Newfie word of the day: RDF – an acronym used by Newfoundlanders to describe our frequent weather conditions: rain, drizzle, and fog.
Overcast skies and drizzly days are no stranger to us here in St. John’s. I applaud people who can enjoy a hike in the most dismal weather, or stroll around the streets downtown with an umbrella or road trip despite the downpour. Myself, however, I want nothing to do with it. I try to make the best of all situations, anything Mother Nature throws my way, but instead of being a trooper and bundling up in waterproof clothes, I find indoor adventures that allow me to remain warm and dry.
The following are my favorite ways to spend a drizzly day in YYT.
Mochanopoly. Located on Water Street (near the courthouse), Mochanopoly is St. John’s’ premier board game cafe. The warm, friendly atmosphere is a great place to spend a few hours with friends on a damp day, playing any board game you can imagine. Try the Nutella latte, it is literal heaven!
Escape Quest. Head down to Duckworth Street and challenge yourself to escape fun and intense rooms with NL themes. This is such a fun experience to try with friends, family, classmates, or coworkers. Let us know if you escape in time!
QEII. The Queen Elizabeth II library is located on the Memorial University campus. I know MUN students are probably groaning while reading this, but I enjoy coming here on a rainy day to catch up on homework, read a good book, or explore the stacks to see what I can find. Yes, I am a geek. #sorrynotsorry
The Clay Café. This place is a little out of the way (it’s located in Mount Pearl, on Commonwealth Avenue), but it is a great place to burn a few hours and flex your creative muscle when it’s raining outdoors. The premise is simple: pick out one of their premade ceramic objects (a plate, mug, figurine, etc.) and paint it however you like. They bake it and you pick up your creation a few days later! They also offer Cork and Canvas nights. You bring a bottle of wine, they teach you how to paint a masterpiece- how great does that sound?
The Rooms. I think this one is my favorite. The Rooms is our provincial museum, and it has so much to offer. They have an art gallery, gift shop, historical and cultural exhibits, and a lovely cafe. The best way to experience The Rooms when it’s wet out? Stroll around the exhibits then enjoy lunch with the best view in town. The “Warm Root Vegetable Salad” is a must!
G-Force Funderdome. Located in Paradise off Corisande Drive, the Funderdome is a super fun place for an adults day or night out when it’s less than pleasant outside. They have hi-speed go-karts, glow-in-the-dark mini-golf, Jack Axes axe-throwing, arcade games, pool, and, yup, a bar complete with local beers.
Give back. RDF got ya down? Spend the day giving back to your community. Not only will it benefit others, but it will lift your spirits as well. Volunteer a few hours with The Gathering Place in their soup kitchen; clean out your closet and donate what you don’t wear to the Salvation Army; play with cats at the SPCA; become a conversation partner with RIAC and help a newcomer to Canada improve their English (you can sign up by emailing esl@riac.ca); or, if you don’t have that much time to commit, grab lunch at the Hungry Heart Cafe– this lunch location is operated by Stella’s Circle, they employ vulnerable adults who may have trouble getting a job anywhere else and give them skills to work in the food service industry.
How do you spend rainy days in your city or hometown? We would love to hear about it!
Our east coast roots run deep and there’s nothing we love more than stomping our feet to some tunes that remind us of home. Shanneyganock kept the crowd buzzing and I think just about everyone was getting their groove on. There’s nothing quite like being in a jam-packed room of east coasters who are just so happy to be hearing live music. Not only was the live music great but the crowd knew many of the songs and no one hesitated to sing along. It was a party.
Alan Doyle. Some performers just have this magical energy that they bring on stage with them and Doyle is absolutely one of them. Right from the get-go, he had that sparkle in his eyes. It was such a privilege to witness his work. I was especially impressed with how respectful and humble he was throughout his set. His gratitude for performing on the rock was thoroughly evident. Man, he knows how to put on a show. As a Great Big Sea fan he definitely did not disappoint; singing a mixture of old and new songs– the crowd was invested. Having the opportunity to not only see him perform but also see the friendly faces in the audience react to his performance was extremely humbling. (Also, I would like to point out that I was videoing in the media section and he smiled right at me!) We can’t talk about this performance without shouting out the vibrant beauty and talent that is Kendal Carson– she absolutely rocked it. The energy in that tent, on that night, was something truly special.
I’m so grateful that we had the opportunity to experience this event, to dance the night away and sing at the top of our lungs. If you’re ever in St. John’s in September– don’t miss this festival. Mark your calendars because it’s a hell of a good time. Cheers to that my friends!
