52 weekly walks in Toronto: Weekend of October 4-5, 2014 Beltline Trail

FALL COLOURS WALKS (Oct. 4-5) 

Beltline Backyards Stroll
Stroll #10 in Toronto Urban Strolls 1

Why? Long walks lead to long conversations. This path is set along what used to be a private railway track passing by residential backyards. (Access it by Mount Pleasant Cemetery.) (New photos taken on October 12, 2014 follow)

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This is how the walk appears in Toronto Urban Strolls 1. See the first page below.

Carens Wine and Cheese Bar in the fall!

I love fall. I love patios. Therefore, I LOVE patio heaters.

Last time I was at Carens Wine and Cheese Bar in Yorkville, we had a wonderful evening at the backyard patio. Already pretty in day time, this has to be the loveliest patio in town, with all the lanterns throwing their glow on the wooden walls. 

We shared everything, to try more items from their tasty menu.
One thing we did not try (because it was way to hot in early August) is one of the fondues I saw on their menu. But we promised ourselves we would return in the fall. 

I can't imagine a more whimsical fall outing. They provide soft blankets and they have installed patio heaters. They do cheese fondues and chocolate fondues! Add to this the best spicy Mac and Cheese ever and you have enough reasons to try this cosy place with friends in the coming weeks. Put on your best sweaters!

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Urban strolls: Around the Word on the Street

Word-on-the-Street is on this Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.!

Meet me at Booth #209 one block north of College on Queen's Park Circle (to get your copy of my walking guides at wholesale price). Once you’ve done the tour of the Word on the Street Toronto, try my University of Toronto Ivy League Stroll (STROLL #8 in Toronto Urban Strolls 1).

Not all nooks and crannies are equal on the beautiful campus. I spent some time walking all around the site to find a circuit packed with gems. Fall is a bit late this year but in the coming weeks, we will be able to admire all the ivy crawling over the Victorian buildings throughout the campus of U of T. 

What would Meryl do?

Some weeks, it feels like I simply can't get "back on track" (and I'm NOT talking about jogging). I just came across this quote from Meryl Streep: "Keep going. Start by starting." 

I'll try to make a mantra of it, and see what happens...

Urban strolls: Around the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)

The TIFF is going strong until Sunday September 14. Time for a little walk around King and John.  

The TIFF is not just about movies. There's a great ambiance in town during this event, the closer you get to the centre of the action, at King and John, the better. 

On TIFF's website we can read a tag asking: Think the Festival is sold out? Think again! It leads to their Daily Discovery section for last minute suggestions. But even if you don't have a ticket for one of the movies lined-up for this festival, it is still fun to bask in the downtown energy at this time of the year. 

I'd say this is the perfect time to try my Queen Street Smart Stroll (STROLL #4 in my walking guide Toronto Urban Strolls 1), which you are pretty sure to find in Ben McNally Books, one of Toronto's bookstore with the best selection and the best ceiling (you've got to see that ceiling!) at 366 Bay Street (a 15-min. walk from the TIFF Bell Lightbox).

In the lounge on the second floor of the TIFF Bell Lightbox

Urban strolls: Around the Cabbagetown Festival

Post-note Sun. Sept 7: I took photos during the event yesterday. See below!

This weekend is the Cabbagetown Festival, from Thursday Sept. 4 to Sunday Sept. 7. 

Expect plenty of stands in the park adjacent to Riverdale Farm, filled with goodies from great artists (many of them you've met at the One of a Kind). They also offer shows and activities. Check cabbagetownfestival.org for more information. The event spills around the park. Locals offer yard sales, sections of Carlton and Parliament go carless, street musicians and buskers add to the fun. 

I'd say this is the perfect time to try my Cabbagetown Nooks & Crannies Stroll (STROLL #15 in my walking guide Toronto Urban Strolls 1) which, by the way, you are sure to find in the fabulous gift and jewelry store Labour of Love at 242 Carlton Street, in Cabbagetown. 

On Parliament Street.

Spruce on Parliament

Across the street from Spruce on Parliament.

On Carlton

Labour of Love, carrying Toronto Urban Strolls 1 & 2!

My friend and I, agreeing The Scullery scones are some of the best in Toronto
(just off all the action on 200 Carlton)