Beacon Hill Park Victoria-Play Tennis There if you Dare

Beacon Hill Park

Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

They call themselves the ‘Tennis Warriors’, and they hone their court skills outdoors 365 days a year.  You can drop in for free at Victoria’s Beacon Hill Park and challenge these warriors, or you can become one of them.  The Tennis Tourist checked out Beacon Hill Park on New Year’s day and found himself a rallying partner.

Beacon Hill Park Video

What to Do After the Game

Beacon Hill Park

The park is in Victoria’s historic James Bay neighborhood.  Beacon Hill sits right at Mile Zero of the legendary Trans-Canada highway.  It is Victoria’s main urban green space with over 190 acres(75 hectares) of park.  Located next to Victoria’s southern shore, it includes numerous playing fields, beautiful manicured gardens, exotic species of plants and animals such as wild peacocks.  There is a petting zoo for the kids.  The views of the Straight of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic mountain range are spectacular.  The sport of cricket has been played in Beacon Hill Park since the mid-nineteenth century.  During the summer there are outdoor concerts and festivals.  The park is surrounded by lovely old homes and you can take a horse and white carriage ride throught the park and the surrounding neighborhoods.

Where We Stayed

The EmpressHotel

This grand old hotel majestically overlooks Victoria’s scenic inner harbor.  It’s a treat to stay in the old rooms of this stately building which was built in 1908 and has been one of Canada’s favorite destinations for well over a century.

The pool stays open late, and is lots of fun after a day of tennis and sightseeing.  Having a fancy cocktail at the Bengal lounge in the hotel, and rubbing elbows with those who want to see and be seen is a Victoria tradition that’s great fun.  The curry buffet in the lounge is pricey but highly recommended.  

The Empress Hotel
Toll Free: 1 866 540 4429
721 Government Street
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

Where is your Favorite Place to Play Tennis?

Tennis Tourist Top 10Tennis Destination Videos 2013 - Koh Chang Island Thailand

  

Koh Chang
Tennis Club 

We  managed to find one tennis club on this tropical island paradise. The Koh Chang Tennis Club is well maintained, lit for night play and very reasonably priced. It's located in central Khlong Proa on the west coast of Thailand's second largest island.

The staff is very friendly and they can provide you with racquets, balls and cold towels if you need.  Give them a call to make a reservation, or have your hotel front desk arrange it for you.  Koh Chang Tennis Club is open from 0700 to 2200 everyday.

Call them at 084-892-6992 or email at a7lek@mail.ru



What To Do After Tennis


We rented a motorcycle and toured this island that is lined with white sand beaches.  After tennis, we hung out at a little roadside Thai restaurant, cooled off and enjoyed some hot Thai cuisine.  Then we hit the open road (a narrow windy one) and took a look at the island's west shore.  A beautiful national park offers some spectacular viewpoints and Lonely Beach almost at the end of the road attracts hippies, backpackers and those who want the no-frills Thai beach experience.  We hung out there, taking in the unbelievable view while enjoying cool beverages on the lay-down ocean front deck.

  Motorcycle Trip around the island

Where We Stayed

We stayed at the Chai Chet Resort, about 4 kilometres to the south of the courts. An elegant and reasonably price resort overlooking the bay and a large stretch of white sandy beach. All down the beach are cottages and hotels.  At night you can stroll down there and check out the action at different beach restaurants and bars.  We took in a fire show with dinner one night.
The staff at the Chai Chet is very helpful and welcoming.  The pool is amazing, not to mention the swim-up bar.  It's a great place to enjoy a cool Chang Beer after a hot tennis workout.
Our sea-view room was very nice with an unique bathroom and shower that had the effect of a rocky stream running through it. 

Chai Chet Resort

Leam Chai Chet, Koh Chang, Trat, Thailand
E-mail : info@chaichetkohchang.com

View Koh Chang Tennis Club in a larger map

How to Get There

It's about 50 meters down the alley behind the local motor-scooter repair shop.  We traveled there by Songthaew(open air shared taxi).  Tell the driver where you're heading and he'll drop you off in the right place.

