my Mount Pleasant. You’ll be tempted to make it yours, too.
Guacira Naves is the founder of The Online Strategy House. She’s an online marketing pioneer with 19 years of professional history with the Internet and 13 years of experience as an online marketing strategist. She serves on the board of the Social Media Club Vancouver. Follow her on Twitter (@OnlineStrategy) or find her at OnlineStrategy.ca
