A BUTCHER, A BAKER, and A…Central Alberta has it all

A BUTCHER, A BAKER, and A… Central Alberta has it all

Story and Photos by Rumble Alberta Influencers Rheannon

Green and Tannis Baker, Food Tourism Strategies Inc. for the trip ahead.

Bo’s Bar & Stage

As any seasoned road tripper knows, you can’t hit the road without a good kick of caffeine. In Wetaskiwin, that means a stop at Beans Coffee Bar & Bistro. It’s a quaint and serene coffee shop with a stellar coffee bar and home cooked foods. Frequented by locals and students from the nearby NorQuest College, it’s the revolving door of customers that lets you know you’re in the right place. From pastries to soup to baked goods, everything is made in-house daily, where you can cozy up next to the fireplace or enjoy the outdoor patio on sunny days. There’s plenty of parking, so the perfect place to double check that you have everything you’ll need

Route 7 Central Wetaskiwin to Red Deer

If you've got more of an appetite or have a larger group with you, you can always head down the road to Barney's Pub & Grill for a relaxed evening of tasty eats. Attached to the Best Western, it’s a great combination if you also need an overnight stay before starting your journey. The extensive menu is sure to satisfy any craving you might have, and you can enjoy a selection of local craft beer by the can, their rotating local tap (currently it’s pouring Edmonton’s Bent Stick Brewing), or even a cocktail using Back 40 Distillery spirits from nearby Camrose. The warm and inviting atmosphere is reminiscent of a cross between an English pub and modern steakhouse, with a private room that seats up to 16 for larger gatherings. If you're feeling lucky, there's also some VLTs in the back. They have a sister restaurant in Leduc as well, so if your trip takes you in that direction, you’ll have a good idea of what to expect. With daily specials, it can be a good pick for the budget-concise traveler too!

A few minutes’ drive north to the town of Millet, you can’t help but stop by the Burger Barn. A great alternative to your typical fast food, this stop might take an extra few minutes because they’re busy making your food fresh to order. The handmade patties are made special for them by a local Hutterite colony, and their milkshakes are to die for, made from Chapman's Ice Cream. Whether you are more of a burger purest or like to be more adventurous, they have you covered. The Loaded burger is a favourite, with everything you would want for a classic, but the Hawaiian Pizza burger is also quite popular. They taste just like a backyard barbecue in the middle of summer. Paired with a Pina Colada milkshake, it will have you dreaming of summer nights in no time. Like a little moment in paradise, even if it’s winter outside. It’s a bit off the beaten path, but definitely worth the detour.

Heading west across Central Alberta, the roads and skies are wide open, curving left and right as it winds its way through the farmland. Nearing Drayton Valley, the road starts to rise and fall as it leads into the historic town. The downtown core houses some of the town's oldest buildings, including the Drayton Valley Bakery and Café, which will provide a much needed caffeine boost and snack after the lengthy stretch of drive. Originally built in 1955, the current owners are still using some of the original recipes. Whatever you get is going to be great, but the doughnuts are an absolute must. People travel for hours to get their hands on them, so make sure to stock up before you leave. As a bakery foremost, they’re best stocked in the mornings, so you’ll want to get there nice and early if you can. Any leftovers get donated to a local charity at the end of the day.

History is alive in downtown Drayton Valley, and only a stone’s throw from the last stop lies the Drayton Valley Hotel, whose development was right alongside that of the town itself. It was (and still is) the largest building in the town, and a centre of community social activity, which remains true today. The two food outlets, the Derrick Lounge and the Oil Country Taphouse, are frequented by locals and visitors alike, albeit drawing different crowds to their respective sides. The Derrick Lounge, also known as the “Old Hole”, offers the comfort of a neighbourhood watering hole, with pool tables and a VLT room, and frequented by regulars even in the early afternoon. Across the hotel, the Oil Country Taphouse is a more modern and lively space, with a large centre bar, and a stage area to host live music and entertainment. The kitchen services both establishments, so you can get the same great menu at either venue. They’re hearty portions, and pair great with the local craft draught beer. It’s a great place to call it a day, before continuing on with your road trip.

“TO TRAVEL IS TO LIVE”

- Wild Triumph