Bright weekend up ahead for Broadway

Just because it's time for the kids to go back to school doesn't mean all fun has to stop. I think this is what the downtown BIZ was thinking when they planned the 5 events 1 weekend which includes Lights on Broadway, this weekend.

5 events 1 weekend looks like it will be lots of fun and the best part is it's like one last hurray to summer. I know no one wants to hear that, but yes summer is over, fall is here I said it! The weather is changing but that doesn't mean we have to stop having fun and the downtown BIZ is making sure of that.

This weekend expect to find lots of music, dancing and food on Broadway. The full schedule looks like this:(from the downtown BIZ website)

Lighting Design Competition, Sept 11 & 12, starting at sun down--Watch as the elm trees lining Broadway are brought to life with a spectacular lighting display created by three world-renowned lighting designers. Hosted by Manitoba Homecoming 2010 and Manitoba Hydro.

Taste of Downtown Winnipeg, Sept 10, 11am-10pm; Sept 11, 11am-10pm; Sept 12, 1pm-6pm--Sip cabernets and chardonnays during this wine and cheese event being held in Memorial Park. Hosted by the Independent Wine Merchants of Winnipeg.
 
The Big Dance on Broadway, Sept 11, 4pm-11pm--It's a dance party like no other with two stages playing various genres of music. Jive, swing, bop and groove beneath a canopy of light. Hosted by Winnipeg Cultural Capitals of Canada 2010.

Winnipeg 10+10, Sunday, Sept 12, 8am-11am--Lace on those runners and enjoy the scenic route of a 10 km or 10 mile run that starts and ends in Memorial Park. Hosted by the Running Room.

Ciclovia, Sunday, Sept 12, 11am-7pm—In its second year! Walk, jog or cycle your way all the way from Assiniboine Park to The Forks during this eco-friendly festival. Stop at Broadway to enjoy a farmers market, fitness demos, kids zone, bike zone, music and more. Hosted by the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ.


What I'm most excited about is obviously Lights on Broadway, I think it's a great way to draw attention to the downtown area, and the beautiful street of Broadway.

If you have never been to Broadway I suggest you go soon while the trees are still green. This street is just so wonderful, full of heritage buildings, beautifully large trees and friendly atmosphere. The perfect place to hold a great street festival this weekend.

So I hope everyone who is in town this weekend makes their way down to Broadway at least for one day to take in this amazing event.


Cheers
Janis

Travel Green in Winnipeg

Being "eco-friendly" is on everyone's mind. How can it not be, everywhere we look we see the push to be eco-friendly. It's not bad thing either, I mean how can sustaining our planet where we live be a bad thing?

We all know how to be nice to our environment at home, but how do we stay that way when on the road? While researching this idea I came across an article by Canadian Living called "Ecotourism: How to make your vacations greener." They have several ideas on making your traveling easy on the planet.

1. Pick eco-friendly activities
This is a wonderful suggestion and so easy to accomplish here in Winnipeg no matter what the season is. In summer or fall as it is now turning, consider going on walking tours. They may not be led by a tour guide but information can be picked up online. The Exchange District is one of the most beautiful and historical places in Winnipeg. Although the walking tours have ended for the season, they have brief information about spots here.

(picture from worldguids.com)

2. Stay at eco-friendly accommodations
I think this a great idea, not only because the Best Western Pembina Inn & Suites is eco-friendly in many ways, but because it is such an easy way to contribute. At the hotel, we do all the work for you and you still get to feel good about helping the environment.


In each of our rooms we have blue recycling boxes like this:

This way all you have to do with your water bottles is toss them in and we take care of bringing them away. One way that you are the boss at our hotel is you can tell us when you want new towels, or sheets. If you are here for a few days and don't need your fresh towels, it helps us save water and in turn helps conserve water.




3. Eat local
In Winnipeg it is so easy to eat at local restaurants, you barely have to try. Even close to our hotel there are several local ethic places to eat. Just across the street we have a great Chinese place that I've raved about many times. Winnipeg is also littered with pizza joints like you wouldn't believe, my favourite being River City Pizza not far from the hotel either.

   











(Image from River City Pizza's Facebook page)


So although I have adapted these ideas to fit traveling to Winnipeg, they apply to anywhere the wind takes you. If you have any other tips on traveling eco-friendly please let us know by leaving a comment or @replying to us on twitter.

Cheers,
Janis