AccuWeather.com

Exploring Gastown, Vancouver's Trendy Historic District

Feb 22, 2010; 3:48 PM ET

Named after a fellow ("Gassy Jack" Deighton) with a fondness for spinning tall tales, Gastown is Vancouver's historic district where cobblestone streets are lined with century-old brick buildings that now house trendy wine bars, chic boutiques and gourmet restaurants.

Located down a small alley that once served as a hangout for some seriously sketchy characters, Salt Tasting Room is a great place from which to start or end the district's exploration. Inside the informal room, which features exposed brick walls, concrete floors and a long communal table surrounded by Philippe Stark-designed stools, the knowledgeable and good-looking servers pair local artisanal cheeses and small-batch cured meats with interesting wines from the region and abroad.

Celeste Moure for ShermansTravel.com

Continue Reading on ShermansTravel.com >

Sign up for Sherman's Top 25 travel deals