Folklarama

I didn't manage to get to Folklarama till the last night but we made it count. We toured 4 of that were in the southwest corner of the city starting with the Spirit of the Ukraine at Soul Sanctuary. 

I like that venue as it is really comfortable and laid out nicely to accommodate the crowd without feeling really crowded. The chairs are comfortable, the AC works well, and the bathrooms are nice, clean and well maintained. The pavilion has great food, spirited dances and amazing costumes. This one is one of the ones that will hook you into coming again and again and also raise your expectations if you haven't been to any of the others before!

The next one was Argentina at the Caboto Centre. The food was amazing! We loved the desserts from Dolce Bakery on Regent (but I have a sweet tooth so what can I say!) It was also a nice venue although felt a little packed in there. The dances were fun and the costumes were beautiful. It was a fun atmosphere. 

Then came Spain at St Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church. We were quite disappointed with how hot this one was despite it saying it was air conditioned (we knew it would be 30+C so picked only ones with AC). It was in the basement but they did have the food in the reception room so maybe the AC just couldn't keep up. They also oversold tickets so there was so many people standing and since we had chosen seats near the back we were surrounded by people standing. Being hot and cramped made it hard to enjoy the show. The ladies costumes were amazing and their dances were beautiful but I could only think about when would it be over so I could get outside. 

We ended the night at the St James Civic Centre at the Budapest-Hungaria pavilion. We shared a chimney cake with ice cream. My friends had one of the combos and ended up getting more of their cabbage rolls because they were so tasty. It wasn't as packed as the last 3 and was the last performance of the year. The dances were fun to watch, especially the bottle dance. 

I was so happy to have made it out to Folklarama. I didn't find doing 4 too much for one evening. We carpooled and didn't try to have more then 10 minute drive between any of the pavilions. We had bought our tickets online so we had priority entrance and wouldn't have to worry about dealing with a sell out. Because there was 4 of us seeing more then 3 we bought the 12 pack and then bought 4 more tickets. With the online fees that cost $94 (23.50 per person) and then we spent about $75 for 2 of us for drinks and food. I do wish that they would rethink having one ticket per full page to print out and maybe switch to a mobile ticket.

Did you make it out to any pavilions? Which ones and how did you like them?

Hashtag Lakelife

I had the pleasure of showing a few places out in the west beaches area of Lake Winnipeg so I went early to make the most of it.

I grew up going out to Winnipeg Beach with my paternal side of the family so there are a lot of memories and reminiscing.

Matlock is a nice stop when heading up that direction. The piers are always a relaxing place to stop. The morning was cool, almost sweater weather, and I managed to still have over half a cup of my favourite Starbucks drink when I rolled in. Nothing like a warm chai latte, a light sweater and a moody sky over the lake to help you zone out for 20 minutes.

I visited with my parents at the marina. I can't believe I didn't think to take a picture there as the marina and pier with all the boats is a nice sight. From the south parking lot you have a unique perspective of the water tower through the bushes and cattails on the edge of the park. It always makes me want to pick up my paint brush. 

We decided to hit up The Emporium for lunch where I enjoyed a delicious home made crepe and my friend enjoyed the Drunken Chicken pizza. The Emporium is known for their crepes, pizzas and drunken chicken. If you go after 4pm they are wood fired pizzas. It is a really nice little place.

While waiting between showings we took a drive though downtown Winnipeg Beach. I didn't have time to take a walk on The Boardwalk to find my grandparents plaque or to stop at Dairy Bee to reminisce about gramma and grampa taking us for ice cream but we did come across a place that looks old but has only been there since 2012. We decided to pop in as it was right up my friends alley with all the unique decor. It is called Candies & Curiosities. Such a nice little place and they had a few treasures that took me back. 

