No matter where you live, a night in can be something to look forward to. What differs by geographic location is how you pass the time when you’ve got an evening on the couch stretching ahead of you.
The contrast in stay-at-home entertainment choices is particularly apparent when comparing Manhattan Beach locals with their cousins to the north in Canada, and it’s not just the climate that determines these decisions. Stick around, and we’ll fill you in on the lifestyle-related trends that influence how adults relax at home.
Outdoor vs. Indoor Spaces
Many Manhattan Beach residences have been designed so locals can enjoy their coastal surroundings while still being close to a well-stocked refrigerator and a private bathroom. Rooftop decks and sea-facing balconies encourage an indoor-outdoor approach to a night in, meaning there’s more chance that you’ll choose to drink and chat with family members or read a book while the ocean breeze blows gently over you, as opposed to staying cooped up in front of the TV.
Beyond the warmer window of the summer months, Canadian’s tend to prioritize time spent indoors, with cozy dens and impressive home entertainment systems being par for the course, especially during freezing winter evenings. That incentivizes watching a movie with your spouse, playing online blackjack with friends, or watching an NHL game with a group of friends.
Spontaneity vs. Proper Planning
Another way in which a Manhattan Beach night in can diverge from its equivalent in Canada is how the whole event plays out, particularly if it’s a social gathering involving more than one person.
Once again, because the warm coastal climate encourages more of an outdoorsy lifestyle, it’s not uncommon for evening get-togethers to be initiated on the fly. Friends and neighbours can easily be coaxed over for an hour or two, without needing to plan weeks in advance.
Meanwhile, in the Great White North, there’s a good reason to get everyone’s diaries aligned for a fun evening together without leaving this to the last minute. The weather is one thing, but the distances are even more impactful. Its smaller population and intimidating geography mean there’s no such thing as a casual pop-in.
Seafood vs. Comfort Food
Finally, it’s clear that the food culture in Manhattan Beach is quite different from that in Canada, and not just because it’s tough to compare a city to an entire country.
Being coastal, access to seafood is a defining feature of Manhattan Beach’s culinary scene, meaning it’s likely to be served up as part of a night in, whether you buy the ingredients and cook for yourself or order for delivery from one of the many top-tier local eateries.
The chilliness of Canada means edible treats tend to skew to the heartier end of the spectrum, so curd-laden poutine and a glass of throat-warming whiskey have more of a place on the table of an at-home feast than a grilled fish salad and a cool glass of Californian wine.
These are differences worth celebrating, of course, so if you’re a Manhattan Beach local, why not make your next night in Canadian-themed?