So, you’ve made the decision to move to Edmonton—or maybe you’re already a Yegger and just looking to switch things up. Either way, that’s great! We’re here to help you find the right Edmonton neighbourhood for you. Follow along to see what we think the best neighbourhoods in Edmonton for 20-somethings (or beyond) are. And don’t worry, we’ll ensure our choices are activity and budget friendly.

Oliver

For those already living in Edmonton, Oliver is an obvious spot. Located a short walk away from MacEwan University, several grocery stores and various restaurants and pubs, Oliver is a highly desired area in our city. Though it’s only a 10-20-minute talk to the Downtown core, Oliver is filled with towering trees, beautiful parks, and even a large community garden. And if you are planning on having a family, Oliver is home to several day cares, Oliver Elementary School and even has a public swimming pool—perfect for hot summer days! Explore all Oliver Homes for sale here. 

Ottewell

An up-and-coming neighbourhood, Ottewell is a large residential neighbourhood located East-central Edmonton. It’s a short bus ride to the University of Alberta and is filled with parks, long streets (perfect for the avid runner), and even an outdoor skating rink. Not to mention—Anvil Coffee House is a neighbourhood favourite. If you’re looking to purchase your first home, Ottewell is filled with perfect starter bungalows at an affordable cost. Discover all Ottewell Homes for sale here.

Downtown

Depending on your interests, the obvious location of Downtown Edmonton might be perfect for you. In non-pandemic times, Downtown is the hustling and bustling centre of our city, filled with many local eats (like Rosewood Foods and Tiffin), cocktails around every corner (shoutout to The Bower and Woodwork) and is home to Churchill Square—where most of Edmonton’s iconic summer festivals are held. So, if you’re working in one of the Downtown towers and are child-free, you’ll likely love Downtown. Though rent and mortgages tend to be higher, you’ll save a lot of money on transportation and parking if you simply set up fort in the core. Explore all Downtown Edmonton homes for sale. 

Summerside

We understand that not all 20-somethings want to be close to the downtown core. Sometimes we just want an affordable home in a beautiful neighbourhood! In Summerside, you’ll get exactly that. Filled with all the essentials, you’ll never have to leave Summerside. In this newer Edmonton neighbourhood, you’ll find large homes, walkable paths, and both chain & local restaurants. And what’s more, you’ll even find Lake Summerside—a 13-hectare and 28-foot-deep lake where you can swim, fish and even go to unique workshops at! Discover all Summerside Homes for sale.

Ritchie

Ritchie is known for being home to a variety of demographics—the long-time homeowners, the roommates and the young families. With a strong sense of community, you can’t go wrong with choosing a home in Ritchie. If you want to support local, you won’t have any troubles doing that in Ritchie as it’s home to favourites like Farrow, ACE Coffee, La Boule and Maven and Grace. And as an added bonus, this eclectic neighbourhood also has three parks and lots of family-friendly activities within a short reach. Explore all Ritchie Homes for sale. 

Woodcroft

And for our final recommendation, we’re bringing you Woodcroft. Woodcroft is the perfect mix of homey residential, heritage and convenience. A neighbourhood built in the 1950s, you’ll find lived-in homes, a roomy park and an abundance of furry friends. And if you’re looking to stay long-term, this neighbourhood is home to Woodcroft Primary School and Ross Shepherd High School. Be sure to check out all Woodcroft homes for sale. 

So, have we convinced you to call Edmonton home yet? The list of incredible Edmonton neighbourhoods doesn’t end here, and we’re happy to talk more with you to find out what area of our city best suites you and your lifestyle. Contact us today to chat about your Edmonton real estate needs.

Ahhh, the sun is shining brighter, the days are getting longer, and the snow is disappearing from the sidewalks. You know what that means… we can finally stop hibernating from the cold! After what seemed like an eternity of winter—with the added element of physical distancing—the end is near. But what now? Though the city will still continue to operate as safe as possible, events are definitely happening this Spring. So we’re here to give you the 411 on all the fun and safe things to do this season.

Imagine Van Gogh

A first of its kind in our city, the Edmonton Convention Centre will transform into a unique cultural project where you can discover a new way of connecting with the work on Vincent Van Gogh. And what’s more—the exhibit will also feature audio from Annabelle Mauger and Julien Baron to add an emotional depth to each image.

