The Beltline is a vibrant and diverse urban neighborhood located in the heart of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It is situated just south of downtown Calgary and is known for its mix of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. The Beltline is one of Calgary’s most densely populated areas and has undergone significant redevelopment and revitalization in recent years, making it a popular destination for residents and visitors alike. Here are some key aspects of the Beltline area in Calgary:
Location: The Beltline is bordered by 17th Avenue SW to the south, 14th Street SW to the west, the Elbow River to the east, and the CPR mainline tracks to the north. Its central location makes it easily accessible from various parts of the city.
Residential Living: The Beltline offers a mix of housing options, including high-rise condominiums, apartments, and historic homes. Many young professionals and urban dwellers are attracted to the area due to its proximity to downtown, public transportation, and a wide range of amenities.
17th Avenue SW: Also known as the “Red Mile,” 17th Avenue is the main commercial and entertainment hub of the Beltline. It is lined with restaurants, bars, cafes, boutiques, and shops. This street comes alive during events like the Calgary Flames’ playoff runs, when fans gather to celebrate.
Cultural and Arts Scene: The Beltline is home to several cultural institutions, including the Theatre Junction Grand, a historic venue for performing arts, and the Alberta College of Art and Design. The area also hosts numerous art galleries and public art installations.
Parks and Green Spaces: The Beltline features several parks and green spaces, including Central Memorial Park and Haultain Park. These areas provide opportunities for outdoor activities, picnics, and relaxation.
Public Transportation: The Beltline is well-served by public transportation, with several CTrain (light rail transit) stations and bus routes connecting it to other parts of Calgary.
Community Events: The Beltline hosts various community events and festivals throughout the year, such as the Lilac Festival, which is one of the largest street festivals in Calgary.
Urban Renewal: In recent years, the Beltline has seen significant redevelopment and revitalization efforts. Older buildings have been renovated, and new developments have sprung up, contributing to the neighborhood’s modern and dynamic atmosphere.
Diversity: The Beltline is known for its diverse population and inclusive atmosphere. It attracts people from various backgrounds and walks of life, contributing to its vibrant and cosmopolitan character.
Historic Significance: The Beltline contains some historic districts and buildings, showcasing the city’s heritage. Notable examples include the Lougheed House and the Ranchmen’s Club.
In summary, the Beltline area in Calgary, Alberta, is a bustling urban neighborhood known for its mix of residential and commercial spaces, cultural attractions, and a lively entertainment scene. It’s a popular destination for those seeking a dynamic urban lifestyle with easy access to downtown Calgary and a range of amenities.
I’m still here, and my site is still alive, but how can that be with no posts for over two years? I’m still interested, I have more to share, but I have an ineffective work process. It’s not a relaunch, but I want to adapt to working on short impulsive posts. It’s a personal challenge to myself, with a refocus on experiences.
Tompkins Park
Sitting here on a summer’s day with the vibrancy of 17th all around is the best. It’s a small park with plaza space, I call ground-zero for 17th ave. The area comes alive with little events every Saturday throughout the summer. (or without COVID it did)
Thomson Family Park
It’s already been five years since this park underwent a complete teardown and rebuild. Inner city parks can get a bad reputation, but this one is always filled with local kids. Here we chat with our like minded neighbors while our kids play together. I wish there was never litter around, but it comes from the hundreds that use the park every day. The city is active with it’s maintenance and any wear is looked after weekly. In summers there’s fountains and outdoor ice in winter. In the planning phase there was talk about food trucks making it a stop, but that’s only happened twice in separate years.
East Village River Walk
In summer our city’s love of the river isn’t any more obvious than along the East Village’s River Walk. Morning brunch at Charbar with coffee in hand, blue sky overhead while looking out at the river is my happy place. Ending a river rafting trip at St Patrick’s island is the perfect occasion to walk back along the river pathway to Prince’s Island.
17th Avenue
I believe 17th Avenue is Calgary’s focal point for walkable urban living. I’m lucky that this last stretch before arriving home isn’t something I have to “get past” but a collection of our family’s favorite places to get out and experience festivals, dining, parks, walks, shopping and attractions. My expectation is that I can go for a walk, take in the sights, grab a coffee, pick up fresh bread, buy dishwasher pods, look at the latest tablets and pick up a birthday gift all without starting the car.
