Goth Cottagecore! Dark cottage aesthetic at Lavenderland: Richmond BC lavender farm. Okanagan wine tasting tour.
I’ve been blogging about subcultures since 2007, and it’s fascinating to see how fashion / youth culture / aesthetic trends shift with the times. In 2021, it’s no surprise that the fantastical, pastoral nostalgia of “Cottagecore” is having a moment. As the world keeps sliding into chaos, it’s understandable that people are drawn to the visual idealization of rural countryside living,
I decided to do a take on this look at a glorious local lavender farm — Lavenderland in Richmond, BC (Vancouver area). As always, I did it my dark way: call it Gothic cottagecore, CottageGore, goblincore, or whatever you’d like. If you’re a long-time reader, you’ll know we aren’t fond of labels around here!
(Read on for photos by Joyce Cheung of Ondine Photography, as well as Part 3 of my Kelowna wine travels.)
I’m not one for light florals and gingham peasant dresses, so I wore a breezy moon dress from Jawbreaker Clothing. However, I love the wide-brimmed straw garden hats typical of farmcore / countrycore.
I’m wearing the Elgans palm fiber safari hat from Tenth Street Hats. The five inch downturn brim shades my face from the sun, and the beaded band with tassels adds flair.
As I’ve been focusing on local explorations, I was excited to visit Lavenderland, a seven acre lavender farm in Richmond, British Columbia. (Address: 8460 Steveston Hwy.)
Lavenderland grows various species of the purple flower, using eco-friendly natural farming techniques. For those fed up with city life, this is the perfect little getaway: you can take your time to wander the peaceful fields, take photos, and enjoy time with family and friends.
There’s no better place than a rustic floral field to shoot Goth cottagecore photos. Come around golden hour (before sunset) to capture lens flare over the rows of purple flowers. (Lavenderland images by Joyce Cheung of Ondine Photography.)
I wish this were a “scratch and sniff” photo, so that you could get a sense of the floral aromas in the garden!
Every weekend from 11am to 4pm, Lavenderland holds an Artisan Market that is free to attend. Grab a basket and pick up local handcrafted soaps, hair accessories, beauty products, art and crafts, and more. The market also features pop-up musical performers.
Lavenderland is much more than an Instagrammable flower farm. The staff is eager to share their knowledge with educational and interactive demos. I learned about the different types of lavender, and how they extract the essence to create naturally-scented products.
(Lavenderland grows English (Superblue and Melissa), Grosso, and French Lavender; each has a unique scent and appearance. Above is Lavandula angustifolia ‘SuperBlue’, known for its bright blue-violet petals. The deep fragrance makes it ideal for essential oils, teas and food.)
At Lavenderland’s gift shop, you can take home a bundle of dried lavender (such as the ones in my basket), or pick up hand creams and washes, hydrasol, and oils made from the flowers in the fields. They also sell original lavender-flavored drinks from BlackBall, with ingredients like coconut milk and aloe vera (you can’t find them anywhere else in Vancouver, Canada).
In addition to the signature fields, Lavenderland has a waterfall fountain, pagoda and gardens. Walk around, and snap dark / Goth cottage-core photos that capture the romanticized yearning for simpler times that never existed…
Lavenderland is in bloom all summer from June to August, as the fields contain multiple varieties of lavender that blossom at different times. Soon, they’ll be transforming the space into a Halloween extravaganza… I can’t wait.
What do you think of my take on Gothic cottage core? Love how the flowers matched my hair color.
Outfit details: sunhat with downturned brim by Tenth Street Hats. Moons dress by Jawbreaker Clothing. Photos by Joyce Cheung of Ondine Photography.
Escape from the collapse at Lavenderland in Richmond, BC — I had the best time prancing around these fragrant fields with friends. Don’t forget to check out their weekend Artisan Market, and upcoming Halloween events.
Since we’re talking about local travel, let’s take a look back at my trip to BC wine country (Okanagan) last fall. In the first two stories, I shared my Kelowna, British Columbia winery tours with you. This time, we’ll wander into the Naramata Bench region for more tastings.
Last fall, I did a local trip from Vancouver to Kelowna with Flair Airlines. This Canadian airline flies to destinations throughout Canada. I’m excited for Flair to start offering routes to the USA in October 2021 — including to Palm Springs, Phoenix, Vegas, and Florida.
