A Downtown Daytrip

You can bank on at least one thing being hot in Calgary this summer (and throughout the year). Inglewood, with its hot restaurants, hot new shops and hot events, is the place to go in the city.

There are many family-friendly choices on the strip and in the area. We recommend starting the day with a visit to the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary to check out some local wildlife and throw rocks into the river. Or, spend an hour at the Sam Livingston Fish Hatchery at the Bow Habitat Station (opens at 11 am Tuesday through Saturday). Hatchery tours take place at noon and 2 pm daily.

Park on 9 Avenue SE and walk to one of several local eateries. In the family-friendly category, we like the pizza at Without Papers (not to mention the sans-sound movies projected on restaurant walls), sausage and meatballs at Spolumbo’s Fine Foods & Deli or the burgers (and cheese) at Kane’s Harley Diner. 

For dessert, there is no question where to go—Choklat for you and Cookie Mama for your cookie-loving kids.

Inglewood is also home to a number of shopping options for the mommy set (not that your kids are banned, you just might have more fun shopping solo). We love Riva’s The Eco Store for their earth-friendly options, Circa for the ‘maybe someday’ blown glass and Wilde Grainz Artisan Bakery for take-home wholesome goodness.

School-aged girls will love a visit to Suzie Q Beads, Buttons & Bijoux and Mom will want to remember to stop by Knifewear for a sharpening demo and trial (don’t forget to bring your kitchen steel for a rework).

Book your babysitters now for the Calgary International Film Festival taking place in Inglewood September 23–October 2, 2011.

It’s easy to get stuck in a home-work-school Bermuda-like Triangle. Step out of your comfort zone into one of Calgary’s up and coming communities and get your groove on. Tested by Heather J., Calgary

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