End of the Road

All things come to an end and so has this project for me. For over two years, I spent most of my free time exploring the city, compulsively taking pictures, writing about the events I’ve attended, and editing late into the night. I’ve met a slew of great people, been inspired by other bloggers, and learned a whole lot about blogging, social media, and web design.

As much fun as I’ve had, however, it is time for me to hang up my head. My schedule do not currently allow for the work involved in writing this particular blog, and there are other things I wish to write about. I’ve spent the last few months developing a new blog and look forward to continuing my journey as a blogger with a brand new site this summer. Adventure awaits!

I leave you with best wishes for a life spent exploring the neighbourhoods you inhabit, whether as a resident, an employee, a wandered, or passer-by. Our cities hold a lot of gifts for those willing to go looking. So long, farewell, and thanks for all the fish 🙂

Beyond the Gym: Fun and Unusual Fitness in Toronto

Is getting in shape on your list of New Year resolutions but you absolutely abhor the thought of smelly gym shoes and iron-pumping enthusiasts heaving and grunting next to you? Or, perhaps, you love the gym but can’t stand the January “gympocalypse”? Looking to try try something new? You’re in luck! Toronto is practically bursting with options when it comes to embracing new fitness and recreation trends.

• Axe Throwing. This has been around for a few years now and is steadily gaining in popularity. BATL (Backyard Axe Throwing League) offers you a chance to throw axes at targets in a league or a private event setting. If putting practice is a sport, I am sure swinging an axe around fits the bill just as well. On the list it goes!
• Archery Tag. Yup, it’s a thing. A newcomer to the Toronto scene, it’s a team-based archery game that combines elements of paintball, dodgeball and archery. Basically, it’s as close as you can come to living you Hunger Games fantasies in real life. Head over to Archery District in Scarborough to test this one out (and may the odds be ever in your favour!).
• Trampoline Dodgeball. Because who wouldn’t want to combine to childhood favourites! Sky Zone is a trampoline park that offers open jump, a SkySlam court, SkyRobics fitness classes, Ultimate Dodgeball and Foam Zone. That ought to keep you busy for a while.
• Dragon Boat Racing. There is a multitude of dragon boat racing teams in Toronto and winter no longer restricts it to a summer-season activity, what with the arrival of an indoor dragon boat pool on the scene. That’s right, you can now train (i.e. exercise) all year long at Afterburn.
• Circus School. Silks, trapeze, hoop, straps, acrobatics – these are just a few of the offerings on the list of classes you can take at one of Toronto’s circus schools. If you’ve ever been to a Cirque de Soleil performance, you know those people are athletes through and through, so getting a good workout is hardly a matter of concern here. Toronto School of Circus Arts and The Circus Academy are two of the places that can hook you up, but a couple of others have also sprung up in Toronto as well, so there are definitely options. A quick online search will help you find one near you.
• Sports Leagues. Offering anything from indoor beach volleyball to ultimate frisbee to floor hockey to roller derby (yup!), there is a healthy abundance of these in Toronto. A quick online search for the sport of your choice is all it takes to find one in your area. It’s that easy.
• Winter Sports. Moonlight snowshoeing, anyone? Ski trips? High Park Ski Club is one of the places that can set you up but there are others. For those not wishing to join a club, there are local ski hills and trails that are a cinch to locate online. Not into skiing, there are more than a dozen outdoor skating rinks open in Toronto throughout the winter months (not to mention all the indoor ones!) or you can venture out to the Toronto Islands for a more unique (and daring!) experience of skating frozen lagoons. Not into skating on thin ice? Try tobogganing (while you still can without breaking the law!). Unlike with skiing, you have to make your own way up the hill to go again, so you’ll definitely get your exercise in! Find a hill near you.
• Indoor Rock Climbing. If you want to build muscle mass fast, this is a really fun way to do it and has the added benefit of being distracting enough that you don’t even realize you’re working out until you’ve been at it for a while. Reaching the top of a really high wall is a lot more satisfying that running in place on a treadmill, so if you get bored easily, this is a good one. Rock Oasis, TCA, True North, Boulderz, Joe Rockhead’s – the choice of options is quite extensive. And most climbing gyms offer assistance finding a climbing partner if you don`t have a buddy to bring with you.
• “Dancercize“. From pole dancing to belly dancing to zumba and everything in between, plenty of dance studios and specialty gyms offer fitness classes where you can work up a sweat to music. And if you don’t think that’s a good enough workout, you’ve never tried dangling off a pole using just your armpit to keep you in place (and perpendicular to the ground!). Again, a quick internet search will help you find a suitably tantalizing offering in your neighbourhood.
• Guided Running. Want to get some sightseeing in while getting your workout? Turns out, you can! Toronto Guided Runs is your ticket to breaking free of the treadmill with some guidance on the best route to take.
• Kungoo Jumps Classes. That would be those funny-looking rebound shoes that essentially turn your feet into a small trampoline. Kangoo Club Toronto lets you strap on one of those contraptions and “bounce into fitness” with a qualified instructor.

