Don’t be too intimidated if it’s a frosty day—there are some delightful coffee shops and eateries to pop into and warm your hands and tummy as you go along.

Marda Loop’s main drag is along 33 Avenue, with 34 Avenue worth being explored while you’re at it. Within a few steps is Garrison Woods, which also has some places of interest to try out.

“Some years ago, this area was just like many other strip malls across the city. Now, thanks to a number of exceptional community-minded merchants, the BRZ has helped it become one of the most fun and friendliest places to be!” states the area’s website (www. mardaloopbrz.com).

Earth’s Oven has passed the test of endurance, treating Marda Loop with a delectable selection of organic and gluten-free baked goods for five years now. Both oven-fresh yummies as well as hard-to-track-down boxed goods like cereals and crackers are stocked at this one-stop gluten-free shop. Earth’s Oven’s wares are avail­able both for retail or wholesale, with their most popular seller being their breads, according to co-owner Mandy Chin. While this store offers great variety for those with intolerance, those without will enjoy it too. Swing by and try a gingersnap snowman, $2.50.

No time to cook, but are appalled by the thought of fast food? Red Tree Kitchen may be the answer you’re looking for. The eatery stocks scrumptious high-end takeout food made on the premises, from soups, appetizers, dips and pates to mouth-watering entrees or sweets and treats to die for. Thai marinated organic bison flank steak, anyone? Or madras butter chicken on coconut lemongrass rice, if your taste buds prefer—which along with the yellow beet salad is Red Tree’s top seller, assures co-owner Susan Hopkins. Keep your favourites in mind for the next time you entertain as Red Tree also does catering. If you happen to be in the neighbourhood, stop by around 11 a.m. as the kitchen’s bread and baguettes come fresh out the oven. As an added bonus, Red Tree has a delightful selection of classy tableware, glassware, sauces and condiments and decorative elements like candles. “The tableware flies out of here,” says Hopkins of the artful crockery. A single dish is available from as little as a couple dollars, to a full set for $120. Barenaked oil burning candles are another popular option from $18 to $28.

Doo-dads is the ultimate women’s store. Recently moved from 34 Avenue to a bigger space on 33 Avenue, charismatic owner Dale O’Quinn says the new space gives her room to have fun with what she brings in. Fashion, jewellery, accessories, giftware and interior trimmings are available under this bustling roof, with some-thing to tempt just about anyone. The idea behind the store, says O’Quinn, is a place for women to find something to treat themselves without breaking the bank. Aside from the fresh, funky jewelery and accessories, there are some quirky touches to add some spunk to your home. Try the Bubble Scrubber ($6.99), a dish brush that lets you blow bubbles while you do the dishes, or Hot Heads oven mitts ($12.99), critters that can take the heat and add a little colour to your kitchen. A creative spoon rest will cradle your ladle for $9.99. For the bathroom, Doo-dads offers some delect-able soaps and lotions—or, for the younger occupants of your home—an entertaining toothbrush holder.

When looking for that unique something to tie a room together, Wanderlust would be a great place to start. Owner Cheryl Kelly imports fashion, jewellery and home decor from around the world to give your home an international flair. “There are a lot of unique pieces,” says Kelly, “if they’re not hard to find, then (they’re) one of a kind.” The busy little store is crammed full with an impressive array of original art (paintings, wall hanging and sculptures); ornaments; crockery and decor such as candles and holders (of any size and description); mirrors and picture frames from South Eastern Asia, Thailand, Nepal and Indonesia. Be the only marm on the block with a ceramic teapot shaped like an elephant for $24.99, or impress your dinner guests with a funky sushi set. Throw a psychedelic tea party with a neon blue and pink reflective Alice’s tea set. Add a touch of reverence to your home with a Buddha sculpture, or, for something different, pick out an authentic drum.

A little off the beaten path of the main drag is Home Grown Crafts, a treasure chest hidden within the heart of Marda Loop. This co-operatively run store offers what you need to give your home a touch of homestead, with handmade crafts from a range or artisans. “(People) come for the uniqueness of the store, and the fact that everything’s handmade,” says Rosemary Bennett, one of Home Grown’s crafters. “You just can’t find the stuff you find here anywhere else in the city,” she adds. Woodwork, knitting, glassware and patchwork items are available, among a variety of others, each individually crafted.

Artful “quillows” (on sale for $39.95) are a great addition to the lounge or bedroom this time of year. An attractive pillow can unfold into a snuggly quilt with this innovative creation, available in a variety of one-of-a-kind designs. Tired of dollar-store kitchen cloths that might as well be disposable due to their shabby quality? Try the real deal, with knitted or crocheted kitchen towels or dishcloths at affordable prices. Make the most of the winter sunshine hours by placing a stained-glass ornament hanging in the window to catch some light, available in every shape or pattern you could imagine. Hand-painted glassware, crockery, carved trays, toys, original art and more are available at incredibly reasonable prices to give your condo an authentic, homey feel.

There are also fascinating clothing stores for your exploration in the area, as well as the top-notch A Store for Dogs and Their Companions if you want to get something to pamper your pooch, or if it’s yourself you’re looking to pamper, Vanity Boutique Spa, which offers a selection of cosmetics and indulgences along with spa services. There are also flower shops, framing and art and a Hallmark store in the area.

The Marda Loop community is only continuing to grow, with many trendy new condos popping up around the older homes. Garrison Woods is the major development situated around the BRZ. The patrician character and building styles hark to the historicity of the area, while enhancing the quaint, tree-lined surrounds. Condos at Ypres Green feature townhomes built in a colonial style by Artisan Homes, facing on to Ypres Green Park. With a more contemporary feel are double-story Patricia Landing townhomes with a loft level, by Statesman. Staywell Manor at Garrison Woods is a lifestyle-oriented seniors community. Condos are by Statesman and The Manor Village Life Center. The Resiance Corporation has two condo complexes in the heart of the BRZ, Marda Loop Condominiums and Gateway Garrison Woods, both off 34 Avenue. If you’re interested in the area but have realized the limited availability, it may interest you to know a new development nearby in the Currie Barracks by the Canada Lands Company, a follow up to Garrison Woods and Garrison Green, should have a variety of home style offerings as well as a host of retail and live/work spaces. 

Who, what and ware to find it:

A Store for Dogs and Their Companions
3538 Garrison Gate S.W.
www.urbandogmarket.com

Doo-dads
Fresh Fashion, jewellery,
accessories and giftware
2133-33 Avenue S.W.

Earth’s Oven
Organic, gluten-free bakery
2133B – 33 Avenue S.W.
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Hallmark
3510 Garrison Gate S.W.

Home Grown Crafts
3514 -19th Street S.W.
www.homegrowncrafts.ca

Red Tree Catering and Kitchen
High-end takeout, catering and tableware
2129 33 Avenue S.W.
www.redtreecatering.com

Vanity
A Boutique Spa
3518 Garrison Gate S.W.

Wanderlust
Jewellery, clothes and handicrafts from around the world
109, 2205 33 Avenue S.W.