The part of town that was once known for being “up to no good” is playing a lot nicer these days.
If you’re looking for a unique spot for a date, consider meandering down 9th Ave SE. We promise you’ll be impressed with what you can uncover in this 140-year old area.
Get your rendezvous started late afternoon if you can, parking your wheels of choice at the west end of 9th Ave SE (near the bridge over the Elbow River at 8th St), then just start sauntering east to discover the best parts of this surprising corner of town – and hopefully, the best parts of each other, too.
Sweeten things up
As the cooler weather rolls in, you’re going to need something to keep you warm while you walk. Depending on how often you’re planning dates like this, coffee is more than likely getting a little…stale.
Your best bet to impress even the most critical of warm drink connoisseurs is Choklat. This little chocolate factory is no Willy Wonka’s on the inside, but we’re pretty sure the quality of the product measures up just fine, especially considering they’ve been voted the best hot chocolate in the city for the last two years at the Calgary Hot Chocolate Festival.
Wander/lust
Inglewood is hands-down the best place in town to go for a casual stroll with no particular destination, especially if you’re into window-shopping through the antique storefronts that line its historical main street.
Don’t worry, though, we’re not sending you shopping exclusively for old furniture, as you’ll find that a bunch of uber-trendy/eco-friendly/artsy stores are on the rise in this ‘hood.
If that’s up your alley, make a point of stopping at The Uncommons, a new-ish shop full of “objects which inspire”; perfect for providing you with talking points if you’re running out of your own material.
Dinner is Served
As every YP who’s ever dated knows, dinner really can make or break a night out. By now you have a pretty good arsenal of go-to restaurants on 17th Ave, but since you’re in Inglewood, you’re showing a little more creativity.
Depending on your mood (and #OOTD), take your pick between two delicious neighborhood staples:
While The Carmichael may not be the hippest spot on 9th, you’re showing your appreciation for classic quality and style. Plus, with a slightly older clientele, you’re way less likely to run into last weekend’s Tinder date. If you’re there on a Wednesday, take advantage of half price red wine to set the mood.
And if you haven’t been to Without Papers yet, you’ve truly been missing out. This casual spot has given the finger to getting certified by the Associazione Vera Pizza Napoletana and makes its own rules when it comes to creating delectable pizza. Added bonuses: movies projected on the walls and an above-average beer list. Reservations are limited but recommended.
Check your Local Listings
Here’s where we’re putting a bit of the planning on you. Inglewood is teeming with live music, so take a look at who’s playing the night you’re heading out to make sure you don’t miss that band you keep hearing so much about.
The Ironwood and The Blues Can will be your best bets, so keep an eye on their line-ups, or else just roll the dice – kind of the way you’re doing with this date you’re on.
#NOTABLE
Cover Photo from: Inglewood Calgary Facebook Page
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