Tennis Tourist's 10 Favorite Destination Videos of 2013-Kitsilano Vancouver BC

Kitsilano Beach Tennis Courts, Vancouver BC

 

It was voted the 'third sexiest beach' by Forbes Traveler Magazine.  Kitsilano has a reputation as a place to be and be seen in Vancouver. 

But it's also a great place to play tennis.  There are a group of regulars there who are always willing to pick up a game with you, so you'll never be left out in the cold.

And you just might get an invite to go for a coffee at one of the trendy java houses adjacent to the park where the courts are. 

What to Do After the Game

Do what all of Vancouver's 'beautiful people' do.  Take a walk along the beach, gaze out at the amazing view of the mountains and water from a beach-side vantage point, play basketball or beach volleyball, or let the kids play on the state of the art playground that was a legacy gift from the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Where to Stay
Mickey's Kits Beach Chalet

This quaint B&B tucked away on a side street in historic, funky Kitsilano makes a good base for playing tennis at the Kitsilano Tennis Courts which are only a short stroll away.

2146 West 1st Avenue
Vancouver, BC
mickeysbandb.com
1 604 739 3342
1 888 739 3342

 

Top 10 Tennis Destination Videos #6 Anantasiri, Chiang Mai Thailand

Tennis at Anantasiri, Chiang Mai, Thailand

It was a bit tricky to find, but with a rented motorcycle, we navigated our way through the city of Chiang Mai and found the Anantasiri Tennis Club.  It's a favorite place for locals and is lit at night.  The courts are a bit rough but definitely playable.

Anantasiri Tennis Club  

053-112-053

48/5 Chiang Mai-Lampang Superhighway Rd. A. Muang. Chiang Mai 50000.Thailand.

What To Do After Tennis

One of our favorite experiences in Northern Thailand was the Elephant Nature Park.  Just outside of the city, you can go for a day trip, overnight stays or even a volunteer experience to feed, bathe and learn about these rescued elephants that have found new lives of freedom at this sanctuary.

Elephant Nature Park

Elephant Nature Park

209/2 Sridornchai Road

Chiang Mai 50100 Thailand

Tel +66 53 818754

   +66 53 818932

Where we stayed

We arrived there at night.  We clambered out of the songthaew (open air shared taxi) after a twelve hour train ride from Bangkok, and there it was, the Chiang Mai Boutique House, an eclectic statement of a hotel that gently represents many of the elements of this northern region, and is a backstreet refuge in this city of bars, stunning Buddhist Wats (temples), markets and Thai massage parlors.  The rooms are wrapped around a courtyard, pool and breakfast lounge area where you can watch the interesting world of Chaing Mai pass by your eyes while surrounded by northern Thai design.

Chiang Mai Boutique House Hotel

Chiang Mai Boutique House Hotel

2 Ratchapakinai Road, Phrasing, Muang, Chiangmai 50200

12 Days of Christmas Gift Ideas for the Tennis Player-Things to make and buy

The 12 Days of Tennis Gifts-Cool Things for the Tennis Player--

Day 1

The holidays can be a time to warm the heart of a tennis player by giving things that reflect his or her passion for the fuzzy green ball.  This holiday season, Tennis Tourist will share some of the things he has discovered that the tennis player on your holiday gift list may like as well.  Join us for the 12 Days of Tennis Gifts where we start small and work our way up to things that may put a smile on the face of even the most discerning of ralliers.

Rafa Bull Ball Cap by Nike

Maybe you can't play like Rafa, but you can carry a bit of his style with you on the court.  The Tennis Tourist gives this 'bull' ball cap the thumbs up.

NIKE Men`s Rafa Bull Logo Tennis Cap Black and WhitePinned byTennis TouristOntoThe 12 Days of Tennis Gifts

Stocking Stuffer Idea-Mmm...Martha Stewart Tennis Ball Macaroons

No one knows how to blend creativity and tasty food quite like Martha Stewart. Slip some of these macaroons in a tennis players stocking, and they just might love you even more. Check Martha's website for the recipe.

get thisYum, tennis ball macarons? Yes please!Pinned byTennis TouristOntoThe 12 Days of Tennis Gifts

Day 4

Wilson Hope-Pink Tennis Balls

Wilson supports breast cancer research with these pink balls.  And there'll be no mistaking who's are who's when they roll into another court.

