PICNICS & PROMENADES: PLAN A PERFECT ROMANTIC DAY
With kids back to school and a summer jam-packed with outdoor adventure behind you, now’s the time to take a breather. Not one with water parks and pizza (you’ve had enough dedicated family time!), but an understated, relaxing retreat for you and your partner. As the weather cools and the leaves start to turn, take advantage of the remaining warm days for some romantic plans. We’ve developed an itinerary of activities for a romantic day. You can also incorporate an overnight stay for more indulgence.
We often think of picnics as primarily a summer activity, but the thought of eating outdoors in the humidity with the sun beating down is likely a deterrent for some. A warm sunny day on the cusp of autumn means you can enjoy the best of summer with more comfortable weather. Even though the main event for a picnic is the food, you don’t have to spend a lot of time coordinating a menu, shopping or packing. Our picnic pick is Sunterra Market.
Sunterra Market located in the Lendrum Shopping Centre is a small gourmet grocery store with impressive catering and meals-to-go offerings. Choose breakfast, lunch, dinner, even snacks and starters from the hot-to-go menu. Your items are ready for curbside pick up within 30 minutes after placing the order online and, voila! Gourmet picnic ready!
Photo Credit: City of Edmonton
After collecting your order at Sunterra Market, head north via 113 Street towards Groat Road to get to your next stop – Hawrelak Park. Named for Edmonton’s longest serving mayor, William Hawrelak, the park features a large lake, open meadows, plentiful weeping willows, and 37 picnic tables for drop in use. You can also reserve a picnic site from May through October. New in 2021, is the Community League Plaza, a covered area on the southeast side of the lake with benches and picnic tables. The park has so many picturesque spots that you’re sure to find a beautiful place to lounge.
Post-picnic, consider a walk down Whyte Avenue in Old Strathcona. Whyte Avenue between 109 Street and Gateway Boulevard is well-known for local shopping and dining. Plus it also straddles the neighbourhoods of Strathcona and Garneau where historic houses and buildings abound. Once you’ve had your fill of shopping, you can go on a history hunt. The Edmonton Historical Board makes it easy with listings by neighbouhood.
Photo credit: @jennieleaphoto via @madebymarcus
Before wrapping up, loop back around to Made by Marcus. A new favourite on Whyte Avenue, Made by Marcus is small-batch ice cream shop. Pop in for a scoop or two of Field Strawberry Buttermilk, Lemon Curd Blueberry, or Malted Chocolate Honeycomb… just some of many regular menu items, or choose a special flavour of the month. From there, follow Calgary Trail one intersection north to Dr. Wilbert McIntyre Park, a small greenspace with a gazebo just down the street from the Old Strathcona Farmer’s Market. Grab a bench and people watch as you enjoy something sweet with your sweetie (too much? Sorry, couldn’t resist!).
This is just a sampling of the wonderful tastes and sights to consider for a romantic day. You can also choose a romantic two-night getaway with the Date Night Deal. It includes dinner for two at the Sorrentino’s Restaurant location of your choice. Take a look at our selections for hotels near by so that you can enjoy all these itinerary suggestions without too much travel time.
Hotels within 4 kilometers:
Best Western Cedar Park Inn
Click for more information!Welcome to this inviting hotel situated along major routes in Edmonton, proudly offering superior customer service and enticing accommodations at an affordable price close to Old Strathcona.
Metterra Hotel on Whyte
Click for more information!This hotel’s elegant and contemporary decor combines the simplistic beauty of natural materials, including wood, water and rock, with sleek custom-designed furnishings and global artifacts.
Campus Tower Suites Hotel
Click for more information!A premier Edmonton hotel which is nestled in the heart of the Garneau district, minutes to downtown and the Ice District. Discover unique dining and shopping options just a short walk from the hotel.
