What an amazing and enjoyable day I had on Wednesday with my friend Rita! We met at Union Station in downtown Toronto and walked (and walked, and walked...) to the Distillery District which is south on Parliament at Front Street. An absolutely beautiful day for a walk -- it was hard to believe it was really the 2nd of December. Mild, sunny and not much wind. Bliss!!
*image found on wikipedia
Once the oldest distiller of alcoholic beverages in Canada, the old Gooderham and Worts site has been turned into the very trendy and artistically pleasing Distillery District. The site is a Toronto historic landmark and is now a warren of cul de sacs featuring restaurants, cafes, galleries, theatre and condominiums. To read more about Gooderham and Worts, click on the link below.
We started with decaf cappuccino at Balzacs and I fell in love, not just with the cafe, but with the atmosphere and the coffee.
Much conversation, ideas, thoughts, lots of swirling, and I'm not just talking about the chocolate biscuit stick in the cappuccino!
These photographs were taken from the balcony on which we sat, in the most comfortable parsons chairs, with me twisted around to try and capture the beauty. A very old building with gorgeous brick work, high vaulted ceilings, old wood and old world charm. Of course I fell in love with the chandelier!
After coffee, we strolled through the buildings feasting our eyes on art dolls (some rather grotesque looking, some extremely detailed and stunningly gorgeous, all with very hefty price tags), a gallery that featured encaustic paintings and art work from Quebec at Thompson Landry Gallery
We wandered into Soma and the heady, heavenly scent of chocolate filled our senses...there is a chocolate laboratory on site and so many kinds of chocolate and confections I know my head was swirling. We left before we were overcome with desire!
A stroll past the Vintage Gardener yielded these beautiful shots
Fawn Ceramics had a large collection of some truly artful mugs on display on the outside windowsill...and I laughed to see this one...
exactly the mug that was in the photograph on the card sent to me by my friend Lois for my birthday! I thought about purchasing the mug but $38 was a little steep for my pocket just before Christmas.
And if all this wasn't enough to make a brilliant day even more outstanding, Rita gifted me for my birthday with two of her original watercolours (which being a beach lover she knew would be perfect for me!), an amazing accordian journal which I wanted to begin working in as we sat at the table (!) and a bottle of one of my favourite reds! The card Rita made is one that will be framed and kept. As you can see, Rita's work is outstanding (and yes, she has had some of her work on display at the Distillery District!). The quality of the photographs is not the best as it's a dull, rainy day today...but you get the idea!
For those who wished me better health yesterday I thank you -- time spent with a friend on a beautiful day is always the best tonic!
20 comments:
It looks like a lovely trip. Friends and conversation at a cafe... brilliant.
The light on the potted plants photos, warms me to the core.
xo
Wow you got some really nice photos. I realized when I got home that I didn't even take out my camera. Doh!
Thanks for the beautiful day and beautiful company.
I love days like this!
What a lovely trip. I love spending time with friends exploring. This place really sounds and looks awesome. Glad you had such a wonderful time.
Your birthday gifts just keep on coming...a beautiful day, a beautiful place, friendship - all to such a deserving woman!
(Hope the tonic spills over to today...)
I love the snowflakes!
You can guess that when I came across the picture of the mug it made me smile!! $38?!?! Yes, a little on the dear side! What a wonderful place to have coffee and wander round and what a lovely birthday gift from Rita.
Hey Girl, you have been doing this friendship and love thing up right these days ! What a beautifulday with so many fun things to see. Perhaps my turn in TO could allow me to see some of that fanastic area of your town.
Hope the day allows you to keep that slow and restful pace today.
Big Love !
Oh, Sherry, thank you for taking us along! It made my day =)
I like Yellow Tail wine too!
Sounds like a truly lovely day and great photos. Through your description, I feel as though I was there with you
Girl girl girl, you are making me so jealous of your little adventures!!! But thanks for taking me along cyberly. Oooooo Yellow Tail...what a happy ending!
**kisskiss** Deb
So fun! Sounds as if you're feeling better! The Distillery District looks very much like the Haymarket here in downtown Lincoln, NE. I love strolling around there! But I've yet to see a chandelier in our Haymarket that is as lovely as the one you spied!
What a totally perfect day! I still can not believe you managed to go into Soma's and not buy anything but I am sure the scent of chocolate was treat enough. Thanks for sharing, I love that cafe BTW, didn't have coffee there, will next time.
What a fabulous day! Not much better than good times with friends, unless it's good times with friends and unseasonably great weather. We will have to make it a threesome soon with the Queen of Arts. I am honestly having a hard time keeping up lately with posts. The days are swinging by while I try to hold onto the present moment. A challenge for this bird!
it does sound like a lovely day, i love the chandelier
what a wonderful day! I love the mug, too but a bit rich for me too. Glad you had a day of the good medicine of friendship. :)
Looks like such a wonderful day.... friendship is the best medicine.
What a great way to spend the day! I have seen and loved the mug that you got. What a precious gift.
Glad that your day was so enjoyable.
Love that you took us along on your wonderful day!!
Hi Sherry.
You were visiting one of my favorite areas of Toronto. I love the cafes and the ambiance of the area.
Nothing better than a great cup of coffee and visit with friends..
Love Alli xxx
I love that mug, but i would be hard pressed to spend that much for it! It looks like a really beautiful day, the outdoor garden place makes me long for spring again:>)
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