It’s been ridden by billions, gifted to presidents and soon, the Flying Pigeon will be landing in Vancouver.

This bike’s retro style is the real deal—the model was first unveiled in China in 1950. Sixty-one years later, the details have been updated for a modern and timeless look. It's got a leather seat and Dutch-style parallel handlebars, plus a fender in case we get caught in the rain (in this city?!?). But our favourite addition is the front basket, which is the perfect size for some grapes, cheese and a baguette. Just add a leather wine rack and this Pigeon will be picnic-ready. —KD

From $500; a limited release of Flying Pigeon bicycles will be available in Vancouver this July so we’ve put ourselves on the list at www.theflyingpigeon.com

A night at the club isn’t the only way to have a wild time.

Trade the dance floor for Friday Night Live at the Hastings Racecourse. The summer event lets you sip ciders while watching the sun set and place bets on thoroughbreds (the filly and fella varieties). Between races, there’s a disc jockey on the tarmac who spins to keep the giddy-up on track.

Reserve you and your entourage a box ($20, seats six) so you can properly kick up your heels and horse around.

Friday Night Live at Hastings Racecourse runs until September 17 (races start at 7 p.m.), 3475 Hastings St. E., Vancouver, 604-254-1631, www.hastingsracecourse.com

If your mountain biking regimen includes a pre-ride prayer asking whoever’s up there to help you make it down in one piece, the Trek Dirt Series is your saviour.

Learn an entire season’s worth of skills (from basic climbing to riding down drops) and bond with fellow mountain bikers at the all-women two-day weekend camps ($315). Participants are split into groups according to experience so no need to fret if you’re still working on the basics. The camps also include bike maintenance clinics, fit workshops and social time to talk shop and show off your new skills.

The first Canadian camp runs May 15 and 16 in North Vancouver followed by May 29 and 30 in Whistler, July 10 and 11 in Calgary and August 21 and 22 in Canmore. For a complete schedule go to www.dirtseries.com

Now that the Richmond Olympic Oval is closed to public skating, we have to find somewhere else to show-off our triple salchow. Good thing the Robson Square rink has reopened.

After nine years without ice, it’s back in business and better than ever. There’s a third more space to skate and a stage at one end for live performances leading up to the games. It’s free for those who bring their own blades, or borrow a pair at the rental shop for $3. For your next date, we’d suggest an hour and a half of ice-time followed by a hot toddy to warm your body.

Robson Square rink (at Howe St.) open 9 a.m.-9 p.m. daily.

Check out our spins, spills and toe pics on the Editors’ Diary.

Wearing a turtleneck sweater to the beach is no picnic, but staying true to your gallery-hopping self is a snap. Just swaddle yourself in a Works on Whatever artist beach towel.

Created in conjunction with Art Basel Miami every year, the capacious cotton towels feature special works by prominent artists. This year it’s Edward Ruscha (pictured), Karen Kilimnik, Raymond Pettibon and Julian Schnabel.

Who needs a hot bod when your beach blanket draws enough interest?

$50 at www.worksonwhatever.com

While hands-free headsets can let us take calls and hold shopping bags, they also clash with our Chanel, so we’ve said non merci.

But now that there’s Jawbone Prime, geek is chic and we say oui, s'il vous plaît. With a subtle quilted exterior, the slim headset almost looks like it could be a Lagerfeld creation. There’re also three different earbud sizes so you don’t have to use the goofy loop. And form follows function with state-of-the-art noise cancellation so you can walk through one of the umpteenth construction zones in the city and still be heard.

But the best part is picking your colour—opt for a classic hue with “Blah Blah Black,” or go trendy with “Drop Me A Lime” or “’Yello” from the fashion-forward Earcandy collection.

$129.99 at www.jawbone.com

Not only has the mother of two been traipsing around premiers in ultra minis and sky-high shoes, but Gwyneth Paltrow has also found time to launch her own website, GOOP.

Billed as a “collection of experiences,” Gwyneth spills on her favorite tuna sandwhich recipe, best jeans (Grey Ant), and London hot spots. From philosophy (Deepak Chopra) to Philosophy (beauty products) it's like walking a mile in Gwyneth's lace-up booties as she dishes tips on how to find a little black dress, or whip up a perfect batch of buckwheat pancakes.

But nowhere does it mention how to survive on sashimi or if she really is the one in the house who gets to clean up the goop….

www.goop.com

Our idea of a unique holiday involves boutique hotels not musty motels.

So we’ll be booking our next great escape through Mr & Mrs Smith. The UK travel site—not the film that birthed a tabloid couple—hand picks small luxury hotels from around the globe and provides pertinent information like the best rooms, packing tips and destination to-dos.

Also the publishers of coffee table travel guides, their latest tome, Mr & Mrs Smith Boutique Hotel Collection: The Global Shortlist features saucy he-said-she-said reviews of 30 hot spots from notable contributors (including fashionistas Bee Shaffer and Serena Rees) and comes with a member card which grants you bespoke benefits when booking, like free nights, champagne and massages.

Wonder if we’ll find our Brad at Casa Angelina?

www.mrandmrssmith.com

Need a weekender but don’t feel like spending half of it in the car?

Go short-haul at Bowen Island’s new Eco-Shed.

Author (and former Outside magazine editor) James Glave has built the modern, 280 square-foot green getaway with your petite carbon footprint in mind. A private garden (and resident black bunny), wood-burning fireplace, Energy Star appliances, and heated concrete floors will have both you and your conscience resting comfortably.

From $175. View pictures and availability at www.eco-shed.ca

To view other Bowen Island travel itineraries, click here, here and here.

Looking for a new spot for a romantic waterfront walk?

Grab a double scoop from Mario’s Gelati (88 E. First Ave.) and stroll the recently completed Olympic Village seawall from Science World to just before the Cambie Bridge.

There’s a cool metal bridge for seal sightings, double-wide white metal loungers for stargazing, and swivel chairs for ocean viewing.

And when that cone’s all gone, the rest of the night is in your hands….

View photos today on our Editors' Diary.