There are so many more great places to check out if you are in the beaches area. The jam busters at Fred's (on the highway) are a great addition to a picnic, there is an off leash dog beach in the provincial park area near the water tower, there is the artesian well on the corner of Laurel and Grove, a new walking bridge just north of that, the waterfront park, and so much more. It is a leisurely drive down highway 9 and is less than an hour from the north perimeter. If you wanted add a few stops to your trip you could also see the locks in Lockport, Lower Fort Gary on highway 9, and the marine museum in Selkirk. 

What are your favourite spots to stop in the west beaches areas?

Camp Morton Getaway

Back in February or March when the reservation day was for provincial cabins and yurts we managed to get a cabin for August on the same weekend that our friends did at the same place. So when the weekend was nearing and they started talking about extreme heat it was not too difficult to decide we should not cancel and go anyway as when do you get the chance to get this kind of weekend together.

We checked in Friday after the park office closed but I called to let them know we were coming. It was hot but the cabin didn't feel too bad despite having been closed up. We got it opened and set up the fans we brought. I had been told there was dishes there so when I realized there wasn't we make a quick trip back to Gimli to get plates and cutlery. Otherwise the cabins are great. They are small with a full bed in the bedroom and a futon in the living room; a bathroom with a toilet and sink; kitchen with an apartment sized fridge with freezer and 24" stove and a small counter with a double sink and a microwave. There is a picnic table on the porch and a nice fire pit area. We had a pet friendly unit and my friends were around the corner from us, a short walk. I was so bad at only taking pictures of my friends 2 year old so I'm sorry I have nothing to show how great this charming little log cabins were.

Saturday we decided to heed everyones advise and head down to the Arnes Farmer's Market. It is quite impressive with vendors sprinkled here, there and everywhere. There was lots of fresh veggies, honey, baking and homemade items, antiques, flea market items and tons of books. There was a busker that caught the eye of my friend's 2 year old enchanting her with his guitar. And there was farm animals. They were a ton of fun. When we got pooped out in the hot weather (high of 37C!!!) we threw down a blanket and had a little picnic sans homemade donuts we bought there (thanks to everyone that suggesting making sure we went for the donuts!).

We went back so the muchkin could have her nap and we got a visit from my parents then headed to Gimli to pick up a case of beer and let the dogs cool off. By 3 we were set up on the grass in the shade by a quiet area that felt like our own private beach. There was the odd other group that would come by. I took the dogs swimming to cool them off and that did the trick. They laid in their pen in the shade and slept the rest of the afternoon while we played with the munchkin. The breeze was perfect and refreshing coming off the water and there were no bugs till into the evening when the flies decided to start biting as the breeze died down. 

The night sky was so dark you could see the Milky Way and there was already some meteor action happening even though the media was saying Sunday night would be the night. 

I can't wait to go back to Camp Morton provincial cabins and hope that we can luck out again next year by getting a cabin the same weekend as our friends do. We made some awesome memories together despite the temperatures being in the high 30s. 

Our South Western Manitoba Adventure

So my aunt still had a couple days before she was returning to BC and we had found an Airbnb out near Boisevain that was newly built, 3 bedrooms and only $100! How could we lose?! It was even dog friendly but we decided to leave the dogs with my dad as we had a lot of activities planned.

We met my mom, George and Pat out in Souris, Manitoba. It was a lovely drive once we left Winnipeg. We decided the first stop would be for bathroom and lunch break. I found this cute little cafe on facebook that we decided to stop at called Woodfire Deli. We ordered a light lunch and besides them almost forgetting to bring Jamus his sandwich it was very good there. They had a little grocery there as well where mom found some bees wax wrap she had been wanting but hadn't found locally yet.

Then we set off to the suspension bridge. We had a lot of fun there but Jamus being Jamus did scare Auntie Pat into leaving the bridge that she had already been apprehensive about crossing. We watched some turtles swim below and got a bit sun kissed out in the blazing sun.

There was plenty to do in Souris so we could have stayed longer but it was already late afternoon so we decided to move on as we still had another hour to drive to our Airbnb. We did decide to grab pizzas to take with us so we would have dinner at the cabin. 