Stanley A. Milner Library

Though the new Edmonton library isn’t necessarily a new view, many haven’t yet visited it yet due to the COVID restrictions. Whether you’re a senior, a parent, a teenager or anyone in between, there’s something for you at this library. There’s even recording studios, a children’s area and gaming rooms!

Hawrelak Park Community League Plaza

If you’re out and about for a walk in central Edmonton, you’ll likely want to stop in at the familiar Hawrelak Park to check out the new Community League Plaza! Representing 161 Community Leagues in our beautiful city, this stunning addition to the park celebrates and recognizes the amazing contributions Community Leagues and their volunteers have made to the very fabric and quality of life in Edmonton.

Art Gallery of Alberta

If you’re looking for a family-friendly activity (or solo, that’s okay too!), the Art Gallery of Alberta is definitely the place to visit. The gallery is frequently updating its exhibits, so there’s always something new to see every few months. And the best part—anyone under the age of 18 gets free admission!

Hive Fit Co

We’ve been cooped up for far too long. Though necessary, many of us may feel like we need to get a good sweat in, now more than ever. Well lucky for you, because Hive—a well-loved YEG boutique fitness studio—has recently opened up their brand new location! Hive offers an array of 45-55 minute workout classes, including row, HIIT, yoga and spin. Believe us when we say that you’ll never get a better workout.

Alberta Legislature Grounds

And when in doubt, set up a blanket in the Alberta Legislature grounds, grab your favourite book or meet your favourite friend (at a safe distance), and enjoy the fresh air. Soon enough, the fountains will be spraying, the children will be playing and the beautiful flowers will be blooming all around the park!

We hope this short guide was able to spark some ideas on how to enjoy Spring this year. We’ve made it through the hardest part, and now we finally get a chance to enjoy all that Edmonton has to offer.

Edmonton Startups & Small Businesses to Keep an Eye On

We can not resist sharing information about great start-ups or small businesses, especially ones that have a local appeal. Being a start-up is hard. It takes real grit and determination, especially in the technology space. To stay in Edmonton and even Canada proves even more challenging when it comes to raising funds and growing beyond our borders. We wanted to celebrate and share some of the businesses we are “cheering” for right now!

DiveThru

You heard it here first, folks! Just kidding—DiveThru has actually been making headlines over the past couple of years, and more recently has been rapidly growing its team and steadily building momentum. DiveThru is a mental wellness platform that provides you with resources to help you divethru what you go thru. Best suited for Millennials and Gen Z, you’ll find hilarious memes, insightful articles and podcasts that will make you laugh, cry and everything in between. DiveThru’s mission is to normalize mental health conversations, and we’re proud that this company is Edmonton (and female!) founded.

dealcloser

Have you ever had to hire a lawyer? Do you remember how many copies of paper you had to sign, and how long it took to get the deal closed? That’s why dealcloser was created—to automate and modernize the old-fashioned deal closing process. Best suited for corporate lawyers, using dealcloser allows lawyers to close more deals, earn more revenue, significantly reduce overhead costs, and bill and collect faster after a deal has closed. And as an added bonus for the client: all documents can be signed electronically from home. Founded in 2017, dealcloser has since made huge strides. In fact—it just announced that it raised it a Seed Round of $1.75 Million!

What’s The Deal?

We all know Edmonton has an incredible restaurant & bar scene, and sometimes it can take forever to settle on a restaurant that everyone agrees with. But doesn’t a discount always help you with your decision? That’s where What’s The Deal? (WTD) comes in. An easy-to-navigate app, WTD allows you to see which restaurants have the best deals on your desired dine-out date. The app is steadily adding restaurants to its roster and is also coming out with a new-and-improved app design in 2021!

Jobber

If you’ve been following the YEG startup scene at all, then you’ve probably already heard of Jobber. A software that helps small home service businesses organize their entire operations (such as scheduling jobs, managing their crews, invoicing customers and collecting payments), it’s no wonder why Jobber is such a popular company. Though it has outgrown its startup label and is now a company with over 250+ employees, we sure are proud that Jobber was founded and is operated in Edmonton.

Unbelts

A small business that everyone can benefit from, Unbelts provides equitably made, long lasting belts & masks. You may be thinking, “but I already have a belt!” and with that you may be right; however, these belts are comfy, flat (no bulk whatsoever) and are machine washable. And trust us—once you get a glimpse (and feel!) of these trendy belts, you’ll never go back to your old ones. Support local and order one today—for yourself or as a gift!

