favourite Saskatchewan restaurants. Legendary for its authentic Thai cuisine and regularly visited by celebrities, I couldn’t think of a better place to have lunch. I appreciate Nits for its laid back, unassuming, vintage atmosphere and amazing food. Plus, I have to admit I love their tag line “You could live in Thailand ... but Moose Jaw’s much closer.” Feeling adventurous (it was my lucky day after all), I allowed the waitress to surprise me. Delivered was menu item #22, GUY PUD KING (stir-fried chicken, beef or pork, green onions and ginger root). Let me tell you it did not disappoint and I will likely stop at Nit’s each and every time I am anywhere remotely near Moose Jaw. It’s that good. (124 Main Street, www.nitsthaifood.ca)
some time aside to visit the valley. (www.wakamow.com)
Tweet worthy It happened then; my luck ran out. The stop I had most highly anticipated didn’t happen. The Burrowing Owl Interpretive Centre was closed because they are running on winter hours, which are Monday to Friday (and by appointment). Somehow I failed to notice this during my research. For this bird lover, devastation set in. Although I wasn’t able to be there physically, the conservation and educational efforts of this centre are of high importance and deserve a mention, plus it just seems like a great place to visit. But it’s not all fun and games. These adorable birds that used to easily be found in the province are declining at a rate of 22 percent a year! They are considered endangered and deserve better. I plan on adopting an owl; if you are interested, visit the centre or its website and learn how you can help. Oh, and call ahead if you plan to visit during the winter. (250 Thatcher Drive East, www.skburrowingowl.ca) And more Art My luck, however, did return. I stopped in at what once was a quaint little church on Highway #1 outside of the city, home now to Parsons Deitrich Pottery. Once inside I was warmly greeted by Wendy Parsons and Zach Deitrich. As a trained artist who majored in ceramics, this was really a treat for me. Their show room on the main floor was full of all sorts of beautiful stoneware. I really appreciated the behind the scenes look at their working space downstairs and outside kiln. It is a truly special space. If you are in the market for finely-crafted handmade gifts, this would be a good stop to make. (1200 Lakeview Service Road, www.parsons-dietrich-pottery.com) Winter Splendor Another place that I had never visited before but was curious about was my last stop for the day: Wakamow Valley, a fourseason park mere minutes from the downtown area. What a pleasant surprise it turned out to be. Blessed with a beautiful day amid a bright blue sky, cross country skiers, ice skaters and outdoorsy types flocked to the valley in droves. This is the winter landscape that ‘we Saskatchewan types’ appreciate and that ‘those who think we are crazy to live here types’ have likely never experienced. The beauty of the area during winter was something to sit back and enjoy. I found myself imagining how stunning the scenery would look in the warm summer months where wildlife is sure to be abundant, and the fall months where the vibrant foliage would be radiant. For winter, it was one of the prettiest sights I have seen in a while. I recommend if you are in the area, set
About the writer: Jenn Smith Nelson is a freelance travel writer/blogger/photographer who is a sky lovin’, prairie wonderer at heart. With enthusiasm she seeks to explore, capture and promote the beauty of our province and share it with those who are curious to learn more. You can read more about her travel experiences and life in Saskatchewan at www.travellinlady.com.
FOR SASKATCHEWAN WOMEN | VOL. 2 ISSUE 1, JANUARY 2013 | 31
