By Shane Flug
The 140-year history of Calgary’s oldest neighbourhood is one that sings “local.” From music venues to boutique retailers, Inglewood is a prime location for supporting local music and business. Here are eight spots to check out in the revitalized destination. [Image credit: http://www.istockphoto.com/jewhyte]
No need to wait until summer to be among good company of fellow “tarpies” – the Calgary Folk Music Festival’s permanent abode, Festival Hall, doubles as an intimate performance venue that hosts a variety of roots, folk and world acts. Folk Fest’s year-round home maintains the spirit of the main event held annually at Prince’s Island Park, which attracts 40,000 to 50,000 music lovers each year. Save the tarp for July.
With its rustic aesthetic, the Ironwood Stage & Grill has long been a neighbourhood staple for good roots tunes and great food. Wash down some beer-battered halibut or chicken tuscanini with a pint and soak in the best local and touring acts with genres ranging from Americana to folk.
With live music going seven days a week, The Blues Can has earned its reputation as one of Calgary's prime blues joints with its appropriately dark and intimate setting. After wiping some Louisiana BBQ sauce off from the slow-braised pork ribs, kick back and hear the best that our city’s local jammers and singer-songwriters have to offer.
A local classic since 1991, Spolumbo’s Fine Foods & Deli’s gourmet gluten-free sausages are too tasty a treasure to just stay in Inglewood — with retailers across town such as Calgary Co-op having them in stock. While you can’t go wrong with their original spicy Italian, poultry choices such as chicken apple or turkey cranberry will satisfy a meat-sweet tooth. Delizioso! At the deli, glance at some sports history – co-owners Tim & Tony Spoletini and Mike Palumbo are Calgary Stampeders alumni – as you enjoy an Italian cold cut or sub for lunch.
From West African Citrus to local Bow River Fish blends, The Silk Road Spice Merchant offers flavours from around the world in one cozy location. Not sure where to start? You can always ask the seasoned staff (pun intended) or pick up a basic gift set. Aficionados can also purchase books and accessories such as grinders and mortars.
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As handy as e-readers and tablets are in today’s digital age, e-books just can’t beat passing an afternoon on a bench by the Bow River with an old (paper) stock friend. As Calgarians voted in the Best of Calgary 2016 survey, Fair’s Fair is the place to go buy your next book. With aisles of bookcases stacked ceiling-high, the comfy, no-frills atmosphere of this family business let the stories sell themselves.
With staff specializing in one-on-one style fitting, you can be sure to leave the Espy Experience with the perfect new outfit. From casual dresses, men’s sweaters and denim galore, this fashion boutique offers a wide variety of options such as Fidelity, Ted Baker, Tumi and several Canadian brands. With close to 6,000 followers, owner Megan Szanik’s sharing of her zest for fashion and life on Twitter adds to her real-life neighbourhood rep as “the loudest person on Ninth Avenue.”
Nobody’s perfect – and spring isn't too late to get back on track with your New Year’s resolution of taking better self-care. Fortunately, Junction 9 Yoga & Pilates offers an inviting and warm studio space with classes for all levels that accommodate all sorts of life schedules. After class with their knowledgeable instructors, warm up with Phil and Sebastian coffee or cool down with True Büch Kombucha at their in-house café.
Though it’s Calgary’s oldest neighbourhood, Inglewood boasts no shortage of exciting new retailers and lively entertainment. It’s a great spot to spend a day – or a weekend – taking in the sights and sounds of a historic and vibrant neighbourhood.