Stocking Stuffer Ideas-Drymax Sport Socks

These socks are amazing.  Like wearing cushions on your feet.  Great for being out on a hot court.

Something for the Tennis Dog-

A Gift you can make for your best friend

Day 5

2014 Official Wimbledon Towel

A classic and useful gift for any tennis player (or fan).  They're available now on the Wimbledon website.

Stocking Stuffer-Tennis Go-Cup

Perfect for coffee on the run when heading to those early morning games and practices.

For the Tennis Baby-One Piece Creeper

It doesn't get any cuter than that!

Sports Gifts

Day 6

Wilson Easy Starter Net

A net you can take anywhere with you.  Great for teaching beginners and kids.  It can also be raised and used as a badminton net.

Stocking Stuffer-Tennis Ball Candles

You'll warm up the heart of that special tennis person with a gift you can easily make.

Something to Wrap it Up-Tennis Racquet and Ball Wrapping Paper

It's not green and red-but it's pretty close!

Sports Gifts

Day 7

SpeedTrak X Radar System

Do you blast them past like Raonic?  Do you see fear in the eyes of your opponent as you set up to serve?  Well this radar system tells the real truth about the way you serve.  It measures up to 150 mph, so if you're faster than that... they may want you on the pro tour.

Stocking Stuffers-Cufflinks for the Men and/or Earrings for the Ladies 

...or the other way around.  Tennis bling!

Quirky Gifts-Leopard Print Tennis Balls

The most glitzy balls on the court.  You must know someone who wants some of these.

Day 8

Nike Zoom Vapor 9

These shoes stole the stage as the pros battled it out on the courts this year.  If you're bold enough, you can sport them too.

Stocking Stuffer-Scoreband 

For keeping track of that all-important score!

Just for Fun-Tennis Ball Beach Towel

For those times when you take a  break from tennis to head to the beach

Day 9

Wilson Rolling Duffel 

This bag has it all-wheels, space for all of your racquets and more.  Great for traveling. The Tennis Tourist really wants one of these for Christmas for his new year travels.

Or If you prefer style over function....

Stocking Stuffer Ideas-Tennis Phone Cover

Day 10

LED ARENA 230 FLOODLIGHT 

Darkness doesn't have to be a reason to stop playing tennis.  This LED Floodlight means you can light up the court anytime, anywhere.

Stocking Stuffer-TENNIS WINE GLASSES 

For after the game or to serve your tennis friends.

Quirky Gifts-DUCK RACQUET HEAD COVER

Yikes!

Day 11

Babolat Play Pure Drive

'The Connected Racquet'

Sensors integrated into the handle of this racquet allow players to have access to information about their game. Data like shot power,sweet spot, number of strokes, total and effective play time, endurance, technique, consistency, energy and rallies is transmitted to a computer, and viewable on any type of device. It can be shared with the Babolat Play community.

Stocking Stuffer-Slam Glam Seat Armor-Tennis Car Seat Towels

It speaks for itself!

Quirky Gifts-Tennis Art!

Day 12

Look Like Your Favorite Superstar on the Court!

We've all noticed them, the head-turning outfits that the big pros sport on the court.  Their sponsors are more than happy to sell the same to you so you can look as good as your favorite star player when you step onto the court.

Ana Ivanovic's US Open Outfit-she played great tennis, making to the round of 16, but she  was definitely #1 when it came to her on-court style. This outfit can boost your style score when you battle for your  tennis victories.

Roger Federer's World Tour Finals and Paris Masters Outfit-no one will argue that he is a class act.. and that goes for his on court fashion sense as well.  Can you wear it as well as Roger?  He's a tough act to follow.

Stocking Stuffers-Tennis Cookies-Whip up a batch of these and you will be a big winner!!