Travel

Dining Outside the Home: Hail, Caesar

Dining Outside the Home: Hail, Caesar! When you visit a place engulfed in history, it’s not uncommon to hear about its claim-to-fame signature cocktail. Invented in Calgary, yet popular exclusively all over Canada, is the Caesar, also known as a Bloody Caesar. Similar to a Bloody Mary with vodka, spice, and flavor enhancements, the one key ingredient that cannot be excluded is clam juice. It is essential. Mott’s Clamato Cocktail, to be exact. End of story. No matter where you go in Canada, the Caesar is in a class all its own. Every mixologist has their own creation of a bold, savory, made-from-scratch fresh taste combination unique to that bartender. And that is where the fun begins. From a multitude of seasoned rimmers to the grand finale show-stopping garnish, the Canadian Caesar will have you walking away convinced you just experienced uncultivated euphoria. 

Beakerhead Brainstorm Hits Calgary, Canada

Beakerhead Brainstorm Hits Calgary, Canada! Mechanical sea creatures, giant motorized robots, walking on water, and hands-on technology are all eye-popping evidence of cultural encounters at the Beakerhead celebration held along Stephens Avenue in downtown Calgary, Canada. This is one time when seeing is believing. Inventors of all ages, as well as nerd busters and scientists, bring engineering to life by giving the public an up-close-and-personal glimpse of the what the genius mind can create. Every September it’s a “Mad, Mad World” where imagination knows no bounds. Join the street party where live music meets illusion for only the cost of curiosity. 

Dining Outside the Home: Milestones in Calgary, Canada

Dining Outside the Home: Milestones in Calgary, Canada! Try a trendy new dining experience for Date Night with your favorite squeeze or Girls Night Out to unwind. Get started with a vegetarian appetizer or a signature dish. No matter the choice, they’re all shareable. Rustic sandwiches pair aged garlic cheese with freshly grilled meats and honey sriracha slaw for savior-faire. Or perhaps a pasta bowl of sesame ginger beef and shiitake coconut rice is more to your liking. The choices seem unlimited. And the food photos in the menu have you drooling before the sun dips below the horizon. Sit back, settle in, and wile the night away. Leisure is made for Milestones. 

Peace Bridge is Pedestrian Landmark in Calgary, Canada 

Peace Bridge is Pedestrian Landmark in Calgary, Canada! Spanning the Bow River, the Peace Bridge connects commuters on foot or bicycling to downtown Calgary. But that’s not what makes it unusual. Arched steel and tubular girders make this unique footbridge an architectural marvel. The atypical red and white design represents the colors of the Canadian flag as well as the flag of Calgary. The protective glass roof and nighttime illumination offer safety from the elements. In an effort to minimize the ecological footprint, the height is restricted and piers are nonexistent. At first glance, one could easily mistaken the bridge for a commuter train or a giant novelty toy known as the Chinese finger trap. I prefer to describe its sleek design as a glimpse into the future. Without a doubt, it is a “must see” when visiting Calgary, Canada. 

Dining Outside the Home: Native Tongues Taqueria in Calgary, Canada

Dining Outside the Home: Native Tongues Taqueria in Calgary, Canada! If you’re looking for traditional street foods of Mexico mixed with a desire to socialize, you may wish to experience the cantina atmosphere of Native Tongues Taqueria. A quick glance will have you wondering if the soft patina of adobe walls peppered with festive Mexican tiles are for real. They are. Communal wooden tables and solid benches promote casual conversations. Fresh ingredients make up for the pricey miniature tacos, which disappeared in three bites. Other patrons seemed to gravitate to the authentic guacamole and house made chips washed down with a signature Mezcal margarita. Sharing platters is the way to go. The chef-driven labor-intensive attention to detail keeps this restaurant from falling into the category of “Mexican fast food”.

Canadian Central Memorial Park is Calgary’s Oldest Park

Canadian Central Memorial Park is Calgary’s Oldest Park! Geometric pathways cross-cross skillfully manicured gardens surrounding the equestrian statue as the main focal point showcased in downtown Calgary, Canada. “The Horseman of the Plains” is a tribute to all Albertan soldiers who fought in the Second Boer War from 1899-1902. Inscriptions on two granite benches showcase the statue at each end immortalizing their bravery. Artistic fountains illuminate the water with colorful hues, adding to the ambience. Central Memorial Park engulfs one entire block in the heart of the city. Beltline residents as well as visitors, tourists, and downtowners appreciate the numerous benches and café tables available when longing for a brief interlude from daily responsibilities. Pack a lunch, toss a coin into the fountain, make a wish, and breathe easy for awhile. 

Dining Outside the Home: The Fireweed Grill in Kananaskis Village, Canada 

Dining Outside the Home: The Fireweed Grill in Kananaskis Village, Canada! With an stunning view of Canada’s Rocky Mountains, it’s not too difficult to appreciate a traditional breakfast of Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict. Outside the temperature may be around freezing, but the warm sunlight casting shadows over the natural beauty intensifies every adventure, especially dining. An impressive menu features personalized service at the International Breakfast Buffet or from the a-la-carte menu instead. Not an early riser? No worries. The Fireweed Grill offers unforgettable dinner options as well. Think about adding a wilderness back-country retreat to your already lengthy delicious Bucket List. 

Fairmont Banff Springs is Real-Life Castle

Fairmont Banff Springs is Real-Life Castle! In childhood fairytales and adolescent dreams there’s always a knight in shining armor who lives in a castle in the mountains. Ladies, I’m here to tell you such a place exists. I know because I have been there. In fact, the Fairmont Banff Springs is known as the “Castle in the Rockies” located at the edge of the quaint alpine village of Banff, Alberta, Canada. With its attention to detail, sophisticated respectability, luxurious furnishings, and majestic views, is it any wonder it continues to attract celebrities and royalty from all over the world? Feel free to wander aimlessly throughout its tapestried halls and winding staircases. At the end of the day, you may find yourself in the romantic alcove of Rundle Lounge sipping hand-crafted cocktails overlooking a manicured garden or spacious terrace. Just remember to bring your own Prince Charming. 

Soar to the Summit of Sulphur Mountain in Banff, Canada 

Soar to the Summit of Sulphur Mountain in Banff, Canada! Are you afraid of heights? Well, I am, which is why I continue to challenge those fears by meeting them head on. Perhaps, I have a spirit that soars…..as long as I keep my mind on the destination. Climbing into an enclosed gondola surrounded by glass and being suspended over the Bow Valley with a 360° view can be mind boggling. Did I mention the gondola has a glass bottom as well? There’s no escaping the multitude of emotion at the sight of jaw-dropping unbridled beauty. From the Banff Gondola observation deck at 7,486 feet above sea level, this is what it feels like to be on top of the world. In the distance, the picturesque town of Banff, with its château-style hotels and quaint shops, carries on as though this is how everyone else on the planet already lives.