#YEG Top Ten List

My partner and I spent 2 1/2 years in Edmonton. The day he told me that we were moving to the great prairie capital, I cried like a baby. But, I vowed to enjoy my time and to make the most of it. I was quite sad to leave in the end. Here is my farewell Top Ten of the city affectionately dubbed EDMO.

YEG Top Ten List:


10. Sugar Bowl
Living in the Garneau area for our first year, we were stumbling distance to this pub. The cask-nights with Alley Kat beer ignited a love affair with craft beer thus expanding our waist lines and reducing our bank accounts. We were never keen on the food, but love LOVED the atmosphere and of course, the beer. It was here that we met Jason Foster and so began reading his blog www.onbeer.org otherwise known as a beer-drinker's guide to happiness and craft brewery knowledge.

09. Alley Kat Brewery/Sherbrooke Liquor
Both establishments kept us suitably hydrated during the warm summer days and cold winter months in Edmo. Unique craft brews? Yum. 800 beers? Yes please.

08. Whyte Ave before dark
I really enjoyed crusing the Avenue shopping for original clothes. Such a great people-watching area. Awesome vibe. Hated this street after 10 pm though. Too many drunken bums looking for fights and slutty girls trying their hardest to catch a cold.

07. Duchess Bake shop
When we arrived in Edmo, we were looking for a great bakery for bread. We stumbled across this bakery, thinking they sold bread. Instead, we walked out with a raspberry scone, chocolate croissant, coconut-covered marshmallows, ginger cookies and a couple of macaroons. The shop assistant advised us to go to Treestone Bakery for bread.  Excellent advice for excellent bread. Amazing bake shop for decadent treats.

06. The Fringe
I have worked and volunteered at many Fringe festivals around the globe and I was truly taken aback by how amazing the Edmo Fringe festival was with both the quality of productions and support from the community. Well done, Edmo!

05. The Italian Centre
We lived, breathed and ate our way through the Italian Centre. My weekly pregnancy indulgence came in the form of a sausage roll (BYO ketchup), chocolate croissant and decaf coffee before beginning my weekly grocery shop. This was our go-to destination for desserts when we went to a friends house for dinner, or the place to buy delicious cold cuts for lunches or goodies to make charcuterie plates. In our opinion, the most affordable place to shop.

04. Heritage Days
Unfortunately, I only had the opportunity to visit this festival briefly this year but I LOVED it and would happily eat my face off here every year.

03. 104st Market and Eva Sweet Waffles
The best market and a lovely way to waste a Saturday morning. I really hope the 104 st area and downtown becomes more and more vibrant. Edmo needs this.

02. The River Valley
We spent hours in the River Valley, running, biking, walking and enjoying life. This is one of the best features of the city. More needs to be built around it such as cafes etc to further appreciate the beauty of it. Enjoy this, people of Edmo!

01. The People
Before moving to the prairies, I had heard stories about the people. How lovely, friendly and welcoming they were. I am now a full believer. The people on the prairies have hearts of gold; as gold as the wheat in the fields or the bright setting sun over the rolling plains. We will definitely miss our family and friends the most.

Special Mention: The Citadel Theatre
I have to give the Citadel a special mention not because I'm afraid my former boss will be upset if I don't include it, but because I genuinely think it is one of the top ten attractions in Edmonton. From the quality of acting/directing and programming, to the behind-the-scenes crew that work tirelessly to produce quality theatrical productions, it is a hive of cultural activity and excellence.