This list ought to get you started but something new is always popping up in Toronto, so keep your eyes and ears open for other activities and be sure to share any interesting finds that didn’t make this list!

Happy sweating!

The Summer of Free Movies

How many movies can you watch in one summer? If your bank account tends to limit your answer, this summer that number is about to go up as free outdoor movies continue to gain popularity in Toronto. With no less than eight separate screening venues, options abound and the pickings are pretty solid. Grab a couple of friends, picnic blankets and/or camping chairs (some will provide chairs but you’ll be much more comfortable and mobile if you bring your own), snacks, drinks, bug spray (important!), and warm clothes (equally important, even if it’s a hot day!) and take in some old classics and newly released hits. It’s a great way to spend the night and one of my favourite things to do in the summer. And best of all, it’s FREE!

Here’s where to take in some outdoor flicks for the rest of the summer that won’t put a dint in your pocket:

Harbourfront Free Flicks: Funny Girls

Movies screen at 9:00 pm at thee WestJet Stage. Not only do you not need to bring your own chair to this one, you also get a rain cover in case the weather refuses to cooperate.

• July 9 – Bend It Like Beckham
• July 16 – Clueless
• July 23 – Caramel
• July 30 – Desk Set
• August 6 – Kissing Jessica Stein
• August 13 – In a World…
• August 20 – Funny Girl
• August 27 – Audience Choice

TIFF in the Park 2014: Backstage Pass

Movies screen at dusk at David Pecaut Square, with the beautiful Roy Thompson Hall in the background. This is one of the venues that provides chairs but those with picnic blankets can sit on the grass closer to the screen.

• July 9 – 9:15 pm – 20 Feet from Stardom
• July 16 – 9:15 pm – Billy Elliot
• July 23 – 9:00 pm – Searching for Sugar Man
• July 30 – 9:00 pm – Sunset Boulevard
• August 6 – 9:00 pm – Pina
• August 13 – 8:30 pm – A Star Is Born
• August 20 – 8:30 pm – Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
• August 27 – 8:30 pm – Pitch Perfect

City Cinema: Yonge-Dundas Square

Another venue that provides chairs. Picnic blankets won’t work well on the hard concrete but camping chairs will do the tricks if you want to snag a better seat without having to show up an hours early. There is quite a bit of light pollution from all the billboards in the area but don’t worry – you can see and hear the movies just fine.

• July 8 – 9:00 pm – Trainspotting
• July 15 – 9:00 pm – National Lampoon’s Vacation
• July 22 – 9:00 pm – Little Miss Sunshine
• August 5 – 8:30 pm – The Italian Job
• August 12 – 8:30 pm – Taladega Nights

Courtyard Movies @ St. Peter’s (840 Bathurst St.)

This is a new venue for me, so no idea what to expect. But with the new Captain America movie in the lineup, this is the most progressive church I’ve ever come across! I would recommend your own seating to be on the safe side. Movies screen at 8:30 pm.

• July 11 – Captain America
• July 25 – Sister Act
• August 8 – I Confess
• August 22 – The Lego Movie

Christie Pits: Days of Summer (Bloor and Christie)

Movies screen at dusk on the hill seen from Bloor St. just after dusk. No seating is provided, so bring your own picnic blanket or camping chair (and watch out for that steep slope!). Not only does this returning festival screen feature fills, they also introduce the audience to some local music and film talent before the feature presentation.

