Girls Getaway

Edmonton has plenty of fun for a girls’ weekend! From learning new cooking techniques, indulging in some quality “you time” at the spa, shopping at the infamous West Edmonton Mall – the world’s largest shopping and entertainment centre – or strolling down Whyte Ave – voted one of Canada’s five best shopping neighbourhoods, known for its boutiques, bars and eateries:  Edmonton is the perfect getaway for you and your friends.

SHOPPING

If shopping is a passion, Edmonton is your destination. Both Old Strathcona and West Edmonton Mall are excellent shopping meccas with great selections of exclusive and one-of-a-kind stores. Other local gems are the High Street area (minutes from the downtown core) where you'll find distinctive jewellery, giftware, home decor and fashion items. Other hot spots include downtown Edmonton where Edmonton City Centre transforms three city blocks into a retail destination of more than 170 stores and services. For shoppers who savour the big-box store experience – from fashion to electronics and more – Edmonton rolls out another North American retail milestone. South Edmonton Common weighs in as North America’s largest open-air retail development.

Sophies Rubies Shopping Tours: Enjoy chauffeured comfort and a personal shopping guru!  Discover amazing boutiques and the most exquisite one of-a-kind gems that showcase Edmonton's local talent as well as world renowned designers. Enjoy five-star service with royal attention to detail on a customized shopping tour.

Telephone: 780.901.3178
Website: www.sophiesrubies.com

Bamboo Ballroom: Among several new additions to the Whyte Avenue area this store is a standout, rolling fashion and beauty into one tidy concept. Up front you’ll find cool Canadian labels like Covet, House of Spy and Industry, plus in-store line Suka Designs. In the back stylists and estheticians make sure your hair and skin are worthy of your new duds.

Telephone: 780.439.1363
Website: www.bambooballroom.com

Colour Blind: This trendy shop features a selection of street, contemporary, urban and leisure wear for both men and women. Brands include Ben Sherman, Domino, Gsus, Kangol, KenzieGirl, Oakley, Sang Real Jeans and more.

Telephone: 780.431.0981
Website: www.colourblindonwhyte.com

Gravity Pope: Gravity Pope is a popular and successful street side store in Old Strathcona, with a second location on Gateway Blvd. Gravity Pope provides much of western Canada with fashionable footwear and clothing. From grunge Dr. Martens to raver style platform shoes, Gravity Pope has built a reputation for keeping up with and staying ahead of fashion trends.

Telephone: 780.439.1637 (Old Strathcona); 780.988.1637 (Gateway Blvd)
Website: www.gravitypope.com

KAJ Clothing: KAJ Clothing is a unique 1,200 square foot space located in a trendy and upscale area of Edmonton. Downtown’s 124 Street provides style and character in the different shops that it showcases, and in the unique variety of products and items that are provided. KAJ Clothing stands out among these retailers as being the young and trendy place to shop for longer length styles with unique detailing and main stream branding.

Telephone: 780.702.7122
Website: www.kajclothing.ca

Maggie Walt Design: Edmonton designer Maggie Walt presents a fusion of East meets West with rich and exotic textiles that create unique pieces. Original jewellery, shoes and accessories are also offered.

Telephone: 780.482.1238
Website: www.maggiewalt.com

Red Ribbon: This cozy yet trendy boutique carries an eclectic mix of men’s and women’s clothing, accessories, jewellery, framed photographs, handbags, vases, coffee table books and bath products.

Telephone: 780.454.4336
Website: www.redribbon.ca

INDULGE IN ACTIVITIES

Blunt Salon’s Friday Night Blowouts: Get your girls together and stop by Blunt Salon, downtown, for their Bi-Monthly "Friday Night Blowout". Catered to women who want to get dolled up before a special night on the town, Blunt Salon’s Friday Night Blowout includes hair styling ((straightened, curled, teased etc.) and makeup touchups. The service costs $40 to $60 per person and includes a complimentary glass of wine.  (Blunt Salon opened April 2009.)

Telephone: 780.498.1899
Website: www.bluntsaloninc.com

Chocolate Tastings at Chocolate Exquisite: Chocolate Exquisite is dedicated to the manufacture of high quality, hand moulded European style chocolates. Join them for a chocolate tasting of 20 different samples including: 18 single origins of which ten are 1er cru de plantation, plus two special blends of 85% and 99% cocoa mass. One port and four dessert wines will accompany the French chocolate.

Telephone: 780.488.7852
Website: www.chocolateexquisite.com

d’Lishious meal d’signs: d'Lish is Edmonton's first urban meal assembly studio. What makes d'Lish a truly unique studio is the focus on local fresh produce and organic meat and dairy products. D’Lish has fabulous packages with MUD Salon and Spa (Modern Urban Designers) - urban stagettes, new mom survival kits...the list is extensive.