During my stay, I hit up many vineyards in the region, thanks to Okanagan Executive Rentals & Concierge. The owner, Jeremy Giroux, knew the best spots — and was the best driver and guide one could wish for.
Okanagan Executive Rentals has a number of luxury and exotic cars that you can rent — or you can hire Jeremy to drive, as I did. This way, you can sit back and enjoy the scenery, and drink wine to your heart’s content.
Drive south from Kelowna, and you’ll pass through some of the best wine regions of British Columbia: Peachland, Summerland, Penticton, and up to the Naramata Bench.
Jeremy stopped so I could take in this view of Okanagan Lake. In truth, I was looking for Ogopogo — the legendary lake monster with a long neck, who supposedly lives in these clear waters!
Interior British Columbia has recently been engulfed by wildfires, and the skies have been apocalyptic with smoke. Fortunately, last Oct, things were crystal clear at Okanagan Lake… even a rainbow appeared over the water.
First stop: Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery in West Kelowna. This vineyard is known for crafting wines that draw on low yields and patient aging processes.
Come for a tasting inside their modern West Coast building, which features wood beams and panes of glass.
You can also have a meal at their in-house restaurant, The Modest Butcher Kitchen + Market.
Mount Boucherie farms 200 acres in British Columbia. The grapes tend to have a shorter growing season due to the northern climate, which influences the distinctive taste of the wine.
I tasted a number of unique wines, such as the Similkameen Valley Blaufrankisch (a lesser-known German grape, which yields dry cherry and pepper notes similar to Syrah). Mt Boucherie has a propriety Summit blend of 5 grapes, resulting in intense flavors of cassis and black / red fruits. They also make an indulgent Merlot ice wine in a thicker port-style.
Mt Boucherie’s tasting lets you get acquainted with a generous number of their wines. I was fond of the Syrah rose called “The Last Hurrah,” and the off-dry Gewurztraminer.
Onward to the next vineyard, thanks to Jeremy Giroux. His Lincoln Navigator had spacious and luxe interiors, and I could cue up a disco mix to the sound system.
Onward to Penticton, a hilly BC region with an outstanding terroir (soil, climate, and other environment factors that affect wine production). No wonder you can see dozens of vineyards spread out over the landscape.
Poplar Grove is one of the most highly-rated wineries in this region. It also takes the award for most Instagrammable — check out these views from the entrance.
BC’s Okanagan region has over 100 wineries, including small boutique ones where you can talk to the owners, and take home bottles that aren’t sold anywhere else.
Some, like Poplar Grove, have outstanding restaurants as well. I’d come back for dinner and this view of Okanagan Lake.
Poplar Grove is located on the slopes of Naramata Bench, the world-famous wine region that has racked up international awards. (And it’s gorgeous as well — be sure to come with a camera.)
Poplar Grove is widely recognized for its Pinot Gris and Cabernet Franc, as well as other grapes and blends. Their Legacy flagship is an age-worth blend of red Bordeaux varietals. (Why not take home a sample box, for a little of each?)
Poplar Grove is sustainably, locally farmed and family-owned. You can see the vines right from the window of the Tasting Room.
Order a charcuterie board, and pair it with a glass of red. Poplar Grove has a terrific Malbec (cranberry flavors that would go well with a turkey dinner), Syrah (notes of steak, pepper, thyme, rosemary), and CSM (a medium-bodied blend of Cabernet, Syrah/Shiraz, Merlot).
The Pinot Gris has a crisp stone fruit flavor and signature minerality, which comes from being grown on the Naramata Bench.
The rose is a juicy blend (81% Malbec, 9% Cab, 5% Syrah, 5% Merlot). Dry and crisp, with aromas of melon and strawberry, the rose would pair well with a salad.
Visit Poplar Grove and see why their wines helped put the Okanagan Valley on the map.
A huge thank you to Jeremy Giroux for the concierge driving services, and for outfitting me with a sweet ride. His company’s fleet of luxurious cars include a Range Rover, Porsches, and a Lincoln Navigator.
Okanagan Executive Rentals provides exotic car rentals and driving / chauffeur services, and delivers wonderful customer service. As a long-time local, Jeremy can tailor your trip to best fit your needs, such as recommending wineries or hotels.
Jeremy can accommodate wine tours year-round in the Okanagan area. In the fall/winter off-season, he provides luxury ski shuttle services to the nearby BC mountains (Big White, Revelstoke, Sun Peaks).