Flik

A community for phenomenal females, Flik connects and empowers women through meaningful 3-month volunteer-based apprenticeships. Within its portal, you’ll discover woman- identifying founders and leaders who can mentor you for three months while you gain career- relevant experience and skills training. Since launching in January 2020, FLIK has matched 1,800 woman founders and apprentices in 50+ countries. We can’t wait to see what FLIK gets up to in 2021!

Showbie

If you’re a teacher or student, it is rather likely that you’ve already used Showbie due to the pandemic. From assignments to collaboration, Showbie helps you bring your classroom together in one simple, easy-to-use app. Combining all of the essential tools for assignments, feedback and communication, Showbie teachers spend less time struggling with their tech setup and more time teaching and learning. In August, Showbie announced that it had raised $5 Million in Series A Funding. We can’t wait to hear what they do next!

Poppy Barley

No matter who you are, you probably like shoes. And you probably like ethically made shoes even more, right? Meet Poppy Barley, a super successful YEG luxury brand that’s rethinking every step of the fashion industry—from design to factory relationships to retail experience. Poppy Barley is more than just a footwear brand—it sells bags, backpacks, face masks and small accessories, too. And to make it even better, Poppy Barley has recently launched a vegan leather line!

Spontivly

Lastly, Spontivly is an all-in-one event management and promotion platform for communities. Essentially, it takes the event management process and simplifies it, saving your company money, time and labour. Sounds ideal, doesn’t it? Spontivly is currently working on its pilot program. If you think you’re a good fit for it, be sure to hop on over to their website to sign up to be a part of it!

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And there you have it! This list is far from complete, and there are so many incredible businesses being launched and running out of this beautiful city of ours. To keep up-to-date with everything YEG startup focused, be sure to check out Startup Edmonton.

Downtown Edmonton Restaurants To support

While We’re Still In Lockdown (and beyond)

It’s cold, it’s dark, and we’re on what seems to be day 5,000 of lockdown. Though ordering delivery pizza for dinner may seem like the easiest option, there are many restaurants in Edmonton that need support right now (and are just as easy to order from)! Here are 8 restaurants in YEG that would be super appreciative of your support—now more than ever. And what’s even better, the food is truly incredible.

1. King Noodle House

Its winter, which means soup is a must. Located in China Town, King Noodle House is offering authentic pho to-go. It’s pick-up and cash only, but you won’t regret supporting this family-owned business!

2. Pazzo Pazzo
A hidden gem, Pazzo Pazzo is an Italian restaurant located in Downtown Edmonton, near City Hall. This quaint restaurant serves Italian classics for lunch and dinner, and they’re currently offering 20% off phone-in pick-up orders. Make sure to try the Penne Pazzo! This is a favourite of Elisse & Caitlin’s. The pasta dishes are a generous size which makes them perfect for sharing!

3. Syphay

We don’t have enough good things to say about this Thai & Lao restaurant! Huge portions, incredible flavour, options galore. This restaurant is family-owned, and is run by three sisters named Katherine, Anita and Shawna. We highly recommend the Tofu Green Curry and the Pan Lad Nha.

4. Mercer Tavern

A pub-style restaurant, Mercer Tavern is always revamping its menu, has a ton of takeout options, and has many meal kits like nacho kits, chips & queso kits, and poutine kits. Yum! And if you’re feeling thirsty, they also have a ready-to-pour take-home drink menu. What’s more—they have their own delivery service!

5. The Local Omnivore

Located closer to 124 St, The Local Omnivore is best known for their meat-heavy and unique dishes. Their current take-out menu consists of a Hot Food menu and a Cold Food menu, and their current everyday special is 4 burgers for $20. If you ask us, the poutine is the best thing on the menu!

6.  Wholly Mac

A brand-new restaurant that has the same owners as Partake and Urban Diner (two amazing Edmonton restaurants you should also support!), Wholly Mac is a macaroni and cheese ONLY restaurant. Available through SkipTheDishes only, this restaurant definitely offers a unique experience that everyone needs to try once.

7.  Padmanadi

If you know, you know. This family-owned vegetarian & vegan restaurant offers the some of the best meat-free Thai, Chinese and Indian dishes in Edmonton. Even if you’re a meat lover, we promise you will still love the soy-based dishes they offer—like the King Pao Chicken. This is a popular spot for Elisse and her family with ginger beef and curry chicken always on their go to list.

