Dine and Shop at the Gardens

Last week, we had a lunch meeting at Royal Botanical Gardens to discuss new marketing opportunities for this world renowned attraction.  After the big snowstorm the night before it was a treat to come into the gardens and see that spring is really here (at least in the indoor Mediterranean Garden).  With the sun shining through the greenhouse it was beautiful oasis from the cold and the spring blooms smelled heavenly. 

It was our first time trying out the fare at the Garden’s Café under its new management.  I tried the Sampler which consisted of two crispy coconut shrimp with tangy marmalade, a vegetable spring roll with ginger hoisin dip and a Caesar salad.  It was the perfect mix of sweet, spicy and crunch and was the right portion.  My companions had the lunch special, which was vegetable quiche with salad or broccoli soup and they said it was equally tasty.  The restaurant was promoting their upcoming Easter Brunch on Sunday April 24 where you can enjoy a delicious meal plus meet the Easter Bunny.  Reservations are required for this event by calling 905.527.1158 ext.302.  The Café is located in the RBG Centre tucked around the corner from the Shop @ the Gardens.  Before we left the café we spoke with the restaurant operator Shirley Johnson and her business partner Craig Kowalchuk who were awarded the contract for RBG food services in the New Year.  Craig is a familiar face in Burlington being the owner/Manager of the Water St. Cooker and Emma’s Back Porch. 

On our way out, we picked up gift cards from the gift shop for the Burlington Hotel Deals program and took advantage of some of the sales to purchase gifts for family and friends.  I got some lovely jewellery and some was half price!  I also selected a beautiful scarf in spring colours while my colleague was thrilled to get some cute Easter gifts for the kids.  I noticed that they had a number of great books on sale too so next time I come for a meeting I am going to plan to arrive a little early and do more damage!

tourburlgirl

Tourism Updating Video

Despite a snowstorm, we were out on Friday taking new footage for our Tourism Burlington video.  We use the video on our website home page, post clips on YouTube, and show it at trade shows and presentations to attract visitors to the city. 

Our first stop of the day was in the downtown at the Rosewater Spa located in a beautiful historic home at 482 Elizabeth St.  Did you know that this property was purchased by the city in 1952 for the Burlington Public Library?  This two storey, three-bay brick building is a beautiful example of the neoclassical style and was built in 1855.  Owner Liz Belford greeted us upon our arrival and we were glad to come in from the cold to this warm and inviting spa.  The fireplace was burning in the lounge and candles were glowing on tables and everything was pristine and polished.  While we were there a couple came in to enjoy the VIP lounge and a spa retreat for two.  With numerous treatments available this day spa is a luxurious treat for yourself or someone you love.  I was tempted to stay for the day but we needed to carry on with our shoot.

Our next location was Mountain Equipment Coop just up Brant St. at Plains Rd.  Every time I go into this store I am amazed at the variety and quality of the stock – it has everything for the outdoor enthusiast.  They rent equipment such as snowshoes, have an extensive bike shop that does all kinds of repairs plus they have a wide selection of apparel for all ages.  This green building opened in 2008 and it is 70% more efficient than a conventional retail store.  The fabulous murals all over the store gets you motivated to get out and enjoy the outdoors.  We met store manager Anita on site and she helped us set up some great shots.  While there I purchased $20 MEC gift cards so that they can be included in our Burlington Hotel Deals promotion ($20 off Stay and $20 to Play). 

Keeping with the shopping theme we then headed to Mapleview Shopping Centre which recently underwent a major renovation and expansion to become the ultimate fashion destination.  We met Marketing Manager Eva in front in the main reception area and shot the fabulous new food court and other public areas of the mall.  A number of new stores have opened recently at the mall including Turtle Jacks, BCBGMAXAZRIA and Guess.  Here is another did you know… The Mapleview Milers Club has been meeting and walking the mall for the past 15 years.  They walk in this safe, climate controlled setting from 7 – 10 a.m. Monday – Friday from September to April. 

Our last stop was to the Waterfront at Downtown Burlington where the waves from the storm were crashing up against the breakwall, putting on a magnificent show for us.  The ducks didn’t seem to mind the craziness but we had to step back or risk getting a muddy shower!  By the time we arrived at the waterfront, the snow had stopped and a couple of brave ladies had donned their skates and were out on the pond getting some exercise.  We will have to come back when the sky is blue and the sun is shining to get some better shots of the pond.  If you want to check out what is happening from the comfort of your own home before you head down for a skate, click on the webcam .

We will be posting the revised video in a couple of weeks so stay tuned!

tourburlgirl