My Hometown- Edmonton

Totally stole this off of Rachel.

Ah, Edmonton, home to a million people (if you count surrounding communities), Gateway to the North, City of Champions, 2007 Culture Capital of Canada, Festival City, blah, blah, blah.

I have lived here for: 30 years, since I was 3.
I live here because: I don't like change? Oh, and it's generally a great place to raise kids. And the school systems aren't bad for kids with learning disabilities.
My neighbourhood: Bel.me@d, just west of the mall.
My favourite restaurant: Moxies, cause I'm a cheapie. However, if my brother is paying then the Hardware Grill.
If you go be sure to order: at Moxies, the Kitsilano chicken sandwich. Grilled asparagus, yum! Hardware Grill, the smoked salmon.
My favourite museum: The Royal Alberta Museum and the Telus World of Science.
Favourite tourist destination: Whyte Avenue, home to the Orange Hall, plenty of cafes and some great independent shops. And every August, the Fringe.


Best insider spot: Not so sure it's an "insider" spot, but the legislative grounds have fountains and wading pools that are fantastic for kids on a hot summer day.


My favourite area: I love Fort Edmonton Park. It's not as exciting as when as I was a child, but I still think it's a fun day out.


Best place to go shopping: Why, West Edmonton Mall of course, formerly the largest mall in the world. I think there's a bigger one in Japan now. I have met American tourists who didn't actually leave the mall for an entire week. Like literally didn't even step outside. Granted, it was February and that is a generally a freezing cold month.




When you visit don't forget to pack: Your mosquito spray in the summer, toque and mitts in the winter.
The best way to get around: car. If you want to go anywhere. If you're just hanging at the mall then feet are perfect.
If I had to describe this city in one word it would be: uhm, cold? At least in the winter. Usually great in the summer though.
I tell my friends to stay at: my house. What sort of friend would I be if I didn't ask you to stay with me? You might be more comfortable in a hotel though. We're a bit crowded here, but always willing to throw the kids into the basement.
The one thing most outsiders don't know about this city is: it's the Murder Capital of Canada. I think there were 37 murders last year, mostly gang related. What? That doesn't make you want to visit?
They say "Virginia is for lovers." So fill in the blank: "Edmonton is for festival lovers." There's a festival most every week in the summer. Tis a good place in the summer, this Edmonton place.