I’d love to come back soon to do more tastings on the Naramata Bench, in the Southern Okanagan. There are about 40 indie wineries within 14 km of winding lakefront scenery.
For more Kelowna tips, see my previous articles about Okanagan vineyard tours and a private helicopter ride that Jeremy arranged.
And a head’s up: please check out my Depop shop @lacarmina. I’ve listed new items from my personal wardrobe and decor collection, including Gothic skull home goods.
Finally, in travel writing news, please check out my latest Fodor’s Travel byline. I wrote about the weird, cute and unexpected spots I discovered in Waikiki, Honolulu — including a huge Miffy the bunny statue.
And I was interviewed by Insta Travel Style about travel blogging and content creation. I reveal how I fund my travels, monetize my work, negative experiences, bucket lists and more. Thank you for reading!
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New York City’s Most Instagrammable Places! One World Observatory, SuperReal immersive art, Yotel NYC robot hotel.
The Pet Shop Boys knew what they were talking about when they sang: “New York City boy… You’ll never have a bored day!”
I’ve spent so much time in NYC over the years (including living there for a few) that going back feels like a homecoming. There are always innovative new exhibitions, and landmarks I never got around to checking out.
Read on for my 2021 guide to New York’s art and travel attractions, including the most Instagrammable spots in the city. Such as One World Observatory (I’ll never grow bored of this view from the deck)…
… and the trippy SuperReal immersive projections at Cipriani 25 Broadway. (I flew to NYC in late July to report on culture in the city. As you can see, I kept as safe as possible, staying away from crowds and masking indoors.)
And leave it to me to find Mr. Roboto. Read on for a peek inside my stay at Yotel New York, a sci-fi space hotel with a luggage “Yobot” robot!
Let’s take it from the top: I went to the southern end of Manhattan to ascend One World Trade Center. Also known as the Freedom Tower, the skyscraper soars up from the former site of the World Trade Towers, and stands next to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum.
One WTC was designed by architect David Childs, and completed in 2013. It is currently the tallest building in the United States and the Western Hemisphere, and the sixth tallest in the world.
Photographer Joey Wong and I were keen to take in the sky-high views from One World Observatory, located on the top levels of the skyscraper.
(It was bright up there, so I wore these exact Roberto Cavalli snake sunglasses. They’re the RC 1047 Chianciano oversize frames, with gold serpents on the sides!)
Travel these days requires a fair amount of planning, as many attractions require advance bookings and have limited time slots. Tickets to One WTC Observatory are available online, with various options including skip-the-line VIP passes.
Address and directions: While the building address is 285 Fulton Street, note that the doors to the Observatory are on West Street between Fulton and Vesey Streets. Once inside, go down the escalator to find the entrance.
From the enormous windows of One World Observatory, New York City looks miniscule. I was reminded of the Jigsaw disco song “Sky High” — as they sang, “We could have touched the sky.”
The tower has a three-story observation deck, located on floors 100–102.
Visitors ride the SkyPod elevators, which climb up 102 stories in only 47 seconds, reaching top speeds of 36.5 km per hour! (And there was no ear-popping or discomfort.) During the swift ride, we saw video footage of the transformation of New York City from unsettled land to a metropolis of skyscrapers.
When you step out of the elevator, you’re greeted by a visual show that ends with a rising curtain, revealing the magnificent views from One WTC.
Then, you’re free to wander around the circular observatory, and take in views from several floors. Here’s one of my favorite perspectives: you can see Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge and 8 Spruce Street (the rectangular tower in the center). Formely known as the Beekman Tower, this iconic 76-story skyscraper was designed by architect Frank Gehry.
And can you recognize the tiny figure, outside these picture windows? That’s the Statue of Liberty, raising her green torch over Liberty Island.
Architecture buffs like myself will enjoy peering out the glass, and spotting famous NYC buildings. In the center, you might recognize the 1913 Woolworth Building, which towers 60 stories above downtown Manhattan. It was financed by millionaire Frank Woolworth, and designed by Cass Gilbert.
New York City has other observation points and decks, including the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, and The Edge at Hudson Yards. One World has by far the highest viewpoint, providing plenty of opportunities for Instagram-friendly photos like this.
Every ticket option to One World gives you access to these stunning 360° views. However, the VIP pass has benefits including access to the priority lane for security, elevator, and exit. You’ll also get a Flexible Arrival time, so there’s no stress about making a specific timeslot.
