Abbotsford BC is sometimes known as The City in the Country – close enough to Vancouver, but far enough away to enjoy the vast farm fields and proximity to nature. Also for any food aficionado, it offers delicious farm-to-table dining options as well as charming vineyards, farmers markets and stores.

To celebrate our wedding anniversary, Jake and I decided to enjoy a lovely overnight stay in Abbotsford at the Quality Hotel and Conference Centre,

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This hotel is conveniently located near downtown Abbotsford and just off the Trans Canada Highway. The rooms are very spacious, include free wifi, and are 100% smoke free. We took some time to relax in the pool before we headed out to the romantic evening we had planned.

For us, we are so used to travelling as a family with Dylan, that we had forgotten how much we enjoy each other’s company. Having a nice glass of wine with Jake, enjoying a conversation without having to censor our language or subject matter – I do admit, it was refreshing! I did feel a pang of guilt here and there about leaving Dylan at home with his guncles, but the guys were sending pictures and messages once in awhile letting me know that the kid was having a great time as well.

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We headed over to Singletree Winery – a lovely 67-acre working farm and vineyard just a15-minute drive from our hotel. We had tickets to the Sun and Soil Concert series featuring Ben Contrill- our tickets included a glass of delicious wine, and a picnic basket curated by chef Adrian Beaty with ingredients sourced from local farms. We opted for a wild salmon salad and for dessert, a panna cotta topped with fresh BC Blueberries.

It felt so good to hear live music again! The event met all COVID-19 precautions, and there was ample room to social distance and enjoy the evening. Ben Contrill was great, and he sang some of his own original songs as well as some crowd pleasers, like Piano Man by Billy Joel and Rocket Man by Elton John.

I can’t stress enough how important making time for us as a couple was. We came home feeling closer to each other, relaxed and having a new found appreciation for Abbotsford and all that it can offer.

Check out the experiences featured in Abbotsford this month. From romance to family fun, this is the place to plan your next staycation.