Antiques & Eats

Fad’s Vintage, Cold Lake 

Peruse antiques, eat inside one 

At Fad’s Vintage, pieces are beautifully displayed in a way that may inspire you to decorate with vintage pieces at home. Look for the perfect threesome of a framed oil painting, seashells and nautical wheel or wooden bird cage, Fenton vase and old books. Fad’s Facebook page and, better yet, store, stimulate both experienced and neophyte decorators with many setups to duplicate. 

Clark’s General Store and Eatery, right across the street from the marina is a throwback to the pioneer days of Alberta. An antique in itself, Clark’s makes for an appropriate eating spot for antique lovers. It was an actual general store from the 1930s to its reconstruction as a restaurant. You can still see the distinctive tin-ceilinged interior, original furniture and unique memorabilia inside. 

People line up for traditional fare such as burgers and sandwiches but go for the golden fish and chips with inhouse tartar sauce followed by Lakeland style cheesecake, light and fluffy.   

Sugar Belle Antiques, Bonnyville 

Find a sign, eat blueberry pie

Sugar Belle Antiques on Bonnyville’s main street, appears to be bursting its seams but a closer look reveals well displayed toys, luggage, cookbooks, tools, gorgeous glass pieces and everything in between. Look high for tins, colourful aprons, and on the back and front porches for wrought iron headboards and old wooden signs. 

Heritage Corner Shoppe, Bellis 

Find a clock, play pool 

Appreciate the bounty—including art, furniture and collectibles—at the massive Heritage Corner Shoppe in tiny Bellis. You just may find that must have analog clock or elaborately framed mirror, perfect for the landing. You may want to call first. – (780) 636-3937 

Only 19 kms east is Vilna. When you’re this close to Vilna, population 300, it would be a shame not to rack ‘em up for a glimpse of captivating history from 1921 at Alberta’s oldest operating Pool Hall & Barbershop on Historic Main Street. The place is family friendly now but back then, when a game of snooker was a dime, fights broke out among the men who frequented the place.  

Today, visitors play on one of two 12 foot Brunswick Balke Collender snooker tables or one of two 8 foot Samuel May billiard tables. Those four turn of the century pool tables, as well as cues, balls, coal heater, oiled wood floors, advertisements and barber chair are all original. Call Leroy 780 656 0553 to book.  

Stop in at Porky’s Sidestreet Cafe to pick up burgers and blueberry pie. If warm enough, head over to picnic under the giant mushrooms landmark.  

Loree’s Antiques, St. Paul 

Buy an antique oil can, learn to can 

Loree’s is a local antiques and music shop run by Loree and Yolande Kitt for a half century in St. Paul, Alberta. Upstairs, Loree repairs appliances, displays upscale pieces of furniture, and sells supplies for guitars and ukuleles. The lower level holds the real treasures, with furniture curated by Yolande as homage to the area from the last 150 years. Pieces are in mint or near mint condition and, better yet, are organized by year and style. Whether browsing or buying, be sure to chat with Yolande, a fount of information about the area’s history and culture. 

Post shop, head to Twisted Fork’s ambient 10-table eatery and learn about chef Debra Poulin’s roots involving pickling vegetables and canning jam with her grandmothers. Just about everything chef Debra Poulin and her team serve is made in-house. Poulin is bringing locally raised fare to the foodie scene with her vision to support local farmers and artisans. The restaurant is vibrant at lunch and dinner while folks dig into Alberta AAA ribeye or bison burger with blueberry jalapeno. Enjoy (or buy!) local art on display while you sip a Lakeland Landing Pad lager. Now an Économusée®, Twisted Fork promotes artisans and their traditional trades. 

Jennie’s Diner & Bakery, Bonnyville

Jennie’s Diner & Bakery is nostalgia central, with retro red chairs and black and white tiles from the 1950s. Besides all day breakfast, there are burgers and fries with gluten free options. And nothing goes better with burgers and fries than a traditional milkshake—vanilla please—or a cherry coke. If you have room after that, cupcakes, pies, and other treats close the deal.