It’s a shame really because I thought it was a really nice touch that shoppers were given a day of rest when it came to parking in Downtown New West on Sunday’s.

Oh well parking rates are still pretty affordable so I can’t really complain. Anyway, I walk to my shopping destinations so this isn’t going to hit my pocket book.

If you haven’t given it a try you should make time for the New Westminster Farmer’s Market. The market happens on Thursday’s from 3-7pm, June 25-Oct 8 2009 at Tipperary Park (beside City Hall).

There are activities for children, art, music and of course terrific homemade treats like blueberry and strawberry jam. Of course there’s also wonderful organic greens and fresh seasonal fruit.

And I’m told the banana smoothies are amazing!

The entire route cost 24 million dollars which was spent constructing the path. (See a detailed explanation from Jhenifer at Translink below on how the money was spent).

Among the many changes and improvements is signage that guides riders and walkers along the CVG. Though there are exceptions to this which even TransitLink points out on their blog.

In any case the walk was really fantastic and the portion that runs along the Brunette River is amazing. Just a few minutes out of New Westminster and you feel like you are in the woods a world away. Plus there’s some great graffiti along the route.

Hyack, a term given the New Westminster fire department in the 1800′s which is translated from Chinook Jargon meaning ‘fast’ and ‘quick’ has now become synonymous with the May Day celebration which is held on Victoria Day weekend and is more formally known as the Hyack Festival. All of this explanation to tell you that the ‘Hyack Festival Association‘ held its annual Fraser Fest this weekend. I’ve lived here 4 years and I just finally figured it all out. Phew.

Anyway, hundreds turned out for festival booths, kids games, beer gardens, parades and a spectacular fireworks display on Saturday evening.

Festivities continue Sunday.

Just another reason why New Westminster is a great place to live!

P.S. This amazing bronze bust of Alex Fraser really deserves some tender loving care. It seems he’s been painted brown sometime in the past no doubt as a cover up to some vandalous act.

Karmavore an online vegan resource that stocks everything from shoes to nacho cheese sauce and personal care products (to name a few) just opened its retail doors (468 East Columbia Street) this past July 1st to rave reviews!

We recently stopped by for an orange soda and chocolate marshmallow cream pie cookie on our way along the Central Valley Greenway.

604-525-4411 Call for lounge hours.

I confess I have not tried out Drink Urban Lounge….yet. I will don’t worry. In the meantime I have to give them props for doing a fantastic job with the interior renovation. Two fireplaces, lots of cozy room to get intimate with a date. And for sports enthusiasts flat screen tv’s are viewable throughout.

Previously the space was home to Urban Gypsy which moved across the street. A whole lot of moving going on in downtown New Westminster. Anyway, I digress. Seems the new owners didn’t want to give up the ‘urban’ vibe and who can blame them? New Westminster is fast becoming a charming place to live work and now, socialize.

You’ll find an assortment of appetizers from Salt & Pepper Ribs to Wings, Maple Soy Salmon, Baked Brie, Three Cheese Nachos and more. Priced from 6.99-14.99.

And if you have a bigger appetite they also serve burgers, blt’s, a clubhouse, and soups and salads to name a few. Prices range from 5.99-11.99.

Wow! I was stunned on a recent trip over the Pattullo bridge when I was welcomed….greeted even….as I entered New Westminster.

Who ever made the decision to erect this Royal City sign deserves kudos! Nicely exectued and gives New Westminster the respect it deserves. Now if we could put one of these on every major entrance to our lovely city that would be cool.

Urth Coffee House New Westminster

Frankly if there was a coffee house on every corner I wouldn’t mind. So, when Urth opened in New Westminster I was thrilled.

Inside, owner Bryan Schwartz has taken a former computer shop and turned it into a very laid back but contemporary space destined to become a favorite hang out for nearby Douglas College students.

On my trip there weren’t any pastry treats to sample however the coffee sourced from 49th Parallel Coffee Roasters was as good a cup of ice coffee as I’d expect from a local house.

Congrats on your new venture and welcome to the neighborhood!

We are fortunate indeed here in New Westminster to have some amazing iconic views right outsite our backyard.

The following excerpt taken from Buckland and Taylor: The Alex Fraser Bridge carries six lanes of traffic, and was the longest cable-stayed bridge in the world from 1986, when it opened, to 1991. It was the longest cable-stayed bridge in the Americas until the Cooper River Bridge (Charleston South Carolina) opened on July 16, 2005. The Alex Fraser Bridge was built in 27 months and had the lowest cost per unit of deck area of this type of structure in the world. The project won several design awards.

This past weekend brought about gorgeous weather in the 30′s in most places and car buffs and fans from all over the lower mainland for Show and Shine.

This event is held annually to show off one of a kind cars and trucks that owners have put their heart and soul into.

Examples abounded of meticulous and creative paint jobs, hot rod engines, cool interiors, bamming sound systems and restoration works of art.

This year visitors were able to enjoy the newly finished Hyack Square where they were treated to a variety of entertainment by local musicians.