Lunch/Shop, 5 Unique places to visit outside of Calgary.

Let’s go on a road trip?

Ever say, gee I wish we knew somewhere different to go and have lunch, get out of the city and enjoy natures beauty. Do a little browsing or shopping for unique gifts. Sound familiar? Well, after much research I have found some hidden gems to go have lunch/shop and more.  Let me show you 5 of my favorite places where you can bring a friend, family to visit just outside of Calgary. Places in every direction of the city within an hours drive.

Are you ready? Come along with me as I share my journey

#1  The Saskatoon Farm.

Okotoks – Approx 35 minutes South

Head south of Calgary for 19 km on HWY #2  (Macleod Trail) Watch for signs. Turn east) at the old railway display on 338 Ave. Follow road to the end. Approx 35 minutes. For full directions check here

Once arriving it is quite overwhelming as to what to do first. Such a beautiful place with a gorgeous array of flowers on display as well as tall totem poles that line the pathway. A colorful line of Mexican style building awaits you on the left. Here is where you will find a Restaraunt, A Bakery and General Store, as well as a boutique, gifts, rustic furniture and a whole wack of wonderful treasures.

To the right, there is a Garden center, as well as an Event building as well as an outside wedding Venue. Follow the path and it will take you to the river’s edge where stunning views of the river valley overlooking a Children’s park and a great place to take some photos.

The paths will lead you back or around the farm area or U Pick sites. All I will say is there are lots to see, don’t want to give it all away. lol

I love this place. Fortunate to have visited 4 times now.  The food is great along with the whole atmosphere of the farm. It was very unexpected and a joy to discover.

#2 Aspen Crossing

Mossleigh, AB -Approx 1 hr and 9 min. East

Head south on HWY 201 to the 22x. East onto HWY 24 and follow to signs on right.

Aspen crossing is chalk full of things to do. They have a really nice Campground where you can stay in a Caboose Cabin for the night, A Dining Rail Car, Gift Store, Greenhouse, Tavern, Escape rooms, and Scenic Rail Tours.

My experience here is always pleasurable. The Greenhouse I visit in spring and we have dined in the rail car as well as the pub. The pub/tavern is in the old Victorian 19th century home the have restored. Once owned by the Bergquist family.  The upstairs is where you will enjoy the escape rooms.

I visited the home with past tenants that say it just may be haunted. We enjoyed our visit to the pub where the chicken wings are some of the best around and the Ceasers is a meal of its own. I have yet to discover the rail tours, campground, and the escape rooms but believe me, they are on my bucket list of activities here.

A Christmas Market – 60 Venders. Nov 16-17 2018

#3 The Italian farmhouse

Bragg Creek – 20 Balsam Ave, 42 minutes. West

West on HWY #1 to the HWY 22, head south to the town.

This quaint country farmhouse is in the heart of Bragg Creek. It has a very comfortable atmosphere just like grandmas house with couches and farmhouse decor.

We stopped in on Mother’s day and it was all booked except for the patio deck had a spot that we were lucky enough to get. Reservations are required for special occasions days. The menu is Italian with portions very generous. Before the meal, they serve bread with balsamic vinegar. We ordered pasta dishes and they were absolutely fantastic.

After dinner savor in one of the delectable desserts pairing well with an after-dinner espresso, cappuccino or latte. Passed by us as there was no room left. There is also a kids menu and gluten-free options.

Why did I add this to my list? It is because of its character as well as across the street is a western type boardwalk where you can stroll the finest boutiques and gifts in town.

Menu example, I picked this as it sounds divine. For Salmon lovers, is baked salmon, olive-tomato-avocado salsa fresca, risotto cake, lobster emulsion

#4 Pasu Farm – Between Carstairs and Crossfield. 45 min North West

Highway #2), off Secondary Highway 580. Watch for signs on Highway 2.

Enjoy a meal in the Restaurant within a large hip roof barn with pine ceiling, decorated with art and collectibles. The large windows allow one to take on the panoramic view of the Rockies. The large windows allow one to take in the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. 

 The menu consists of Mediterranean, South African and Mauritian cuisine. Reservations are required here. 

The Boutique is where you will find an array of wool and sheepskin clothing. a great collection of moccasins. You will find gifts, quilts, men and women’s fashions, and accessories.

The farm is a beautiful place to hold  Weddings or special occasions. One place I haven’t visited Yet

#5 The Ghost Town Of Rowley Ab. 1 hr and 56 minutes drive. North

Unfortunately, this one is further but well worth the drive. As well as it will take some planning.  HWY 56, 30 min from Drumheller. Turn left on township 324 and follow the signs.

A bit different from the above this little town is full of history. Who doesn’t like old Historic Buildings? I absolutely love the blast from the past. A time long ago back in the day of our settlers, grandparents, and parents. This town though a population of only 500 thrived up until 1970″s. Once the railway shut down the town depleted leaving residents of less than 10.

The buildings are locked although they run tours throughout the day. You will see an Old School House, General Store and a Saloon to name a few. The community hall is where you will find a concession with refreshments, chips etc, (no cooked food) and one of the guides that will kindly walk you through the town.

A picnic is recommended for the day trip. The only time they serve food is the last Saturday of the month. This is usually a Pizza Night made and served by the locals.

The Saloon greets you with swinging old saloon doors, the walls adorned with antiques.  Here they serve $3 Beer, Pizza, popcorn. The food functions they have are fundraisers to keep the town running as it is run solely by the residence and volunteers. It is a great place to gather, have a few beers, pizza and a bit of dancing. Don’t expect the service to be fast as the lineups can be long. When I was there they were planning a Lobster night.

Shopping is non-existent here as well but the surrounding towns such as Drumheller have some cool little shops.

Hope you enjoyed my road trip ideas, a great time to spend with family, friend or even alone. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did. Drive Safe.