• July 13 – Les Vacances de Monsieur Hulot
• July 20 – Stand By Me
• July 27 – Rear Window
• August 3 – Twister
• August 10 – Moonrise Kingdom
• August 24 – rain date

Movies in the Park – Riverdale Park East (550 Broadview Ave)

Another venue I haven’t been to yet but it being a park, I would advise to bring your own seating.

• July 13 – 9:15 pm – King Kong vs. Godzilla
• July 27 – 9:00 pm – Footloose
• August 3 – 8:45 pm – The Never Ending Story
• August 17 – 8:30 pm – The Wizard of Oz

Regent Park Film Festival Under the Stars (Daniels Spectrum)

Movies screen at 9:00 pm. No idea about the seating situation.

• July 9 – Linsanity
• July 16 – Blood Brother
• July 23 – Lunch Box
• July 30 – LUV
• August 6 – Short Term 12
• August 13 – Mooz-Lum
• August 20 – Made in America

Movies in St. James Park (King and Jarvis)

Movies screen at 9:00 pm. Don’t forget the bug spray!

• July 31 – The Lego Movie
• August 28 – The Philadelphia Story

Summer Cinema @ Fort York

• August 5th – Jurassic Park (8:35pm)
• August 12th – The Breakfast Club (8:25pm)
• August 19th – Ghostbusters (8:15pm)
• August 26th – The Amazing Spiderman 2 (8:05pm)

Movie Nights in the Beach Village

Movies screen at dusk. Pre-show entertainment is provided and local businesses give out free samples. Bring your own chair or blanket.

• June 24 – Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (Kew Gardens)
• July 10 – Frozen (Ivan Forrest Gardens)
• July 31 – Harry Potter & The Philosopher’s Stone (Kew Gardens)
• August 21 – Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters (Ivan Forrest Gardens)

 

No-Pants Subway Ride 2014

I’ve been hearing about this annual feast of hairy legs and scantily clad derrieres for years but have never seen it first hand. Until now. For once, the universe conspired to make it happen when the departure point happened to be the very subway station I was passing through on that very same afternoon. Not one to resist serendipity, I adjusted my travel plans to catch the same train and can finally rest easy having now satisfied my curiousity.

The No-Pants Subway Ride originates from Improv Everywhere and, in Toronto, the No Pants Society. It’s quite popular and the crowd was actually larger than I expected. Predictably though, it numbered many more men than women (or guys and girls, I should say, since just about everyone seemed to be in their late teens or early twenties) and most of the girls were accompanied by their boyfriends, with a few small all-girls groups of 2-4. Whatever the case, I didn’t spot any leering creepers along the way, so all good on that front. Don’t let fear of perverts stop you from public disrobing on this particular occasion. It was a safe and fun environment for all and as far as I could tell, nobody got lost along the way.

The idea is to meet on a subway platform fully dressed, get on the same train, disburse throughout, and randomly take off pants partway through the ride, surprising unsuspecting riders. This didn’t quite work out according to plan and just about everyone was in their skivvies before they ever got off the platform (which actually gave the crowd and the large media presence lots of photo ops). It was also hard to sneak in a surprise like that on a rather tightly packed train during a time that would otherwise see it quite deserted in that part of town. People knew right off the bat that something was up. Still, the reactions were pretty hilarious, from outright shock to people who tried to pretend like nothing strange were happening but desperately trying to steal covert glances while at the same time attempting to maintain their nonchalant composure. Yeah. Good luck with that. There is a train full of people in their winter jackets and underwear. Get over yourself and stare like the rest of us!

What was heartwarming about the ride was the number of random (and totally normal) conversations taking place. Toronto as a whole is very accepting of all things strange and this was no exception. Strangers were striking up conversations, bonding, and generally having a good time. What was less heartwarming was the amount of media present and everyone taking pictures. None of the people who participated in the ride will have an easy time running for public office should they ever decide to do so. I started off being very cautious to avoid any faces in my shots but it quickly became a losing battle and the Internet was awash in pictures before I even made it to my coffee date. Buyer beware!

Other than the privacy concern and the failure on the whole surprise factor, it was a fun, laid-back event that took you out of your comfort zone and made you rethink it entirely. People were quite liberated by the experience and it was a good exercise in being comfortable in your own skin (and not caring about what anyone else thought). Those who seems decidedly uncomfortable at the start of the ride were laughing with their new friends and walking with a bit of a strut by the time they got to Spadina.

