Adventures with Traveling Pete

09/02/2026

Welcome to another edition of Adventures with Traveling Pete

What I love about everyday life, is you just never know what could happen that day or what you might come across by accident in your daily routine or even local travels.

I was driving to Spruce Grove Alberta located in Parkland County for something completely different on the weekend. On my travel route, it took me to 'Ballpark Way', where I came across one of the nicest, fanciest, and I would even say the most POSH Pawnshops I have ever been to personally called Pawn Princess Solutions.

They have other locations in the region, but this one is special and caught my eye how fancy it was inside compared to other traditional pawnshops or certain negative stereotypes that go with them including pawnshops always being located in rough parts of towns or big cities. Not this one and here is why....

I never thought I would see the words "Pawnshop and Sales Boutique" in the same sentence, let alone on a business sign and building. That is why I was curious and wanted to go inside to see what this store was all about. It blew me away how really nice it was and the range of quality products and other items on sale from new to 'gently' used.

They sell and carry many new products and even high quality name brands from fancy purses, bags, shoes, jewelry and also second hand items from bikes, tools, lap-tops, including musical instruments.

In fact, the black acoustic guitar on the wall really caught my eye and I was tempted to buy it because I am in the market for one and learning to play and write songs in the future. Anyway, I didn't have time to stay long or I would have probably left with that specific guitar.

The two ladies I spoke with on Sunday in Spruce Grove on Ballpark Way were nice and very friendly to deal with and explained the whole Posh and a little boujee look going on inside.

Then earlier this evening, I called the Edmonton location and spoke with a nice lady named Mackenzie. We had a good chat, who she use to work at one of the locations in Spruce Grove and was excited to tell me more about this private and independently owned niche business.

The location on Ballpark Way is actually the flag ship that opened up late last year with a whole new concept of fancy pawnshops that will be a thing in their business future. So make sure you check this store out and never judge a book by its cover, including your local pawnshops.

Huge shout out to Mackenzie and the rest of the crew at Pawn Princess Solutions in the region and thanks for the conversation over the phone.

Also, for anyone who loves history and is a geek like me and loves Rick Harrison's Gold & Silver Pawn in Las Vegas Nevada, make sure you go there.

I have been there and will go back again, its one of the coolest pawnshops and I love the show. Anyway, that is my review for this posh pawnshop in Spruce Grove Alberta. Honestly, I might be back one day to buy a guitar or the nice men's shoes they sell at this store.

So, there you have it folks, make sure you stop and check them out, please tell them Pete says hello if you do. They would truly appreciate you stopping by and supporting them.

Until next time, stay safe, have fun, explore more, and I'll see you on my next Adventures with Traveling Pete in a town or city near you.

09/01/2026

Great day with Adventures with Traveling Pete supporting the Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation and the 'Teddy Bearz' Lemonade stand in Spruce Grove, Alberta located in Parkland County.

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09/01/2026

Welcome to another edition of Adventures with Traveling Pete

It was a good Sunday over the past weekend that happened unexpectedly at a lemonade stand full of people in Spruce Grove Alberta, located in Parkland County. It was good to see a few familiar faces that I knew already, and meet new ones who were all there to support the Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation fundraising in Parkland County.

I chose to support the 'Teddy Bearz' Lemonade stand because the personal connection I have with someone I love and care for as a dear friend. It includes the people that were there that day who are in my personal circles behind the scenes that I was happy to see.

All the treats and the Lemonade were good, and I was happy to make a personal donation to a good cause that every dollar counts and helps children or their families when needed at a tough time in their lives so they can heal, and live long and happier moments together in the future.

If I am being honest, this post is very personal and also hits close to home in many ways as a father to three kids who have been rushed to the hospitals, including the Stollery ER, treated, x-rayed, special tests, or screened for something possibly serious.

Then the waiting game starts, and bracing yourself for potentially getting bad news as a parent from a doctor at the Stollery for one reason or another.

