Westworld Alberta
Issue link: http://westworldmagazine.ama.ab.ca/i/53603
weekenders (left) Scenes from Medalta, a stoneware factory in the Medicine Hat Historic Clay District. Medalta celebrates its centennial this year. the hideaway MEDICINE HAT the getaway In the pages of Alberta's history books, much ink has been spilled on the subject of Medicine Hat. It's where natural gas was fi rst discovered in Alberta, back in 1883. Abundant gas reserves, along with tax breaks and access to 100 kilometres of CPR track, sparked a homegrown industrial revolution in the area. Factories making everything from crayons to bricks sprang up all around town. One of those factories was Medalta Stoneware. By the end of the 1920s, the company was producing 75 per cent of Canada's pottery. Its distinctive grey crocks, jugs, bowls and pitchers were sought after across the country. Today, the iconic factory and its bee- hive kilns anchor Medicine Hat's Historic the inside track Art attack: The Esplanade Arts and Heritage Centre, which houses the Medicine Hat museum, archives and art gallery, as well as a performing arts theatre, is as lauded for its glass building as for its impressive collec- tions and shows (esplanade.ca). Hive minds: Sketchbooks are wel- come at HiveHub, a co-op where visitors can hang out and talk to art- ists in their studios (hivehub.ca). All you can eat: The historic Hargrave- Sissons Block on Second Street is home to Inspire Studio & Gallery, an art spot and café (inspireart.ca). One block west, Twist Wine Bistro and Restaurant offers tapas plates, such as Spanish lamb meatballs and mari- nated olives (twistmedicinehat.com). (top, Medalta inside) december2nd, (Medalta outside) Kris Jungk; (Medicine Hat Lodge) Stagewest Hospitality Properties WESTWORLD >> FEBRUARY 2012 13 Clay District. Visitors to the Medalta site can tour a newly renovated museum, which houses more than 30,000 pottery pieces. Give yourself plenty of time to stroll through the interactive displays, watch the historical video footage and browse at the gift shop, which sells retro Medalta pottery made on site. Don't leave without popping into one of the rare circular kilns. If your schedule permits, get your hands dirty in a pottery class. Managed by Stagewest Hospitality, the Medicine Hat Lodge Resort, Casino & Spa is a popular spot on the dinner theatre circuit. Many shows that pass through Calgary and Toronto make an appearance here. Past performances have included Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Shirley Valentine and Fab Forever. In late February, the resort will mount Motown Gold, a trib- ute to the soul sounds of the '60s. While this 190- guest-room facility is one of eight Stagewest properties in Canada, there are special touches here, such as a collec- tion of Medalta Stone- ware on display at the Jungle Café. Amenities include pet-friendly rooms and suites with kitchenettes. –Tracy Hyatt