We also learned quite a few practical things in the process, such as:

• gentlemen, boxer briefs are the way to go (but we knew that already!);
• simple panties can look high fashion with short booties and a Chanel clutch (for real!);
• if you’re going to do this, go all out (there’s really no point in wearing boxers that just look like gym shorts; it makes you look like you merely don’t know how to dress); and last but not least
• when in doubt, fun underwear always wins the day (those Snoopy briefs were my favourite!).

Thanks to everyone who stepped out of their comfort zone to amaze and amuse, and to No Pants Society and Improv Everywhere for organizing! Many smiles were born as a result.

See the great ride in action:

WHAT: No Pants Subway Ride 2014

WHERE: Downsview to Finch, with an after party at The Office Pub

WHEN: January 12, 2014 – 4 pm

COST: Free

INSIDER TIPS: The event itself is very friendly, fun, and out-of-the-box. However, think carefully before taking part in it personally (particularly if you are job hunting or want to ever be involved in politics) because there will be pictures of you in your underwear floating around the Internet for years to come. Everyone was taking pictures and they weren’t asking permission to do so. Even if these are not tagged, Murphy’s Law has a funny way of connecting the dots at the worst possible time.

Media was out in full force right from the start

The guy in white was very popular. One lady walked by, stopped short, pulled out her camera, got right up close and said, “Daymn, I need a picture of THAT!”. Not making it up!

This was a very common site. Welcome to Public Disrobing 101.

Final instructions. The directions were actually very clear.

Ready. Set….

Go time!

“Hi, mom!” No really, that’s what he said.

No big deal. Just taking the train downtown.

Guys in particular were very happy to pose for photos

Time to switch trains

That’s how you do a No Pants Subway Ride. Love the fashion!

Check out the Snoopy briefs. Love!

Because of the subway closure, there turned out to be an impromptu catwalk at Spadina station

Everyone wanted a picture of the guy in his boxers and a suit jacket

That guy could’ve been a cover model for the No Pants Subway Ride. Now THAT’s how you do it!

The train pulling away at Spadina left quite a surprise for the people on the other side

The big reveal

Waiting for the next train

Like I said, it was a large crowd!

Leslieville Flea

Ever since I discovered and fell in love with the Junction Flea, I’ve been on the lookout for similar events in the city. Relatively new, the Leslieville Flea fits the bill to a T. When I heard that it takes place in the Fermenting Cellar at the Distillery District, I could not resist checking it out as soon as I had an opening in my calendar. And my instincts were right! It was absolutely perfect.

The Leslieville Flea takes place once a month from 10am-4pm (usually on the third Sunday of the month but there are some exceptions, so check their website for dates, which are posted a few months ahead). Completely indoors, the show goes on rain or shine, and with all the exposed brick and metal and the sunshine streaming in through the windows, it’s quite the magical experience. All the vendors take great care in arranging their wares and it’s really more like going to an art gallery than going shopping. Seriously, I had a hard time putting away my phone – the urge to spend all day taking pictures was rather great.

The products themselves were of high quality and variety. There was everything from vintage clothing to small antiques to handcrafted artisan jewellery to skin products and furniture. Old and new, everything was beautiful to see and touch and I’d be lying if I said I managed to walk away without making a single purchase (or, ahem, three). The prices were very reasonable, the setting was visually impressive, the space wasn’t overcrowded, the vendors were friendly and accommodating…the list goes on and on. Time-wise, you can spend anywhere from 40 mins to several hours there, depending on your schedule and interests. Being at the Distillery District, there is plenty to see and do before and after, so you can easily make a day of it. And did I mention there is no admission fee? In a word: GO! The next two markets take place on March 16 and April 20.

WHAT: Leslieville Flea

WHERE: Fermenting Cellar, Distillery District

WHEN: Once a month on Sundays

COST: Free

INSIDER TIPS: If you spot any clothes you like, ask the vendor to try them on. Vintage clothes can be tricky when it comes to size but don’t let that stop you. There is a huge washroom in the Fermenting Cellar that’s bright and clean and it easily stands in for a makeshift fitting room. And the vendors don’t mind!

You won’t be sorry if you go

These air plant ecosystems are still one my favourite finds

The setting could not be any more perfect

What a pretty picture a good vintage market makes

Time to start planning those gardens

These were seriously gorgeous. And super soft. Want!

