I love when locals tell me where to eat, play and shop in their neighbourhood when I'm travelling. So I realized what is the point of a blog if you don't give a guide for your own city! So here is my neighbourhood at a glance.  If you like it, I'll try and do a few more around Vancouver. Would recommend visiting in the summer if you can but late spring and early fall is nice too. Please comment below with other ideas and places you love in the neighbourhood!

EAT

La Taqueria // 2521 Main Street

A taco shop I have been frequenting at many of their locations for years and now they've moved onto my street (dangerous!). Their tacos truly remind me of Mexico.

Don’t Argue! Pizzeria // 3240 Main Street

On a Friday evening with the sun streaming through the windows we can bring the kids and grab slices or a pie and a glass of cider/beer.  Feels like we can still get out and enjoy ourselves (with kids).

Burdock and Co. // 2702 Main Street

On the rare occasion we have a sitter, I love that we can walk a block and feel like we are in another world.  Drinking natural wines and eating whatever they are serving because it never disappoints.

Earnest Ice Cream // 1829 Quebec Street

Probably should be considered in an Olympic Village guide but we all make the trek down the hill and wait for 45 mins for this ice cream because it is that good. 

(This list could go on... a few more mentions The Fish Counter (best oceanwise fish and chips), Ahn and Chi (modern vietnamese), Budgies Burritos (cheapest, best kids meals, veggie burritos), The Acorn (date night vegetarian), Toshi Sushi (worth the lineup)

DRINK

Liberty Bakery // 3699 Main Street

Most beautiful space to have a coffee and baked good or sandwich. It is owned and designed by artists and every detail has been considered. Still need to find out the source of their pottery. Also they have wifi and is the dreamiest spot to work for an hour or two.

Elysian Coffee // 2301 Ontario Street

It’s a beautiful, minimal space with light wood, concrete and felt topped metal stools.  I love their coffee but they also hire the most wonderful people who are always kind to me and my kids even if we aren’t always the perfect guests (ie. spilled coffee, too many strollers, no-cookie-today tantrums). And then pop over across the street to 7e7 and Wildbunch Florist to grab a bunch of artful flowers and be inspired by the visionary Janaki Larsen.

33 Acres // 15 West 8th Avenue

Main Street is full of breweries (you can do an entire tour within a few blocks) but 33 is the place for me.  I like their Sunshine beer and their white walls and plants. 

PLAY

Collage Collage // 3697 Main Street

One of my favourite shops for anything kid related (and art for me!).  It is also the only art class that can keep my very physical boy to sit still.  The owner Erin has the best taste in kids books.  The shop and classes are run by artists and I am constantly inspired by the projects they put together.

Mount Pleasant Park // 3161 Ontario Street

We go to pretty much every park within a 15 block radius but our favourite is Mount Pleasant with a newer playground, skate park, basketball courts, community garden and grass fields.

SHOP

Much and Little // 2541 Main Street

I have been buying most of my gifts here for years and sometimes something special for me.  The owner Sarah has impeccable taste and carries home wares, accessories, a small assortment for kids and an expanding line of ethical clothes for women.  If my home and closet were from Much and Little, I would be in heaven.

Vancouver Special // 3612 Main Street

Carrying all the Scandinavian and modern designs of my dreams (Hay, Muuto, Ferm Living and on and on).  I save up and purchase items here that are beautiful, timeless and high quality.

Woo To See You // 3671 Main Street

I love this shop for unique stylish clothes that are well-made. Most of these pieces are in the oversized style but somehow I can still wear them even though I'm short. It's a gem.

Welk's General Store // 3511 Main Street

I'm here more than I should admit for soap, toothpaste, plants, chips... They really capture Vancouver in one store. Would be a good stop for anyone travelling and missing essentials.

Please comment below with other ideas and places you love in the neighbourhood. It was so tough to narrow down favourites and I'm sure I missed a few!