As a loving, and caring parent, or anyone who has ever taken on that role of another kid that was not even your own biologically, this is the last place you truly want to be with your children. However, it will be there if your kids ever need medical help and support.

Unfortunately, I lost my best friend who was like a brother to me tragically and suddenly when I was only 10 years old. That was one of the hardest, and saddest moments in my life to handle all alone inside or even try to understand at a very young age emotionally.

Today, almost 40 years later, there is not a day that goes by I don't think about him in one way or another. It includes many funny moments, lots of laughter, jokes, and just being curious and adventurous as innocent kids growing up.

In fact, it was my childhood best friend that got me out of my shell to explore the world more around you without a plan or certain cares at the young age of 10.

Sadly, I still remember that moment in time like it was yesterday when I had to say goodbye to him when he was just 11 years old.

We always talked about getting older one day together, finding and marrying a woman of our dreams, having a few kids with her, and then watching our families including our kids growing up together as best friends like we did.

That day never happened, and is why it's tough being a parent, when in fact, no matter how old we get, our children will always be our kids at any age and you will do whatever you can to be there or support them in any way.

Anyway, I know this is a more heavier moment, but an important one to share when it comes to being a parent or supporting children's hospitals around the world, including the Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation.

Please don't take certain things for granted in life, people you love, spending quality time, including your own youth, special moments in time, your parents, and try to live for today like it could actually be your last. We don't know when we might have to say goodbye to someone we truly love and care for in the end.

Thanks for your support, please take care, and I'll see you on my next Adventures with Traveling Pete in a town or city near you.

08/29/2026

Welcome to another edition of Adventures with Traveling Pete that will take you back to the year 1881 in Edmonton Alberta where the first public school in the province was built, and still stands today in the Downtown district over looking the beautiful river valley.

Alberta was not even apart of Canada or confederation that formed in 1867. Yet, we built the first public schools in the province that led to the current educational systems in the Alberta, and across the country that we see today.

A couple weeks back, I took my son to a very cool, and important historical site to see the original 'Edmonton 1881 School'. It is neat part of local and provincial history and is cool to see in person where kids first went to school in Edmonton in 1882 when it was opened.

Eventually the Edmonton 1881 School out grew its students, and in 1912 when Alberta was now part of Canada, they built the McKay Avenue School. Today, that brick building is now the Edmonton Public Schools Archives and Museum.

There is more to this story that includes McKay Avenue School being haunted by a construction worker named Peter, who tragically died when he fell off the roof in 1912.

The ghost has been known to move carefully placed chairs around the room, open drawers, including scatter contents. In fact, when ghost investigators asked if 'Peter' could make a noise if he was there, at that very moment, the sound of a hammer followed instantly.

I for one believe in ghosts and spirits, and now want to take a tour of the McKay Avenue School to experience some ghostly activities from another guy legally named Peter. 😁

The grounds are very historical, the ghosts are real, and public educational systems are important to a brighter future. So, if you want to go spend sometime in Downtown Edmonton district, make sure you visit the Edmonton 1881 School, and the haunted McKay building next door.

It's been fun and hope you explore the local history in this region. Thanks for your support, and supporting local businesses and visiting historical locations wherever you go.

Until next time, stay safe, have fun, explore more, and I'll see you on my next Adventures with Traveling Pete in a town or city near you. 😀

08/28/2026

Another edition of Adventures with Traveling Pete supporting local businesses I like, including First Responders in my own quiet way today. 😀

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08/28/2026

Welcome to another edition of Adventures with Traveling Pete

My day started very early today around 3:30am when I woke up and couldn't go back to sleep. So, I just chilled and snuggled my cute cat while still in bed. Then I decided to head to my local gym, Planet Fitness around 5:00am for a good workout.

I don't normally do reviews about national brands or even franchises. However, sometimes there are exceptions to the rules in my life because they are apart of an important routine that deserve a shout out.

