Calgary residents are slowly discovering the charm of the shops, cafes and restau­rants on Edmonton Trail, specifically between Memorial Drive and 16th Avenue N.E. Stroll down this busy section of road and you will discover family businesses with fas­cinating history, delicious food and drinks, fine furniture and accessories for your home and a mix of character homes and sleek new condo buildings.

The most prominent condo development in the area is, of course, The Bridges in Bridgeland, located along 1st Avenue N.E. This development features eight condo projects by five developers in its first phase, with four more buildings to come in the upcoming second phase. A trademark of the development is its street-level retail and commercial spaces, an attempt to maintain and even enhance the walkability and community of the area. It is hard to discern the best part of the experience of shopping on Edmonton Trail—the great buys, or the friendly atmosphere in the businesses.

Starting at the north end of the strip, shoppers won’t want to miss Prairie Dog Dig/Little Red Hen, a hidden treasure in and of itself. One side of this quaint shop features unique pieces by local artisans, ranging from jewelry to garden accents to gifts and more, while the other side showcases a variety of antiques and collectibles that would bring a one-of-a-kind touch to any home.

A couple of blocks south, stop in for a cup of coffee and a bite to eat at Garden’s Grace, owned by sisters Maureen O’Brien and Dianne O’Brien Davis. Located in a beautiful old home, this coffee shop/garden shop features home and garden accents such as chimes, candles, fountains, statues, mailboxes and a variety of gifts, as well as children’s rocking chairs. The menu is under expansion, with more lunch and breakfast options available, and baked goods are made fresh by the sisters each morning—some even include homegrown goodness, like rhubarb fresh from the garden.

Metro Element offers a more modern option, representing lines such as Maxwell Williams whiteware and kitchen goods and Umbra kitchen and home accessories, as well as a selection of contemporary furniture, and flowers.

Owner Christina Loc says she chose to open on Edmonton Trail because she “thought it was an up-and-coming area,” a hunch which seems to be proving correct two years later as foot traffic, presumably thanks in part to condo development in the area, increases.

Notably for condo owners, Metro Element specializes in smaller-scale furniture, perfect for a condo setting. One of the designers they carry bases all his designs on what will fit into his own 1,000-square-foot condo.

The Zinck Trading Company specializes in fair-trade, hand-made, Indonesian art, furniture and home décor. Distinctive rattan and teak pieces serve as both conversation pieces and comfortable additions to the home. The fact that they are ethically purchased is, of course, not the least of buying considerations.

At Zinck, buyers have options of opulent cush-ions, elegant art, folksy accessories and much more.

If you are hungry after all that walking, con­-sider stopping in at one of the four eateries along Edmonton Trail owned by Dwayne and Alberta Ennest, the Urban Baker, Diner Deluxe, Big Fish or Open Range, each offering a unique and delicious menu. You could also check out newly opened Noon or one of many cultural experi-ences or fast options.

At the bottom of the hill, the crux, perhaps, of the shopping district is the mainstay Alberta Home Interiors, along with Eisenbergs’ Fine Furniture and Roxton House, all owned by the local Eisenberg family. These three fine furniture retailers offer a range of choices in quality home furnishings, whether you’re looking for classic designs, Canadian-made solid wood pieces, or the best that money can buy.

Alberta Home Interiors, originally named Alberta Furniture, boasts a rich history in the area. The store is celebrating its 88th year in Calgary, and in the same building, though the site has seen some changes over the years.

Located in the Market Square Design building since 1919, the store has expanded into areas that were previously a livery and an owners’ suite among others. It now comprises four levels in all, with leather furniture in the basement, sofas and other furniture on the main floor, a split-level second floor with a wide variety of furnishings including wares for the bedroom, living and din­ing room, and a third-floor with clearance items. A second section of second floor, accessible by a separate staircase, houses children’s furniture.