On Saturday the 30th we broke from our frequent pandemic pizza pick ups, for a taste of new with Pigot’s Burger Club. What was it, where did it fall on the charts, how did it rank?
Operating Monday to Sunday, noon to midnight Pigot’s Burger Club offers a pop-up burger experience. Orders can be picked up from Craft’s 10th Ave location or delivered via all major delivery apps. I can’t comment on any aspect other than the burger, well the website is simple, easy to use with many hunger-inducing burger images.
The menu features three burgers, a Cheese Burger, Bacon Cheese Burger and a Mushroom Cheese Burger. As well as two non meat offerings the “Non Meat a Tarian Cheese Burger” and “Non Meat a Tarian Mushroom Cheese Burger”. All burgers can be ordered as singles, doubles and triples. While the non meat burgers can be done as singles or doubles. To round out the menu there are Fries, Tots, Dirt Tots and a Kale Caesar. We ordered the side tots, as well as the Dirty Tots.
Now for the main event, the Burger! Is it the simplest form of north American fast food? Perhaps, then how come there’s such a wide range. From good to bad, mediocre to extravagant! What does one want in a burger? I can fire up my BBQ, cook meat with fire and fill a hunger. So when I order instead what am I looking for? Something unique, what’s my take away, how will I recommend this, or why won’t I.
This was it, a Bacon Cheese Burger I’m still thinking about.
It’s not complicated, it didn’t grab me with gimmicks and rare ingredients. What it is, is perfectly executed,with everything balanced proportionately. No teen threw this together at an assembly line with eight more quickly needed while a car waited.
This was planned long before I ordered it and crafted to exceed expectations. Assembled with care, beginning with the bun, not an afterthought or a fluke. This was chosen to make a first impression. Was it too soft, too dry, too much, did it just soak up like a spunge and fall apart? After all this is for pick up and delivery. No this bun offers just the right addition to every bite. Because again, this is a perfectly executed burger.
For my indulgence I had the Bacon Cheese Burger at $12.49 it’s where burgers are priced nowadays. The simple lettuce and flavourful tomato add to the burger. Then bacon, just right, and brown sugar onions, these are diced adding sweetness and intreig. Then the “Merican Cheese” this isn’t a single slice that gets missed, this melted goodness brings the cheeseness I remember every burger having, yet seldom do. Lastly Pigot’s secret sauce, just right, not strong, not lifeless, no this brings it all together in just the right proportions. Lastly that bun again, it’s not falling apart, you can put it down and pick it up again, the burgers collapse isn’t making you rush, no this construct holds together. Take your time savor.
First post in two years. And it’s a love letter to a burger.
My wife had the Mushroom Cheese Burger $11.99, I assume it was amazing.
YouTube video from user notenufwow during the 2016 Zoo Lights: Link
Expect lines, but remember there are ticket kiosks at both the main entrance and inside at the train station entrance
The grounds of the Zoo along with the Enmax Conservatory are transformed with 2 million lights into a Christmas wonderland. Beginning in 1997 running from the last weekend in November to the first in January, each night the Zoo closes at 6pm and then reopens with a Christmas Light show like no other.
Promotional video from the Calgary Zoo, this does not belong to me
For the first fourteen years I lived here I never went to Zoo lights. I’d just pictured Christmas lights and didn’t think much of it. Well when our daughter was born we were starting new traditions for us and her. Zoo lights has become a tradition for us like many other Calgary families. We always go two days before Christmas regardless of if its a cold year or a mild year. Parking can be crazy but the Zoo has a well designed lot and no matter where you park it’s not too far to the gates (because of it’s fan like layout).
I like to think this is a festive Ogopogo
First off this isn’t just some lights thrown around, there is a lot of effort made for presentation and artistic display. There are also fire pits to enjoy hot chocolate by, ice skating inside a giant tent to protect you from the potential winds. Next at the conservatory is Santa Claus along with a themed exhibit. One year that was a sugar plum forest, complete with fairies.
