Now that Edmonton is finally immersed in greenery and sunshine, Old Strathcona is teeming with people looking to enjoy an outdoor stroll in one of Edmonton's oldest and most charming districts. But Old Strathcona is much more than just a few bustling blocks down Whyte Avenue; the surrounding area houses some gems that can go overlooked if one decides to stick solely to 82nd Ave. To celebrate the longer days in the sun, Edmonton's Gravity Pope Tailored Goods has
new summer hours!
Monday to Friday: 11 - 9
Saturday: 10 - 6
Sunday: 12 - 6
With our longer hours, planning to spend a day in Old Strathcona is a great option for those looking to shop, dine and be entertained from morning to night. If you're looking for a guideline to build these plans, here's a sample itinerary to help get you inspired!
1) Take the
Highlevel Bridge Streetcar from downtown to Old Strathcona for a scenic ride of the river valley and beautiful neighbourhood in an authentic 1920s streetcar. (Click on the link for a line map, fares, and schedule.)
2) Walk a block over from the streetcar's last stop to the
New York Bagel Café (8430 Gateway Boulevard NW) for a delicious breakfast surrounded by lovely Viennese/Eastern European inspired décor. Best eggs benedict in the city, in my opinion.
3) One of Old Strathcona's true hidden gems, the Strathcona branch of the
Edmonton Public Library (8331 104 Street) is nestled in the heart of the district, a Heritage building that not only has history in its books but within its walls as well. Here's a little secret: forget about paying to rent the latest blockbuster and pick up a DVD of an old film noir in the audiovisual section instead. EPL is the best resource for movies everyone needs to see!
4) If you're lucky enough to have scheduled your walk on a Saturday, you won't be able to miss the bustle of the Old Strathcona Farmers Market (10310 83 Avenue NW), a must-go for many Edmontonians every weekend. Stop in for some locally grown produce or to support earnest cottage industry--yes, it still exists!
5) After browsing the goods at the Farmers' Market, you might as well carry the momentum forward and browse the goods at GPTG (8222 Gateway Boulevard NW), a literal hop, skip and jump away. Just keep an eye out for the new Paul Smith display we have up this month!
6) Pick up a chocolate bar and an issue of Monocle at the oldest magazine stand in Western Canada: Hub Cigar and Newstand (8118 Gateway Boulevard NW), open since 1910.
7) Now that you've been sugar-filled and re-energized, brave the Whyte Avenue crowds and restart that shopping drive. First stop on the way: visit the lovely ladies at
Nokomis Clothing (10318 82 Avenue NW), where you can find clothing that is exclusively Canadian designed and crafted. Just look at the smile on our Assistant Buyer Robert's face as he passes by their store! Can't help but be delighted when passing by!
8) Complete your outfits by continuing on to our shoe store
Gravitypope a block West of Nokomis. Browse the best selection of shoes and sandals for Spring 2008 or peruse the sale section for some awesome deals on footwear. There's a shoe for everyone here!
9)
Blackbyrd Myoosik (10442 82 Avenue NW), Edmonton's leading independent retailer of import and important music has been Gravitypope's long-time neighbour and friend. Ever wonder about a song you've heard at Gravity Pope or GPTG? These guys fill up our iPods, so you'll be sure to find that elusive album here.
10) Grab an afternoon pint on the rooftop patio at
The Black Dog (10425 82 Avenue NW), a popular Irish pub friendly to patrons of all different flavors.
11) Catch an evening show at The Princess (10337 82 Avenue NW), recognized as Edmonton's original art-house theatre. Now playing:
The Stone Angel and
Then She Found Me.
12) You could end your excursion after the movie, but if you're up to extend your evening into a night out, consider the cheap draft beer in a dingy yet heart-warming bar at the Strathcona Hotel's beloved tavern (10302 82 Avenue NW), coined in local-speak as The Strat.