8. Cosmic Pizza

Still craving that pizza? We don’t blame you. Located right off 104 Street, Cosmic Pizza offers some of the most flavourful and filling pizza in Edmonton, as well as other favourites like donairs, poutines, and chicken. You’ll never go back to the big-box pizza places after trying Cosmic—especially after trying their garlic cheesy bread!

And there you have it! We hope that we’ve inspired you to order from a local Edmonton restaurant the next time you’re looking to order take-out. And remember: picking up your order is always the best option, as third-party delivery services take a large cut from the restaurant. Supporting local has never tasted so good!

Featured Guest Blogger:

Alli Harrison is an Edmonton-based marketing & communications professional with extensive experience working with small businesses. Learn all about her by visiting her Instagram, Twitter & LinkedIn.

One of Central Edmonton’s best kept secrets, Trinity Pointe offers so much more than your average condo.

Concrete Building

One of the biggest differences between types of condos is construction, specifically having the choice between wood frame or concrete structures. Concrete condos are the preferred choice in most measures since they are sturdy and solid. The noise transfer between units will be far less than a wood frame building giving owners a little more privacy and quiet. Though concrete condos require their own type of maintenance, it’s typically needed less often than a wood frame building and can withstand much more when it comes to the elements, so when thinking long term, concrete is the way to go. Concrete condos also often have a better green rating thanks to their efficiency and durability.

Pet Friendly

Sometimes finding a condo that you can love that allows your furry companion too can be a challenge. This building offers it’s owners relaxed pet restrictions making it easier for you and your family to settle in!

Accessibility

Often overlooked, most buyers are searching in Strathcona and Ritchie. Nestled between the two, this Bonnie Doon condo is perched above Mill Creek Ravine. Allowing quick access to Whyte Avenue, U or A, Ritchie Market, French Quarter, Millcreek Pool, Bonnie Doon Mall, and so much more!

VIEWS!

You would not know it from the street, but this condo offers some of the best views in Edmonton. Where can you find a forest facing condo in Central Edmonton? Trinity Pointe! Enjoy the calm, peaceful nature of  Mill Creek Ravine right from your own private balcony.

Fitness

Tired of paying a costly gym membership? Cancel it and move into Trinity Pointe which offers an amazing fitness room and gym. In the warmer months you can also take advantage of the trail network right outside your door.

“Stellar” Management!

This building is managed by an active board and Stellar Condo Management. A healthy reserve and an incredibly proactive approach to maintenance means a safer investment for you.

We simply can not say enough about Trinity Pointe; however there is one more benefit – you can move into this building immediately. Take a look at the Edmonton Condos for Sale in Trinity Pointe today!

We often hear people brag about the loft space in their designer home or their loft-style condo, but with only 200 true converted industrial lofts in Edmonton, those who own them belong to an exclusive club with a lineup of buyers hoping to get in. 

At the heart of the core surrounded by every possible amenity, endless entertainment and downtown nightlife, YEG’s converted industrial lofts are an excellent choice for today’s urban singles and power couples. These properties are well-built and efficient with a minimalist aesthetic. Not only are they smart real estate investments, but they come with a coveted lifestyle inside a rare piece of Edmonton history. 

True converted Edmonton industrial lofts represent just 2% of residential properties in the core and only 6% of those have been listed/sold within the past year. Which means to get into the 200-Loft Club you need an Edmonton real estate advisor with the expertise to help negotiate your membership. That’s where I and the TruHome Real Estate Team come in. 

The TruHome team started researching Edmonton’s lofts because we are passionate about our local history when it pertains to how Edmonton became the city it is today.

Did you know Philips Lofts used to be a storage warehouse with a 20-foot arcade?

Or that Cobogo Lofts is built on the foundation of the Ker Building which burned down in 1913? 

Our team and myself personally, appreciate the uniqueness of loft living and have dedicated time and energy to specialize in these types of properties, we are well connected with current Edmonton loft owners and building managers. If you don’t see what you are looking for on the Edmonton MLS® System, get in touch, as often we have our beat on the pulse and can keep you informed of “not yet on the market” opportunities.

So let me help you jump the lineup into the 200 Loft Club and close the deal on your new life in the core. 

Michael van Butselaar

Your, TruHome Advisor

Michael van Butselaar, your TruHome Real Estate Advisor of RE/MAX Real Estate has a keen eye for finding the unique properties right for his clients. His expertise in high-quality renovations also aids his clients in visualizing the possibilities.