Browsing galore

Where to Treat Yourself to Birthday Freebies in Toronto

Birthdays are all about feeling special. Even if you struggle with turning older every year, few can resist the seductive call of special treatment, presents, and freebies. And Toronto has a lot to offer when it comes to birthday freebies!

There are many lists online of what you can get, so for a more comprehensive listing, simply do a quick Google search (or see one of the links referenced as sources below). Some of these are out of date (free admission to Ontario Place, anyone?), but many of the listings are still in play and I’ve scoured the Internet to put together a list of the most worthwhile ones.

While many businesses require you to bring 1-10 friends to score their birthday special (which is unfair to your friends) or buy something in order to get the deal (which defeats the point unless you would buy that particular something regardless), there are also those who will give you something for nothing. Below is a list of places that will treat you on the house or give you a discount just because it’s your birthday, no spending strings attached. In some cases, you just have to walk in and show them your ID. In others, you need to sign up for a free rewards account or newsletter to get the special offer. Some of the registrations can take a few weeks to process, so go through this list about a month before the big day and plan your visits accordingly. Happy birthday hunting!

1. Sephora – I’ve had a Sephora Beauty Insider card for years and pop in to collect my birthday gift every year. This one is tried, tested and true. Even if you never buy anything from them, you can show up with your card, tell them it’s your birthday, and walk out with a little package of beauty treats. Without having to buy a single thing. Nobody will give you a hard time or a stink eye. Hard to believe, I know, but it’s true. Now, if you like playing dress-up and glamming it up on occasion, it’s hard to resist all the fun products they have in store, but that’s another story. Sign up for your Beauty Card here.
2. What A Bagel – visit any location on your birthday, show a photo ID, and get a dozen bagels free! That’s it.
3. Booster Juice – Join the Booster Nation Club and get a free birthday smoothie.
4. Menchies – Join their mySmileage Club and get a free frozen yogurt (up to $5 value) on your birthday. The reward is given out 2 weeks before your birthday and valid until 2 weeks after your birthday.
5. Hotel Gelato – free gelato on your birthday when you sign up for their newsletter.
6. Panera Bread – free pastry or sweet on your birthday when you sign up for their reward card.
7. The Works Gourmet Burger Bistro – free burger on your birthday when you sign up for a WIP card.
8. Starbucks – Enjoy a drink or treat on the house when you get a Starbucks Rewards card.
9. American Eagle Outfitters – receive 15% off your purchase during your birthday month when you sign-up for an AE Rewards Card.
10. RW & CO. – 25% off the last ticketed price on all merchandise during the week of your birthday (valid for 3 days before or after the actual date). Create an account to receive and print out this offer. Valid ID required. Create an account to receive your birthday offer.
11. Value Village – On your birthday, show your club card and photo ID at any participating store and get 20% off your purchase. The offer is valid only on your birthday and is not transferable. If your birthday falls on a day that our store is closed, your Birthday Offer is redeemable on the next business day.

In addition, these offers made an appearance in a few online lists but I could find no mention of them on relevant company websites. These are probably very likely true but you might want to call ahead to make sure:

• Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory – Free gift (usually a chocolate bar) if you include your birth date when registering your Rocky Card.
• Shoppers Drug Mart – free makeover or beauty consultation on your birthday, part of the Optimum card rewards.
• Kula Yoga – Free yoga class at 304 Brunswick Avenue. Call beforehand to let them know you’re coming.

Sources:

Mrs. January: Frugal Living Made Easy, Metro, GroceryAlerts, BlogTO, American Eagle Outfitters, Sephora, What A Bagel, Booster Juice, RW & Co., Menchies, Value Village, Starbucks, Hotel Gelato, Panera Bread, The Works Gourmet Burger Bistro

Living Library Project 2013

This was easily one of the more meaningful and unique events I went to last year. Living library events have been gaining popularity over the past few years, with a few public library systems launching similar programs. I’ve been meaning to check one out for a while now, so when an opportunity arose, this was a no-brainer. As luck would have it, I saw the posting half an hour before the deadline to submit an application to be a human book and while I always meant to participate as a “borrower”, coincidences like this are too much temptation for me to resist, so I raced to complete the application and managed to hit “submit” with only a couple of minutes to spare. Imagine my surprise when I got accepted to be a “human book”!

