Tobogganing in Toronto

This past weekend my group of friends and I decided we would take advantage of all the beautiful snow in Toronto and go tobogganing. Tobogganing is a winter sport that is cheap and a lot of fun no matter how old you are. We being a little older then most people you would see at the park decided to head out in the late evening when most of the kiddies would have gone to bed. We decided to head to my favourite hill and what I would consider to be one of the best hills in the city for this sport Riverdale Hill.

Riverdale Park has one of the steepest hills in the city and has one of the best views of the Toronto skyline another reason for making it the number one spot. To our discovery the hill was packed with people all similar in age, who all thought of the same idea. We even saw some very interesting sled ideas. There was this one group of boys who decided to take an old couch and put skis on it. As they rode down the hill they popped open an umbrella to help them stop it was a very clever idea and a pretty neat sled. Another group of people tried using an old mattress to slide down the hill, one of my sisters decided to embark on this form of transportation down the hill and said it was the most luxurious ride she's ever taken. My friends and I came prepared with some krazy karpets, the old classic wooden toboggan and some other black plastic toboggans that went exceptionally fast. All and all it was a lot of fun, I have never laughed and smiled so much! It was wonderful to feel like a kid again and I would highly recommend it to anyone at any age.

Riverdale Hill is what I consider to be one of the best for tobogganing but there are a few more that may be closer to you that you may want to try. Some other suggestions are:

Christie Pits Park

Withrow Park

High Park

Lithuania Park

Trinity Bellwoods Park

So as we prepare for another snowy day try and take advantage of it and embrace it by trying something like tobogganing. I can ensure you, you will not regret your decision.

Clothes Shopping on the Danforth

Two of my favourite places to shop for clothes on the Danforth are Five-O-Seven and Social Butterfly.

Five-O-Seven is an ultra chic and stylish store offering the latest trends for both men and women. They carry brands such as Rock & Republic, Antik, Seven for All Mankind, Firetrap, Jack Jones, Ben Shermen and many more. They also carry a variety of unique items you won't find anywhere else as their buyer shops around the Globe to bring the latest and greatest items to this small shop. I once bought a dress from Melbourne, Australia thinking no one in Toronto would ever have this dress as and then I walked into Five-O-Seven a few months later only to find it on their rack. I was very impressed as this dress was not from any major label and bought at a small boutique in Melbourne.

Social Butterfly is an eclectic boutique that offers a little bit of everything for the urban female. Here you will find fabulous flirty dresses, gorgeous jewelry and sexy, comfortable footwear! They offer popular brands like Kensie and French Connection but also a lot of other brands you won't find anywhere else in the city. They are proud supporters of Canadian designers and sell all Canadian made jewelry and other fine accessories. The two young girls who run the store are very friendly and accommodating making your shopping experience always pleasurable.

If your ever in the Danforth area I strongly recommend coming into these stores and checking out what they have. I guarantee you will be very impressed!

A walk in Withrow Park

This Saturday I took Bailey for a walk to the popular Withrow park to check out the local farmers market. I have been busy this summer and just haven't had a chance to go and as things are now slowing down I thought it would be nice to see what they had. Every Saturday from May 22 to October 31st Withrow park is a host to a farmers market. This weekly event arose from neighbourhood members appalled over the declining control over the food we eat and the need to create more opportunities for farmers and local food entrepreneurs. All the food at the farmers market is certified organic or ecologically sustaining produce. The market was filled with not only fresh fruits and vegetables but also an assortment of home baked breads and fresh baked goods. There was even a great stand with organic, gluten-free and vegan desserts!

There are also activities that take place at the farmers market each week. Next week on October 23rd you can come and Carve your own Pumpkin. Then on October 30th to end off this year's farmers market there is a Halloween Dress Rehersal and Spooky Crafts. The lovely Anne Prior another local resident will also have a photo booth set up to take photos of you with your family with your costumes on. In addition, there will also be a ghost rivers walk so join Helen Mills on a tour of Riverdale's hidden and lost urban waterways. It is a wonderful weekend ritual I know I would like to take part in more often so please come check out every Saturday from 9am-1pm.

The History of Riverdale

Riverdale was a small rural community until the Grand Trunk Railway began steaming through here in the 1850's. The railway brought industry and employment opportunities to Riverdale. It also attracted a pool of labourers who built the first homes in Riverdale, south of the railway tracks.

North of Queen Street Riverdale remained largely undeveloped until 1884 when it was annexed by the City of Toronto. At that time Riverdale was called Riverside. The name was probably changed to Riverdale as a reference to the city park of the same name, that has long been a landmark in this area.

Riverdale's development was accelerated in 1918 with the building of Toronto's largest bridge, the Prince Edward Viaduct. The Viaduct provided Riverdale with an important link to the City of Toronto, west of the Don River, and marked a coming of age for this popular Toronto neighbourhood.

Vintage on the Danforth

There are two amazing vintage inspired clothing stores on the Danforth that I don't think enough people know about. Preloved and Tabula Rasa create gorgeous clothes from old pre-worn vintage fabrics.

