Get your bags and wallet ready, it’s time to Go East of Edmonton in search of adventure – a shopping adventure that is! Below, we outline some of the great boutique shopping options available for city dwellers and urban adventurers. Whether you’re looking for crafts, vintage surprises or one-of-a-kind pieces, you’ll be sure to find them just East of Edmonton… Let’s Go!
Antiquing
Start your antique tour with the Den of Antiquity. This Redwater treasure specializes in unique home decor and furnishings that have a country flair. It’s a haven for fans of vintage interior design. Next up, make a day trip to Smoky Lake to visit Bellis Heritage Corner Shop, a shopping vista chock full of things such as rare art collectibles, furniture, china, porcelain and more.
Retail
Calling out all shopping lovers! The time has come for us to fulfill our winter retail destinies. Our first stop is the appropriately named Nook in the Woods, located in Thorhild County. This place is an emporium of unique, artisanal goods. We’re talking salts, jewellery, do-it-yourself cheese kits, craft beer brewing kits, a huge array of tea and dried food. Then there are baby clothes, over four hundred scarves and shawls, and plenty of adult clothing. Not enough? There’s home decor, camping gear, gift items and basket arrangements. It’s the place to go when you have no clue what you’re looking for – the answers tend to be found in a nook in the woods.
Fashionistas will find plenty of unique fun at UnBoutiqued in Strathcona County. Keep up with the latest in trends and treat your closet right with a visit to this awesome ladies’ shop. Doesn’t it feel Fabulous to look freshly dressed at all times?!
Floral fans and home decor lovers should check out Budding Ideas in Killam. There’s a wide selection of fresh flowers with unique flower arrangements sure to impress. Whether you want a bouquet or an elaborate arrangement, they are sure to take your breath away. You can also find gorgeous prints, purses, bath products, toys and other gifts you may need for that special someone.
Farmers’ Markets
Just because summer is over doesn’t mean your weekend farmers’ market excursions have to end! You’ll be happy to know some markets East of Edmonton have moved indoors to seek refuge from the winter cold, providing fresh produce and paraphernalia for all. Every Saturday morning until the very end of December, you’ll find ample goods from regional farmers at the Bonnyville Centennial Center (4313 50 Avenue). If that’s not enough to satisfy your fix for artisanal gifts and unique local fare, you can find another indoor market on Tuesday afternoons at the nearby Bonnyville Beaver River Fish and Game Building (4402 54 Avenue).
The Cold Lake Exhibition Park Agriplex (4608 – 38 Ave) hosts markets on Thursdays from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM, offering fantastic treats such as fresh Prairie Berry pies and local, homemade jars of honey to sample and crafts to peruse but you’ll want to hurry up – the last market takes place on September 27th!
Arts and Crafts
East of Edmonton, we’re incredibly lucky to be surrounded by awesome craft shops and boutique stores offering plenty of local flavor.
Out in Holden lies the Gallery, a former church turned cultural center dedicated to the education, support and promotion of Holden-area artists. September 29th sees the Gallery host the “Fall for the Country Life,” celebrating all things rural living. There’ll be live entertainment along with a talk on the self-esteem of rural youth.
If you ever wanted to fly the coop, your chance is now thanks to Mundare’s Chicken Coop. What started off as a place to share a love of crafts has transformed into a great boutique for craft needs and home decor. Sign up for quilting classes and stock up on all your winter sewing needs! Head out to Vegreville to visit the Ceramic Cottage, a refuge for fans of all things ceramic. Whether you’re looking for beautiful Ukrainian gifts for the home or need a new porcelain dinnerware set to impress the family with, you’ll definitely find it here. It’s the oldest and largest manufacturer of Ukrainian ceramic gifts, finally proving that amazing things do come in little packages.
Elsewhere in the region, you’ll find The Gallery @ 501 in Strathcona County, a great resource for new talent and fantastic work. Between now and October 21, Edmonton artist Paul Freeman will be displaying his series “On The Antlers of a Dilemma,” a work exploring thoughts about excess, scarcity and natural resources in a mixed media environment. If you’ve got the artist itch, you’ll be pleased to know The Gallery offers a wide variety of art classes for adults and children!
Why not make a road trip out of your shopping adventure!? Need a place to stay?!
Here’s a few great ideas…
Lamont Heartland Hotel
Vegreville Pomeroy
Smoky Lake Super 8
Redwater Paradise Inn
Cold Lake Waterfront Harbour Bed & Breakfast
Cold Lake Hamilton House
Cold Lake Marriott Hotel at Casino Dene
Sherwood Park Hotels
Sherwood Park – Park Center & Hotel
Canalta Hotels
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