The Area - South Main

Hipster alert! Sure, some of the people cruising the south end of Main Street are scoping the boutiques that form the epicentre of Vancouver’s local fashion design scene, but take our word for it: most are scoping out each other. This neighbourhood is hot, and doesn’t it know it. Longtime residents bemoan gentrification that has seen the price of real estate soar in recent years, but on the plus side an infiltration of young professionals has led to artist-run galleries, quirky cafés and tons of furniture and nostalgia shops along antique row between 16th and 25th Avenues. We dare you to leave this ’hood empty-handed.

Eat:
Queen Charlotte halibut in five-spice duck consommé with crab and mushroom dumplings at Aurora Bistro, named one of Canada’s top 10 new restaurants in 2005 by enRoute magazine. 2420 Main St., (604) 873-9944.

Drink:
An espresso at the mid-century modern rec-room-themed JJ Bean, which features an antique coffee roaster, a fireplace, cute baristas and stainless steel lamps. 3010 Main St., (604) 879-2326.

Browse:
Über-trendy Spanish fashion line Filippa K at Jonathan + Olivia, 2570 Main St., (604) 637-6224.