Fall Road Trip Through Southern Alberta: Discover Discovering Charming Towns & Culinary Delights
There’s an undeniable magic to embarking on a one or two-day road trip through Alberta, especially when autumn paints the landscape in breathtaking hues. As the days remain pleasantly warm but not scorching, the sun casts long, golden shadows, and every tree bursts into shades of yellow, orange, and gold, the province truly comes alive. My partner, W, and I recently indulged in one such adventure, setting off on a Friday afternoon. I had almost forgotten just how captivating the drive south towards Lethbridge can be, each kilometer revealing new vistas and promising delightful discoveries.
Sweet Beginnings in High River: The Hitchin’ Post Drive-In
Our first planned stop brought us to the charming town of High River and its iconic Hitchin’ Post Drive-in. This isn’t just any burger and ice cream joint; it’s a standalone institution nestled in the heart of a roundabout, a beacon for anyone craving classic American diner fare with a twist. The Hitchin’ Post boasts an incredible array of milkshake flavors – quite possibly a “bazillion” different combinations, limited only by your imagination. From classic vanilla to exotic concoctions, deciding on just one is part of the fun. It’s the kind of place that instantly transports you back to simpler times, making it a perfect kick-off to any Southern Alberta road trip.
Nanton’s Sweet & Vintage Charms: The Candy Store and NotSoFine Antiques
Continuing our journey, the next must-visit destination was the legendary Nanton Candy Store. For me, this establishment perfectly embodies the spirit of a quintessential small-town candy and curios shop. It’s a destination worth the drive in itself, a vibrant treasure trove packed with enough fascinating items to keep any visitor captivated. While W meticulously deliberated over his candy selections, a process that invariably takes far longer than expected, I was happily lost, exploring every nook and cranny.
Tucked away in the back of the candy store is a truly remarkable space: the 100-square-foot room dedicated to NotSoFine Antiques. This section is a curated wonderland of interesting vintage finds, many of which are sourced from local Alberta farms. What sets it apart is its impeccable organization – this isn’t merely a jumbled heap of dusty junk. Instead, you’ll find thoughtfully arranged displays and, refreshingly, items are reasonably priced. Forget inflated “collectible” prices for VHS tapes; here, you’ll discover genuine relics at fair values. On my visit, I spotted a classic Medalta bean pot, some charming Pyrex dishes, intricate tin gelatin molds, and a beautiful wooden butter press, clearly an artifact from an Alberta farm. Old enamelware, delicate milk glass, robust cast iron pieces, and rustic milk jugs all tell stories of a bygone era. It’s like rummaging through the ultimate, perfectly organized grandma’s basement – so much great stuff to uncover! I could easily spend an hour or three here, completely lost in the past. This leisurely pace is, of course, entirely permissible when your road trip is designed purely for the joy of discovery, rather than rushing to a strict schedule.
