I am a big fan of forward movement and making changes, but sometimes it feels good to see things stay the same. Here at Ottawa At Home, we are working to deliver what our readers expect from us, however, this issue combines both spring and summer, and I feel good about this adjustment.
On these pages, you’ll find renovation features for every room of the house, along with summer fun at the cottage and road-tripping ideas for anyone looking to get out of town and not too far from home. And one of the exciting new experiences in Ottawa is showcased in our Dining Out section. Thanks to Paula Roy, we better understand what to expect from SoPa, a hip new district. I had fun stepping into the Metcalfe Hotel for my editor’s photo in the lobby library, which felt like an ideal spot for an image that showcases plenty of intriguing reading material. I’ll likely return someday to sip a cappuccino and read one of my latest Must Reads.
It’s no secret that I get excited when I hear about fun things happening in the Nation’s Capital, and my heart sings particularly loudly when I learn about impressive things locals are doing. When a press release came my way about a musician from Ottawa who just happened to be an old friend of Olivia Taggart, I knew she’d be the right person to assign the feature to. She was delighted to connect with her old pal, who sheds light on what makes Ottawa such a compelling city for a musician to live in.
It’s often said when the world moves too fast, we pull back to find comfort in what we know. Korey Kealey answers this with a recipe that takes us back to a time when pineapple upside-down cake was a hit at all the potluck suppers —yep, the casual dining experience is back in vogue.
Happy exploring,
Mary
Mary’s Must Reads
WOMEN ARE THE FIERCEST CREATURES, Andrea Dunlop
Three women band together to take on a rising star tech executive that they each feel owed something from.
THE INVISIBLE HOUR, Alice Hoffman
Time travel allows a young woman to fall in love with the writer of her favourite book.
THE ST. AMBROSE SCHOOL FOR GIRLS, Jessica Ward
A twisty coming-of-age story set in a boarding school where secrets are devastating — and deadly.
JOHANNA PORTER IS NOT SORRY, Sara Read
A soccer mom striving to become what she once was.
CLOSER BY SEA, Perry Chafe
A coming-of-age story that captures that moment in time when childhood innocence makes way for the harsh adult experience.
SUNSHINE NAILS, Mai Nguyen
A family fights to save the fate of their no‑frills nail salon when a high-end salon moves in on their turf.
THE BERRY PICKERS, Amanda Peters
The mystery of a four‑year‑old Mi’kmaq girl, who goes missing from the blueberry fields in Maine, haunts the community.
Mary Taggart