This year the Zoo has an all new exhibit …
“”Wander both indoors and out with the ENMAX Conservatory activities and displays featuring Snow White, the evil queen and the seven stewards of the forest. Throughout our magically decorated topical oasis and surrounding gardens, you’ll find a Giant Gingerbread House, an Enchanted Forest, an Apple Wishing Tree, our Sustainability Factory with craft stations and Santa himself.”
Note: These were not the real penguins dressed up with electric lights
If you go remember your mittens or gloves, dress in layers and expect it to be busy with lots of strollers (we’ll be with one of them). There will likely be Zoo Lights themed merchandise to buy along with the regular gift shop being open.
Our family walked past Mont Shawarma & Grill during Lilac Fest two years ago. We were offered a sample pair of beef skewers. We both remarked how excellent it was and immediately planned to visit soon. It took some time till we made our return trip and have now been twice.
The Mont Grill opened as the Fairmont Grill in March 2017, to avoid confusion with their original location they changed the name. The Mont Grill serves Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. This means shawarma, falafel and kabobs as well as traditional salads like fattoush and tabouleh. As well you’ll find staples like garlic roasted potatoes, rice and hummus.
The Mont Grill also mixes things up a bit with a beef and veggie burger, and a day long breakfast offering.
Located at the north west corner of the busy intersection of 17th and 4st SW, in a building built three years ago. The Mont grill fits the definition of fast casual, with a size and layout similar to a Subway. Containing around 8 tables with a few more chairs at a counter facing out the window. The inside has a tile floor and tile work on most of the walls with a few decorations and a few screens. These screens show images of their food and slideshows of landscapes.
Walking to the back and looking up at the menu screens, all the items have pictures. A short description would be nice for those unfamiliar with Turkish spices, but the pictures are worth more than a short description without them. Our daughter saw a picture of a hamburger and immediately wanted that while we wanted something more unique.
Fairmont Burger: In-house beef patty topped with an egg ($10.99)
On both of our visits to the Mont Grill I’ve had the Beef Kabob plate, while my wife has had the Falafel plate, and more recently the Chicken Kabob plate. All entrees are served on a bed of rice with garlic potatoes and hummus with a salad on the side. We added three drinks to our order and our daughter picked a table for us all to sit at.
Beef Kabob Plate ($15.49)
At the time we were the only customers in the restaurant, but before we left two other tables were occupied. Our food took close to ten minutes with the meat items having been prepared fresh. At the time of our first visit I’d have to admit that I had not had any middle eastern cuisine on any end of the authentic scale. I wasn’t used to the spices, everything was new, different and delicious. The meat was spiced with flavours so tender, they aren’t using cheap meat here. There was an orange sauce sparingly drizzled across the plate, this isn’t hot like I expected, I believe it’s a red pepper sauce that I don’t yet know the name of. Everything was hot and enjoyed a great mix of textures from the soft rice to the grilled meat. Both times I’ve thought that I’ll only have a bite of the tabbouleh salad, as it looks like entirely too much parsley to me. But both times I’ve enjoyed it more than expected. I think they really know how to balance out the flavours and keep the parsley mild.
During our visits the staff have added to our visit by being friendly and courteous. They create a welcoming atmosphere, that may not come across right when you walk in. But after speaking, change that with their genuine demeanor. On our last visit they surprised us with three pieces of baklava, always a favorite of mine. The prices are regular and competitive, while the portions are generous. On both visits we could not completely finish up our plates.
Chicken Kabob Plate ($15.49)Various Baklava
It looks like they do a fair amount of takeout and delivery business (done via Skip-The-Dishes) as well as late night business. I’ve really enjoyed our visits and look forward to future visits.
Have you been to the new Central Library? Will you be going? Do you think we needed a new library? Or do you think there was a road interchange somewhere that we could have spent the money on?
Main entrance approach from 3rd St SE
On November 1st the new Central Library opened. It was a four-year construction project totalling 245 million dollars, with unique location-based challenges (it was built over operating C-train tracks). Our new Central Library makes quite the impression, it’s welcoming with bright open spaces, an extensive use of wood, gentle curves and slopes everywhere. Of course, it’s not just the building, it’s the variety of its contents. Libraries have changed from endless aisles of books to collaboration spaces with classes and of course the books. Our new library is 240,000 sq ft, containing 450,000 titles, 30 free to use community meeting rooms, an audio and video studio and a 340 seat theatre.