Searching for the ideal Edmonton loft? Learn more about many of Edmonton’s amazing lofts right here, with the latest Edmonton lofts for sale and news.

It is exciting and impressive to see that the Toronto Raptors have made the playoffs this year in the NBA. Being our only basketball in this league here in Canada makes it extra special, considering that basketball was in fact invented right here in our northern country.

Canada is literally standing beside these athletes as they venture into their final games. Of course, the unprecedented hype comes from the fact that the Raptors have never won a championship since their inception in 1995. To me, it sounds like 24 years without a championship has our Raptors hungrier than ever. This hunger has manifested itself in the dominant performance that the Raptors have displayed in their current NBA finals run.

Recently, I have been reading the book “The Captain Class: The Hidden Force that Creates the World’s Greatest Teams” by Sam Walker an in-depth look at what makes a great captain and why certain teams have had unbelievable legacies over others. In basketball fashion, people often talk about the “great ones” like Michael Jordan and Shaquille O’Neal and while these athletes contributed greatly to the sport if I were to pick I would want to imitate Bill Russell.

“Bill Russell played center for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1956 to 1969. A five-time NBA Most Valuable Player and a twelve-time All-Star, he was the centerpiece of the Celtics dynasty that won eleven NBA championships during his thirteen-year career.” – Wiki

In the end, Sam Walker explains in his book that it was ultimately the team captains and seven key traits that allowed a team to elevate itself to all-time greatness.  

1. They served the team, often leading from the back.
2. They focused on the competition with extreme doggedness – keeping going during injuries did not phase them.
3. They thought intelligently while playing to the edge of the rules
4. They practised practical communication
5. Verbal wasn’t the only way they communicated
6. They had the courage to stand apart
7. They could regulate their emotions

I am hoping that our own Raptor’s captain is exuding these traits to help bring his team to victory. While I cheer on our very own “Canadian basketball” team, I too am reflecting on how these traits can impact a team and how I can become a better leader in the industry I have chosen to show up in: real estate.

Time will tell if we (the Raptors) can take home the win! Like you, I am anxiously watching the games and the final outcome.

When you really start to dive in and look at what to do on the weekends, there really is a lot of interesting, cool things to check out in our wonderful city. When you have 2 kids under 3, staying active and keeping them engaged becomes an even bigger priority. Here is one of the awesome places that have actually been around for over 40 years that we just had the chance to experience, The Alberta Railway Museum.

Our very own railway museum dedicated to the history of everything to do with trains and the history of the railway. The Alberta Railway Museum, located in Edmonton, Alberta (24215 34 St NW) preserves and interprets significant railway artefacts, including locomotives, railway cars, track maintenance equipment, and buildings. Their collection and interpretation efforts focus on the Northern Alberta Railways as well as a few specialized Canadian railways. The Museum features hands-on interactive fashions, over 75 onsite locomotives, ride on vintage trains, and archives of railway history. Of course the best part for all the “kids at heart” is riding on the steam train.

The Alberta Railway Museum is operated by the Alberta Pioneer Railway Association (APRA). The APRA is a non‐profit organization of volunteers whose interest is the collection, preservation, restoration, and interpretation of artefacts that represent the technology and history of the Canadian National and Northern Alberta Railways as well as industrial and short line railways in Western Canada.

Whether you are looking for an educational, yet fun experience with your kids, looking to dive into Canadian history, or simply a lover of vintage machines this is a worthwhile and wholesome experience run by truly passionate and knowledgeable individuals.

As the rain trickles in and cleans our wonderful city, the trees bloom and the greenery slowly begins to sprout. With the changing of seasons our ravines and parks become more accessible and lush. May is a time for Edmontonians to rejoice and indulge in the well deserved upcoming summer season.

The month of May is also a great summer gateway. As the doors of summer swing open, arguably the first real summer kick-off event approaches of Victoria day. In 2019, the Victoria Day holiday is on Monday, May 20th. Victoria Day is a Canadian statutory holiday celebrated on the Monday preceding May 25 in every province and territory. It honours Queen Victoria’s birthday, however here it is commonly referred to as “May long weekend”. Typically residents of Edmonton like to get out of town for the longer weekend. We at the TruHome team have assembled a little list of events that you can look forward to if you are planning to stay in the city this May long.

