Sydnee Bryant

While there’s nothing wrong with a big, loud restaurant, sometimes you’re just not in the mood for all that hub-bub. When you feel like having an intimate conversation with a friend or partner or crave some quiet with your meal, a smaller establishment can offer some respite. These Edmonton restaurants all seat 60 people or less, making them the ultimate spots for a cozy dinner. [Image credit: iStock.com/hlphoto]

The holidays are a wonderful time to try new activities or to explore your community for Christmas-themed outings that only happen at this special time of year. These activities in Edmonton are appropriate for both kids and adults, and will leave you full of holiday cheer.

If you don’t live on a farm, the next best thing is trolling farmers’ markets for fresh produce, organic fruit and killer cinnamon buns. Despite its sometimes too-brief summers, Edmonton has great farmers’ markets, spread throughout the city and the surrounding areas. A visit to any of the spots on this list will never disappoint. [Image credit: iStock.com/upheaval]

French fries are a staple in most people’s diets from an early age. As we get older, we often add new varieties, such as sweet potato, into our culinary rotation. But, we also learn that some fries are simply better than others – these places offer fries that are so much more than greasy, cut-up potatoes.

Pad Thai: It’s comforting, hearty and familiar – but exotic enough to excite our palate. These Edmonton restaurants serve up pad Thai that will take your taste buds to Thailand.

Mojitos may just be the most refreshing alcoholic drink on the planet. The combination of lime and mint is always delicious, and there are plenty of ways to personalize your mojito to your liking. These restaurants mix up mojitos that will trick you into believing you are in the tropics, at least until your glass is empty. [Image credit: iStock.com/wmaster890]

Tis the season to deck the halls with boughs and holly, not to mention a big ol’ Christmas tree. From chopping down your own tree in the woods to hiring a professional to decorate it for you, there are plenty of options for filling your home with holiday cheer. These places offer sparkly holiday magic in the form of trees and wreaths.

Whether you’re planning a simple picnic in the park or a fancy outdoor soiree, the right tools can make or break your picnic party. Not only do you need killer food, you also have to find blankets, games, utensils, and more – plus something to carry it all in. These stores have everything you need to make your next backyard shindig the event of the season.

Edmonton is home to an eclectic mix of independent and chain restaurants, with more new spots opening monthly. So far, 2016 has seen many popular chefs strike out on their own with a signature restaurant, as well as a surge in popularity for ramen and Korean cuisine. These are all the fresh restaurants I'm looking forward to trying in 2016. [Image credit: iStock.com/billnoll]

When you’ve gotta stretch, you want to do it in a lovely, peaceful environment instead of sweaty gym. Sound about right? Then yoga or Pilates is the perfect workout for you. These studios are some of the safest and most harmonious places to stretch in Edmonton.

Travelling can be a grand ol’ time but it can also be a pain, especially if it’s cold outside. You need to bring so much stuff with you that just the act of packing can be exhausting. These Edmonton stores sell travel accessories that will make your next winter trip much smoother.

Summer means brightening your yard with flowers and planting your vegetable bounty so it's ready for fall harvest. Whether you have a green thumb or can't tell dill from carrot tops, you can still create a beautiful garden. Bring the great outdoors to your yard with the right tools and equipment, and a little advice from the gardening experts at these Edmonton garden supply stores. [Image credit: iStock.com/Cleardesign1]