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On Saturday November 3rd we joined thousands who flocked to see the city’s newest civic investment. To be honest with you when I originally heard about the new library being built in the East Village I didn’t think much of it. The location made sense but I thought little else. Now after following its construction for years, both physically by sight and online through sites and forums, I’m more than interested. I haven’t had a library card in years, saying I enjoy the atmosphere of bookstores to libraries. Well, thanks to the new Central Library I’m ready for that to change.
On the opening weekend there were performances going on all day. From the seats here you could enjoy singing, choirs, and musicians.
Here at the entrance are the new arrivals, holds and returns.
All the book shelves have integrated lighting making the book attractive. Also, the signage is clear and easy to locate.
We took the train from our end of downtown to the other, getting off at city hall. What an impression it makes, the Library is another landmark site in the East Village’s transformation of an end of downtown that was once far from desirable. The whole area is one of optimism and progress, however this is not luxury condos, high-end dining, or a boutique hotel. Because this is a place for everyone and anyone to enjoy. My wife and I remarked how the travel space from “downtown” to “the east village” is now gone. There is no space one has to “get through”. Once the tower at 5th & 3rd is complete with Loblaws City Market, then it won’t matter the direction you approach from either. Third street behind the municipal building is no longer a cold barren no man’s land. Instead it’s a welcome walk with both buildings’ staircases making the height of the buildings feel human and approachable.
The building is filled with captivating angles for sights and perspectives.
Approach we did with twenty thousand of our neighbours to see this grand place. On the west side of the building opposite city hall is a 2000 sq ft cafe called LUKES. This is a collaboration between Gareth Lukes, the third generation owner of Lukes Drug Mart in Bridgeland, and Eric Hendry, former chef of Model Milk and now Bar Von Der Fels. (LUKES is accessed from the outside on the west side of the building) We did not get a chance to check out LUKES on this visit but I’m sure we will soon. After all, there’s little our family loves more than coffee shops.
In the kids area the shelves are sized appropriately and interestingly for them.
Following stairs or a ramp leads from the street level plaza up and under the structure’s overhanging entrance. This can then be used as a passageway coming down the other side to the East Village. The entrance ceiling of the overhang is built with curved wood planks, like floorboards, a theme that is used throughout. Coming in the main entrance you first find new works of fiction. I liked that everything about the library is spacious, but space wasn’t wasted with some kind of grand lobby, no the books start right away.
Some of the many self serve checkouts.
Part of the move away from a lobby and checkout desk is that there are self-serve checkout desks all over the place. I’d read about this before our visit, it’s a move away from library staff “hidden” behind desks, and instead adds to the open and interactive nature of the library with staff moving throughout the building helping visitors.
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I imagine regularly the library will be simple to get around, but on that day, everything took a while, as we all herded around.
All the floors of the building can be accessed from the grand central staircases with natural wood throughout and lit by the skylight up top. In addition the first two floors can be gradually traversed by a walkway that slowly ramps along the perimeter of the whole structure.
Even on that busy day, you could get around quickly by moving along the perimeter.
Roughly halfway up the first floor is the site’s second restaurant, also called Lukes. This smaller site serves coffee and sweets. You can even enjoy the same soft serve that Lukes Drug Mart is famous for, the plan is for the flavours to change monthly. When you visit, give yourself some time to spend here, just to take a seat and enjoy the great view of all the developments in the East Village.
Normally I’d wait in line for a coffee
Then find a place to sit, relax and take it all in.
But on that day it felt like waiting around at an airport.
Our daughter liked the place, the whole experience. (Actually, she wanted a balloon animal and I dragged her away from the line to keep looking and take more pictures, she’s sitting here in defiant anger.)
Moving past and around the corner is the kid’s library, this I also read about in advance. Rather than a kids section in the back or the basement as you would have found years ago, this is centrally located and as grand as anything else. Kids books are arranged by age group and later by genre. The area is visually filled with colours and areas to read, but also with a play structure.