One World’s observation deck is indoors, which was a relief on a hot summer’s day.
One of NYC’s most bizarre buildings is the “Jenga tower” on the far left. (The apartment high-rise is actually called 56 Leonard Street in Tribeca.)
Visit One World Observatory for these bird’s-eye views over the Big Apple. More info and tickets on their website.
You can also find One WTC on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. (And don’t miss out on the nearby September 11 museum and memorial pools, as well as the subway station designed by Santiago Calatrava.)
Now, for something new in New York. I dove into a dream world of moving projections at The SuperReal Experience, a 45-minute experience that pays tribute to the city.
These immersive digital shows are an exciting new way to experience art (I’ve seen a few worldwide, including Teamlabs Tokyo and Imagine Van Gogh Vancouver). The lighting and visual effects are constantly changing, creating new moods for photography.
SuperReal is located at Cipriani 25 Broadway, inside the former Cunard Building. The event space has decadent Italian neo-renaissance domes and arches, which provide a framework for the projection mapping.
Look up, and all around you — including the floor. SuperReal uses every inch as a canvas for digital effects.
One corner of SuperReal has a bar. Lie down on one of the beanbag chairs, and sip on a drink. If you’re feeling playful, you can bounce the white balloons around the venue.
Music and sound effects accompany the visuals. The vibe constantly changes with each “dream,” from psychedelic 90s to dark thunder and lightning.
I wore “A Tim Burton Film” dress from Forest Ink — appropriate, for this fantastical atmosphere!
The projection mapping encompasses the entire 12,000 square foot grand hall of Cipriani 25 Broadway.
I loved how SuperReal highlighted the building’s majestic architecture, creating virtual realms that blur the lines between reality and illusion.
The original art is accompanied by 360 degrees surround sound. My favorite part: when they blasted Sylvester’s disco hit, “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real).”
Amazing how the high-tech moving visuals exactly match the interior details.
From Art Deco to decadent flowers, the mood keeps on shifting.
Head to the historic 25 Broadway in NY’s Financial District, to see these superb visuals in motion. You can book a time-slot ticket to The SuperReal Experience here.
Finally, a “Yo” to the aliens… I had a blast staying at Yotel New York, a hotel inspired by outerspace! (I hope there’s a press trip to space in my future.)
Yotel NY has a convenient mid-town Manhattan location (not far from 42nd Street Port Authority), and the spaceship design is prime for photo-taking.
Yotel has a sleek modern design, and the rooms are affordable. The NY hotel has 713 “cabins,” and the hallways made me feel like I was a passenger on a rocket to Mars. (Wearing Sleevey Wonders under sleeves as a top.)
I didn’t run into any aliens at Yotel — unless you count the two grinning, horned “deer” statues in the lobby!
Everything at Yotel has a high-tech design. Guests check themselves in at the computer kiosks; it’s a simple process that only takes two minutes, and includes creating your own room key.
Instead of a “lobby boy,” Yotel has a giant white robot to carry and store your luggage! The Yobot’s arm can handle 500 pounds, and maneuver hundreds of suitcases a day.
Using the touch screen computer, you can have the Yobot store your bags in an assigned locker. All you need is the receipt with a bar code to get them back.
Even the vending machines have a futuristic edge. This Vengo dispenser is the size of a picture frame, yet contains items like toiletries and headphones. You can purchase them from the touch-screen with cashless payment.
Yotel NYC’s rooms are ingeniously designed like space-cabins to save space. The shelving is built-in, and the flat bed retracts into a sofa with the push of a button!
The Yotel room pods are designed for maximum compactness, yet you have everything you need for an enjoyable stay — including views of Midtown from the window.
There’s even a neon lighting option, to get you in the mood for an intergalactic disco party! Such a fun stay, at Yotel NYC.
I leave you with some NYC subway outfit photos. Wearing a vintage Japanese kimono jacket / coverup from Burcu’s Angels Vancouver.
Tim Burton dress from Forest Ink. Anastasia liquid lipstick has been my go-to, as the lip stain stays on when you’re wearing a mask.
Do you have any favorite Instagrammable spots in New York City? (I’ve been living in these Roberto Cavalli snake sunglasses.)
More from NYC to come, including reviews of museums and art shows. And you can enjoy my previous New York travel stories here!
LA CARMINA
