By Joel Dryden
If you’re like me, after a cold and quiet month in Calgary, you’re crossing your fingers for sustained chinooks so you can enjoy what is looking to be a packed February calendar. From Calgary Folk Fest’s Block Heater to the YYC Hot Chocolate Festival, here are just a few Calgary attractions sure to brighten your month – even if your Valentine’s plans have yet to come to fruition. [Image credit: istock.com/AarStudio]
Included among notable recently opened eateries is Provision, located in the space that formerly housed the Boxwood Cafe in Central Memorial Park. Headed up by the same folks behind the always-popular Avec Bistro, Provision offers vegetable-forward dining featuring bird-friendly coffee from Paradise Mountain Organic Coffee.
Also make a note to check out Bridgette Bar, which opened in December 2016. This chef-driven bar delivers a delicious full menu, but the building itself – formerly an expansive furniture shop – is worth checking out for its hardwood floors, great views and retro sensibility.
I’ve been singing the praises of Betty Lou’s Library since it opened in November 2016, but it’s worth repeating here. This 1920s-style cocktail lounge is a hidden gem, which proudly challenges its patrons to seek out its hidden entrance. I won’t spoil that secret here.
Let’s hope our stretch of warm weather continues, but if it doesn’t, warm up at the YYC Hot Chocolate Festival, running from Feb. 1 to 28. Presented by Calgary Meals on Wheels, Hot Chocolate Fest seeks to crown the best hot chocolate in the city, with all proceeds supporting Meals on Wheels – so you can indulge in the ultimate comfort drink while helping support a good cause.
As a self-loathing New York Jets fan, I’ll be rooting hard against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 51 on Feb. 5, but I understand if we just can’t see eye to eye on this one. Let Bob Keelaghan be your guide to planning the ultimate Super Bowl party.
The music festival season kicks off in earnest in February, starting with Calgary Folk Festival’s Block Heater. Dubbed as “winter’s answer to the Calgary Folk Music Festival,” Block Heater has been slowly warming up, growing larger each year. From Feb. 10 to 12, Block Heater will take over Inglewood, spanning four venues – Festival Hall, the Lantern Church, the Alexandra Dance Centre and the Ironwood.
More great music will be found during the Calgary Midwinter Bluefest, featuring a number of workshops, concerts and dance parties. Among featured artists this year is blues tenor saxophonist and Chicago icon Eddie Shaw.
Of course, the February calendar largely revolves around the 14th – even if you use that date to celebrate Single’s Awareness Day.
Planning a Valentine’s date doesn’t just involve dinner, which is where our Smart Tip laying out Calgary’s most romantic spots for date night will come in handy.
Don’t forget to plan ahead and get your Valentine the perfect gift – you can do better than chocolate and roses! Let Sarah Sussman guide you through this Smart Tip of thoughtful local gifts.
That’s just a taste of what’s coming up in Calgary this February. Stay tuned to our Calgary Smart Lists and Smart Tips as we continue to profile the exciting attractions and restaurants making waves this month. Happy Valentine’s Day!