The Airbnb was tucked away a little further then we had anticipated but we found it without too much trouble. There is not really any cell phone service once you get into the Turtle Mountain area. We passed the Turtle Mountain Resort and followed the instructions but kept stopping thinking we had missed it when we just hadn't gone far enough. I wish I had taken a picture but here is the link. His pictures are the greatest and the house is barely finished being built so there is still lots of small things like finishing the painting to do but it was a great deal on a brand new cabin with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a 2 tier deck. I wished we had booked it for both nights. It was super close to the boarder so you have to keep that in mind when having your cell phone on as it was picking up the US towers. There was lakes and channels all around us and the host was super nice and told us which way to not hike as we could end up on US soil illegally. There was a fire pit set up for our use, a bbq and patio set and a fully equipped kitchen. Jamus and I had the master bedroom with a king sized bed and a huge deck off the master which was perfect for seeing how close Mars was. We also spotted Jupiter, Saturn and Neptune! (download the app Skyview to help you find the planets and constellations).

For breakfast we went to Turtle Mountain Resort which was having some technical difficulties with the bathrooms so it was a bit stinky there. We have heard good things about the new owners and they did try to make the best of a bad day. 

We headed over to the International Peace Gardens after that. Jamus and I have never been so it was interesting to see how expansive it is. We visited both the Canadian and US sides and had some silly fun posing for timer pictures. We had a light lunch at the gardens before my parents and aunt had to start their trek back home and we had to go set up camp at Adam Lake. 

You can see above the boarder marker the definite line in the forest of where the boarder is. 

We went to Turtle Mountain Provincial Park to set up camp at Adam Lake. It was a very hot day to be setting up the tent so we were looking forward to going for a swim. It was disappointing to find out the lake is pretty much a slew and the beach they have there is all green and not swim-able. We utilized the free showers instead. We liked the privacy of the camp sites and over all the camp ground was very quiet. The evening was a perfect temperature with no mosquitos although the flies made up for them. Once we put away dinner the flies weren't so bad and we were able to enjoy a camp fire and the peacefulness of the surroundings. You do hear the highway a bit but only when everything is really quiet. 

We stopped in Miami on the way home and had lunch at The Station Bar and Grill. Jamus said his burger was amazing and my chicken fingers were super moist and real pieces of breaded chicken. The service was super attentive. I would put that place on my list again the next time I am out highway 3. 

Ballet in the Park

I am always a huge fan of the ballet but with someone with allergies it doesn't always work out to see them in the concert hall. I have often had to leave because people don't adhere to the perfume free environment but with Ballet in the Park there is so much fresh air I know I am going to be able to enjoy it. 

The first portion is normally demos and small excerpts of upcoming ballets and pretty ballerinas in their tutus there to entertain the kids. The second part is usually about 45-60 minutes and is usually a larger except from one of the ballets and is intentional and beautiful and stunning and I could go on and on. 

This year the last portion was from Carmina Burana which is a collection of poetry from the 12-1300s. It ranged from moody to emotional to upbeat. It was captivating. 

We had gone early and walked over the bridge to have dinner on Portage Ave at Star Grill. I love the variety on their menu both in terms of food and budget. In all the times we have been we have never been disappointed with the food. This time they had a cold brewed blueberry iced tea that was amazing. I will have dreams about that every summer!

It was stifling hot but I bought an umbrella for shade so we could save ourselves some spots and we were lucky enough that a cluster of clouds came in and cooled things off by several degrees before the performance started. You could see it raining in the distance but it when south of us and kept us dry make the weather the rest of the evening perfect for sitting at the Lyric watching the ballet. 

It was a magical night!

Fringing

I have not been much a fringer in the past but I have always had it on my list. This year my aunt was visiting from BC and she is always open to adventure and a friend was able to take a little time off during the day one day. I was able to check out The Cube with some of the free entertainment as well as 2 shows.

