Love is in the air, and February is the perfect time to reconnect with your sweetheart! We've cooked up three amazing date day itineraries to help you spice things up and keep the spark alive. (Psst... A 2023 survey by the National Marriage Project revealed that couples who have regular dates together report higher levels of relationship quality. Sign us up!?) Whether you're craving a romantic escape, a delicious dinner, or an adventurous outing, the Foothills has you covered, and you don’t have to stray far from Calgary to find your escape.
Option # 1 - Arts & Shopping
The Alberta Foothills offer stunning scenery, charming towns, and plenty of opportunities for cozy moments with your sweetheart. Here's a perfect itinerary for a day trip filled with history, art, and delicious food:
Morning:
History Buffs Unite: Start your day with a dose of history at the Okotoks Museum and Art Gallery. Explore the exhibits together and learn about the fascinating past of this Foothills town. You might even discover some shared interests you never knew you had!
Insta Worthy Lunch: After your museum visit, pop over to the Rose of Sharon. This delightful new restaurant in downtown Okotoks serves up delicious Korean-inspired food in a comfortable setting, making it the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch. Our tip: sample the Eggs in Hell paired with an Einspanner coffee. You won’t regret it.
Afternoon:
Artistic Inspiration: Hop in the car and enjoy a scenic drive along Highway 549 East to the Leighton Art Centre. Get ready for panoramic views of the foothills and the Rocky Mountains. Inside, at the Leighton Art Centre wander through the galleries hand-in-hand, taking in the beautiful artwork and learn about A.C. and Barbara Leighton who built their home and studio on the property in the 1950s.. The romantic setting is sure to inspire conversation and connection.
Literary Delights: Head northwest to Bragg Creek and check out The Best Little Wordhouse In The West. This delightfully stuffed shop is a haven for book lovers, with over 40,000 titles to browse. Lose yourselves in the stacks and find the perfect novel to curl up with.
Playful Fun: No trip to Bragg Creek is complete without a visit to Degraff's Hat Shop. This unique haberdashery offers a wide selection of hats, from classic fedoras to whimsical creations. Try on some hats, have a laugh, and take home the perfect accessory for your next Foothills adventure.
Evening:
Culinary Indulgence: End your day with a romantic dinner at Azuridge's Opal Restaurant. This fine dining establishment offers exquisite cuisine and impeccable service in a stunning setting. Savour the delicious food, enjoy the ambiance, and toast to a perfect day together. Insider tip: ask your server about the story of the marble bar in the foyer. Hint, it’s a reliquary from a Calgary church.
Option #2 - Bevvies & Views
Soak in The Foothills views and local spots with this day trip itinerary bringing you west through Bragg Creek, down into Diamond Valley, stopping into Longview before swinging up to High River.
Morning:
Nature's Embrace: Start your day with a breathtaking visit to Elbow Falls. Marvel at the cascading water and the ice formations on the falls themselves. Take some photos amidst the stunning natural beauty. The fresh air and scenic views are the perfect way to set the tone for a romantic day.
Spirit of the Foothills: Take the scenic route down HWY 762 to arrive in Diamond Valley and head to the Eau Claire Distillery. If you’re there on a Saturday, we highly suggest booking the Eau Claire Distillery Experience tour where you will discover the fascinating process behind their farm to glass handcrafted spirits and the region’s history in rum running. Then, cozy up for a tasting of their award-winning whisky, gin, and vodka. Cheers to love and local flavors!
Fuel Up: While in Diamond Valley, stop for a delicious lunch at Soft Rock Bistro in what the locals still call Black Diamond at 102 Centre Ave. Their poutine menu is renowned, and they make some of the best burgers in the Foothills.
Afternoon:
Longview Saunter: Continue your adventure with a stop in the little Village of Longview. Don’t let the size of the place fool you. This is a culinary mecca with views for days. It’s not called Longview for nothing. A must visit spot in town is The Wild Stuff & Co. with apothecary offerings, leather goods, knives + axes, and serving up locally roasted Black Sheep Coffee and hand blended teas for an afternoon pick me up. No visit to Longview is complete without stocking up on some delicious beef jerky at the legendary Longview Jerky Shop for road trip fuel.
Tea Time: Head east to High River and indulge in a traditional afternoon tea experience. Choose between the British Tea House or the elegant Noble Tea House. Savour delicate finger sandwiches, sweet treats, and a selection of fine teas in a refined setting. It's a delightful way to slow down and enjoy each other's company.
Option # 3 - Adventure Seekers Overnight Date
Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and get into nature with your Valentine. This overnight winter itinerary is perfect for couples seeking adventure, relaxation, and a touch of magic under the starry sky.
Day 1:
Evening Escape: After a busy workday, head west on a short drive to Bragg Creek and leave your worries behind.
Dinner Delights: Settle in for a delicious dinner at either The Bav + Tav, known for its elevated Bavarian fare and beautiful atmosphere, or The Italian Farmhouse, offering a romantic ambiance and authentic Italian cuisine.
Dome Sweet Dome: Check into your unique dome accommodations for the night. Elevated Escapes offers stunning views, cozy interiors, and a touch of magic. Imagine snuggling up with your sweetie under a blanket of stars!
Fat Tire Fun: Embrace the winter wonderland with a fat tire biking adventure on the Bragg Creek Trails. Outbound Elements offers rentals and guided tours and can suggest a trail for any skill level. Explore the snowy landscapes together and enjoy the thrill of flying through the forest.
Horse Lovers' Haven: Head to Moose Mountain Horseback Adventures for a unique winter experience. Enjoy a snowshoe walk through the picturesque trails, then visit the friendly horses and learn about their care. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature and each other.
Curling and Craft Brews: As you swing back north towards Calgary, warm up with a fun and interactive curling session at Hubtown Brewing in Okotoks. Hubtown brews a mix of classic styles and seasonal releases to keep all beer lover pallets entertained. Our current picks: the WIT-ER Wonderland Cranberry Witbier and their award-winning Alberta's Great Out S'mores Milk Stout. Enjoy some friendly competition and sip on delicious craft beers in a lively atmosphere.
Italian Indulgence: End your getaway with a romantic dinner at Amadeo's Italian Bistro. Savour authentic Italian dishes, share a bottle of wine, and reminisce about your winter adventure while planning your next Foothills adventure.
Tips for Romance:
Pack for Warmth: Dress in layers and bring warm accessories like hats, gloves, and scarves. Nothing will kill the fires of romance quicker than frostbite.
Embrace the Cozy: Enjoy the unique ambiance of your dome accommodation and spend quality time together.
Unplug and Connect: Take a break from technology and focus on enjoying each other's company. There may not be any service out in the hills, so be prepared to go dark for a while.
Capture the Magic: Take photos of your snowy adventures and starry nights to create lasting memories. Share to your social media platform of choice and remember to tag us @explorefoothills
These itineraries are just a suggestion. Feel free to customize it to your interests and create a getaway that is uniquely yours while exploring Alberta’s Foothills. The best adventures are those you make for yourselves. The most important thing is to embrace the winter wonderland, enjoy each other's company, and create unforgettable memories in the beautiful Alberta Foothills.
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