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| - I find myself at Eau Claire market on a semi-regular basis these days. During the annual Calgary International Film Festival, it's a hub of excitement, whether the CIFF box office is located on the premises or otherwise.
I've loved Eau Claire for years. When it first opened, it was a quirky intercity destination with exotic shops. Today, though roughly half is used for shopping and the other is filled with office space, I still enjoy it. So much so that if I'm at a loss for something to do on a weekend, I'll often find myself at Eau Claire. I adore the atmosphere - the shops are unique and varied, from Tibetan Trom to Wanderlust, and the ample seating space and free wi-fi make it the ideal location to kick back and just enjoy people watching or getting a little work done.
I recently booked the Community Room at Eau Claire - the IMAX lobby in days of old - for a free meeting with my book club. The space was huge, far bigger than I remembered. It was perhaps a bit sterile for our small gathering, but I would welcome using it again, particularly for large, nonprofit events.
Eau Claire is still the ideal location to spend a sunny Sunday in the summer, sipping a Jugo Juice or green tea by the fountains or wander the nearby Prince's Island Park. While it's been a bit neglected by many Calgarians, it still boasts a number of intriguing and well-attended events throughout the year, from Taste of Calgary to BBQ on the Bow; Canada Day celebrations, Afrika Day and Folk Fest; fashion shows, weekend knitting, laughter yoga and so much more.
With a broad selection of food and drink options - I'm a particular fan of The Bean Stop - $2 evening and weekend parking and $10.50 movies, Eau Claire has continued to hold a place in my heart in the landscape of Calgary's shopping destinations.
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