Exotic and tropical destinations don't always top the list of get-away ideas; in fact the buzz around town this season is about local attractions, weekend and day trips. Does this sound familiar? Guests visiting from out of town are thrilled about the attractions in your community; you reply in agreement while silently wondering why it's been years since you planned a day-trip close to home yourself?
It could be the economy, possibly family responsibilities are keeping us near home this year or maybe we're just noticing the possibilities (and excellent photo ops) in our own back yards!
Attractions near Alberta Retirement Communities
Lethbridge: Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden
If you're visiting Lethbridge or considering retirement in southern Alberta, a beautiful attraction is the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden. You may be surprised to find this oasis of tranquility only a fifteen-minute drive from Columbia Retirement Community (785 Columbia Blvd. West, Lethbridge, Alberta).
The Japanese Garden was established in 1967 Canada's Centennial, to recognize Japanese citizens and their culture. The contribution of Japanese citizens to the multi-cultural community of southern Alberta was the foundation for this symbol of friendship between Canada and Japan.
The Nikka Yuko Gardens are a gathering place where Japanese and Canadian cultures meet in the form of events and activities on weekends, traditional tea ceremonies and art exhibits. Respected garden designer and landscape architect Tadeshi Kubo of Osaka Prefecture University designed the gardens with authenticity and in writing about the gardens I cannot do justice to their tranquil beauty. On a day when you need time to meditate and experiencing the Zen quality of the gardens, pack a book and an extra camera battery and enjoy the Nikka Yuko Gardens.
Edmonton: Devonian Gardens
Still in Alberta and just 35 minutes from Ironwood Estates (40 Ironwood Point, St. Albert, Alberta) is the Devonian Botanic Garden. The Devonian Gardens - part of the University of Alberta offer nearly 200 acres of display gardens and natural ecological preserves to explore. The greenhouses, indoor butterfly gardens, plus the Kurimoto Japanese Garden give nature lovers and plant enthusiasts a lot to discover. Plan to spend more than a few hours in the idyllic gardens and again, don't forget the camera.
Churchill Manor (5815 34th Avenue Edmonton) is about 35 Km from the Devonian Gardens and if you haven't already planned a day trip to the gardens, I can offer personal assurance of an enjoyable day.
Calgary: Heritage Park
Heritage Park Historical Village (1900 Heritage Drive SW, Calgary) is an authentic representation of Canada's old West. The rides in the antique midway, the town's buildings, the train cars and the contents and artifacts are an incredible collection brought together to give visitors an experience of days gone by. Walk through the homes furnished as they were 100 years ago, pick up fresh baked cookies at the general store and ride the paddle wheeler on Glenmore Reservoir. This summer, jump in on the scavenger hunt while exploring the corners of the park in a 100 Years of History celebration. Pick up a Guide to the Past at the admission gate and experience the day.
Canyon Meadows, a Holiday Retirement Community (12 Deerview Terrace SE, Calgary) is twenty minutes from Heritage Park. An outing to the historic village is most enjoyably spent with friends or family, and next time visitors are in from out of town, memories of this outing will be worthy of their own photo album.
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