prairie girl musings

Tag: Regina

Exploring The Queen City

As Saskatchewan’s two biggest cities, Saskatoon and Regina have always experienced a rivalry of sorts.

With close relatives in Saskatoon, I didn’t spend much time in Regina until my final year of high school. After auditioning for Saskatchewan Express, I spent all my weekends and the summer after high school in The Queen City. Some of my fondest memories are from those days, when all I wanted to do was eat, sleep and dance. Recent trips to Regina involve seeing friends and discovering new galleries and cafés. So, why not share some of my favourite Queen City haunts with you all?

Regina isn’t known for its cafe culture, but fortunately that’s starting to change. Begin your day with coffee at local roastery, 33 1/3. Offering fresh and locally-sourced espresso, 33’s beans can be found throughout the province.

Another place to feed your caffeine addiction is Atlantis Coffee, which is located on Hamilton Street. They also serve bagels and sandwiches if you’re feeling peckish.

If you’re looking for something more substantial, I suggest visiting Orange Izayaka for some of the best Japanese and Korean food in Saskatchewan. Otherwise, check out Flip Eatery and Café for comfort food in a casual setting.

You can’t leave The Queen City without visiting Dessart. Whether you’re a soft serve fiend like myself or simply want to peruse the unique and retro sweets on offer, Dessart considers dessert to be an art form. I can’t say I disagree.

Visiting Regina on a Saturday? Stop by the Farmers’ Market for local and seasonal produce.

Shopping in Regina is best experienced on Scarth Street or near The Cathedral. Paper Umbrella is a cute shop filled with gift ideas. Next door is Argento, which stocks jewellery by Canadian designer, Leah Alexandra.

There’s plenty to see and do in Regina, and I’d recommend visiting The MacKenzie Art Gallery. With eight expansive galleries, MacKenzie features exhibits by Saskatchewan, Canadian and international artists.

As Saskatchewan’s capital city, make sure you visit the Legislative Buildings. Tours are available seven days a week in both English and French. After your tour, walk through the gardens to take in all the

Wascana is beautiful year-round, after lunch, set off on one of the many trails that encompass the area. Before you leave, see what’s on at the Conexus Arts Centre. The Rocky Horror Show will be on for Halloween and The Regina Symphony Orchestra is definitely worth a listen!

Tell me, what are your favourite Regina spots?

October 22, 2016
Global Friends, Part I: SASKATCHEWAN

The Regina “International” Airport: Where it all began.

On December 29th, my first-ever New Zealand visitor set foot in SASKATCHEWAN. Yes, Nick and I have had friends visit us in Toronto. Having someone pop by your chic downtown apartment in Canada’s biggest metropolis cannot compare to the enormity of having your friend from across the world visit your HOMETOWN, in your HOME PROVINCE.

Ashleigh in her new Canadiana, she later jumped into the snow wearing only this and a light parka.

Needless to say, Ashleigh’s reaction to winter in Saskatchewan was priceless. Her lack of skates didn’t stop her from gliding out of the Regina airport into my car. Nor did she realize just how much snow (and it’s been light this year so far) can accumulate in a person’s backyard. There were deer, fox, and coyote spottings from our kitchen, mulled wine, and a minor snowmobile accident. She was also especially fond of my mother’s healthy cooking.

To see one’s hometown through fresh, unbiased eyes is a remarkable experience. It ignited my appreciation for the quaint, rural town where I grew up in ways I never knew were possible. Ashleigh also fell in love with Saskatoon with its beautiful bridges and stunning downtown core.

Note: In order to keep this post from becoming an expose on why prairiegirlmusings came about… I’ll stick to point form.

Other Saskatchewan highlights include:

Reconnecting with old friends and celebrating the marriage of my dear friend, Jill on New Years Eve! If I still worked (read: interned) at Weddingbells, I’d submit Jill and Riley’s wedding to the magazine (their New Years Eve in New York City theme was perfectly executed!)

Now, for some terrifically awful photography by yours truly:

Ash and I with our matching Moochi heels, prior to the wedding.

Didn’t I say the decor and food was top-notch?

Here are some more professional photos that I pinched from the bride (Thank you, Jill!)

An old-fashioned Ortynsky potluck at the Saskatoon apartment:

Trying out Saskatoon’s culinary scene:

We had a delightful pre-flight lunch at Ayden Kitchen & Bar.

Nobody does a latte bowl like Jimmy Oneschuk at Museo.

Stay tuned for Toronto and Montreal blog posts!

Love, Vanessa

January 17, 2014