Inside Edmonton

What’s happening

It feels like we’re in a little bit of a déjà vu situation with the start of this new year – but that doesn’t mean 2022 can’t kick-off in a fabulous and fun way. We’re definitely still feeling the colder weather (fingers crossed it stays on the milder side), so it’s time to take advantage of all the special activities the winter season has to offer. From tobogganing hills, outdoor skating rinks, ski hills, cross country ski trails and more, you’re sure to find a safe and fun outdoor activity to enjoy this month. Looking for a more elaborate winter adventure? Then look no further than the Ice on Whyte Festival taking place from January 27-February 6. Browse the impressive ice carvings on display, stop by their ice bar for a beverage, or try out an ice carving lesson for yourself at this icy-cool event! Keep an eye on festival updates at iceonwhyte.ca. And, be sure to stay up to date on public health measures at alberta.ca/covid-19

Fresh Space Inspiration

Montorio Homes offers plenty of inspo when it comes to new home designs. One of our favourites is the Salerno showhome in Walker Summit. Its cool and clean colour palette is like a breath of fresh air…and check out the modern floor to ceiling fireplace featuring an unexpected pale blue shiplap finish (so gorgeous!). At almost 2,000 sq.ft, this home offers spacious living, with an open to below staircase and lots of windows for a ton of natural light within the home. We appreciate the smart layout of this home with an optional fourth bedroom or den on the main floor that’s located next to a full bath – ideal for guests or those who aren’t looking to always take the stairs to their bedroom. The mudroom/main floor laundry is also a nice switch from the popular second floor laundry, making it easy to wash that sport gear without trekking it through the home. Plus, we really love all the interior design details in this home done by the oh-so-talented team at Interior Matters. For more details or to visit the home go to montorio.ca and be sure to head to interiormatters.ca for your interior design needs.

Anthem United Giveaway Winner

The winner of the $25K Anthem Giveaway was announced on December 24th – and the lucky winner had visited a Luxuria Homes showhome in Anthem United’s northeast Calgary community of Cornerstone.
This exciting Alberta homebuilding industry giveaway received over 3,500 contest entries across 15 Alberta communities from September 1st – November 30th. It included 32 homebuilders and 120 showhomes for contest goers to explore. Each showhome featured a unique QR code for visitors to scan – the more showhomes visited, the more chances there were to win. Congratulations to the winner!
Anthem United has 15 active communities throughout the greater Calgary and Edmonton regions.
Learn more about them at anthemunited.com

Haute, Hot Chocolate

This isn’t your basic cup of cocoa! Here’s where to grab a decadent cup of deliciousness – in honor of National Hot Chocolate Day on January 31st, of course…

1 Café Bicyclette

This French restaurant serves a chocolat chaud à l’ancienne – translation: old-style hot chocolate and ohh is it lovely. Sip on this little bit of luxury and indulge in notes of chocolate paired with vanilla. Plus, Café Bicyclette features a fantastic winter patio that offers the ideal cocoa-drinking setting.

2 Remedy Café

If you’re looking for a vegan option that’s still rich and creamy, then check out this much-loved YEG spot. Remedy is known for their ultimate chai, but their hot chocolate is (dare I say) as delicious. What’s extra special? They also offer a dairy-free whip for some extra magic on top.

3 Little Brick

If you haven’t visited this adorable café & general store nestled in the neighbourhood of Riverdale, then grabbing a cup of cocoa is the perfect excuse to stop by. Have a classic hot chocolate (or check to see if they have a seasonal special) and take a seat within the cute space or outdoor patio.

4 Duchess Bake Shop

This go-to shop for next-level macrons, pastries and endless gorgeous treats also offers an in-house Duchess Blend Hot Chocolate! Silky and divine, with delicate spice notes, this warm and earthy sip features three types of chocolate to savour – dark, milk and cocoa powder.

Did you know?

Enjoy the beautiful sights of the Legislature grounds via Segway while it’s still lit up with over 100,000 twinkling lights! You’ll also learn a little bit about the history of our capital city. rivervalleyadventure.com