Pure Spirits Oyster Bar in the Distillery District
I spent five days in Toronto, Canada, on a holiday shopping press trip. It was a good way to get into the Christmas spirit early. Restaurants had holiday menus and stores were just launching their holiday decorations and displays.
Holt Renfrew had a wonderful unveiling of their Christmas windows, complete with performances by Macy Gray and Patti LaBelle. The Bay Queen Street has just set up with Christmas Street displays and they were dazzling.
My favourite stores were:
Art Gallery of Ontario Gift Shop: Not your typical “gift store,” this shop is in the midst of re-launching (this week, I believe). There are amazing pieces of art, sculpture, home décor, kitchenware, books and jewellery. This is actually a store that locals go to for regular shopping, not just tourists looking for trinkets- you won’t find any. Franky Gehry designed the new addition to the museum and it’s incredible.
Holt Renfrew: As always, this store goes all out and carries the top designers around the world. Prices are high, service is personal and the displays are like artwork themselves. The café upstairs is a fantastic place to catch a bite to eat in an atmosphere reminiscent of New York City. And be sure to try out the brand spanking new “Brow Bar” for quick, no-appointment-necessary brow waxing for $23.
- Unionville Main Street just outside of Toronto, ON
The Distillery District: This new neighbourhood in downtown Toronto is the hippest place I saw in the city. Old brickwork, a transformed distillery and some super hot stores make this area really fun shop in. The retailers carry local designers, clothing and artwork; artists have open studios where you can watch them work, ask them questions and buy their designs.
Unionville: This small city just outside of downtown Toronto is a heritage community with a charming Main Street. The shopping is great, too. There are 70 unique stores lining the main road, all one-of-a-kind and filled with local items.
Copyright 2008 Lori Henry
If you’re looking for some cool places check out http://www.neighbourhoodshops.ca they have a listing of local Toronto shops and neet things to do in and around the GTA