Victoria Getaway

A while back we added Victoria, B.C. to our ever-growing list of trips we'd like to take, and then somehow managed to book it for what turned out to be an absolutely gorgeous weekend in late September.

Very early Saturday morning we caught the Victoria Clipper from Seattle with Chad, Cory, Joe and Jessica (you weren't allowed to come if you and your significant other didn't have matching first initials) for an amazing little two day escape.





Enjoying the three hour boat journey with some mimosas.





I forgot how beautiful Victoria is! We stayed at the Oswego Hotel which
was just a short walk up the street from the boat dock. Since it was the only
thing available when we booked, Stew and I ended up in a huge gorgeous suite!



We spent the afternoon wandering around town exploring and seeing the sights.



While in search of a fish-and-chips shack we heard was good we stumbled
into Phillips Brewery for directions and advice on how to spend our time in
the city. After a few samples (I found a raspberry wheat beer that I absolutely
loved) we headed to lunch. 



At our bartender's recommendation we decided to try Canoe Brewpub
and we were so happy with our choice! I absolutely loved the decor of
this amazing restaurant, complete with old wood, exposed brick and my
favorite... chandeliers!



The food was amazing and I couldn't pass up a side of the Mac 'n Beer Cheese.



I loved all of the funky old buildings in downtown Victoria.



We saw this place and knew that Stew had died and gone to heaven. We spent
quite a bit of time at the gummy bins and the ice cream counter making our selections.
And they had bubblegum ice cream, Stew's fave!



After a long, much needed, luxurious nap back at the hotel we took an evening
 stroll toward our dinner destination.



The city started to become even more beautiful as the sun set.



Parliament Building at night with lights... pretty!



We ate dinner and had a few drinks at Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub, which had
great service and even better food. Is it wrong that at this point we had visited
three brewpubs in a single day?



Birthday shots for Chad!



It ended up being a super long walk from our hotel to the restaurant, but I was
happy to make the trek after everything I had eaten and drank that day. Plus
the harbor was just so pretty at night.



Here's another cool shot of the Parliament Building.



The next day Jessica, Cory and I ditched the boys at a sports bar (where
they watched the Hawks lose... sigh) so we could have Afternoon Tea at
the Fairmont Empress Hotel.



Afternoon Tea in the lobby of the Fairmont Empress is one of Victoria's greatest
traditions. A pianist plays softly while tea is being served.



Afternoon Tea features seasonal fruit, freshly baked raisin scones with strawberry
jam and Empress cream, delicious finger sandwiches and an entire try full
of delicious tartes, cakes and other desserts. Oh and of course Empress blend tea.



We felt very English and it was so much fun!



Later that afternoon Stew just had to stop and get another
scoop of bubblegum ice cream.



And us gals wanted to get in a little shopping. You can see how exciting
the boys thought this was...



One last look as we got back on the boat to head home.

This is an awesome quick little trip if you live in the Seattle area, and even though things are super busy for us right now it was nice to get away for a couple days with a few good friends.