BC Adventures – Our To Do Picks for October 6-12

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This week in BC: Gorge on a delicious Thanksgiving dinner, solve your decor dilemmas at the Vancouver Home + Design Show and get your chocolate fix at Cocoa Nymph East

Luminescence: The Silver of Peru – October 10 to December 16

The Museum of Anthropolgy at UBC is globally recognized for its world-class exhibits. Case in point is Luminescence: The Silver of Peru, the first-of-its-kind exhibit in Canada that explores Peru’s rich and radiant culture from October 5 to December 16. A highlight? Tracking the South American country’s long history of silverwork, from the pre-Columbian era to the modern age.

Turkey Sale: October 5 to October 8

It may be called a Turkey Sale, but rest assured there won’t be a single bird on offer at Whistler Blackcomb from October 5 to 8. Instead, visitors can expect deep discounts on top-brand ski and snowboard equipment and apparel, along with entertainment, activities and appetizing Thanksgiving deals from local retailers, hotels and restaurants. Check out this annual pre-season sale at Blackcomb Daylodge from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Fort Langley Cranberry Festival: October 6

Did you know that B.C. is the third-largest cranberry producer in the world? That’s just one of the fun facts you’ll discover at the Fort Langley Cranberry Festival. Held on October 6 at various local venues, this free community party attracts up to 20,000 visitors for live music and food vendors, prizes and a pancake breakfast, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. And be sure to check out the canoe regatta, too!

The Annual Thanksgiving Day Feast: October 7

Everyone loves a good Thanksgiving meal, right? Wrong — at least if you’re the one stuck cooking it. An easy out? The annual Thanksgiving feast at Kilby Historic Site, where you can tuck into a seasonal smorgasbord for $15.95 per person at the Harrison River Restaurant. Catch it on October 7, from 11a.m. to 4 p.m., and while you’re there, don’t miss the free fall festivities including kids’ games and an apple-cider pressing demo at 2 p.m.

Granville Island Turkey Trot: October 8

Thanksgiving is a time to spare a thought for the less fortunate. That’s the goal of the Granville Island Turkey Trot, a 10K run, walk or stroll to raise funds for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. Held on October 8, the trek boasts flat terrain, seawall views and even a stroller-friendly Tot Trot, starting at 8:30 a.m. And that’s not all: Festivities also include a live band, draw prizes and free gourmet food that will have you sprinting for the finish line.

Vancouver Home + Design Show: October 11 – October 14

Remodelling? No décor dilemma will go unsolved at the Vancouver Home + Design Show, held from October 11 to 14 at BC Place. Rookie renovators can get professional help from more than 325 expert exhibitors, as well as inside tips from celebrity guests like Jillian Harris (shown) of W Network’s Love It or List It Vancouver and Bryan Baeumler of HGTV’s Leave It to Bryan. Buy tickets online for a $3 discount.

Whistler Readers and Writers Festival: October 12 to October 14

Think of the 11th annual Whistler Readers and Writers Festival, running from October 12 to 14, as one great big book club. That’s because you can take in readings from 20 guest local and international authors, along with spoken-word performances, writing workshops and social soirees like Wine, Books & Jazz. Catch it at various local venues, including the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, offering special room rates for festival guests.

Murders, Mysteries & Mayhem: Wednesdays & Saturdays – On-going

As far as cities go, Vancouver may be young but it’s not that innocent. Our town’s shady past is the subject of the Murders, Mysteries & Mayhem walking tour, held on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. starting from the Vancouver Art Gallery. Led by a local history buff, this 90-minute trek regales walkers with terrifying tales of unsolved murders, notorious gangsters and assorted dirty deeds. Tickets are $26.

Cocoa Nymph East: On-going

Gone are the days when chocolate was considered a junk food full of empty calories. Now it’s lauded for its innumerable health benefits — including an ability to lower blood pressure, according to recent medical reports. That’s one great reason to visit Cocoa Nymph East (4 West 7th Ave, Vancouver), a newly opened sweet shop famed for its handcrafted artisanal chocolates, buttery English toffee and house-made salted caramel marshmallows.

West Coast Ayurveda: On-going

If the words vata, pitta and kapha mean nothing to you, it’s time you booked a visit to West Coast Ayurveda. The Vancouver-based clinic uses the principles of ayurveda — an ancient Indian system of healing — to guide you toward customized dietary, lifestyle and wellness practices to ease everything from allergies to insomnia. Book a personal, couples’ or corporate consultation by calling 604-569-3596.