So you’re living on one of the many Edmonton acreages or in Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Parkland County or the Edmonton region and need some great ideas for Mother’s Day activities this year?  Whether you want to take mom out for a fancy brunch or celebrate her by doing something totally unique, below are some great ideas to suit every taste.

Get Fancy at the Empire Ballroom Sunday Brunch

If your mom is the type who likes to be treated to elegance and class on her special day, take her and the family out to the Sunday brunch at the Empire Ballroom in the Fairmont Hotel in downtown Edmonton. This beautiful hotel has an amazing view of the River Valley (perfect if the whole family is together and you want a good photo op) and is known for the absolutely delicious food it serves up. Your mom will feel royally treated, and nothing speaks elegance in Edmonton like the Hotel MacDonald.

Try Another Great Brunch Spot at The Moose Factory

Another Edmonton classic that is great for Mother’s Day and slightly less formal is Tom Goodchild’s Moose Factory on Calgary Trail. Many Edmonton families enjoy their special Mother’s Day brunch that features a chocolate fountain! If your mom is a chocolate lover, the chocolate fountain is sure to be a big win for her.

Many other Edmonton and area restaurants also sponsor a special Mother’s Day brunch. Check out these spots featured at Open Table.

Locally, try places such as the Homesteaders’ Kitchen at the Multicultural Heritage Centre in Stony Plain or the Grill restaurant at The Links Golf Course in Spruce Grove – but reservations are a must!

Get Unique at the Rutherford House

For a more unique take on a Mother’s Day activity, head to the Rutherford House to participate in their Social Sundays. The Rutherford House has been preserved through the centuries, belonging originally to the first premier of Alberta, Alexander Rutherford. Every Sunday they open the house to the public and host activities such as old-fashioned crafts and give demos on old -fashioned traditions. On Mother’s Day they will have a special Mother’s Day craft. This is really an event the whole family can be a part of.

Learn About Moms Across the Animal Kingdom

For a more educational Mother’s Day that gets the whole family involved and engaged, the Edmonton Valley Zoo is hosting a special event. They have something for everyone at this event, which runs from noon-4 PM. For moms they’re providing mini massages and manicures, and for kids they have a number of crafts (to make and give to mom of course) as well as face painting, live music, and magic shows. This is a great event if you have little ones who need to be engaged throughout the day.

Get Active This Mother’s Day

The Edmonton Sport Chek Mother’s Day Run is an annual 5k and 10k run that happens each year on Mother’s Day. The event is one of Edmonton’s largest running events of the year and helps raise money for local Children’s Hospitals. This year on Sunday, May 10, head to Hawrelak Park. Cost is $35 ages 11 and up, $25 ages 5-10.

Timetable:
• Warm Up – 8:45 AM
• 2.5 km Ride – 8:55 AM
• 10 km Run – 9:00 AM
• 5 km Run & Walk – 9:30 AM
• Little Legs Race – 10:45 AM
• Awards – 11:00 AM
Register here.

Edmonton is a wonderful place during special days like Mother’s Day because the city really comes alive with celebration. There are so many ways to get out and celebrate mom. From the fancy to the unusual, the city has something happening for every taste.

If you want more information on any of these ideas, or if you need any information on Spruce Grove real estate, Stony Plain real estate, Parkland County real estate, Edmonton real estate, or Parkland County acreages, feel free to call or text me at 780-910-9669, email me at barry@barryt.ca, or contact me here.

With its two biggest cities close together, Alberta is the perfect destination for almost every touring musician. For the people who live in Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Parkland County and the Edmonton region this means that some of the world’s biggest musical acts are only a quick drive away. Here are five of the biggest concerts and live events coming to the Edmonton Area this October:

Up + Downtown Music + Arts Festival

Edmonton’s big music fest, the Up + Downtown Music + Arts Festival takes over the city during the Thanksgiving weekend. From October 10-12 the downtown area is transformed as multiple venues host a variety of independent musicians and artists. This year’s festival is headlined by The Constantines, Red Fang and Less Than Jake with new acts added every day.

