Westworld Alberta
Issue link: http://westworldmagazine.ama.ab.ca/i/80542
weekenders (clockwise, from top left) Bar U Ranch in Longview; Marv Garriott provides the entertainment at his namesake soda shop in Black Diamond; Chuckwagon Cafe and Cattle Co. in Turner Valley; Bluerock Gallery in Black Diamond. DIAMOND VALLEY the getaway Poring over a map of the province, you won't fi nd a dot marking Diamond Valley. This southern Alberta region – known for its rolling foothills and spectacular moun- tain views – consists of four small towns clustered along the Cowboy Trail (Hwy. 22): Millarville, Black Diamond, Turner Valley and Longview – all fewer than 10 kilometres apart. Most Albertans know the area as ranch country. But it's also a perfect place to learn about the province's 19th-century begin- nings and early settlers. At Bar U Ranch National Historic Site in Longview, hear the epic tale of John Ware, a black cowhand hired in 1882 to help bring 3,000 head of cattle to the ranch. In Turner Valley – once a hub of oil and gas activity – purchase an oilfi elds self-guided-tour booklet from the town's administration offi ce and check out famous wells and other historic sites. Then stroll Black Diamond's main street and take in its turn-of-the-century boom-town architecture – elaborate wooden false fronts attached to otherwise modest buildings. This style was typical of the many towns that popped up, almost overnight, in the area as a result of the emerging coal and gas industries. (top left) Bar U Ranch, Tracy Hyatt Diamond Willow Aritisan Retreat the hideaway Diamond Willow Artisan Retreat, just west of Turner Valley, next to Lineham Creek, is a bed and breakfast with a soul-stirring twist. In an attached studio, guests create watercolour landscapes under the instruction of local painter Karin Huehold. In a studio downstairs, certified instructor Kim McNeil conducts yoga sessions. The B&B also boasts 4.5 hect- ares of fi eld and forest, a wraparound deck – perfect for afternoon tea or curling up with a good book – a great room with a fi replace and a hot tub to soak weary muscles at day's end. When birdsong signals morning, join other guests for coffee, sea- sonal fruit, scones and omelets at the com- munal kitchen table. diamondwillowartisan retreat.com –Colleen Biondi the inside track Get yer beef: Wrap your hands around Southern Alberta's best burger at Turner Valley's Chuckwagon Cafe and Cattle Co. (chuckwagoncafe.ca). Chill like Archie Andrews: Sip a chocolate malt at Marv's Classic Soda Shop in Black Diamond (marvsclassics.ca). Say awe: Be inspired by the talent and visual marvels of First Nations artist Bruno Canadien at Black Diamond's Bluerock Gallery this October (bluerockgallery.ca). □ WESTWORLD >> SEPTEMBER 2012 15