When the event itself rolled around, I didn’t quite know what to expect but going with the flow is the one thing I’m finally learning how to do fairly well. I needn’t have worried about a thing. The event was very well organized and all its elements functioned together perfectly. Seriously, a job well done through and through.

For starters, the location couldn’t be any better. Set in a grand hall and steeped in history, this truly felt like a “library”. The organizers took care of all the details – advanced registrations for people wishing to sign out “books”, event promotion, bio print-outs for walk-ins, a thoughtful layout (in an open room, there was actually relative privacy for each participant thanks to strategic furniture placement), a fantastic lunch (free for everyone, including “borrowers”), gifts for speakers, and three staff/volunteers looking after us throughout the day. The organizers did a great job ensuring each “book” was signed out at least 2-3 times throughout the day, and filling any empty spots skillfully.

Despite a great level of organization, the event was not in any way, shape or form stuffy. The atmosphere was friendly and relaxed, and the entire process was easy for all parties involved. The range of speakers was truly impressive (many were older and there were quite a few wild stories to be told!) but what surprised me most was the attitude of the “borrowers”. Most of these were UofT students and some were sent for conversational practice by their English language teachers. However, there was not a trace of the “whatever” attitude associated with the younger generation. Every single person I came across was genuinely interested in the stories and I was caught off guard and truly touched by the feeling of having helped someone see things differently and feel better about making difficult decisions.

And there was more than one someone! In fact, some conversations got incredibly personal and the people got very emotional. I heard stories of struggle in deciding to pursue personal interests or appease demanding families, giving up on dreams, finding the courage to do something for themselves, being paralyzed by fear over making a wrong decision, and so many more. The unexpected part for me was seeing someone’s whole outlook change and some of the fear fall away when I described my own process and outcomes. Suddenly, the worst case scenario wasn’t so scary. I don’t consider myself an expert by any stretch of the imagination but I’ve spent the last couple of years taking chances and learning to fail. As it turns out, these experiences are useful to others. You really never know when you might touch somebody’s life and this was an unexpected and surprising way to do so. If you have a chance to participate in this event as a “human book” or as an attendee, go! Without hesitation, go.

WHAT: Living Library Project 2013

WHERE: Great Hall, Hart House, University of Toronto

WHEN: November 26, 2013 – 11:00am-3:00pm

COST: Free

INSIDER TIPS: If you can participate in this experience, I highly recommend it. What’s more, I recommend signing up to be a human book. While it is organized by the University of Toronto, it is not limited to students and faculty, so don’t be shy to volunteer. Everybody has a story and I had a fabulous time sharing what I’ve learned with some eager ears. In fact, some were genuinely affected and inspired by what’s just ordinary life to me, which was really touching.

Hart House entrance at University of Toronto

Inside the Great Hall at Hart House

The room is set and ready for human books and their “readers”

The wonderful sight of people “reading” human books

A great lunch spread for all the participants

Yum!

How to Find Something to Do in Toronto

Friends and strangers often ask me how in the world I manage to find out about all the obscure events I end up at. The answer is quite simple: Internet. All you need is a healthy dose of curiousity and a willingness to put your research skills to good use.

If you’re one of those people who sits at home flicking through 80+ TV channels because “there’s nothing to do” (and simultaneously complaining there’s nothing on), let me assure you that a quick poke around the Internet will fix that. Quickly. For good. If there is one problem I never have, it’s that of having nothing to do. In fact, I often struggle with quite the opposite: trying to figure out how to squeeze in even half of what’s on my entertainment agenda. Toronto has an incredible abundance of all things awesome and amazing, and there are 3 very easy ways to discover what’s happening near you with a click of a mouse (or a swipe of a finger):

1.Social Media and Web Browsing

This is by far the most abundant source of entertainment ideas and nearly 80% of events that catch my eye come from one of these sources. Quite often, these are not advertised anywhere else and are too small for local media to pick up. The trick it to follow all your favourite businesses and organization, or those in your area you would like to check out. Not only will you see genuine feedback and see how they treat their customers, you will also be first to know about any special events or discounts they might offer. Here’s where to get started:

