Rediscovering Lethbridge After Moving to Ontario

I remember nights at the Movie Mill with $2movies and delicious popcorn. I loved the piping hot round tin foil pans filledwith cheesy lasagna from Top Pizza. The streetlight near the Water Tower Grillthat never turns green late at night. Nobody wanted to drive to the west sideand windy days took one's breath away.

Twelve years after moving back to Ontario,Mom and I drove into Lethbridge on a warm sunny Tuesday afternoon. I wasdelighted to see that many things are the same and, of course, changes here andthere. Was the Real Canadian Superstore always blue outside? When did Casaopen? Downtown Lethbridge is… cool?

Sip, Taste, Explore!

Between visiting family and old friends,Mom and I were eager to explore the city. The Sip, Taste, Explore program wasthe perfect way to do it. It’s an exciting initiative, highlighting small localbusinesses in the Lethbridge area.

Over 30 local businesses take part in Sip,Taste, Explore; many offer discounts. Getting the pass and saving it on yourphone is easy. The hard part is deciding where to go, when, and withwhom.

We kicked things off with dinner at Italian Table. Located in the SandmanSignature Lethbridge Lodge, Italian Table is a sun-filled space. It'swhite and blue and gives off European coastal vibes. The menu has severaltraditional Italian dishes, many of which are shareable. In fact, if you preferfamily-style dining, they have a special menu for that purpose.

Two of Mom's high school friends and theirhusbands joined us for dinner. Seated at a round table in the solarium section,the conversation flowed non-stop. I'm amazed they found time to eat!

We started with pasta chips and dips, whichwere a big hit, as well as bruschetta. I sipped my Italian soda too fast andfound myself ordering another before our mains arrived. Mom loved the lasagna,and I devoured an order of lobster and crab raviolo.

This is why Mom and I are here, toreconnect with family and friends, and spend some time in a city close to herheart.

Sometimes, You Need to Come Home

Mom grew up in Cardston, hanging out inLethbridge on occasion with friends. In the 1960s she moved north to Edmonton,met my dad, got married, and spent the next 40 years moving around Canada. Oneof my parent's last moves was to Lethbridge in the early aughts.

Retired from jobs they loved, they bought asmall house in Parkbridge Estates. Mom wanted to live closer to her mom, and Ilike to think I was an added bonus, having moved to Waterton six months prior.

When Mom and I talked about doing a roadtrip earlier this year, spending time in Lethbridge was at the top of our list.We wanted to revisit the places we loved and see how the city has changed inthe last ten years. Seeing family was important, too. At 79 years of age, and awidow of eight years, Mom craves her family.

On our second day in Lethbridge, I saw thedepth of her need to see family when we arrived at her cousin Connie's house.

Cousins, Coaldale, and Connection

Mom and Connie sat on a bench outside BroxburnVegetables & Cafe, a big wagon wheel behind them. We had spent an houreating the best vegetables I've ever had, sandwiches, and salads. Thehealthiest meal on our month-long road trip.

I want to take a photo of Mom and Connietogether, the cousin besties together again. They lean into each other, headstouching. The smiles stretched across their faces enhance the laugh linesaround their twinkling eyes. Their pure joy of being together radiates throughthe photo on my phone.

I had a full day of Sip, Taste, Exploreplanned, but leaving Connie at home after an hour-long visit felt criminal. So,we brought her with us! First to Broxburn (does anyone want to slide me thatdip recipe?), then off to the Coaldale Bakery. I'm cursing myself for notbuying a second cream-stuffed donut.

Back in Lethbridge, we drove through thestreets downtown, marvelling at the changes. Streets lined with restaurants,cafés, and shops. FestivalSquare, public art, museums, and microbreweries. This is not the LethbridgeI left behind in 2009. I'm loving the city's glow-up.

A Toothsome Food and Drink Scene

Bourbonand Butter was at the top of my restaurant list for Lethbridge. Crispwhite linens cover the tables, there’s a warm atmosphere and an elevated menu.Mom grew up on meat, corn, potatoes, and gravy, this is not the type ofrestaurant she frequents. Another reason for us to go.