Sarah McLachlan

October 29 is a big day in Edmonton as Canada’s own Sarah McLachlan arrives for a special performance during her Shine On Tour. The 21 time Juno Award nominee and founder of the Lilith Fair festival brings her hit songs Building a Mystery, Sweet Surrender, I Will Remember You and Adia to the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium.  News from TicketMaster:  a second show has been added for October 20.

The Pixies

Take a trip back to the 80s with one of the decade’s most influential bands, even if it took two decades for them to realize it. The Pixies disbanded in 1993 and didn’t reunite until 2004 to a very positive reaction from fans. On October 6 they will be at the Shaw Conference Centre to perform their unique sound to a mix of fans, both original ones and new ones, with Royal Blood as their opener.

Demi Lovato

If you have teen or tween daughters then there is a good chance you already have tickets to this event. If not, prepare for a lot of pleading and last minute ticket buying. The star of the Disney Channel show Sonny With a Chance will be making her visit to the Rexall Place on October 4 with a group of young artists to perform under her. Get your tickets soon because this one is destined to sell out.

Pure: A Night in White

The Edmonton area isn’t only home to conventional music, as the Pure: A Night in White dance festival makes its 5th consecutive visit to the city. While most music lovers will spend the Thanksgiving weekend at the Up + Down Music Festival, fans of EDM will dress in their best white outfit for this themed electronic dance fest, October 12 at the Shaw Conference Centre.

Cities and towns like Spruce Grove and Stony Plain, and many others in the Edmonton area, have the benefit of being a quick drive away from the big city. This is one of the reasons the communities around Edmonton continue to grow. I have a lot of experience with these neighbourhoods and always make myself available to talk about new real estate opportunities. Please call or text me at 780-910-9669, email me at barry@barryt.ca, or contact me here.

If you’re a resident of Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Parkland County and the Edmonton region, you should know that there are many opportunities to get involved in the local community and have some fun. Edmonton’s Community League Day is coming this September, and it’s not an event you want to miss. On September 20th, come out to Community League Day and find out why your local Edmonton community league is “Where Neighbours Meet & Great Things Happen.”

About the Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues

The Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues sponsors this city-wide event, which is held every year on the third Saturday of September. Edmonton’s community leagues are the oldest and most active in Canada. The EFCL was founded in 1921 with one neighbourhood group, and has expanded over the years. Today, there are 147 chapters of community leagues all over Edmonton.

The leagues are all volunteer organizations that focus on creating recreation opportunities in Edmonton. They’ve been responsible for sports fields, community activity halls, and ice skating rinks. Some of the most popular organizations in Edmonton, including the Community Police Radio Network, School Patrols, and Neighbourhood Watch, began with the Edmonton Community Leagues.

League Sponsored Family Events

The biggest event of the year for the EFCL is the Community League Day, although various community leagues throughout the city sponsor family events all year-round. Family days and winter carnivals are fun activities for families and include curling, hockey, snowshoeing, and ice skating. Participants are treated to hot dogs, chili, and hot chocolate around a fire pit, followed by fireworks.

Community League Day on September 20

The annual Community League Day on  Saturday, September 20, promises to be fun and exciting for the entire family. Check with the community league in your neighbourhood to find a schedule of the day’s events. You can expect Edmonton to celebrate this day with lots of fun family activities, like Fall festivals, car shows, street dances, bike rodeos, corn roasts, beer gardens, barbecues, pancake breakfasts, and much more.

The Edmonton Annual Community League Day gives families the opportunity to participate in all the celebrations throughout the city, but it also give residents a chance to celebrate Canada’s multicultural heritage with lots of cultural activities.

