Back to Brandon

By Shel Zolkewich

The image has stayed with me. A lone dog, walking away down a dirt road, looking ahead, neck straining. Perhaps he’s longing to be called home. Only the artist who created this painting knows for sure. And that artist is Diarmuid Decter whose exhibit Lost and Otherwise Found just wrapped up at Brandon’s Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba, a welcoming community space that never fails to present provocative works. Equally inspiring exhibits are coming up in the new year and admission to the gallery is always free. The gift shop is a must-visit too. It’s just one of Brandon’s charms. Let’s dive in and discover more.

Eats & Pours

Take your pick from Empire Ale, Blue Hills Brew or Slam Dunk, a dark unfiltered wheat beer with the hints of banana and clove that you can really taste at Black Wheat Brewing, Brandon’s newest taproom. Grab a bag of Dot’s Homestyle Pretzels—a North Dakota favourite—and sample the brews.

Craving the flavours of the south? Sabor Latino puts authenticity on a plate with familiar empanadas, tacos and burritos, but the delicious adventure really starts with lesser-known dishes like pupusas and plantains. Try the birria tacos that come with a side of spicy, soupy dipping sauce.

Be warned. There is an addictive quality to the perogy bread crafted by Chez Angela Bakery. The Wheat City Sourdough isn’t far behind. And don’t leave without a pain au chocolate or two. Or three. The point here is that everything that comes out of this downtown bakery is downright delicious—cakes, pies, cookies, pastries, soups and pizzas. You might pop in for artisan bread only, but you’ll leave with much more.

Explore Galore

Get your blood pumping with a visit to the Brandon Hills Wildlife Management Area where a dozen trails invite winter hikers, birdwatcher, snowshoers, skiers and fat bike tire enthusiasts. Trails range from two to 7.5 kilometres through these rolling ‘blue hills’ as they are sometimes called because of the way they appear in summer from a distance. Head south of the city on Highway 10 about six kilometres, turn east at the antique store and follow the signage to the trailhead.

Back in the city, lace up those skates for a spin on the skating oval at the Parks Complex on McGregor Avenue. The destination includes warning shacks, music, washrooms, a light display and firepits—all designed to create a winter wonderland feel.

Take the action inside with a visit to Just 4 Kids, a playland filled with bouncy castles, slides, rides, ropes and a punch bag forest. There’s a dedicated toddler area for the younger set and an arcade for those too cool for the rest of it.

Shop & Stay

Vintage hunters won’t be disappointed at Super Thrift Brandon thanks to a curated collection that goes up for auction on a continual basis. A genuine Arctic parka, collectible comics and a Radio Flyer wagon have all passed over the auction block. The store features an impressive collection of books housed in a cozy corner that invites browsing.

The Green Spot has grown into much more than a garden centre in Brandon’s east end. I’m not apologizing for the pun. The sprawling space includes home décor, patio furnishing, a clothing store and a local makers space in addition to what seems like acres of luscious plants under the dome of the greenhouse. There’s also a flower shop inside called The BloomBox and just recently, Chez Angela Bakery opened The Secret Garden Café.

With only two cabins on the property, solitude is guaranteed at Nature’s Hideaway. The duo of handcrafted cottages has rustic charm to spare with the bonus of modern touches including hassle-free electric fireplaces, luxury indoor hot tubs and satellite television. It’s a couples only retreat, outfitted with sprawling king-sized beds for maximum kicking back after your hike at nearby Brandon Hills.

 The newest place to lay your head down is the Holiday Inn Express & Suites. The location is top-notch, right across from the Keystone Centre, home of the Brandon Wheat Kings and surrounded by restaurants and shopping. The hotel boasts a thoroughly modern design, spacious rooms with a sleeping area that gets closed off by a sliding door, a big bright pool and hot tub area, fitness room and free hot breakfast.

If it’s the vintage vibe you seek, you can do no better than The Little Chalet Motel. The collection of 26 individual cabins makes for excellent Instagram images thanks to curved A-frame construction. Pull your vehicle right up front, have a bite at the onsite restaurant and settle in for a sweet little stay.