The kid’s library starts with books for the littlest first.
I’ve heard that some feel a play area for kids has no place in a library. Well as a parent I welcome it. I look forward to years of coming to the library as a family, it’s filled with something for everyone and we’ll easily spend hours there. However, when kids are just little they get restless with sitting, or “looking around”. A play area is perfect it allows them to reset or balance out and then be ready and patient for a change of pace again. At least this is what I can see my kids doing.
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The second floor continues with the extensive fiction collection as well as special collections for the visually or hearing impaired.
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This is an Electronic magnifier and a text to speech reader
The darkened rooms here are some of the free to use bookable meetings spaces
Peeking into one of those meeting rooms
The third floor has a digital focus, here is where the audio and video studios are. If you have a project you need to work on but lack the equipment it’s all here for your use. You can borrow Chromebooks and take them to a cubicle or meeting room. The floor also contains the teen lounge, here there are board games and video games. Teens can find novels and book series focused on them while they can also learn about robots and programming, use an old typewriter or learn to sew. There are also music and movie collections that can be taken out just the same. It’s a true space for teenagers.
Board Games
Larger meeting/collaberation space
Magazine area
Movies
More Board Games
Space to lounge and read
Video game station
Space to lounge and read
Learn to Sewing
Foreign films collection
The fourth floor contains reference volumes with a huge section on local history and interest. Lastly is the great reading room. This reminds me a little of an old world library space, yet modern and very calm a perfect retreat.
This has everything you could ever want to know about our great city, from early settlers to early oil days
Entrance to the “TD Great Reading Room”
Inside the Great Reading Room
The Great Reading Room from afar
On that opening weekend it was insanely busy, imagine Chinook Mall two days before Christmas, and you’d be right. There were lines to get everywhere, lines to look at everything, and strollers parked everywhere. Yet mixed in with the crowds just coming to look around like ourselves, there were already people reading and studying.
Public Computers
Great spaces for everyone
Cubicles for working
Despite the huge open welcoming areas, there are still sit down spaces for small groups and individuals everywhere. There are rows of computers and printers for everyone to use and great meeting rooms for groups. There are classes going on where you can learn new skills, take a history lesson, or hear a local author speak, all for free.
More computer spaces
But don’t think that a visit to simply pick up a book will occupy more time than you have, because right off the entrance are the holds for pickup, and returns. Ensuring you don’t need to take the time to explore, except when you have it.
Our daughter saw me working on this post and asked when we are going back to the library. I hope her enjoyment and appreciation of public spaces never ends
This new library is a beautiful addition to our city, to the downtown and the East Village. I don’t believe for a second that the money should have been spent elsewhere, there will always be other demands on our tax paying dollars. But to live in a city with no community, no great spaces of expression, no unique and local spaces is not a city I want to live in. This library is free to all, for every income level, for our oldest citizens and our youngest, for those newest to our country and those who’ve never left our city.
Visitor guides containing this map are located everywhere
I’ve heard criticisms about its location, being realistic it is down the street from the drop in centre and shares a sidewalk with the salvation army. But it’s also across the street from Bow Valley College, sharing 3rd street with the future City Market, and a close neighbour to Studio Bell. It is near everything, in a neighbourhood where everything is changing.
Looking east down the steps into the East Village
I’m sure that a trip to the Library via the C-Train would bring my family into contact with more of our city’s homeless than a car trip to Chinook Mall. Does that mean I will want to keep my children away from its location? Not at all. First off people everywhere are different, and different isn’t to be feared. I want my children to experience life, not to be held up in some sheltered environment. If that means that we see someone less fortunate at the Library trying to change their circumstances, then that’s the way the real world is. If that means we see someone sleeping on the steps of that nice new plaza, well that’s a little uncomfortable. That would create some questions, which I would try to explain, and to teach them how to handle such situations. Yes I want to protect my children from things in life that would make them uncomfortable, but really I want to teach them to see and understand situations. If that means seeing a mixture of things in our day to day experience, well that’s living where everything isn’t always the best, but it isn’t a reason to stay away from things and places where things happen.
