by Dan Leahul

Not exactly the street with no name—in fact, 17th Avenue SW goes by a few: “Uptown,” “The Red Mile,” and for many Calgarians “The Pulse of the City.”  Over 400 shops, bars, restaurants, cafés and clubs are crammed along its well-tread sidewalks, not to mention some stately architecture (The Devenish) and a great little urban park (Tompkins). It’s easy to while away a day here: noshing at fine restaurants, soaking up sun on the patio and shopping till you drop.

Model Home

Packed to the rafters with beautiful home décor pieces, Rubaiyat (722 – 17 Ave SW) is a gallery-cum-retail haven, in operation for nearly 40 years. Find blown glass decanters from Los Angeles artist Joe Cariati and gold bangles from master jeweller Alex Sepkus, as well as one-of-a-kind statuary, pottery and custom stained glass, made right here in the city. A few blocks down, Steeling Home (1010 – 17 Ave SW), carries finely made Tokyo Milk Candles, perfumes by Love and Toast, as well as cheeky home décor items. We like the bright red English-style mailboxes.

Joe Cariati's glass decanters at Rubayiat

Pub Life

The eclectic crowd (and weekend lineups) is testament to the Ship ‘n’ Anchor’s (534 – 17 Ave SW) popularity—tattooed-hipsters rub shoulders with oil executives and pints pour steadily from the bar. The patio heaves with bodies when the sun’s out and well after it’s gone down, get there early to grab a seat. Same goes down the street at Melrose Café (730 – 17 Ave SW), their street-facing bench-style patio is the place to see and be seen in Calgary.

Foot Fetish

The “sole” of 17 Ave, Gravity Pope (524 – 17 Ave SW) has enough pumps, boots, slingbacks and sandals to please the headiest of shoe addicts. Inside are shelves of Swedish Hasbeens clogs, Ilse Jacobsen rainboots, and classy heels by Tracey Neuls. The staff is irreverently hip and can help you keep up-to-date on the newest footwear trends. Great men’s and kid’s selection too, make sure to check out the sale rack.

Haute Couture

Pick-up fresh denim from Leo Boutique

Fellas won’t mind stopping by this traditionally girly-girl boutique, at Purr (601 – 17 Ave SW) the entire main floor is dedicated to men’s styles, including smart Penguin cardigans and Cheap Monday jeans. Meanwhile, women should seek out the second-floor to peruse a vast collection of slinky Free People dresses, wallets by Matt & Nat and Fidelity denim. Round off your shopping spree at Leo Boutique (810 – 16 Ave SW) with some raw Japanese denim by Naked & Famous or French Riviera-inspired dresses by Opening Ceremony.

Cake Walk

The exquisitely moist cupcakes at Buttercream Bake Shoppe (1013 – 17 Ave SW) are the perfect post-shopping pick-me-up. Their flavours rotate on a weekly basis, from cookies ‘n’ cream to lemon coconut. Check out their monthly specials too, including pink lemonade in July. For some lighter fare (as in lighter than air) munch on a fluffy and buttery croissant from Itza Bakeshop (908 – 17 Ave SW) while admiring the stately gables of the Alexander Pirie-designed Devenish building.

Patio Party

The secluded patio at Cilantro (338 – 17 Ave SW) is an oasis from the avenue’s nightly din—the Southwestern restaurant erected a sound wall to keep conversation breezy. If the evening’s a bit chilly, head to The Living Room (514 – 17 Ave SW), where they’ve brought the indoors outside, with cozy booths and fireplaces—not to mention some stiff cocktails—to drive out the cold.