Driving Tips

 Following are some hints to help you plan your Country Drive:

Plan your itinerary to visit (at most) four sites per day

Food is a key component of this Drive, with Big Bend Market (#2) and The Blooming Fields (#3) at the north and south ends of the Drive Map, and most sites offering refreshments

Remember that many sites are open seasonally and some year round, so if you can’t fit everything that interests you into Christmas Country Drive weekend, or if the weather makes travelling difficult, call ahead and plan to visit any time!

Shop, savour, relax, create lasting memories – we look forward to meeting you on a Country Drive this season

Mark your calendars now for Country Drive 2010!

  • Springtime Country Drive May 30th & 31st 
  • Summertime Country Drive August 7th & 8th   
  • Harvest Country Drive October 2nd & 3rd    
  • Christmas Country Drive December 4th & 5th
 
 December Events

There are two exciting events coming up in December beginning with Taste of the Country Drive December 3rd at the Red Deer County Centre. Food tastings from many of our operators, local fashion and a farm store will be arranged in the beautiful halls of the Red Deer County Office.  Purchase tickets by calling Susan Manyluk 403 347 0516

The Second Event is the final Drive of 2009, the Christmas Country Drive, see below of a list of operators on this final drive revolving around food, shopping and history.


 
 Events

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 Christmas Country Drive Map

 

Click for printable version

 1.  Arlene's Teas- Arlene creates her own signature tea blends in a beautiful cabin store, and welcomes you to sample and shop for a variety of tea-related items including a great selection of teapots.

QE#2 exit 365 south of Innisfail, west on Cottonwood Road 13 kms. to Range Road 20, south 3 kms. to shop on west side.  403-224-3769

2.  Big Bend Market is the perfect start or end point for your Country Drive.  We carry a wide assortment of fresh, in-store made deli items, locally sourced beef, buffalo, lamb, pork and poultry, breads and all the condiments and side dishes you'll need.                Closed Sundays.

157- 2004 50 Avenue,  in Red Deer's Southpointe Common.  403-341-2344; www.bigbendbison.com

3.  The Blooming Fields offers lunch and high tea and a great giftware selection in their Tea Room.  Mary-Ann loves to cook and is dedicated to showcasing fresh, seasonal and locally available food products in her menu selections. From 11-3 Saturday & Sunday enjoy a Christmas Buffet with seaonal delights including Turkey & Ham with all the trimmings, Apple Crumble pie, Pecan Pie & Rhubarb cake.

Located between Olds and Didsbury 3 miles / 5 kilometres west of Highway 2A on the Bergen Road- follow the signs.            403-335-8264; www.thebloomingfields.com

4.  Bowden Pioneer Museum welcomes you to share our community's history and explore our second site, St. Matthews Anglican Church, built in 1893 and the oldest building in Bowden.

QE#2 exit at Bowden, to 2201 19th Avenue.  403-224-2122

6.  Care Clothing is a great stop for seniors.  We provide a number of speciality garments especially designed by Tracie for those with special dressing needs, and our chenille housecoats make a perfect gift.

QE#2 exit 365 south of Innisfail, west 20.4 kms. on Cottonwood Road.  403-227-6214, www.careclothing.ca

12.  Historic Markerville Creamery Museum invites you to visit the newly restored Markerville Lutheran Church.  Built in 1907, the Church has recently been designated a Provincial Historic Resource and the Stephansson Icelandic Society welcomes you for a celebration of the church's second century with a musical program, coffee and goodies.                    Noon - 5 PM both days

West of Penhold on Secondary 592 or south of Sylvan Lake on Secondary 781- follow the signs to the Hamlet of Markerville.               403-728-3006; 877-728-3007; www.historicmarkerville.com

13.  HolmeHus Antiques and The Farm With The Good Food has 2500 square feet of retail space packed with endless gift items- you might even decide to treat yourself to an early Christmas present!  Free range eggs are always available.  Remember, we're open year round.

QE#2 west of Red Deer 2 kilometres, between Highways 11 and 11A on the east side of Range Road 282.         403-347-0516

22.  Sylvan Lake Farmers' Market presents their Christmas Market Sunday, December 6th from noon - 4 PM at the Community Centre, showcasing the Christmas best from our wide assortment of vendors.     Sunday only

4725 43 Street, Sylvan Lake                   403-887-3461

23.  Treasures from the Past invites you to find a treasure for yourself or for gift-giving from our great selection of vintage and antique home decor, collectible and furniture items. 

QE#2 exit to Penhold, west on Secondary 592 to Range Road 284, south to shop.  403-886-2258

24.  A visit to Vitality Crystals and Fountains is an experience in serenity and heightened awareness.  Melanie has a great selection of new stones and fountains, CDs and books to help you complete your Christmas shopping list.  Christmas Drive weekend will feature special sales, early bird gifts and a gift certificate draw on site.

QE#2 exit at Bowden, west on Secondary 587 5 kms. to cabin on south side.  403-224-2042

25.  White Creek Leather Crafts specializes in soft leather products.  We manufacture deerskin slippers and are excited to present our white slippers with blue fox tops just in time for Christmas Country Drive.  Have a coffee while you shop and visit.

QE#2 to Bowden, west on Highway 587 17.5 kilometres.   403-224-3895; www.whitecreekleathercraft.com

 

 
 Taste of the Country

 
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