I love the River Walk
I’ve had some of my best times in our city in the East Village. In the summer I call sitting along the River Walk my happy place. This area is more than up and coming it is filled with growth and positivity. I like visiting the area because that energy is infectious. It is the perfect location for the new Central Library and many family outings to come.
I wish this was everyday
I wanted to share more pictures of some of the other rooms and features that I couldn’t fit into the article.
What Stampede means to me? An expression of city spirit and western heritage.
It’s the middle of this year’s Stampede, and I haven’t been to the grounds, nor do i intend to. You might assume I don’t like Stampede, or that I’m one of the folks who only talks of leaving town during the annual event. However, this wouldn’t be true at all.
I moved to Calgary in ‘99 not knowing much about it. “The Big Four” didn’t mean anything to me. The historical ties to the CP Rail, I knew nothing about. Oil booms going back nearly a hundred years and the impact on the cities prosperity I had no knowledge of. I’m from the interior of B.C. where it’s all about Gold, Silver and Coal mines. Ghost towns are all over B.C. and the signs of busier times.
My first Stampede I didn’t go to the grounds and resisted the overflowing spirit around the city. I’m not one for “Western” culture, I’d only been on a horse twice for a total of a half hour. However history does interest me, especially history I can see. How did things come to be the way they are, there’s always a story. The history of Calgary is about pioneering a new way of life. That can be said across Canada, and even North America. However I don’t live across the continent I live here, so here is where I can see history’s influence on today. The more I learned about my new home’s history the more I was caught up in that pioneering spirit, and I believe it still resides here today. To me the Stampede represents a glamorous romanticized version of our history.
You can tell me the Stampede is only about partying and drinking. You can tell me the Stampede only represents cruelty to animals. You can tell me it’s a fraud to western culture with urban city folk pretending me be cowboys for ten days. You can also tell me Stampede is just an overblown and overpriced grab for tourists. I’ll agree with every one of those statements, from a certain point of view. But I’ll also say you’ve only experienced one aspect of the Stampede. It represents so many different things, to different people and different industries. You can be a big fan and not know all the aspects to it.
For me, it is an expression of city spirit and western heritage. We celebrate it to say this is where we come from and that spirit is still alive here. So does this mean I’m a big fan of the Stampede? Do I go to the grounds every year? Nope. But I do like what it represents. Coming from a small town, civic pride was important. We as a community took pride in our town, what it represented, where it came from, who built it, and what we had achieved. It was only natural to have city events and celebrations. You can have a city celebration to commemorate a city’s founding. Why don’t we just do that? Because, we’re celebrating more than our city’s history, it’s a collective history of the west.
In 2012 the Stampede celebrated 100 years of Stampeding. Technically it has only been running annually since 1924, but it’s origins can be traced to 1886. It was begun by the Calgary and District Agricultural Society, to promote Calgary, western expansion and agricultural ingenuity. I think that is still something to celebrate together as a city. Don’t complain to me that traffic is bad during Stampede, that hotels are expensive, or that all tourists are bad drivers. People are celebrating our home, any city in the world is going to be busy when it hosts a major event. I’m proud to have an event to host for the world. Proud that we have more than the Stampede to be known for, but that the Stampede is how we celebrate our city.
Stampede spirit isn’t confined to the grounds of the Stampede in Victoria Park it’s all around. When I see the first Stampede decorations going up at the end of June I smile because that’s our city spirit on display. There are families with long standing traditions of watching the parade together. For others it’s all about the midway rides, of the grandstand show. I’ve never yet seen the chuckwagon races live but I will. Why? I have no history or connection to agriculture or cattle. But it’s where I live, where I choose to live, where I’m proud to live. I like the Stampede, I look forward to the city’s expression of it, the unity of common experience, I love what it represents to so many.
When you’re new here it may not mean anything to you, but it likely will, especially if you can get past the county music.
Events that make up the Stampede
Parade – Held the first Friday in July and kicking of the event is the Stampede Parade
Rodeo – Technically this is what it’s all about. One of the largest of its kind in the world covering six major events, bull riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, saddle bronc and bareback riding – and four novice events – junior steer riding, novice bareback, novice saddle bronc and wild pony racing.
