10 Reasons to Beat it to the Beach
a family-friendly best of the beach tourToronto
(Aug.19.11)
Show summer that it’s not over yet by hitting Toronto’s sweet Beach neighbourhood and experience fun in the sand, shops, and sweet boutiques.
Best for a Snack: Brick Street Bakery
From Bakewell tarts to sausage rolls, we were agog with curiosity, peering over the goodies on offer. The carefully selected blueberry scone had our kids in wonder, accustomed as they are to cardboard imitators.
Brick Street Bakery; 1969 Queen Street E (east of Kenilworth); 416-690-9900
Best for Gift Getting: Lapin Câlin
It’s hard to resist the allure of the organic and free-trade clothes and wooden toys on offer at Lapin Câlin, especially after soaking in the gorgeous environment around the Beach and feeling motivated to go natural and support the Earth.
Lapin Câlin; 1918 Queen E (west of Kippendale); 416 690-1918;www.lapincalin.com
Best for a Scenic Stop: Kew Gardens/ Glen Manor Ravine
Kew Gardens and Glen Manor Park both put our neighbourhood splash pad and playground to shame. Featuring majestic trees and beautiful flowers, it’s like chilling in Vita Sackville-West’s gardens – with swings.
Kew Gardens; Queen St E (west of Lee Ave); Glen Manor Ravine; Queen St. E (at Glen Manor Drive)
Best for Crafters: Midoco Art & Office Supplies
This sweet store is the perfect place to churn out mini Renoirs...or at least attempt to get them somewhat excited about back to school with crisp new pencils and art supplies. Great bags (like by our favourite Lug) and cheeky Suck UK supplies make this a fun browse.
Midoco Art & Office Supplies; 1964 Queen E (at Kenilworth); 416 691-5676;www.midoco.ca/Home.html
Best for Decorating: Kids at Home
Decorating for kids is almost as much fun as decorating for ourselves. No wait, it’s WAY more fun, especially when we get to browse the wood furniture by College and lovely Capel braided rugs at Kids at Home. We feel a remodel coming on, this time sans Big Box store.
Kids at Home; 2086 Queen E (east of Leuty); 416-698-9726;www.kidsathome.com
Best for a Sweet Tooth: Yoshi’s Sweets
A great place for a few gluten-free options, there are plenty of sweet, savoury and liquid temptations. Perfect for diverse tastes (aka the ones who just don’t know what they want...). We love the crepes, and the bread, and the granola, and....
Yoshi’s Sweets, 2359 Queen E (at Spruce Hill Rd); 416 907-9663;www.yoshissweets.com
Best for a Cone: Ed’s Real Scoop
You cannot go to the Beach and not have ice cream. Ok, so let’s make it free of artificial everything, made on the premises, with choices from ice cream, frozen yogurt, and gelato.
Ed’s Real Scoop; 2224 Queen E (west of Beech Ave); 416-699-6100
Best for Drop and Shop: Bizzy Bee Playcentre
We know how focussed we need to be when on the hunt for something very specific and very awesome. Shopping missions like those require solo recon. Thankfully, Bizzy Bee playcentre offers a “drop and shop” option (in addition to some great programs) so that we can enjoy our kids and some hardcore shopping time.
Bizzy Bee Playcentre; 1971 Queen St. E. Suite 204 (in the Beach Mall); 416-691-5111;www.bizzybeeplaycentre.com
Best for Browsing: Nesters
After spending an afternoon at the Beach, we’re inspired to make our own living space lighter, more airy and, well, beachy. Enter furniture and decor from Nesters, featuring a variety of unique vintage furniture finds and lovely home accents. We’re still obsessing over the breezy chandeliers.
Nesters; 2207 Queen E (east of Glen Manor); 416-698-2207;www.nestershome.com
Best for Caffeinating: Wunderland Café
Even though we keep wanting to call this cool, newish cafe-in-a-funky house Wonderwall (hey, Oasis was really catchy), one sip of their brewed espresso gets our brain cells back to attention. Linger on the patio or at “home”, or take the brew to the Kew (gardens, that is).
Wunderland Cafe and Gallery; 1905 Queen St E (east of Woodbine); 416 -698-4634;www.wunderlandcafe.ca
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