Cold is cool, fool. Can you dig it?
Anyway, that's what I've been telling Missus Peg in my best Mr. T voice lately -- and while she has been finding it a tad annoying when I do it in public, she certainly agrees because lately the Missus and I have been on an adult-orientated tour of all the frosty fun options that Peg City has on offer.
Case in point number one: Festival du Voyageur #heho! This past weekend we started our escapades with drinks of Caribou from glasses made of ice in the Snow Bar, then followed that up with a trip to the sugar shack where we ate some ridiculously good tourtière -- which we washed down with some nice wheat ales -- then we jigged the night away to the country/rock sounds of Winnipeg's own Greg Arcade, followed by one of the most amazing live blue grass/folk shows I've ever seen from a band called The Dead South from Regina. The Dead South was so into it that their cello player broke a string. And I tell you, the crowd gave all that energy right back. It was a foot-stomping time of the highest order.
Festival continues for this next weekend (the final day is February 22nd), but rest assured there is plenty more wintery nightlife to be had across the city.
For instance, another night this past weekend we hit up Rudy's Eat and Drink downtown because our friends, who were visiting from Calgary, had asked to go to the coolest bar in Winnipeg before we headed to the Tragically Hip Concert at the MTS Centre.
The Igloo ice bar at Rudy's is seriously the coolest place to get a drink in Winnipeg
Well, Mister Peg is a literal man, so I figured I should take them to Rudy's brand new Igloo ice bar for some cocktails. If you haven't checked out the Igloo yet you must -- all the furniture is made of ice, as is the bar, as are the glasses, but they've also made it comfortable by placing faux-furs over all the ice sculpted sofas. Plus, they've now installed some strategically placed heaters (which won't melt the bar).
Yes, you will still need your jacket, as the roof and walls are composed of just tent materials (which is groovily lit by florescent lights). And I will recommend a layer of long underwear underneath your pants, but when it is filled with bodies it gets toasty, so much so that we spent a solid couple hours in there mingling with a crowd from all over Canada who were being warmed by the Peg's legendary hospitality.
Now if you are reading this and thinking, "Jeez, these Pegs are a couple of boozers," I'll let you know that Mister Peg also has some fun recommendations that don't involve a drop of liquor.
Case in point number two: Adrenaline Adventures for some outdoor sliding, night or day. Now, I had intended for this to be an adults-only post, but if you have kids and you don't take them to Adrenaline Adventure when you go they will probably hate you until spring; so bring them. But for us older folks this place still rocks all on its own with its snow tubing tracks.
Located just east of the city in Headingley, MB, Adrenaline Adventures has all you need for hours of good times. An all-day pass is just $18.99 (or $16.99 for individuals in groups of over three), while a night pass (after 5 p.m.) is just $13.99. And get this, for kids under three it's all free. Prices include your tube and unlimited rides back up the hill (yes, they have a tube-tow, so if you are feeling lazy like Missus Peg usually is then this is the way to go). They also have several courses, from one jumped-laden one that I did, to some more gentle shoots that Grandma Peg and Lil can ride with confidence.
But don't take my word for it, just watch this vid of some guy catching some serious air on the advanced course at night.
And yes, Adrenaline Adventures has thought of everything as they have a full-service restaurant and lounge to boot. Because let's face it -- a post-tubing beer on tap, cocktail, or glass of vino is just what the tubing doctors order. (Once again, I assure you that Mister Peg only drinks responsibly). We had our winter office party here and it was a blast, the whole staff got the biggest kick out of tying the tubes together (no pun intended) and flying down the courses bumping into one another (again, I assure you, this is not meant to sound bodily).
And lastly, but certainly not least in any way, how about Thermëa? This place is perfect for post-tubing, or after an excellent afternoon of skating on the Red River Mutual Trail, to soothe all your aches. Now I've already waxed poetic at length about this steamy winter oasis of total relaxation (so check that link for prices and times and anything else you'd want to know), but if you would like a shortened, haiku version I hope this suffices:
Steam and salt rub body
Cold/hot invigorating waters
Lunch in robes with wine
Yup, Mister Peg gets his artistic inspiration from winter, much like The Forks does with design when it comes to warming huts.
So get out there. Because here in Winnipeg we don't just own winter, we take it out for drinks at ice bars, then for tube rides, and then wind that northern wind down with steamy relaxation.
