Growing up in the small town of Stavely, AB, singer, songwriter and Project WILD Finalist Mariya Stokes has been likened to modern country artists such as Kacey Musgraves and Maren Morris. Currently, Stokes is recording her debut EP with producers Spencer Cheyne and Justin Kudding at OCL Studios in Alberta and will be releasing her first single entitled “Hands On My Body” in summer 2018. Stokes was also a finalist in the 2017 Country 105 Rising Star Contest at Ranchman’s Cookhouse and Dancehall and gained international recognition when she won two awards for her work, including the 2016 International Modern Country Songwriter of the Year award from the North American Country Music Association Int’l for her song “Detours”.
Because of Stokes' small-town roots (Stavely has a population of 500 people and only two restaurants), she visits a lot of neighbouring communities in Southern Alberta when she wants to eat out.
Breakfast
I love having breakfast at Roy’s Place in Claresholm, Alberta. The owners, Kieth and Brandi Carlson, put so much attention and love into making everyone that walks into their restaurant feel at home, and Kieth puts so much love into every meal.
Lunch
Stuthorns on Main in Nanton, Alberta has great sandwiches and coffee and I love to stop by when I’m driving through town.
Dinner
The Stavely Hotel Restaurant has the best Chinese food (especially their ginger beef) on the Highway 2, and I would highly recommend it.
Drinks
The Stavely Hotel is a really cool little place in town. My parents owned it when I was growing up and I used to sneak in on Sunday afternoons when I was a kid and sing at the weekly jam. Their beer is always cold, and the company is always friendly!