Rangeland Derby – This the chuckwagon race perhaps the most iconic event of the Stampede.
Grandstand Show and the Stampede Showband – Held each night on the grounds this is world class entertainment with song and dance to acrobatic performance ending with a nightly firework display.
Exhibition – The agricultural exhibition began in 1886, made up of 50 farm and ranch displays and competitions.
Midway – The midway is what most people talk about when they say “the grounds” with a mixture of rides and carnival games. There are two concert areas. Nashville North, a huge party tent (with lines even longer) is a country music venue. Next is the Coca-Cola stage, where there’s family entertainment during the day and rock and pop acts at night. Lastly, the Saddledome host headline acts.
Market – Located in the BMO center it’s 410,000 sq ft of retail space with vendors selling everything imaginable, with a featured area called the Western Oasis.
If you frequent 17th Ave, then you’ve seen the lines at Made by Marcus. We made a visit last year getting a kid’s scoop and two single cones. I got the cookies n’ cream, as I usually do and I don’t remember what the rest of the family got. What I do remember is the portions were large and the ice cream was amazing. Since then it’s exploded, at seemingly any time they will have a line well past their building and usually past the neighbouring Waves as well.
Pint’s available to purchase and take home
More than a spot to grab an ice cream cone, Made By Marcus is a Microcreamery. Everything is made on site, and sampling is encouraged. This year we’ve been a few more times and brought family from out of own.
Our daughter enjoying the Lemon Curd and Blueberry.
This most recent time was just my daughter and me. She got a kids cone of the Lemon Curd and Blueberry. She liked it so much that when she slowed down and I offered to take it and finish it, that she found new room and picked up the pace. I only got a lick or two. Myself I expanded my horizons with the Caramelized Pineapple & Spiced Rum. I simply don’t have the words to express how good this was. The Pineapple is sweet but the spiced rum kept it far from ordinary.
In addition, they have coffee and drinks.
Next I need to have one of their milkshakes, however, I think I need to get to the gym for a few hours first. Because this isn’t health food. In addition to their rotating Ice Cream flavours, they also have soft serve and several sundaes. Last they round out their offerings with coffee from Monogram.
The menu at Made by Marcus
Enjoy the season by visiting Made By Marcus, but don’t forget to visit them year round.
With a reputation like theirs, long lineups are commonplace
I heard about Butter Block a few months back in Avenue Magazine. On my first visit it was late in the day with limited selection, this past week I rectified that.
There are in three entrances off 17th Ave to the building
Inside the Devenish is home to many unique shops, Butter Block is located on the first floor
Butter Block is located in the Devenish building and is what I’m going to call Bakery Forward. Meaning it is a bakery first and foremost, not a coffee shop, not a bookstore, not a place to hang out at, it is focused on exquisitely baked goods.
I made my way over on a Thursday morning around eight, with it being about a half hour after opening I figured I’d have my pick of anything. I found that that morning they did not yet have their display case stocked, but was told many fresh items were ready.
Inside the Bakery
I picked up four croissants, two each of the Almond and Roasted Double Sesame, both were promptly packed up for me and I didn’t see them. I walked home having paid $18 dollars for the four croissants. I thought about how I enjoy coffees and croissants at Analog, while paying less and enjoying a popular place to relax and people watch. I decided that it was nice to support someone locale pursuing their dream but that it was a bit too expensive, after all, Analog is local too.
These are the Almond and Roasted Double Sesame Croissants
At home, I put on the coffee and told my wife I had picked us up some croissants for breakfast. I told her wife how I felt they were a bit expensive but I was looking forward to trying them. Then I took them out of the bag, and was impressed, next I took a bite. In an instant my opinion completely changed!
Delectable!
Butter Block’s Menu. I must try the Spicy Cheese Knot!
These were not overpriced in the slightest, it was excellent. (Mental note I simply can’t ever get a croissant from Tim Hortons again, for those are sad excuses.) The croissant from Butter Block exceeded my expectations and any previous. They are light, flaky and the Almond one was generously filled. If the croissant itself had been poor I’d be saying that there was too much almond paste filling, however there was still a lot of flaky pastry to balance things out. The filling itself wasn’t excessively sweet, the almonds on the outside were nicely toasted.