Shean Strings Competition At The Muttart Hall Of Alberta

On Friday, May 17 and Saturday, May 18, 2019, six string players from across Canada will take to the stage of Muttart Hall at the Alberta College Campus of MacEwan University (10050 MacDonald Drive, Edmonton) as they vie for the $8,000 top prize in The Shean Strings Competition and the opportunity to play with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra at a later date. Entry is only $10 at the door. For the classical music lover or those that love competition this is a unique event that you don’t want to miss. Complete event details

Boarder X At The Art Gallery of Alberta

Boarder X features work by Indigenous artists that use snowboarding, skateboarding and surfing to demonstrate knowledge and relationships to the land. The artwork reflects cultural, political, environmental and social perspectives related to the landscapes and territories we occupy. These boarding lifestyles share synergies with Indigeneity, connected by an appreciation for the land and water. The exhibit reveals how culture, art and board intersect. In this context, board culture works to examine contested spaces, political borders, hybrid identities and traditional territories. The event (which ends on May 19th) is free for youths, $14 for adults, and $9 for seniors. Whether you are a lover or art, or an appreciator of board sports this exhibit is sure to give you a little something out of the ordinary. Complete event details

DieNasty At The Varscona Theatre

Die-Nasty is a live improvised soap opera, running weekly in the city of Edmonton since 1991. Die-Nasty’s award winning improv comedy format features a continuing storyline and recurring characters, live music, and a director who sets up scenes for the audience (and performers) in voiceover. Their current special named “Lord of Thrones” is currently playing every monday at 7:30pm until the 27th of May. Making this upcoming Victoria day the perfect opportunity to catch this show at the Varscona Theatre (10329 83 ave). Tickets are $15 at the door ($10 with the purchase of a membership). So if you are into Game of Thrones parodies or if you just want an unconventional laugh make sure to check out this showing. Complete event details

Monet’s Garden At The Muttart Conservatory

The feature pyramid at the Muttart Conservatory rotates five to seven times a year to provide Edmontonians with fresh and exciting exhibits year round. This May long Immerse yourself within a living impressionist painting! Inspired by the art of Claude Monet, you will enjoy a vibrant display of fantastic flora, including roses, fuchsia, and baby’s breath. Oscar-Claude Monet was a French painter, a founder of French Impressionist painting and the most consistent and prolific practitioner of the movement’s philosophy. Monet’s ambition of documenting the French countryside led him to adopt a method of painting the same scene many times in order to capture the changing of light and the passing of the seasons. As spring passes into summer you can celebrate this feature and take a loved one or your entire family on a peaceful and bright stroll through the conservatory. Tickets range from $6.50 (for kids) to $12.50 (for adults). The Conservatory is open daily from 10am – 5pm so you have plenty of time to go and smell the flowers! Complete event details

Chris D’Elia At The Winspear Centre

Chris D’Elia is currently one of the most sought after performers in the comedy world. D’Elia is best known for his stand up and starring role on the NBC comedy series UNDATEABLE. His latest stand-up special, MAN ON FIRE, is now on Netflix. Chris bring his unique and off-the-cut comedy style to our very own Winspear Centre this upcoming Saturday (Show starts at 10 pm). Tickets are available online and start at $45.50. Complete event details

On behalf of the TruHome team, we hope you enjoy your May Long!

When you think of February, you often think of love, or more specifically Valentine’s Day. Of course, the meaning and way you celebrate this “holiday” will vary based on your current relationship status. Whether you are single, in a relationship or have kids, we wanted to share some of our own recommendations for making the most out of this day (or week) in Edmonton. Maybe, even some ideas to bring fun into other days of the year. Can you guess which of the TruHome team members recommended which ones?