• Twitter: you can follow business and organizations, people who are always out and about, or accounts that share local events (there are several in Toronto). Alternately, you can use keyword searches to discover what’s happening in the city. Twitter is also a great place to find contests and giveaways, many of which involve free tickets to local events (double score!). Try this handy list of accounts to get you started.
• Facebook: like Twitter, you can follow local businesses and organizations and discover and enter contests, but be sure to keep an eye on your pages feed because not everything will show up in your regular newsfeed. Also , even if you haven’t RSVP’d to any events, check out your events page because Facebook will populate it with suggested events.
• Pinterest: unlike Facebook and Twitter, Pinterest has a much longer shelf life, so it isn’t the best for staying up to date on what’s happening in the city at any given time. However, it’s a great place for collecting ideas for activities you might like to try or local landmarks you might like to visit. Start your own board to keep track or these and explore what other people are pinning. There is a lot of stuff there on tourist attractions, restaurants to try, annual festival and events, date ideas, etc. You can check out my boards for some inspiration and to get started.
• Meetup groups: before you run away screaming in terror, let me be the first to say that Meetup groups can be hit-and-miss (and often more miss than hit). If you’re not quite ready to embrace the yes philosophy and try things completely out of your comfort zone, use it as an inspiration board instead. Find the groups that share some of your own interests and scope out the kinds of meetups they organize. Frequently, they organize or attend events that appeal to a rather broad demographic, so you might discover something interesting to try. Then round up your own friends and go do it yourselves. Or, you know, try the group thing. You might end up making a new friend or two.
• Google: I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – Google is my friend. And yours, too. When all else fails, a quick keyword search will lead you to a deep well of inspiration on what to see and do anywhere on this planet. Toronto will produce a rather long list of results. See how easy it is.

2.Toronto Events Listings

There are quite a few online and print publications that maintain rather comprehensive listings of what’s happening in Toronto. You won’t find the really small, local events in there (Twitter and Facebook are still best for that), but this is a great way to keep on top of bigger festivals, trade shows, concerts, and the like. Here are some of my favourite sources:

• City of Toronto events & festivals calendar
• Tourism Toronto Website
• blogTO
• NOW Magazine
• Uniiverse
• Eventbrite

3.Organization and Business Websites

Many local organizations and establishments, particularly those in the business of entertaining people, keep up-to-date events pages you might want to browse from time to time. I try to do this on a monthly basis to catch anything I may have missed via social media monitoring. Try some of these to get started:

• Metro Toronto Convention Centre events calendar
• Toronto Public Library
• AGO
• 401 Richmond
• Wychwood Barns
• City of Toronto Historic Sites
• Toronto Botanical Garden
• Gladstone Hotel
• Drake Hotel
• ROM
• Show taping tickets
• Distillery District
• Local Business Improvement Area websites, e.g. Yorkville BIA
• iYellow Wine Club
• University websites, e.g. UofT events
• Your alumni association (subscribe to their newsletter or go online)

This list will get you started and you’ll be compulsively clicking and scribbling dates into your calendar in no time at all. It is, however, by no means exhaustive. Once you get going, you’ll find there is only more to explore. The problem is finding the time and getting started. Go get started! Your life will be all the more fun for it.

Lowe’s Christmas Market 2013

Another one of my Christmas favourites is the Lowe’s Toronto Christmas Market in the Distillery District. The Distillery is already a magical place and when you add a giant Christmas tree, old-fashioned vendors and entertainment, and a sea of Christmas lights, well, that’s a winning combination right there. Especially if you’ve got someone you’re sweet on. Talk about a must for couples, teenagers, and all others romantically or nostalgically inclined. I wonder if anyone’s done a study or even a rough calculation of how many people get engaged at this event each year…

In any case, there are two ways to do the Toronto Christmas Market:

1. Drop in any time over the two-week period that it’s on and simply wander around (the easy and painless way)
2. Consult the detailed calendar of events and activities on their website and plan the perfect visit that caters to your every whim (the slightly more complicated but potentially more rewarding way)

Whichever way you choose, be sure to check out the wooden stalls with the old-fashioned Christmas wares (some of those vintage ornaments are a hoot!), duck into a couple of stores, and warm up by an open fire over some fortified sips. This Christmas Market is all about the atmosphere and it’s really one of a kind. Bundle up and drink it in!