We picked our shows based on time availability mostly. Both shows were at noon during the week. My aunt and I headed down early so I could take her over to Parlour Coffee and then to Toad in the Hole for some shopping for her granddaughter. We then went over to the Planetarium where our show would be. I like that venue as it is comfortable and there is easily accessible bathrooms. We enjoyed the show a lot. It was called Traveltheatrics and was about a young woman who loves to travel from a very young age. She tells about several some are very light and fun and some are dark and scary but ends with how she has overcome and learnt a lot about herself and the world. We then had lunch at my favourite downtown lunch spot, Clementines, and then checked out the free entertainment at The Cube.

photo credit: Patricia Dandeneau

The next time I was able to get downtown to watch a show was with my friend. We decided to go to see one called F Words. I thought it was so hilarious I could have peed my pants! And it was a really good thing I had asked outside if there was a washroom inside as there was no washroom at that venue and had to go use the portapotties in The Cube area. Honestly, that one was so funny I would love to see it again. But those who know me know I am a sweary pants so to have a song entirely about the ultimate F-word was up my alley. So was the fact that she was talking about being Forty, Fat & Forgotten. It was just so relatable and done in a hilarious manner.

When that was done we went back to The Cube and both hit up some food trucks and took in a show there. It was not nearly as good as the Firefighter Clowns from Australia but it was ok. The food was awesome. I had perogies and Amanda had deep fried cheese curds from the Bothwell truck.

When you get the chance, get out to a couple fringes. Read the write ups and reviews and see what calls to you and get out and see some.

2018 Patio #1, 2 3 & 4.

I love patios. Till wasp season anyway. We try to eat el fresco any time possible in the early part of summer. And I am hoping that the wasps won't be as bad this year as they were last year so we can continue to eat outside into the fall.

1. The first patio we hit up this year was Beachcomber at The Forks. It was threatening to rain but we decided to chance it. We did get a few drops here and there but their big umbrellas kept us dry and the clouds blew by. The service was great and the crowd was cheerful and friendly. I almost always opt for Manitoba walleye when given the opportunity and it was tasty. We left very full and enjoyed a walk around The Forks. Definitely bonus points for extra things to do before and after a meal.

2. Santa Lucia rooftop patio. I love their rooftop patio. They have a roller shade that allows for shade and wind protection but can be opened late in the evening to let in the light breeze and warmth of the setting sun. The pizza is amazing even for those of us that aren't crazy about pizza. It was a weeknight so it wasn't very busy at around 7:30/8pm on the patio.

3. Resto Gare for a late lunch was amazing and we had the whole patio to ourselves and a little baby bunny! Despite us being the only people outside our waiter was super attentive and funny. I ended up boxing up half my Mac and Cheese and had it the next day for lunch. Jamus usually doesn't like homemade fries but he devoured these ones. They are so good! I had been on the patio here last year with girlfriends and a live band and had a great time so I knew it wouldn't disappoint. The menu here is so varied in options and prices that there really is something for everyone.

4. I went to Promenade Cafe for brunch with a girlfriend. I had booked the reservation the night before requesting the patio. The previous time I had tried to book the patio here for a late night reservation we got a call cancelling due to rain and they had graciously moved us inside but gave us the option to cancel. We did go and loved it but I still wanted to try it out at brunch and on the patio. I got there earlier then my reservation time and the patio wasn't set up. She didn't notice my reservation was for the patio and hadn't planned on setting it up till the other waitress came in later in the morning. She decided to get it set up while I waited (it took her under 3 minutes) and I was seated. I read and sipped tea till my friend came and by then there was several other people enjoying the beautiful view from the patio. If you don't know where Promenade is, it is on Tache looking towards the Forks, Esplanade Riel bridge and The Canadian Museum of Human Rights. They have quite a few options on their brunch menu but were slow to bring coffee and tea refills and even slower to bring the bill. We actually joked about just leaving as we hadn't seen the waitress in so long and this was after the other waitress had come in. Overall, it was mid-morning, unhurried brunch so was all good. I would go again - the view and food were great.

Hopefully we get in a few more patios this year. What have your favourite ones been so far?