What to Expect at Community League Day

Community League Day is set to host lots of great fun like live entertainment, balloon animals, face painting, dog agility demonstrations, dancing, horse-drawn wagon rides, and lots of games for the kids. The annual event has the atmosphere of an old-fashioned fall festival. The 2014 celebration kicks off at 9:00 AM, and ends at 11:45 PM on September 20. Make sure to come early to enjoy all the day’s festivities in your neighbourhood. There’s sure to be plenty of fun activities, music, live entertainment, and great street food to enjoy.

Edmonton’s 2014 Community League Day is sure to be good, wholesome fun. You can join the festivities at one location or plan to visit several around the city.

I’d be happy to answer any questions you have about events in our region.  For more information about Community League Day or any of the other events Edmonton hosts, please call or text me at 780-910-9669, email me at barry@barryt.ca, or contact me here.

Canadian retirees don’t have to head for the United States to find a great place to retire. Hot and sticky Florida or sunbaked Arizona don’t have anything on the magic of Edmonton, Alberta. If you’re searching for a great retirement haven to call home, you should browse through real estate in the quaint areas of Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Parkland County, and the Edmonton region. Edmonton and the surrounding area is a great place to retire. Here’s what you can expect when you enjoy your golden years in beautiful Edmonton.

Why Retire in Edmonton?

Edmonton is the capital of Alberta, and it was first settled during the booming fur trade in the late 1700s. It’s currently a major hub for the technology, mining, and energy industries in Alberta. Its nickname of “Festival City” means there’s always something going on that’s celebrating the heritage, food, film, and music of the region. If you want a city where there’s always something to see or do, then Edmonton is the place. Its lush parks and miles of walking trails are always bustling with bikers, runners, and walkers, making it a great place to stay active. Summer brings hiking, fishing, and lazy afternoons in the backyard, while winter welcomes white Christmases and a thriving skiing industry.

Golf: The Staple of the Retirement Life

Edmonton’s beautiful summers mean there are plenty of golfing opportunities in the warmer months. The Glendale Golf and Country Club opened in 1962 and is home to 18 premier holes. Also known as The Player’s Course, it hosts many national and professional golf tournaments every year. Teaching programs, fine dining, and a full service pro shop are just a few of the amenities that have made this golf course one of Edmonton’s most exclusive country clubs. There are dozens of different golf courses throughout the city, so no matter your skill level, you can find the perfect course to practice your swing.

Recreational Opportunities: Discover Elk Island National Park

Once the summer golf season is over, Edmonton residents flock to Elk Island National Park to soak in the park’s beauty in the fall and winter months. Fall brings the sounds of rutting elk echoing through the golden trees and the gruff calls of the wild bison roaming through the waving grass. Moose, deer, coyotes, and even beavers can be spotted throughout the parkland. No matter how often you visit the park, you’ll always see something different. Endless photo opportunities arise with every visit as visitors meander through the endless trails. When the snow starts falling, you can suit up and explore the wild land on your snowshoes or by cross-country skiing. Elk Island is a great ski getaway as well, and it’s often less crowded than the nearby ski resorts.

Shopping: Everything You’d Possibly Need is At Your Doorstep

Shopping is always in season in Edmonton. The 124 Street shopping area is the city’s premier shopping and dining location. Patrons can browse locally owned art galleries before hitting up ethnic restaurants or even fine dining. West Edmonton Mall is North America’s largest indoor shopping mall, and is home to a water park, a skating rink, a hotel, and an amusement park!

If you’re looking for a place to hang your hat up at the end of the day and need a final place to call home, you need look no further than Edmonton, the Festival City. Whether you enjoy strolling through the malls, skiing in the wilderness or enjoying a fun cultural festival, Edmonton has something to offer you.

Other reasons retiring in Edmonton makes good sense:  excellent health care, affordable real estate, high but affordable standard of living, accessibility to travel opportunities, decent weather most of the year, and many more!

I am always available to help you get acquainted with our lovely city, so please contact me at any time to find your own little piece of Edmonton!  Call or text me at 780-910-9669, email me at barry@barryt.ca, or contact me here.