Date weekend ideas in calgary

[flamesrule14]

Hey guys. The girlfriend treated me to tickets to the oiler/flames game this weekend for Christmas. So we are making the drive down from Edmonton on Friday night. She's not a huge hockey fan so I'm looking for some suggestions on things to do Saturday before the game that she might enjoy doing. We are staying downtown. Sandman city centre to be exact. Would love to stay downtown or close if possible as neither of us know the city much at all. Any good suggestions for a "date day" for us? Anything going on this weekend in Calgary that two people mid 20s would enjoy? Going to Chinook mall and letting her go shopping is kinda my last resort. I'd prefer to find something better that we would both enjoy. Any suggestions or ideas would be appreciated. Thanks.

[prarieboy]

Skating at Olympic Plaza? You can shop downtown, no need to go to Chinook.

[DomeFoam]

Just the fact that you will be in Calgary and not Edmonton should suffice

[calgarygeologist]

If possible you should find a different hotel to stay at. The Sandman downtown is such a dump.

[undercoverbrother]

Shopping in the core, Glenbow museum, science centre (by train), hop the train to U of C and skate at the oval, finally room service and a day of sex

[Regulator75]

Chicken on the way (basement).

[Boblobla]

There are a ton of spas in the hotels downtown, as part of my anniversary for my wife we went for a couples massage and it was pretty awesome. Depending on your work benefits it might even be covered, I was able to get mine paid for...

It lead nicely into the sexytime later in the evening.

[Bigtime]

^^^ Stillwater Spa at the Hyatt (which is adjacent to the centre street LRT stop) would do the trick for her. Awesome place.

If you do bring skates down head over to Olympic Plaza and do some skating. Check out The Core mall downtown and the Devonian Gardens (not as nice as they were pre-reno, but with the forecast of around -12 Saturday they'll be a nice oasis).

Go have some oysters at Catch and the Oyster Bar on Stephen avenue (attached to the Hyatt hotel too).

Since you are staying at the Sandman go visit a famous piece of Calgary just across 7th avenue from you, Crackmacs! Or, just walk south and head under the CP tracks into the Beltline neighbourhood and 17th avenue, lots to see and do down there too.

[Northendzone]

Originally Posted by calgarygeologist

If possible you should find a different hotel to stay at. The Sandman downtown is such a dump.

not by edmonton standards......to the OP - fanny packs are not really in style here in Calgary - so you'll have to wear swetpants with pockets in them

zoo could be an option if you don't mind being outside in the cooler weather

[calf]

Originally Posted by undercoverbrother

science centre (by train),

The science centre is up by the zoo now, so a little bit out of the way, but still on the c-train line. But it's still a good place to go if you have time.

[DuffMan]

my suggestion - idb

my question - So, you are a Flames fan, but haven't been to Calgary very much? are you a born and grew up in Edmonton person, but cheer for the Flames? If so, that's awesome.

[Brewmaster]

You could go for a bobsleigh ride at COP if it's not already booked for Saturday. It's not cheap ($175) but would definitely be an experience!

[GreenLantern]

I usually stay at Hotel Arts when I come to Calgary, good location near the Dome and other things. Prices are usually reasonable as well and rooms are always clean/quiet.

Calgary Tower is a fun tourist activity, and you would be surprised how much time you can kill up there.

[shermanator]

Lots of good restaurants along Stephen Avenue on the East side of downtown. I would recommend Divino's as it is great food for a relatively decent price. Another suggestion is Wine Oh's on first street. IIRC they have a jazz bar in the basement that plays on weekends.

[lazypucker]

Came in for the Chicken on the Way suggestion, left satisfied...

[JiriHrdina]

Inglewood is a neat little community - if you like anitquing and what not - it can be fun. Hit Dragon Pearl for lunch and order the pan fried won tons.

[DoubleF]

Originally Posted by GreenLantern

Calgary Tower is a fun tourist activity, and you would be surprised how much time you can kill up there.

Also, you can forgo the elevator ticket cost if you decide to have lunch or dinner there. Just phone in a reservation. The food is a little over priced, but with the free trip up, it comes out pretty reasonable overall.

[socktape]

Originally Posted by JiriHrdina

Inglewood is a neat little community - if you like anitquing and what not - it can be fun. Hit Dragon Pearl for lunch and order the pan fried won tons.

Get a reservation at the Blues Can or the Ironwood for some live music. both have decent food or there are plenty of good places to eat in Inglewood.

[Huntingwhale]

Feed and bathe the homeless

[octothorp]

Originally Posted by DoubleF

Also, you can forgo the elevator ticket cost if you decide to have lunch or dinner there. Just phone in a reservation. The food is a little over priced, but with the free trip up, it comes out pretty reasonable overall.

Yeah, lunchtime is particularly reasonable, especially if you aren't drinking alcohol:
Calgary tower admission: $18.
Calgary tower admission and decent gourmet hamburger: $17.