Sweet Tops Ice Cream

Eat

Fall is here! That means it's pumpkin season! Mmmmm pumpkin. Don't worry, I won't bore you with a post about a Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte or even try to get you to bake a pumpkin pie. You're all too smart for that. I have something much more tasty! 

I have discovered a truly Winnipeg twist on pumpkin, that only someone who gets a Slurpee in the middle of winter would really appreciate. Pumpkin ice cream! Yep, you heard me. 

I always drive past Sweet Tops Ice Cream on my way home from school, and today I noticed their ad for pumpkin soft serve. I stopped in and got a big cone to reward myself for working hard (or at least that's how I justified it). 

The first taste put a big smile on my face, I don't know how I didn't think of the combination myself! The ice cream is made with real pumpkin pie filling so it doesn't have a fake or over-sweet taste. It reminded me of my Grandma's homemade pumpkin pie! 

Sweet Tops, located at 949 Henderson Highway, has been around since 1993 and it's the perfect ice cream shop to take you back in time. The vibe is very retro and they have all of the classic ice cream flavours. They are still open every day from 11:00 am until 10:00 pm so you can stop by whenever you get a craving.

With Thanksgiving coming up soon I recommend you take a break from the boring pumpkin pie and have pumpkin ice cream instead! It will make for a wild Thanksgiving!

Hilary Druxman

Shop

I love shopping! There are so many great places in Winnipeg to find beautiful clothing and accessories. Through my extensive research in the field of shopping I have come across Hilary Druxman, a jewellery store right in the Exchange District (so close to Red River College that I could shop there on my lunch hour). 

I first discovered the store a few years ago when a family friend told me she got a ring custom designed at the shop. I checked the store out for myself and I couldn't help but make my first Hilary purchase! Ever since I put on my first Druxman design, I have been absolutely hooked! I've lost count of how many necklaces, rings, bracelets and charms I've purchased, but I have a good rotation system so each piece gets its turn to shine! 

All of Hilary Druxman Inc's jewellery is designed and crafted in their Winnipeg studio, another great reason to love their products. The studio is so beautiful, all of the designs are displayed in a very neat and clean fashion making it easy to view all of the amazing pieces. 

Many of the designs have been created to donate money to different charities and organizations. Twelve unique pieces of jewellery can be purchased that each bring out your inner philanthropist. Now you can look good and feel really good too!

The custom work they do there is gorgeous. It still shocks me that everything is created right here in Winnipeg. Hilary's designs have been featured in many magazines and lots of celebrities have been spotted wearing them! In 2004, Hilary opened up a retail store in Santa Monica, CA, and she even has an online store so you can do some shopping right after you read this! 

Next time you're in the Exchange District go check out her store, I promise you'll love it!

Happy shopping friends!

Some of my favourite Hilary pieces 

Go to a Goldeyes Game !

Shaw Park Packed With Fans

Play

Winnipeg is one of the best places to watch sporting events. No matter what game you're at the fans are incredibly loud and show off how proud they are to be Winnipeggers. Hot summer nights are a great time to check out a Bomber or Goldeyes game and (pending the NHL lockout) the cooler months are a great time to go to a Jets game!

Lucky for us, the Winnipeg Goldeyes have made it to the finals this year and the first 2 games of the series will be at Shaw Park. Last night I went to the ballpark to check out the game and it was awesome! There is almost no better combination on earth than beer, hotdogs, popcorn and baseball. The weather was perfect, just the right bit of breeze to remind you that fall is coming without feeling like winter.

Even if you aren't a baseball fan, the Goldeyes games have so much to offer. There are tons of great consessions with everything from pizza to ice cream to poutine. There is even a Hu's Asian Bistro attached to Shaw Park which serves delicious, fresh dishes packed with flavour.

 Last night I stuck with the classic ballpark hotdog (always a good choice) and I tried their Angry Fish Pilsner. It's brewed locally by Fort Garry Brewing Company and the souvenir can makes a great addition to any sports room. One of my favourite things about Goldeyes games is when the staff throws free stuff into the crowd! I have no idea why I would need a plastic pig or a miniature baseball but there is nothing like the excitement of jumping up and catching that free stuff.

To top off a great night, the Goldeyes won the game with a walk-off homerun in extra innings. I have never heard a louder crowd at Shaw Park then when Barbaro Canizares smashed the ball right over the fence. Tonight is the last home game of the season so go get your tickets! If you can't make it then I highly recommend that next year you put going to a Goldeyes game on your summer to do list.

Shaw Park

Angry Fish Pilsner



Mountain Bean

Drink

One of my favourite places in the city to get a cup of coffee is Mountain Bean Coffee Company. Located at 2001 Henderson Highway just before East St. Paul, Mountain Bean is Winnipeg owned and operated.

They have tons of tables to sit at, and even a few couches perfectly positioned in front of the fireplace. The Bean is a great place for studying, there are always spots open and they offer free Wi-Fi. They have so many choices for drinks and food it can be hard to pick what to have! I love the Cinnamon Summit, it's a latte made with cinnamon and white chocolate (I am drooling just thinking about it).

If you don't drink coffee they have a way bigger selection of teas than some other local shops, my favourite is the Marrakesh Mint Green Tea. One of the reasons why I love Mountain Bean is because the owners and staff are so friendly. They are so energetic that they always make me feel happy even at 6:00 am when I'm half asleep. I have a feeling that I'll be spending lots of time studying at Mountain Bean now that CreComm has started! I hope you'll all take my advice and go grab a coffee from the Bean!

Cinnamon Summit

Study Spot!

www.mountainbean.com

Hello !

Welcome to my shiny, new blog! Come here for updates on all of my favourite places in Winnipeg to eat, shop, drink and play! I'm always looking for new spots to visit in the city so let me know if there is somewhere I should go.