Winnipeg Neighbourhood Guide 4: Corydon Village and Grosvenor
I've been wrestling with the Corydon Village neighbourhood post for weeks.
I spent two years living right in the heart of the Corydon strip, and I know it to be an absolutely beautiful neighbourhood. The historic old homes are lovely, and exploring the local shops with Sybil from Animated Confessions a few weeks back gave me newfound appreciation for the charming local business in the area. But it also has its pitfalls. The main strip along Corydon is dotted with quite a number of mediocre restaurants, popular largely due to their locations. And while there are a number of excellent, well-established businesses in the area and some new and exciting spaces, there are also spots that see a lot of turnover.
Winnipeggers are known to have a love/hate relationship with their city. And in a way, Corydon Village is emblematic of that struggle. It showcases some of the best that Winnipeg has to offer, but there are a number of spots that leave you with, "This could be so cool," "If only..." "Well in other cities..."
So in this post, I want to focus on that best part. And that means there are a number of relatively popular spots that I've left off this post. If you disagree with me, great!, use the comments section below and change my mind. I love Winnipeg, and I fall more and more in love with it the further along I get in this series. I'm always open to hearing your suggestions :)
EATThe service is excellent and the food is flavourful and delicious. I would particularly recommend sharing a few of the Mise Samplers with friends. It's a great way to explore the menu.
Unleash your inner Parisian at The Frenchway Cafe
Grab a delightfully crunchy baguette and cycle over to Munson park for a picnic in the warmer months. Bonus points if your bicyclette has a basket and a bell.
Cheer on European footballers and chow down on pub grub at The Grove
They have the kind of burgers that once you've picked it up, all you can do is hang on for dear life. By the end you'll be holding the crumbly, delightful remains of one of the best burgers the city has to offer. Bring a companion who doesn't care if you have ketchup on your face (but will let you know nicely before the meal is over) and keep the napkins close at hand.
Carbo-load at Cafe Carlo
Enjoy rich and saucy pastas in this inviting space. Go ahead an unbutton that top button before you order.
DRINKOwner Jay has put together an eclectic yet minimalist space with iconic, well-designed furniture and a constant rotation of design exhibits showcasing young and often local talent.
INDULGEI'm not even joking about the buttercream frosting. I would never joke about buttercream frosting. Their cupcakes are arguably the best in the city.
Feel like a kid again at Sugar Mountain
With an incredible selection of bulk candy (it's all the same price, so you can mix a bag of all your favourites) and a swath of retro and hard to find candy, this is one fun, old-school candy shop. Cheap, no, but an experience worth having. Bring a kid and make their day/week/month.
Down gobs of gelato at Eva's
They have more traditional flavours like pistachio and dulce de leche alongside decadent options like chocolate or wild berry cheesecake.
SHOPOwners Amanda and Chris really put the time in to find quality designers and unique items you can't buy anywhere else in Winnipeg. They're also incredibly friendly and don't mind one bit if you (secretly) just dropped by to visit Norman, the shop pup.
Browse the beautiful and eclectic selection of pottery goods at The Stoneware Gallery
This pottery-artist collective is a truly interesting spot to shop and they offer an incredible variety of styles and finishes to suit various tastes. You can also take a class with them and take home your very own clay creation.
Decorate your home with gorgeous greenery from The Green Scene
With an amazing selection of tropical and indoor plants, let the ladies help you find the right plant to suit your light levels and watering memory. Even people like me whose windows face directly onto another building and chronically forget to water their plants can find something here :)
Go all Nancy Drew at Whodunit
I'm thoroughly charmed by this eccentric new and used book store that exclusively sells mystery novels.
Put some luxury on under your clothes at Gravity Lingerie
Whether you want to swath your private bits in lace, cozy up in a luxurious terry cloth robe or fancify your feet in Happy Socks (great patterns, super cozy and long wearing), you'll definitely leave with something that will make you feel that extra little bit special.
Change the way you see oil and vinegar at FrescolioPick up the necessities at Corydon Hardware
My go-to anytime I need to get a lamp rewired, this charming little local hardware store (one of the few left in the city) is a favourite of mine. That sign just screams Winnipeg to me.
Get your skate on at Green Apple
I'm no boarder, but for those of you with better co-ordination/skill/general ability to manoeuvre physically than I, Green Apple has some great decks and clothing.
Treat your furry friend at Hip Pooch
Honestly, I hate putting clothes on my dog. I feel a wee bit silly and he looks so miserable. But in Winnipeg, it's definitely necessary this time of year. The Hip Pooch carries some sleek, nicely designed stuff, so at least the poor guy looks good :)
Outfit your feet at the Cha Cha Palace
The ladies bring in designers like Frye, Fly London and sometimes even Irregular Choice. You'll find foot ware that will truly set you apart at a variety of price points.
Selim's Antiques
A stunning selection of quality china and glassware and a gentlemanly owner who will charge you a fair price.
DOAdmire the lights along Corydon Ave or appreciate the character of the many beautiful old homes along the side streets
As always, please leave me any comments below. I love hearing from you! I also just want to note that I focused on the streets wedged among Confusion Corner, Pembina, Wellington Cresent and Stafford for this post. Other great Corydon business further west will be featured in upcoming posts!