Now I must return and try more of their creations.
(My wife’s own endorsement was that, Butter Block should charge $4.50 for the first one and $6 for every one after, as it would still be worth it.)
After a winter like that Summer is finally here. We’ve been out visiting our favorite parks and spent nearly two hours at one close to home. Our daughter is happy to not be wearing giant coats and boots, but she’s not the only one. We want to box up our winter clothes, then put those boxes in a trunk and then store that trunk in someone’s garage in the suburbs.
4th Street overflows with our city’s biggest festival. From 13th Ave all the way to 26th Ave. Lilac Fest is this Sunday 10am – 6pm.
Lilac Fest returns to 4th street in Mission this weekend! We’ll be going down as a family with a goal of more than walking around. Our daughter has been every year since she was born, but this year I hope we can hear some bands and enjoy more than just a hotdog.
Road construction on 17th resumed, from May 1st to Stampede. Then breaks for Summer and picks up after labor day. The Current phase sees the avenue ripped up from 4th St to 7th St.
Meanwhile construction of 17th resumed at the beginning of May and will go hard until Stampede begins. We’re visiting all of our favorites places like Steeling Home, Analog Coffee and 1410. Of note we were at 1410 for brunch on a hot Sunday where the rooftop patio was 19 degrees at 10:30am. That day my father was in town and we took a walk from Mission along the Elbow River to Ft. Calgary and the East Village. The pathways along there are far from busy but it’s a walk I’ll enjoy taking again.
Stock photo of 1410’s showing 1410’s excellent rooftop patio.
The was April the 28th, by far the hottest day we’d had yet! Try the French Toast.
In other 17th Ave happenings, Butter Block bakery opened back in February. Situated in the Devenish building, they are a proper Bakery offering treats for pickup. It took us a few months to make it over there, and when we did it was late in the day with few options left. We will be back on a less busy Saturday morning.
Butter Block is located here, in the historic Devenish building.
Roosevelt is gone, I’ve added them to my list for a future article about places you should have tried before they disappeared. (It’s a long list with some outstanding places on it) In its place is Hostel. Is it still a 933 Group restaurant? I have no idea. My daughter and I visited Hostel last Thursday, while it’s interior is not my style in the least they have of course the same patio. Here you’ll find all food items are $10 and drinks are $5. Check them out and I hope to fill you in on our experience shortly.
The patio at the new “Hostel” “So now that we’re on the Patio what do we do?
With Summer upon us, we’ll be enjoying all our usual urban spots but also venturing out to new places near and far from the core. Our daughter is at the perfect age for Calaway Park so you can bet we’ll be there. At the opposite end of the spectrum is our favorite Riley Park, we plan on being there a great deal this Summer.
This was taken on my third trip to Calaway, and our daughter’s first. All have been fun visits but this was the first time I was a Dad.
Riley Park, two previous years we visited this oasis once a year, then last year it was six visits.
Summer means Ice Cream, I feel a future article coming on, “ Urban Ice Cream” or “Choosing Rocky Road”. Another visit for our family with be the Zoo and the new Panda exhibit. We’ll be there soon, but not really in a hurry, we’ll wait for the initial crowds to lessen. If that’s even possible.
Typical ice cream line at “Made by Marcus” day or night.
Look forward to some future posts, I’m working on an article about playgrounds in the inner city, and parks & pathways and of course highlighting restaurant experiences.
I hope to have an article about our city’s large parks in the coming weeks. This is at “Pearce Estate Park” in Inglewood.
Have you tried your luck at the track? Make your way to Century Down Race Track and Casino. We visited last year on an open house day with a tour and our daughter saw many cool things.
Skyline Luge wasn’t nearly as scary as someone worried. I’ll have an article about our adventure later this Summer.
East Village Junction’s Pop-Up Retail Park has returned for another year. Open Monday from Noon till 8pm, and Sat & Sun 10am till 6pm. Check it out at 439 8th Ave SE. Expect entertainment and food trucks, check their site for scedules.
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