After my workout, sometimes I go to Stacked Pancake & Breakfast House located in Mayfield Common in the Westside of Edmonton, Alberta. It's not that far from the largest mall in Canada, West Edmonton Mall for a geographical reference.

Anyway, I go to this location because you can't beat the $6.99 express breakfast, Monday - Friday from 7am - 9am. Especially after a good workout where you need to fuel the body again. I ordered the meatless breakfast, but I also get the sausage or ham once in a while as well.

This morning, I was the first one at the door at 7am, and got my breakfast within minutes that came out hot, fresh and was yummy as usual.

After I came into the restaurant, about 6 or 7 City of Edmonton firefighters came in that looked like a small crew having a breakfast meeting with their local fire station and team leadership.

As a military veteran, I wanted to quietly pick up their coffee bill for that small fire crew with my waitress to thank them in my own way for their service.

In my opinion, many First Responders go unappreciated most days for putting their own lives on the line, including mental health that effects them personaly, and families behind closed doors everyday. Military personnel, First Responders, and especially Veterans will always have a place in my heart for so many reasons.

Overall, it was a great day, and a good way to start my day off with a great early morning workout at the gym that I like, and finishing off with a good breakfast afterwards that you simply can't beat for how much you get.

Well, this is probably not the most exciting story or experience to share with Adventures with Traveling Pete , but it is an important one to share for personal reasons.

Thanks for your support, and supporting local businesses that you like wherever you go. Until next time, stay safe, have fun, explore more, and I will see you on my next traveling adventures in a town or city near you. 😀

08/24/2026

Another cool moment with Adventures with Traveling Pete supporting The Pomped Moose Barbershop in Stony Plain, Alberta. 😀

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08/24/2026

Welcome to another edition of Adventures with Traveling Pete

I was long overdue and it was time for a 'Treat Pete Day' at The Pomped Moose Barbershop in Stony Plain, Alberta for a fresh hot shave and another amazing experience.

I have been here a few times, and still stand by my statement, that this cool place is one of the best barbershops and hot shave places in Parkland County, plus the greater Edmonton and surrounding region.

Josh is the owner and the real deal when it comes to being one the best in his trade as a professional Barber. Did you know that this trade goes as far back to the 11th century when they were known as Barber surgeons. Now you know!

The Barber surgeon was one of the most common European medical practitioners of the Middle Ages, generally charged with caring for soldiers during and after battle. In this era, surgery was seldom conducted by physicians.

Barbers, who possessed razors and dexterity, were responsible for tasks ranging from cutting hair to pulling teeth to amputating limbs. Don't worry, Josh and his new crew won't be pulling any teeth or removing other parts, I promise.

I just thought it was cool history including the colours represented on a barber pole is that red represents arterial blood, blue is symbolic of venous blood, and white depicts the bandage.

I'm a history geek, and learned something new the other day and wanted to share this cool part of history the next time you go to a barbershop and get a haircut or hot shave.

Fast forward into the 21st century, it is still a skilled trade, including the lost art of a good hot shave and a haircut. When you show up to The Pomped Moose Barbershop, you will be greeted with a smile and offered a complimentary beer, whisky or non alcoholic beverage.

It's a cool place to just lay back in the chair, and have some laughs, good conversations, and enjoy the moment at one of the coolest barber shops in Parkland County. Josh and his new apprentice are good dudes and you're in excellent hands.

If you are looking for a new place to get your haircut, trim your beard, or get a hot shave, then make sure you stop into this barbershop. Make sure you tell them Pete say's hello if you're new or going back again.

Well, its time for me to say goodbye. Thanks for your support and for supporting local independent businesses wherever you go.

Until next time, stay safe, have fun, explore more, and I'll see you on my next Adventures with Traveling Pete in a town or city near you. 😀

08/17/2026

Come visit Adventures with Traveling Pete to get the full review and understand why I love and chose this song when you read the entire story that led me to accidently discover Tealicious Blend.

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