It’s not often that you can effectively mix fine dining with a casual and comfortable environment. Somehow though, the team at Muse has managed to do just that. Located in the trendy Kensington neighborhood just outside of downtown Calgary, Muse is a great spot to relax and enjoy a romantic evening while also pleasing the most refined of pallets.
Tucked away in the sleepy little town of East Coulee, AB, right outside of Drumheller, is a fantastic little gem of a place called the Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site. Situated in the heart of the Canadian Badlands, the Atlas Coal Mine is a breathtaking view into Alberta history.
Apparently before battery powered lights, coal miners went down underground with these flames strapped to their caps. Flames…in a coal mine!
When I first heard that I was going to have the opportunity to visit the Mark Twain study I was less than enthused. You see, I’ve never been an avid reader of Classic American Literature. As a matter of fact, the only time I’ve ever read any of Twain’s books was when it was on assignment from school. Then I was reading it for later study and dissection rather than for enjoyment. Yet somehow, when I stepped into the tiny 8-sided room, I understood that there was something here for me. There was a lesson here for all of us who write and seek to inspire with our words. I understood why this room, now located on the campus of Elmira College, was such a powerful place. It’s a fine start to anyone’s journey through Mark Twain Country in Elmira, NY.
“Canadian” cuisine is something very difficult to define. There are so many dishes that are popular throughout the country that either originated in other countries before coming across the ocean, or dishes that were innovated in French Canada, like poutine. However what I’ve found is that in place of having their own cuisine, Canadians, and Albertans especially, have become great at creating fusion dishes combining local ingredients with international favorites. While we were in Japser we found a great little spot that has made a name for themselves by doing just that. Evil Dave’s has become a must-eat dining destination by serving heavenly food with devilish names.
There aren’t many places that can manage to pull off just the right combination of minimalistic style and warmth. By its very nature, minimalism is typically cold and aloof, but somehow Hotel Red in Madison Wisconsin, has managed to do just that. When we stepped foot into our room, Lauren and I both felt like we were stepping right into the comfort our own home.
