Only have two days in T-O? No worries, here are my tips on what you should try to tackle in two days. In September, I was flown in to Toronto for the Ford, Fashion Mag and ChickAdvisor Shop Crawl. This gave me the opportunity to stay a couple days to see a close friend and meet her new baby, but it also gave me the chance to discover and re-discover some great places.
Day 1
Stay: The Beverley Hotel
Just opened in August on Queen Street West – the rooms are about the size of those on a cruise ship with just enough room for a double bed, a sink, a shower and a toilet. The price, design, location, and excellent service are the top reasons to stay here. And, I slept like a baby.
335 Queen Street West
Eat: At The Beverley’s restaurant
I had arrived two hours before check-in time, but the Beverley offered me a $25 gift card to their restaurant. The community-sourced food was lovely and the place quickly filled up with the trendy business lunch crowd. A good sign for any restaurant is a full one.
The roomy little Fiesta carried 3 fashion bloggers and all of our purchases to and from the shop crawl. Luckily we had a driver, so we could tweet and post our photos.
Play: The Bata Shoe Museum
Fellow fashion blogger, Lolitta Dandoy and I were picked up from the Beverley in a candy blue Ford Fiesta and whisked away to the Bata Shoe Museum (a definite must-see for any fashionista!), where we started (with makeup touch-ups in the back of a Fiesta) and ended the Shop Crawl (with a fun after party!). You can hit this section of Bloor Street West, too because it’s lined with great shopping.
327 Bloor Street West
Speaking of shopping, ShopCrawlers who used the hashtag #FiestaMoments were gifted a Shop Crawl survival gift bag from the back of this Fiesta. One lucky winner would also get to have the Fiesta for a weekend… for more shopping, perhaps?
The Beverley’s rooftop patio
After an evening of shopping, we hit the rooftop patio for a drink and snack before hitting the hay. Note: There’s a rooftop dj Fridays and Saturdays after 9pm.
Day 2
High Tea: Kitten & the Bear
A teeny-tiny place on Queen Street West in Parkdale (way west, I might add). I was running late for my next stop, so I hopped in a cab and it was so worth the detour! Kitten & the Bear is the equivalent to Cocoa Locale in Montreal, only with fresh baked scones and homemade jams instead of cakes and cupcakes. Best scones, hands down! Tip: stock up on these artisanal jams.
1574 Queen Street West
Shop: Holt Renfrew on Bloor.
Yes, I work for Holts and I totally admit to my Holts addiction (I get a great discount), but Holts Bloor is THE largest store in the Holts world, so I always make a point of stopping here when in T.O. because they have the biggest and best selection of designer fashion. And when I saw these babies in our fall catalogue…(see pic) I started stalking Holts until I finally found and snapped them up on this trip!
Hit: The historic Distillery District
For its many shops, galleries, bars and brick buildings. I picked up some gifts at the Distill Gallery (pssst… they even carry many Montreal designers). I also always make a point of stopping at Soma Chocolate for a shot of spicy Mayan hot chocolate.
Brunch: With friends, chez friends
Toronto just wouldn’t be as much fun without my besties. On this trip, I met my best friend’s brand new babe and I even baked bread for the occasion. Nothing tastes better than brunch with a side of baby! (Actually, we enjoyed the confiture I bought at the Kitten and Bear).
Visit: The AGO
For art and culture. If you have time, and even if you don’t – always make a point of squeezing in the AGO. What’s on now: David Bowie is (but only until Nov 29)!
These are only a few quick suggestions, but if you have more time in Toronto, check out my other boutique, spa and resto recommendations here: Toronto.
Sponsored post, FORD FIESTA