Preloved has been very successful at its Queen Street West location and has now opened its first pop-up store here on the Danforth. This Toronto based label specializes in taking vintage pieces and reworking them to fit the modern styles of today. Every item of clothing is made to be one of a kind so you don't have to worry about someone else owning the same piece of clothing as you. I have to say although some of the items are a little pricey, going green never looked better.

Tabula Rasa is a great new addition to the Danforth area this shop hosts clothes and accessories that are vintage, reworked as well as new and upcoming labels. Jennifer Park the owner of Tabula Rasa was born and raised in the Riverdale area and opening this store in the area she has grown up in has been a dream come true for her.

All the clothes are hand picked by Park and categorized perfectly to catch your attention. Park has a great sense of style and I think she has done an exceptional job styling her store. I enjoy re-visiting this store time after time to see what new great things she will find and I have a hard time leaving without buying something. Again this is a great store to find one of a kind items that will set you a part from everyone else.

Top 10 Non Greek Restaurants on the Danforth

As my friend Adrienne and I spent Friday evening hopping from place to place on the Danforth trying out different menu and cocktail options it inspired me to write a piece of my top 10 favourite non greek Resturants on the Danforth

1. Globe Bistro

Globe Bistro is my favourite non Greek Restaurant on the Danforth by far. It is also the place Adrienne and I started our escapades on Friday night and it is a place I frequent with many of my friends. This ultra swanky restaurant serves up savory menu items and their cocktail concoctions are to die for. They also boast an extensive wine list to accommodate any wine conosur and their rooftop patio has been best described as a wood trim oasis fuelled by good vibes and good service.

2. Allen's

A staple on the Danforth for years now, Allen's serves up a mouthwatering Irish/American menu. Try the Bison burger and Guiness chocolate cake I guarantee you will love it! For the full Irish experience be sure to sample some of their 355 different whiskey's. They also serve over 140 bottled beers and over 100 VQA wines. Their award winning backyard patio is adorned by one of Toronto's oldest trees that not only provides shade but it also creates a serene ambiance for all its patrons.

3. Lolita's Lust

Is known as a hotspot for many celebrities visiting this city. Its a great place to dine with a group of friends or if your looking for romance there are spots nicely tucked away for a more intimate setting. This trendy restaurant offers up an eclectic menu with something to satisfy everyone. On the upper level you will find their Chinchilla Lounge, perfect for a reception or party! It can accommodate up to 100 people.

4. Il Fornello

Although this is a chain restaurant you can find in many parts of the city, I still have to add it to my list of favourites on the Danforth. Il Fornello is a vibrant restaurant with a stellar reputation for the wide variety of flavourful pastas and its gourmet pizzas right from the wood burning stove. This is the place where I went for dinner when I got engaged so it has a special place in my heart.

5. Casa Sushi

Is a newer sushi establishment on the Danforth and now my favourite. As a sushi lover this place offers a great assortment of rolls all at an affordable price. It offers lots of seating so you don't have to worry about having to wait for a seat which was always my problem at Sushi Delight. They happen to be right next door and I would have to say they are my second favourite with Katsu Sushi following right behind them for third spot on best sushi places on the Danforth. Katsu is a great bang for your buck if you go for the "All You Can Eat" option.

6. The Auld Spot

The Auld Spot is graced with tiny white lights all across the ceiling and planters which creates a sophisticated feel you don't get from other pubs across the city. The Ault Spot is not just your average pub they offer a menu that will tantalize your taste buds with fresh oysters for all you seafood lovers. If you are not a seafood lover try the pulled pork sandwich it is scrumptious.

7. Mambo Lounge

Adds a little Cuban flair to the Danforth with Cuban food, music and mojito's! The tapas selection includes crab cakes, coconut shrimp and warm goat cheese. From mains comes a selection of seafood as well as cuban-style roast chicken, all at a great price. The ambiance, food and music make for a fun filled evening.

8. Red Violin Brazilian Steakhouse

Is for meat lovers! My old boss would always rant and rave about this place so I had to see this place for myself. For about $50 set price you can enjoy the all you can eat steak, roasted pork, chicken and sasauge. A large salad and seafood buffet is also available with the prix fixe price. Also enjoy live entertainment on Friday's and Saturday's.

9.The Family Thai

Located steps away from my house I can't get enough of this Thai restaurant. I often order take out but have sat inside a few times too. After being in Thailand myself I can say this place offers Thai food very comparable to what you will find in Thailand. The Pad Thai is my staple at a price of only $7 you can't go wrong.

10. The Brass Taps

If your looking for good ol' pub food this is the place to go. The pizza's are made fresh and in front of you. The fish and chips taste just like the way you would have them in England and the chicken wings I hear are cooked to perfection. It's a casual place I have been going to since high school and I seem to keep running into familiar faces every time I go, which just goes to show its popularity. Adrienne and I went their for a bite to eat on Friday and we got the Nacho Fries. Fries drizzled in mozzarella cheese, tomato's, lettus and bacon they were amazing!