Farmer's Market

Date Idea: Farmer's Market

Location: Various

Price: Free!!!

More Info: http://www.bcfarmersmarket.org/

Farmer's Markets are great places to go for a walk and do some shopping, especially if you plan on making a small meal together with your date. You can find locally grown and produced fruits and vegetables, cheese, eggs, meat, seafood, jams, artisan products, crafts and more!

Most of the Farmer's Markets are up and running for the summer with the food variety changing with the season. The best part about these are that they are free and located all over the lower mainland during various times and dates. And the best part about the markets is that admission is free!

Night Market

Date Idea: Night Market

Location: 
Richmond Night Market (8700 McKim Way, Richmond);
Summer Night Market (12631 Vulcan Way, Richmond);
Chinatown Night Market (Chinatown Plaza, Vancouver)

Price: Free!!!

More Info: Richmond Night Market; Summer Night Market; Chinatown Night Market

Vancouver has a diverse multicultural community and the Summer Night Markets reflect that. Vancouver's Chinatown and the City of Richmond have hosted several markets over the past few years, and this year there is now shortage of them with a Night Market in Chinatown, and two in Richmond this year.

To some, the night markets are full of useless junk, and in the past there have been issues with counterfeit items. However, if you are looking for cheap electronic or cell phone accessories, the night markets are the place to go.

But most people who go are really in it for the dinner as you can head down the walkways with rows upon rows of asian food vendors where you can try a variety of food items...some which are a bit more unusual than others.

All these markets are now open for the summer and are open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights along with holidays. Check out each of their websites for specific dates and hours.

Christmas Craft Fair

Date Idea: Christmas Market

Location: Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 650 Hamilton Street, Vancouver

Price: $5 per person

More Info: www.vancouverchristmasmarket.com

With the holiday season coming up, you’ll start to see more postings regarding the festive season. This week’s is the Vancouver Christmas Market at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, which opens tomorrow, November 24 and stays open until Christmas Eve. The market is open from 11am to 9pm. It’s a nice place to go on a casual date where you can stroll amongst the little huts looking at handmade gifts including ornaments and nutcrackers. Last year, I ended up buying my sister a rabbit toque complete with ears. I also bought some honey sticks for myself as a snack. As you look around, you’ll hear festive music and come across carolers. Don’t forget to grab a treat and a drink while you’re there.

ALTERNATE MARKET

Want to go to the market but you live in the suburbs? Several city also host their own markets and craft fairs. The Coquitlam Craft Fair is going on Dec 2-4 at the Poirier Community Centre at 624 Poirier Street. Tickets for that are $2. On the Friday night, there’s a Canucks Alumni game against the Coquitlam Fire Fighters at the Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex which is across the street at 633 Poirier. Tickets are $7 and are available at www.pocomo.org with proceeds supporting the PoCoMo Youth Services Society.

So on Friday, Dec 2, you can have a night for both him and her. Head on down early to check out the craft fair, and then head across the street for the Canuck Alumni game. You may find something for her at the fair, and something for him (like an autograph) at the game.