With Kids

• Valentine’s Day Breakfast: Include your kids in the festivities by making a valentine’s themed breakfast. This is one of my absolute favourite meals, so I love the idea of making it a fun occasion in which the whole family can celebrate this day together. Once you are married with children, this day feels more about taking time to acknowledge and share your love and joy with the special people in your lives. In this case, it definitely includes my sweet boys, Harrison and Elias. I found this fantastic blog called Love & Marriage that features 25 delicious looking Valentine’s themed breakfast recipes. The red velvet pancakes looking especially yummy. If your not much into cooking at home, then I would definitely recommend the latest restaurant to hit the yeg breakfast scene, OEB Breakfast Co. located on Rice Howard Way (it will soon be open on 124th street as well).
• Mini Photo Session: I love getting some professional photos with my kids during the year. Many local photographers offer affordable photo sessions often called “mini-sessions”. The prices typically range from $60-$125.00 for a 15-30 minute session. It is fun for everyone to dress up and make some beautiful memories. The Dress Lounge, is hosting a photography session on February 9th and 10th with Simply V Photography. You can buy tickets here.
• Arts & Crafts With The Kiddos: When I was growing up, my mom always encouraged us to hand make our Valentine’s cards. At the time, I always wondered why we didn’t just go and buy them, but now as an adult I really appreciate the effort my mom put in to get our “creative” brains flowing and to spend quality time with us. Now that Harrison is going to daycare part time, I’m hoping to take a morning to make some personalized Valentine’s cards he can take to school. There are so many great ideas online. Michelle from the Edmonton Mama blog shares a few ones as well. Made Social Co, also offers a fun DIY project of creating a “Limited Edition Valentine’s Day Necklace”.  For only $17.00 dollars, you can purchase the kit and make it at home.
• At Home Date Night: With 2 kids under 3 years old, my husband and I try to make the most of our evenings together once the boys go to bed. Personally, I love when we get a chance to stay in and relax (especially on a colder night). To make Valentine’s a little more special, a trip to 104th street is a great solution to bring a romantic date home. Pick-up a charcuterie board from Cavern to-go, some delicious chocolates from JACEK, and some wine or beer from DeVine Wines and Spirits. Sounds like a perfect Edmonton evening in. Watch a movie, chat or even play one of your favourite board games.

With A Date

• Muttart After Dark: Plan a date night and arrange for a playdate or babysitter for the kids. The Muttart Conservatory offers a great Valentine’s themed night out on February 13th. During the tour, you can plan for dinner at Culina’s with their Hungry For Love dinner with a shareable fondue, delicious main dishes, JACEK Chocolate Couture and wine pairings. You can also purchase some treats from Caramunchies and even make your own corsages to take home.
• Watch A Comedy Show: Take a night on the town to watch Paul Mecurio at The Comic Strip in West Edmonton Mall. This is a great date night activity, especially for a first date because it keeps you entertained (you can avoid those potential awkward conversation moments) and you can gauge yours date’s sense of humour – do you find the same things funny. Paul was a “wall street lawyer” by turned, comedian by night, until his love for comedy won out turning into his full time (very successful) gig. His act will be available for viewing from February 14th – February 17th.
• Murder Mystery Party:  Fun fact, earlier in her career, Caitlin was the general manager of “Hulbert’s” a charming coffee shop/wine bar in the neighbourhood of Belgravia. For A New Year’s party one year, we attended a Murder Msytery and got to act out the scenes as staring characters. Not only was it a super fun night, it was an amazing evening where we met some really awesome Edmontonians. In fact, some of them we still see and call our friends to this day. If you would like to be immersed in the act, be sure to purchase tickets to “Loved To Death: Valentine’s Murder Mystery Dinner” at Tom Goodchild’s Moose Factory.
• Snowshoe & Stargaze: Okay, this one could probably also fall into an option of including the kids and/or even your favourite fur-babies. Drive out to Elk Island Park on Valentine’s Weekend and experience the stunning winter beauty while you enjoy snowshoeing in the snow during a short hike, followed by some goodies, a bon-fire and a lesson on the night sky. You might even get a chance to see the northern lights.

Going Solo

• Speed Dating: Maybe you will find a Valentine’s Date if you sign up for a fun night of speed-dating on February 10th at On The Rocks. Titled “The Valentine’s Dating Game”, featuring comedian Sterling Scott as your host/singles wrangler, it will definitely be a fun time had by all. Meet interesting people, win some prizes and enjoy a live band 69 Ave and DJ Kenny K. They are also hosting an event on February 15th called Valentine, Meet, Mix & Mingle.
• Galentine’s Day: Our amazing friend Coral, owner of Events by ACE’d is hosting a fabulous event for “ladies to celebrate ladies” on February 12th at Wilfred’s. Experience an exclusive interactive cocktail workshop, with a paired menu tasting. Not sure, what Galentine’s Day is? “It’s a legit question — especially if you don’t watch Parks and Recreation, where it finds its origins — but if you aren’t observing this fictional holiday, you are missing out. As Leslie Knope once said, it’s only the best day of the year. And, well, she’s right.” You can buy ticket’s to this awesome event here and be sure to give a big shout out to our beautiful friend – we adore you.