When you think of "travel," your mind probably drifts to world-class
cities like Bangkok, Los Angeles, New York City or Tokyo.
Hold on for a moment. Travel overseas is very expensive, and
you can have a great experience being a “tourist”right here in Calgary. Your
wallet will thank you!
One area of Calgary which immediately makes me feel like I’m
in a different place is Chinatown. I regularly enjoy scrumptious dim sum on
Sundays at The Regency Palace and delicious pho (Vietnamese noodle soup) from Pho
Hoai. Those flavors awaken my taste buds! Like any good ethnic restaurant, both
those places I mentioned attract customers of the given ethnicity. That means
the food is authentic! After a meal I enjoy strolling through the streets of
Chinatown, hearing chatter in several different languages and I often pick up
some interesting Asian candies or some kitchen equipment to enjoy at home.
If you feel in the mood for Italian food, I recommend Il
Centro, which is a little restaurant near Chinook center. ll Centro features
the best spicy calamari I have ever tried, and some wonderful pizzas. If you
eat there as Italy is playing a big soccer game, you may be able to enjoy the
company of the owner and experience the ninety-minute emotional roller coaster
he goes through as he screams at the TV with every foul, and whoops with delight
as “The Azzuri” score! Il Centro is a bit expensive, but the quality of the
food and the great atmosphere is worth it! The little restaurant has a very
homey feel.
Il Centro!
I know the Calgary Olympics were way back in 1988, but
Canada Olympic Park is one Calgary attraction which many Calgarians may enjoy
rediscovering. C.O.P. does not only feature skiing, but it also features great
mountain biking for people of all abilities during the summer. As well, Canada
Olympic Park has several exhibits which are interactive and features
information from Olympic Games throughout history. I also recommend taking a
look at the “Ice House,” which is a bobsled/luge start training facility, as
well as the new arena which is the home for team Canada hockey! Both facilities
are rather neat!
During the summer, a tranquil place near downtown that few Calgarians
know about is Reader Rock Garden Historic Park. For years, I thought it was
named for the activity of reading. Only after looking at the city of Calgary
website did I realize it is named for William Roland Reader, who is a former
superintendent of Calgary Parks. Despite that, Reader Rock Garden Historic
Park is a beautiful spot to sit amongst the trees and read a book. The garden
also features a great café and is a wonderful place to enjoy some peace and
quiet.
As we’re getting closer to Christmas, one might enjoy
checking out “Zoo Lights” at the Calgary zoo. The elaborate light displays,
alive with motion and color would equally make for a great date, or a great
time out with the family. Sip some hot chocolate, and soak in the Christmas
spirit!
Those are just a few of my suggestions of places that Calgarians
may enjoy right here. There’s no need to pack a suitcase or get a passport! That's because there's no place like home!
Great post, Logan. I totally agree, there is so much to do in Calgary, we just overlook it since it's right under our nose. Recently, I have been looking into the various activities offered through C.O.P., and you can actually participate in bobsleigh and luge rides! For $150-$170 you can ride the bobsleigh with a professional driver. It would be a pretty cool thing to try out, although it is a bit pricey for a couple hours of fun.
ReplyDeleteYou're right Megan! That would be fun!
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