Becks and the Cities

Welcome back! Last week I posted on the beautiful city of Montréal. This Thursday we’re talking all things Toronto (and we’re finally in a new province)! We drove the 5.5 hours and went straight to our Airbnb to freshen up (it was in a penthouse and our room looked out into a greenroom- how cool)! 

We started by exploring Downtown Toronto, filled with shops, restaurants, and businesses.  The Financial District, directly between King Street and Bay Street, was bustling. This is where the Toronto Stock Exchange is located. We walked 40 minutes from downtown to the Distillery District (unless you’re up for a good walk, just Uber).  However, it was a great way to see the city.  The Distillery District is both a residential and commercial district in Toronto. It is also full of restaurants, shops, and cafés, but gives off an artsy, industrial chic vibe.    

Right across from the coffee shop we stopped in, there was a place for an IV hydration “therapy” (to get over those fun nights out).  These stores claim to rid the body of certain toxins while also balancing hormones.  This is said to give the skin a healthy glow.  I’m skeptical of this tactic (I think I’ll just suck it up and drink water).  Several shops had cool art pieces or decor and local goods. Such a great place to check out! When we went, there was a “Love Lock” installation.  Apparently, city officials were getting upset and removing love locks placed around Toronto, so this installation designates an area where people can participate and show their love!   

Our dinner in Toronto was at the top of our list for best meals on our summer road trip.  We ate 1,150 ft up at the 360 Restaurant in the CN Tower! This dinner was less about the meal and more about the spectacular view! Not only do you see the sunset (if you time it right), but you get to bypass the entire CN Tower line! I literally felt like a celebrity just walking up to the top of the tower in my dress and hopping on the first elevator like a VIP member.  That alone is worth it!  You also get access to the Look Out and Glass Floor levels, which were included in our reservation. I usually don’t have motion sickness, but it did take some time adjusting to the constant turning. The entire time you’re eating, the restaurant is spinning, however, it’s incredibly slow.  By the time you’ve finished your meal, the tower has rotated a full 360 degrees (this was a three-course meal, too). 

We each got a cocktail and I choose the pumpkin and ricotta ravioli with caramelized butternut squash, chestnuts, wiped collards, and crème fraîche for my main course.  The food was even great, too! If you’re ever in the area, I’d consider trying out this restaurant! It’s a bit on the pricier side for dining, but with a view and ticket included, you really can’t put a price on the experience! 

Another quick trip in a cool city. Next week, I’m finishing up my 2017 summer road trip series with Niagara Falls.  This will include info on the Canadian and American side- and there’s a big difference people… a BIG ONE. See you next week!