With each New Year that rolls around, many of us try and set resolutions or goals for ourselves that we hope to accomplish in the coming year. Sometimes New Year’s resolutions can be tough to stick to, but setting small, achievable goals for yourself is never a bad idea. Whether you’re trying to incorporate more veggies into your diet or experience something new, here’s a list of things you should try out in 2021 – even if you skipped setting resolutions this year, we don’t think you’ll regret checking out these 17th Ave businesses.
Focus On More Sustainable Shopping Habits
Grinning Goat
Not only does Grinning Goat sell tons of popular men and women’s brands, clothes and accessories, but everything in this 17th Ave boutique is 100% vegan. Created and opened in September 2017 out of a need for more ethical vegan shopping destinations, Grinning Goat sells everything from footwear to jewellery, beauty essentials to snacks, and so much more. If you’re trying to shop more sustainably in 2021, this is definitely a great place to start. They are currently open at reduced capacity, but they’re also offering delivery, in-store pickup, and you can shop their selection of awesome vegan goodies online as well.
101, 323 17th Ave SW, grinninggoat.ca
HG Vintage
One of the best ways to shop more sustainably in 2021 is to stop in at one of the many vintage, secondhand and consignment stores on 17th Ave. HG Vintage overlooks the red mile in its second floor location, and sells tons of vintage crewnecks, tees and denim. From sports jerseys to band tees and everything in between, their massive collection of vintage gear has something for everyone.
720 17 Ave SW, hgvintage.com
Find more places on 17th where you can shop vintage, consignment and secondhand, here!
Eat More Veggies or Plant-Based Meals
V Burger
If you’re trying to eat more plant-based meals in 2021, but still want something filling and delicious, we recommend you try V Burger. This highly anticipated 17th Ave burger joint opened in the summer of 2020, and in addition their selection of burgers, also serves classics like poutine, onion rings and milk shakes that are entirely plant based. Vegan or not, V Burger’s menu items are seriously delicious – we promise you won’t miss the dairy or meat once you bite into one of their Lil’ Cheezburgers.
819 17 Ave SW, heyvburger.com
The Coup
The Coup’s mouthwatering selection of vegetable-centric dishes is an easy and delicious way to incorporate more of the good stuff into your diet this year. Known as one of Calgary’s most beloved vegetarian spots, The Coup’s menu features local, organic and made-from-scratch product, along with rennet-free cheeses, and GMO-free soy and grain products. They also seasonally adjust their menu, so depending on when you go, you will experience dishes featuring the best produce for that time of year. You can also indulge in a number of desserts and cocktails, and most items can be made gluten-free or vegan. Check them out today for in-store pickup or delivery.
924 17th Ave SW, thecoup.ca
Try a New Restaurant or Bar
Chemical Steve’s
Chemical Steve’s beer Joint is one of 17th Ave’s newest residents after opening in October 2020. They serve up Calgary craft beer, pub snacks like poutine and tots, and loud music and good times. AND everything on their menu is just $6! Although they are not currently open due to the current government-mandated restrictions, it’s one of the first places we will be heading post-lockdown!
718 17th Ave SW, chemicalstevesbeerjoint.com
Hankki
Hankki opened its second location on 17th Ave at the end of 2020, and we are teeming with excitement to try out their Korean street food menu. Their menu features Korean favourites like Cupbop, a dish made with rice, fried eggs, veggie dumplings, lettuce, pickled carrots and special sauce, and is topped with protein options such as Korean-style crispy fried chicken or Korean BBQ pork. You can also go for something smaller, such as their Korean street hot dogs, or veggie dumplings, known as Mandu. Get it for pickup or order online via SkipTheDishes, DoorDash or UberEats.
1058 17Ave SW, 403-475-2218
Do an Online Workout Class
League
Although you can’t enjoy HIIT, Yoga and Spin classes in League’s spacious 17th Ave studio, they are currently offering virtual workouts via Video on Demand. With new workouts being added daily, you can get sweaty in the comfort of your own home with the help of League’s knowledgeable and experienced instructors. Learn more about how you can participate at the link below!
1463 17th Ave SW, leagueyyc.com
One On One Personal Fitness
Head to One on One Personal Fitness’s Instagram page, where you can tune into live workouts with their certified personal trainers – no equipment needed! They’re also offering appointments online, so head to the link below to learn more!
1516 17 Ave SW, oneononefitness.ca
Find other 17th Ave Gyms and Studios who are hosting online fitness classes, here!
Try a New Cuisine
Simply Irie
This family-owned business is giving Calgarians a taste of the Caribbean at Simply Irie, with authentic dishes such as Jerk Chicken, Jamaican Patties, Lamb Rotti, and more. Come hungry, because you won’t want to miss out on their selection of appetizers, such as fried plantains and spicy fries, or dessert of course, which includes treats like Caribbean Holiday Rum Fruit Cake and Sweet Potato Pudding. Right now, you can also get 10% your first online order, so check out their website below!
1510 6 St SW, simplyirie.ca
Geez Ethiopoian and Eritrean Cuisine
It’s not every day you get to indulge in cuisine from places like Ethiopia, so if you’re looking to try something new in 2021, then this is the place to go. Geez serves authentic East African favourites made from high quality ingredients, and from recipes passed down by owner Fasika’s grandmother. Their menu includes breakfast, sandwiches, pasta dishes and more, and Fasika, who has a deep passion for cooking, also specializes in meat and veggie dishes. The restaurant also offers a selection of vegan entrees and sides. Call 403-452-5367 to place an order for pickup today!
101-1235 17 Ave SW, geezrestaurant.com
Test Out a New Skill
Pudding Yarn
What better way to kick start a New Year than picking up a new skill. Pudding Yarn sells a variety of yarn, needles and knitting accessories that are sure to keep you busy through lockdown and the remaining cold winter months. They also have plenty of different patterns and knitting kits if you are just starting out. Shop them online at their website below!
1516 6th Street SW, puddingyarn.com
Mona Lisa’s Art Supplies
For any and every DIY art project you can think of, head to Mona Lisa’s Art Supplies, a downtown mainstay for more than 50 years, which offers a plethora of painting, drawing and craft essentials. Find sketchbooks, easels, calligraphy books, pencil crayons, pastels, acrylic paints, watercolour paints, canvas, and much, MUCH more. They do not offer online sales, although they do accept orders by phone and email for instock items. Check out their downtown storefront or follow the link below to learn more.
1518 7th Street SW, 403-228-3618, monalisa-artmat.com
Up Your Self-Care Routine
Josef Saliba Salon
Sadly, many services including hair salons are still closed due to the ongoing COVID pandemic, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still give your locks some attention. Josef Saliba Salon is offering curbside pickup for their assortment of hair care products. Pick up brands like Kevin Murphy, Eleven Australian and more. Give them a call at 403-244-5556 to learn more and place your order today.
1516 7th Street SW, josefsaliba.mysalononline.com
Salon True
Salon True is Calgary’s first organic hair care salon, and although styling services are currently unavailable due to government restrictions, their storefront is still open, so you can shop their selection of clean beauty products including bath and body, skincare and of course hair care. If you’re looking to up your skin-care game this year, what better way to do it than with organic self-care products. Head to their website to check out their full list of available products, and check out their options for local pickup and delivery.
Unit 300, 924 17 Ave SW, salontruebespoke.com
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