On the Rise

To lift winter-weary spirits, head to Vancouver, BritishColumbia’s South Granville Rise, so called for the gentle gradethat climbs through the trendy district. Here you can check outdozens of art galleries, shop for clothing and housewares, andsample international food. To top it all off, a steam at an exoticTurkish-style spa should leave you relaxed enough to wait serenelyfor spring.

Vij’s Rangoli.
WHAT: Casual modern Indian restaurant that’s high-stylebut friendly. Try the savory chaat ― crisp wafers with mung beans, potatoes,yogurt, and chutneys. WHEN: Lunch and dinner daily. HOW MUCH: $ U.S. WHERE: 1488 W. 11th Ave.; 604/736-5711.

West Restaurant and Bar.
WHAT: Executive chef David Hawksworth’s inspiredcreations, such as silky red wine-braised sablefish with clams andbacon, justify a splurge. WHEN: Lunch Mon-Fri, dinner daily. HOW MUCH: $$$$ U.S. WHERE: 2881 Granville St.; 604/738-8938.

Miraj Hammam Spa.
WHAT: Hammam (steam) and gommage (exfoliation with Moroccan soap) are followed by amassage or facial. Afterward, enjoy mint tea and sweet cakes in aluxurious, silk-cushioned lounge. WHEN: Open Tue-Sun; call for women-only and men-only days. HOW MUCH: Treatments from $84 U.S. WHERE: 1495 W. Sixth Ave.; 604/733-5151.

Bau-Xi Gallery.
WHAT: Modern art in an airy, sunny space. WHEN: Open daily. WHERE: 3045 Granville St.; 604/733-7011.

Douglas Reynolds Gallery.
WHAT: Top-notch coastal Northwest native art in apristine setting. WHEN: Open daily. WHERE: 2335 Granville St.; 604/731-9292.

T.
WHAT: Warm up with a tea sample at the tranquil teahouseoff Granville St. WHEN: Open daily. WHERE: 1568 W. Broadway; 604/730-8390.

Bacci’s.
WHAT: Ultracool women’s clothes, along with tableware atthe adjacent Bacci’s at Home. WHEN: Open Mon-Sat. WHERE: 2788 Granville St.; 604/733-4933.

Peridot Decorative Homewear.
WHAT: Sparkly, bright treats for your home, from vintagechandeliers to pajamas. As one salesperson says, “It always feelslike spring in here.” WHEN: Open daily. WHERE: 1512 W. 14th Ave.; 604/736-4499.

INFO: South Granville runs along Granville St. between W.Sixth Ave. and W. 16th Ave. Most galleries are at the north end,with more shopping to the south.