Recently, I discovered Leslieville, which is located east of the River Don centered around Queen East. Allegedly, it is the burgeoning neighbourhood in town. I very much like the attitude with which it comes across: somewhere in between 'who gives a crap anyway' and 'one day it's going to be big, really big'. Certainly prone to be taken over by the wealthy hipsters as soon as the development shows. Brunch and shopping (clothes, furniture) are refreshingly unpretentious.
It wonderful to go walking around in this neighbourhood, especially in the summer all the cafes have their patios full. Beautiful shops and good food!
It's the most vibrant, cultured, trendy and cool part of the city.
Until this past weekend, I had only the vaguest notion there was even a residential neighbourhood here. Then I went to some friends' housewarming, and there, beyond the apartment buildings and schools that border the park there, was a great, well-treed, mixed-use hood, with plenty of green space and quiet streets filled with adorable little homes. You're just minutes from the core, and close to all amenities, but it's nestled away enough that you feel you could be miles away.
Well, because I live there, and because I love it. An artist's and student's haven, The Annex is diverse and full of culture. Best neighbourhood in the city, hands down!
Yorkville is great little spot where you can sit down, talk, sip your tea or coffee, lick away your yummy ice cream, enjoy the company of a good friend. It's great in the spring and summer.
You'll even spot a celebrity if you are lucky! Love to take in the sights, windowshop, see these rich people drive nice cars!
it's like a small town in a big city. a rare, tight-knit community.
I get off at Pape station and start walking towards Broadview. Love all the little Greek food stores. I have brough some awesome Greek yogurt, olives, sardines. Lots of great restaurants on that street too! Plus they shot the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding there too!
This area is really coming up in the world! You have access to Queen W and downtown, and it's just a hop to Little Italy or Bloor St. Dundas is just to the north and is growing a lot too. Not to mention right there you have some of the coolest places in the city at the moment: Sweaty Betty's, Foxley, Reposado, Dakota Tavern, Bar One... and that little place one block south of Dundas on Ossington on the NW corner that to my knowledge has no name.
On both subway lines, close to Bathurst and Spadina streecars, nice to walk around Casa Loma and the U of T campus, and everything you need within walking distance.
Always bustling, it's full of great shopping finds and amazing food - plus, the Spadina streetcar will take you anywhere!
I had a house just next to Kensington Market on Wales Avenue for 18 years, the one covered in ivey, with the big Gingko tree in front. There are so many great spots in the market, and interesting characters in every shop. This is a neighborhood to visit and hang out in, especially on car-free Kensington Sundays in the summertime.
