Essential Calgary Magazine 2018 | Page 49

Kensington Portrait of Calgary Our cityscape is rich in eclectic neighbourhoods, historic treasures and exciting new possibilities around every corner by michaela ritchie illustrations by sofia elidrissi It should come as no surprise that this neighbourhood is much beloved by the artistic community when the oldest building in the area is an art-house movie theatre. Built in the 1920s, the Plaza Theatre sits in the midst of Kensington’s primary junction, right next door to what was once the Calgary Public Library’s first branch—now Pages bookstore. Between these two pop culture hubs, hundreds of creative events are hosted in Kensington each year, from readings of prose and poetry by local authors, to screenings of cult classic films. Independent cafés like Higher Ground and The Roasterie thrive alongside a requisite Starbucks. Attending the neighbourhood’s posh Christmas market is a holiday tradition for many Calgarians—as is dressing in full wizard regalia when Kensington transforms itself each summer into Diagon Alley from the Harry Potter series. This pedestrian- friendly area is also home to amazing local eateries, many of which got their grassroots start right where they stand—Crave Cupcakes, Pulcinella and The Daily to name a few. Whether you’re looking to write your next bestseller, do paint night with your crew, procure some eclectic oddities, or bask in all that is bohéme, this eccentric neighbourhood will welcome you with open arms. Downtown Downtown Calgary lives at the crosswalk of heritage and high end, a picture of what happens when cowboys strike black gold. Like our city at large, this area wears many hats—ten gallon or otherwise. Oil and energy giants dominate the skyline with their spires, while at street level, Olympic Plaza reminds us of our place on the world stage as a hero of alpine sports. A boundless wealth of knowledge is available for visitors to peruse, shrouded within the concrete monolith of Glenbow. Savour a 360-degree panoramic view from atop the Calgary Tower, or the best of Alberta beef at one of our city’s finest steakhouses. Visit Arts Commons, which hosts huge, globally touring performances beneath the same roof as independent local theatre and an internationally acclaimed orchestra. Stroll down Stephen Avenue to glimpse Calgary’s trademark sandstone architecture of old; the pedestrian passageway is a mainstay of upscale shopping and dining, featuring one of the Hudson’s Bay Company’s “origi- nal six” department stores across from The Core, one of the busiest shopping centres in Calgary. If you’re staying at one of the many hotels in this area and your time here is short, never fear—you’ll be able to say you experienced a true taste of Calgary life after exploring the vibrant, ever- changing downtown scene. THE ESSENTIAL CALGARY 2018  49