Look closely, or ask a salesperson at Alberta Home Interiors, and you may see an original staircase, or Jack Eisenberg’s office just as it was left decades ago when he retired.
Eisenbergs’ Fine Furniture, across the street, showcases flawless, opulent pieces in a range of styles. Featuring lines such as Baker and Century, Eisenbergs’ represents the finest quality furniture available in Western Canada.

At Roxton House, on the west side of Edmon­ton Trail, shoppers will find solid wood furni­ture made in Canada, from beds and armoires to dining room tables and chairs, plus all the smaller pieces you might need for your home. In all, the three stores boast 65,000 square-feet of showroom space.

The historic de Waal building is the last stop on the Edmonton Trail design tour. This Calgary landmark, also known as the Poffenroth Block in honour of its original owner, was completed in 1910 and the red brick building has stood along Edmonton Trail since.

Inside, Hako Cabinets occupies a space preserved in the name of history, with original tin ceiling still in place. Featuring a stylish selection of custom cabinets for kitchens and bathrooms, Hako also offers a tantalizing variety of personalized options such as pull-up mix master shelves; plate organizers for drawers; built-in recycle bins, dog food bins and garbage bins; pantry pull outs and much more.

Area residents or visitors can get their snack and espresso fix and browse genuine Italian-made kitchen accessories at the friendly A Touch of Italy, also in the de Waal block.
This family-owned business offers quality espresso machines and assorted kitchen equipment; cooking and dining ware; and Italian food products, featur­ing items that owner Lorenzo Lecce says cannot be found anywhere else in the city.

The laid-back atmosphere in this shop is thanks in large part to the friendly, family-like service as well as the complementary espresso (delicious!), and Lecce relates that customers gather there on Saturdays to visit.

Next time you pass through the Bridgeland/Crescent Heights area, don’t just drive through. Stop and browse awhile—chances are you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Shopping on Edmonton Trail

A Touch of Italy – Italian-made espresso machines, kitchen accessories and foods.

#8, 606 Meredith Road N.E.
www.atouchofitaly.ca

Alberta Home Interiors – featuring a wide range of mid- to high-end furniture.
102 4th Street N.E.
www.albertahomeinteriors.com

Eisenbergs’ Fine Furniture – offering fine quality, high-end furniture.
77 Edmonton Trail N.E.
www.eisenbergs.ab.ca

Flower Fusion – floral arrangements for your home and special occasions.
927 General Avenue N.E. (at the Piazza), http://www.flowerfusion.biz

Garden’s Grace – featuring breakfast, lunch, snacks and coffee bar plus home and garden accessories and gifts.
1002 Edmonton Trail N.E.

Grasmere Garden and Floral Inc.
116 7A Street N.E.

Hako Cabinets – custom kitchen and bathroom cabinets.

32 4th Street N.E.
www.hakocabinets.com

Metro Element – carries furniture, kitchen and bath accessories and flowers.
832 Edmonton Trail N.E.,
www.metroelement.com

Odds & End Carpet –
619 Edmonton Trail N.E.

Roxton House – dealing exclusively in Canadian solid wood furniture.
39 4th Street N.E.

Zinck Trading Company – fair-trade, handmade Indonesian furniture and home décor. 
808 Edmonton Trail N.E.
www.zincktrading.com

Dining on Edmonton Trail

Big Fish – inspired seafood.
1112 Edmonton Trail N.E.,
www.big-fish.ca

Boogies Burgers – legendary Calgary burger joint.
908A Edmonton Trail N.E.

Country Kitchen Restaurant
824 Edmonton Trail N.E.

Diner Deluxe – delicious, nutritious diner fare in a retro setting.
804 Edmonton Trail N.E.

Il Sogno – an elegant Italian dining experience.
24 4th Street N.E.

Joshua Tree Café – yummy coffee and snacks.
805 Edmonton Trail N.E.

Noon – specializing in lunches.
709 Edmonton Trail N.E.

Open Range – unique western cuisine.
1114 Edmonton Trail N.E.

Urban Baker – organic handmade breads and baked goods.   
802 Edmonton Trail N.E.