Telephone: 780.482.2242
Website: www.dlish.ca

Wine Tastings at deVine Wines: Located just off Jasper Avenue, in the historic Birks Building in Edmonton's downtown heritage zone, this store offers old world sophistication with a dose of urban chic. Original plaster moldings, warm wood fixtures, Italian tiles, Spanish sconces, designer drapes, high ceilings, oversized windows and elegant lighting set the mood. Consumer education is a main focus at deVine. Participate in one of the many in-store tastings and seminars offered on a weekly basis, there are top 10 wine samplings, high end Canadian Wines, Zinfandels, Malbecs or for something stronger participate in a Cask Strength Whisky tasting.

Telephone: 780.421.9463
Website: www.devinewines.ca

Girls Day Out, AHAVA Day Spa: We all need to be pampered and this package is great for a group of women. It includes a one-hour body massage, lunch, a spa manicure and a spa pedicure.

Telephone: 780.439.7079
Website: www.ahavacanada.ca

La Cucina Italiana Cooking Classes at Sorrentinos: At Sorrentino’s they know this old proverb is tried and true: he who eats well eats Italian! Sorrentino’s hopes to share the secrets of Italian cooking through their La Cucina Italiana Cooking Classes. Besides the rich and varied flavours of Italian cuisine, Italian cooking offers endless opportunities for creativity! Don’t forget the most important ingredients for an Italian meal with girlfriends – a glass of wine and lively conversation!

Telephone: 780.477.2789
Website: www.sorrentinos.com

MP Stables: MP Stables is open year round and proudly offers formal carriages for special events: hay, wagon, cutter and sleigh rides. Horseback riding services are available anywhere in Edmonton and surrounding areas, or drive out to MP Stables and enjoy the picnic and bonfire areas that provide a peaceful, picturesque country location.

Telephone: 780.973.3352
Website: www.mpstables.com

Seasoned Solutions Cooking with Gail Hall:  Seasoned Solutions focuses on local and regional Alberta ingredients. Gail hopes to impart her passion, knowledge and life-long love affair with food to others. Classes are held in Gail’s private loft kitchen in the historic warehouse district of downtown Edmonton. The cooking classes are fun, educational and inspirational - great for special occasion celebrations or just to spend time with a group of friends. Private classes for groups of six or eight can also be arranged.

Telephone:  780.437.0761
Website: www.seasonedsolutions.ca

STAY AND ENJOY

Citadel Theatre Package, Campus Tower Suite Hotel: Come stay at Campus Tower Suite Hotel and enjoy an evening of theatre. This package includes one night’s accommodation at the Campus Tower Suite Hotel, two tickets to a performance at the Citadel Theatre and parking at the hotel overnight. For more details on any of the shows, please visit the Citadel Theatre website at www.citadeltheatre.com.

Telephone: 780.439.6060
Website: www.campustower.com

Girls’ Night In Package, The Coast Edmonton Plaza Hotel and AHAVA Day Spa: Enjoy a getaway with the girls during a one night stay in a superior guestroom. Each guest receives a spa gift, $50 credit towards a spa treatment at the AHAVA Day Spa, and a bottle of wine to share. End the night by enjoying a complimentary in-room movie and fresh popcorn, plus receive a 25% discount on AHAVA Spa products.

Telephone: 780.423.4811
Website: www.coastedmontonplaza.com 

Newman Country Retreat Farm (Carvel, AB): Walking and enjoying nature provides a sense of calm and tranquility as we rediscover ourselves. Rejuvenate with healing workshops, crafts, meditation and energy workshops, Reiki sessions, channeling or astrology reading or just enjoy the nature hikes or the Labyrinth. The farm has a holistic health and well being philosophy. Participants can relax and enjoy strolling, swimming and working on the farm in this serene environment.

Telephone: 780.892.2910
Website: www.heartbeatangels.com

Shop at IKEA, Edmonton Marriott: Shop ‘til your heart’s content and unwind in the comfort of your guest room at the end of the day. Package includes: deluxe guest bedroom, $50 IKEA gift card for each night stayed, complimentary shuttle to West Edmonton Mall and parking.

Telephone: 780.484.2121
Website: www.edmontonmarriott.com 

Village Creek Country Inn & Essentials Spa & Wellness (Pigeon Lake, AB): Nestled among the evergreens, guests will discover a picturesque boardwalk of country shops, beautiful beaches at the Pigeon Lake Provincial Park and a great chance to unwind. Check out the ‘Pyjama Party’ package which is ideal for a girls’ night out!  This package includes one night’s accommodation, with a movie rental and a pizza. Re-energize your body, mind & spirit with a choice of treatments: Botanical Pedicure, Organically Eminent Facial, Aromatic Body Scrub, or Aroma Massage. 

Telephone: 780.586.2332
Website: www.villagecreekcountryinn.com


FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Kelly Bertoncini
Travel Media Relations Manager, External Relations
780.969.0481
kbertoncini@edmonton.com

Bin Lau
Director of Communications, External Relations
780.969.0463
blau@edmonton.com

Jenifer Christenson
Executive Director, External Relations
780.917.7890
jchristenson@edmonton.com