by Shelley Budd
With a road drink in the bag and some good company, the sundeck level of the ferry feels like the beach, landing you relaxed in Swartz Bay with a short bus ride ahead to loosey island living.   Not like it should be a hard choice, but if you are deciding whether or not to take advantage of the upcoming long weekend in Victoria, BC, here are a few must-stop places from an ex-islander.  Think Victoria’s boring?  You’re boring.  (Or you just don’t know where to go…)  So here’s some help!

(1) Still Life Boutique – Carrying the new, coveted Fjallraven bright backpacks, wins from the lovely lily & jae autumn line, Joe’s jeans, Genetic Denim, and plenty of other unique brands, it’s hard to leave Still Life without picking up a high-quality essential like jeans, a jacket, or shoes for the upcoming season.  551 Johnson Street

(2) Paradise Boutique – Great bathing suits, one of a kind jewelry and not to mention awesome clothes.  613 Johnson Street

(3) Ditch Records – It’s a good idea to stop in here first and check out the Upcoming Shows board by the cash counter to see if you can snag some tickets for one during your stay (good venues: Sugar, Lucky, Element).   New and used records, a stellar staff selection + reviews of new CD’s.  635 Johnson Street

(4) Lucky Bar – A long, slim, brick layed den of eclectic and indie beats, packed on the weekends and Monday’s 90’s night.   Four year running resident DJ Longshanks spins a SOLID! set every Saturday, mixing Daft Punk throwbacks and with the hottest new school jams.  517 Yates Street

(5) The Mint – A favorite hangout for delicious cocktails (French 75!), smooth lounge beats, high-quality snacks and friendly staff. The Thunder Spaghetti is an experience, and served til late.  1414 Douglas Street

(6) Pig BBQ Joint  – Pulled pork sandwiches exploding with slow-cooked flavour, hearty cornbread for the side, and Kosher Dill pickles – who could ask for a better lunch to take to the beach?  749 View Street

(4) Ferris’  Oyster Bar  – Best spot in the house is upstairs (ask about it), where the large windows open up to the street, providing a sweet breeze while you swallow fresh oysters off a coffee table and relax into a swank couch.  They also have delicious burgers.  536 Yates Street

(7) MoLe – MoLe and Breakfast; you can’t have one without the other.   Sightings of Tegan and Sara are not unheard of.  Try the Chinatown Dragon Bun, with Chinese sausage, onions, peppers, avocado, spicy chili bean sauce and cream cheese scrambled eggs.   554 Pandora Ave

(7) Habit – Great stop for an espresso.  Browse their sick magazine rack and get caffeinated before browsing Hunter Gatherer (best vintage shop, turn right out of Habit and right again down the steps), and Fan Tan Alley’s artisan shops.  552 Pandora Ave

(8) Fort St. Café  – Friday’s Games Night is over for the season, but Saturday is Live Music.  There’s always a great crowd at the Café, and it’s open for delicious and cheap eats for breakfast and lunch during the week.  Self-described ‘underground pleasure dome for music lovers and those who like to eat.’ 742 Fort Street

(9) Adrianna’s  Cocina Mexicana – Best Mexican in town.  Margaritas, mole con pollo, enchiladas, cancun prawns.  Open only from Wednesday to Saturday for dinner from 5, and lunch Wednesday to Friday from 11 to 2.    1527 Amelia Street

(10) Beacon Hill Park – Peacocks own this park.  Actual Peacocks.  Bring your picnic and whatever else you please, and search out a spot in this very large park full of rocky knolls, beautiful gardens, expanses of grass, petting zoo, mini-golf, cricket field and beach.   And please people, don’t feed the Peacocks.