After 11 years of bringing you local reporting, the team behind the Vancouver Observer has moved on to Canada's National Observer. You can follow Vancouver culture reporting over there from now on. Thank you for all your support over the years!

Kelly Marion

Born in Victoria, Kelly moved to Vancouver for work and her life is rooted to the West Coast lifestyle of enjoying the outdoors. She loves biking, hiking, swimming, rollerblading and frolicking in the grass. When she’s not out in the fresh air, she enjoys meeting new people while exploring the city, going to festivals and events, traveling and cooking. She is a go-go-go kind of person who hopes to keep her energy levels up, her audacity to learn high and her willingness to try new things consistent as she “grows up”. On a regular basis she strives to try new things even though this often means putting herself outside of her comfort zone. But, it's those experiences that she accredits to making her who she is today; open-minded, versatile and sprightly. Kelly meets incredible people every day who continue to influence and inspire her on many levels and it’s because of this wonderful support network that she finally now calls Vancouver her home.

Kelly has a Communications background with a passion for people, arts and culture. She enjoys volunteering and has for many organizations such as Vision Vancouver, the Canadian International Dragon Boat Festival Society, Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Victoria, and 100.3 the Q FM in Victoria. Her passion for the written word has led her to write for Style Republic Magazine, an online editorial, as well as develop her own column for her college newspaper which then led to a freelance contributor contract with CBC Radio One.

Her motto to live by:

"If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always gotten. Nothing changes until something changes.”
She can be found at her website or on Twitter @kellyjean247. 

 

Artisan cheese, charcuterie and wine during the Salt Cellar Series

A few times a month, Salt Tasting Room opens up their cellar for guests to sample a tasting menu built around wines from a selected winery, paired with artisanal cheeses and charcuterie.

Two local chefs prepare for the Almost Famous Chef Competition in Toronto

Matt Cusano and Kevan Hafichuk prepare for the culinary competition with a preview of their dishes to a group of media representatives Tuesday afternoon.

A new venue but the same fantastic party at Big Night 2013

With some of the biggest chefs in Vancouver serving dishes created especially for this event it is continuously a unique and mouth-watering experience.

The Vancouver Aquarium's Secret World of Sharks and Rays

The Secret World of Sharks and Rays explores the fascinating sea creatures, provides ideas for their preservation and entertains young and old with 4D films and shark feedings.

Learning first hand from the pros during the Celebrity Chef Cooking Classes

If you love food, wine and the opportunity to get your hands in the action, then you'll love the Arts Club's cooking series acting as sous chef for some of Vancouver's renowned chefs.

Top ten coolest things to do in Vancouver this weekend

It is your weekly partytime plan - here is what the Bees have picked for you

Aboriginal music, theatre, film and more at the 12th annual Talking Stick Festival

From a Powwow, to theatre, dance, spoken word, music and a multimedia performance, Talking Stick Festival will give everyone something to talk about.

Big Night 2013 takes over Jewel Ballroom this Friday

Ten restaurants and eleven wineries collaborate for one night to bring you the ultimate tasting experience.

Dinner with drag queens at Vancouver FanClub

Dine Out Vancouver's event series was composed of a wide variety of events, however none of them were as unique as Dinner at The Birdcage.

Spring rolls, steamed buns and salmon flambé at Sen Bistro

Chef Ru-Lin Zhang recently opened his second restaurant, Sen Bistro, showcasing Northern Chinese dishes infused with a little personal flair.