WHAT: Lowe’s Toronto Christmas Market

WHERE: Distillery District

WHEN: November 29 – December 15, 2013

COST: Free

INSIDER TIPS: Don’t confuse this with a shopping event. Yes, you can buy stuff, but there are better venues if it’s Christmas shopping you want. This isn’t really the place for it, so if you’re going in expecting a massive craft show you’ll be disappointed. Go for the experience instead. It’s worth it.

Welcome to one of the most magical places in the city

There is no other setting quite like this.

It may be cold out but picking out a Christmas ornament from one of these outdoor stalls is kind of the best.

This is a great time to pick up some unique Christmas tree ornaments

Apparently there’s a whole tradition behind this! Did not know about hiding pickles in a tree until now.

Don’t forget to check out all the stalls – they have some really neat traditional wares

Secret hideaways and outdoor loungers were around every corner

Who says winter means the end of patio season?

This lil guy just belongs here. Especially during this time.

They had the biggest tree I’ve ever seen. It was bigger than buildings!

Closing time but the magic doesn’t quite stop

Time to head home 😦 Until next year!

There’s a picture opportunity around every corner

On the way home, stop by Brookfield Place if you took the subway down. It’s magical, especially at Christmas

A different kind of a Christmas tree at Brookfield Place

Ice, Wine & Dine 2013

Come November, holiday festivities start popping up all over Toronto and many of these take place outdoors and don’t skimp on seasonal finery. The beauty of street festivals is that they’re free, family-friendly, and filled with tasty goodies and festive cheer. One of my favourites is the annual Ice, Wine & Dine event on Elm Street, which is part of Winter Magic downtown. It’s deceptively small but don’t be fooled: you can spend hours on that tiny street, so be sure to bundle up because you’ll want to stay a while!

Ice, Wine & Dine sees just about every business on Elm Street (most of which are good restaurants) spill out onto the sidewalks to offer samplings of their menus. The street is partially closed off to traffic and there is live entertainment throughout. There are outdoor drink lounges, plenty of food to be had, and local musicians and entertainers delighting the strollers. The event is very well organized, food and drink prices are very reasonable, and there are a lot of unexpected surprises along the way. The first time I went, I thought it was too small and I would be out of there in 15 mins. Two hours later, I was having an ice wine martini at the Ice Lounge and didn’t have any immediate plans to leave. This year was hardly any different. At first glance, it looks like there isn’t much happening but then you stop for a bite here, stop for a drink there, take in a band, chat up the friendly stilt walker, turn into the spa…you get the idea. This event may be small as far as street festivals go but it’s definitely mighty! Add it to your next year’s calendar.

WHAT: Ice, Wine & Dine 2013

WHERE: Elm Street

WHEN: November 22, 2013 – 4:00-10:00 pm

COST: Free

INSIDER TIPS: Dress for the weather and when you think you’re warm enough, put on another layer. Because you spend a lot of time milling around in one spot (eating, drinking, listening to music), you get a lot colder than when you’re out for a hike or in transit. If the cold does get a little much, you could always duck into one of the restaurants or even the members-only Arts and Letters Club, which is open to the public on this day (or the spa!). Also, there is a great variety of quality food to be had, so you want to be careful not to fill up too quickly. The street is small enough to actually do a full lap to get the lay of the offerings before digging out your wallet, so I would recommend looking around thoroughly first and then going back to your favourites to indulge.

The local business support for this event is fantastic, with almost universal participation

One of the participating restaurants on Elm St.

Carolers on the street

The Ice Lounge is always a popular hangout at the festival

That awkward moment when you hear a voice from above. If you’ve never had a stilt-walker sneak up on you from behind, you’re missing the excitement.

Smile for the camera! And jump up to be in the frame lol

How do you get a shot from above? Get a man on stilts to take it!

It may be a short street but there is plenty to keep attendees entertained

There are several music and artistic performers spaced out along the street

Caribbean tunes from these guys made the crowd want to dance

Lots of tasty treats were on offer from the many restaurants lining Elm St.

Getting in on some Winter Magic

It’s Winter Magic!

Can’t take her anywhere!

Arts & Letters Club is open to the public during the festival. And they have hot chocolate!

Inside the Arts & Letter Club

Arts & Letter Club

Arts & Letters Club

Arts & Letters Club