The tuna tartare is good, but a tad spicyfor Mom. When the bone marrow brûlée arrives I'm delighted when Mom agrees totry it. It's served with a topping of spicy chimichurri and a stack of crunchycrostini. Mom has a couple of bites, then leaves the rest to me.

I'm proud of her, and while she said it wasgood, I'm thankful she doesn't want more. The striploin I ordered was good, butthe bone marrow still makes my mouth water. The only improvement I'd suggest isoffering soft bread as well to sop up the leftover juices.

Bourbon and Butter is not the onlydelicious destination in Lethbridge. ChefStella Diner is a staple, serving up breakfast platters and bowls,smash burgers and subs. I mean, how can one pass up a fried chicken Frenchtoast sandwich? On the lighter side, BreakMilk & Honey is a serene spot for a breakfast sandwich, and somecoffee or a London fog tea.

While we didn't have time to visit ThePenny Coffee House, I'm so happy to see that it's still thriving. It's a placeI went to often during my time in Lethbridge. There are quite a few placesstill thriving, like the WaterTower Grill, a restaurant known for its steaks.

HickoryStreet was another restaurant that was at the top of my list.Unfortunately, I mixed up the days of the week and they were closed on the daywe tried to go. This is reason enough for me to begin planning another visit toLethbridge. This time solo, with a focus on all things food and drink.

Naturally Lethbridge

It was a hazy day when Mom and I drove downto the HelenSchuler Nature Centre. Opening its doors in 1982, it was once known as theHelen Schuler Coulee Centre. The grounds surrounding the centre's buildingfeature walking and cycling trails. It's rich with flora, and fauna, too.

Visit the Coalbanks Kiosk to learn aboutthe area's coal mining history, and stop to listen to nature. Inside the naturecentre is a lovely community art gallery, as well as an exhibit on the rivervalley. Before leaving, a visit to the living roof is highly recommended.

Nikka YukoJapanese Garden is my favourite escape in Lethbridge. I've spent hourssitting by the ponds, soaking up the beauty of the manicured garden. I admitthe sushi roll public art outside the gate made my heart flutter with joy. Apart of me wants it to be there, always. The rest of the park surroundingHenderson Lake is lovely as well.

Towards the end of our time in Lethbridge,we headed out to TheLilac Row, a U-Pick flower farm. It was early evening and Mom was like akid in a candy store as Charlyn introduced us to her flowers. I sat back andwatched as Mom picked flowers with Charlyn. The Lilac Row holds small groupflower events throughout the summer. Sometimes one around Christmastime, too.

I'm pretty sure we spent too much timethere, but Charlyn is so lovely and generous. She had encouraged us to pickflowers and keep them in mason jars in the car for our ride, but as we left TheLilac Row, another plan formed. Connie. She's losing her eyesight, and whileshe can still see, we want her to enjoy as much of Mother Nature as possible.

Lethbridge, I need to come back!

When I left Alberta in 2010 to travelaround the world, I had no intentions of returning to Lethbridge. I wasstarting a new chapter in my life, one filled with new people, cultures andfood. And as it turns out, a new career, too.

Returning to Lethbridge as a travel writer,with my Mom in tow, gave me a new appreciation for this charming windy city.Spending a couple of days juggling city explorations and family was tougherthan anticipated. And rewarding.

My appetite teased and my heartstringstugged. I'm coming back, there is no question in my mind. The first place I'llgo to is Hickory Street, and then ordering a piping hot cheesy lasagna from TopPizza for a midnight snack (ha!).

It's so easy to take a place for granted,especially where we live. I love that the Sip, Taste, Explore programintroduced us to new places. Not only to Mom and I but to our family andfriends who live in the Lethbridge area.

Small local businesses are the backbone ofa community/town/city. They are its heart and soul. Are you ready to rediscoverthe richness of Lethbridge's food and culture? I'll be with you in spirit asyou do.

‍