This past weekend I went on a road trip with some of my friends from university to attend the 40th anniversary of the Film Department at Queen’s University. It was great to be back in Kingston, where we had all lived for four years, and wander around the fantastic downtown.
Eve (just back from a four month trip to Africa!), Fleur, Me and Ashley at Windmill’s Cafe for brunch. I had the super yummy German Apple Crepes đ
First stop on our tour downtown was to Tara’s Natural Foods for the ladies to pick up some dried fruit.
I was too busy hanging around outside admiring the herb plants for sale. Having fresh herbs on hand is one of my favorite parts of the summer. I was just given a beautiful indoor herb garden for my birthday and I am itching to cook up some new recipes with them.
In particular, I want to use some basil. I love love love freshly chopped basil on pastas and pizza!
We popped into Tribal Voices to admire the eclectic jewelery.
I was glad to see that this used book store I loved was still around as well.
As luck would have it they had one of my favorite books from when I was a little kid – The Kids Cottage Book. We used to borrow it from the library every summer to get fun ideas. As tempting as it was to buy it, I left it with hopes that someone else with buy it for their kids and give them the joy that I had with it.
As we started to wander downtown, we came across the weekly Farmers Market. I have distinct memories of coming down here, buying a ton of fresh produce and completely forgetting that I would have to carry it the whole way home. I never learned my lesson, because I kept doing it. I still do that in Toronto. Maybe I should get one of those little pushcart thingys that all the old Italian ladies use in my neighbourhood. I think they’re on to something.
After a long winter, the fresh produce was such a treat to see!
The rows and rows of flowers reminded me that I need to start working on the front flowerbed. Coming home every evening to a a nice little garden seems like a great idea.
Pretty : )
More produce. If it wasn’t for the fact that we were busy walking around downtown, I probably would have stocked up while we were here.
Farmers Market Fun : )
While there are plenty of booths with flowers and produce, there are also rows of artisans and craftsmen who come in with their wares. I always buy my maple syrup when I’m here for a visit.
And wouldn’t you know, my favorite jam and jelly company, Henderson Farms, had set up a booth too! I first found them at the One of a Kind Show in Toronto last fall and since then I’ve been hooked on the stuff. Henderson Farms is located on Wolfe Island, in Lake Ontario just off of Kingston, so they make the short ferry ride over every weekend to sell their delicious products to the fine people of Kingston (and to former Kingstonians like myself). This time I picked up a few jars of Strawberry Rhubarb and one of Red Raspberry too. The FIRST thing I did when I got back to our place was toast up some bread and give them a try. Delish!
Back when I went to university here, Morrison’s was my favorite greasy spoon. After a long night of partying…ahem….studying, it was the perfect wake up call on a weekend morning. The waitresses are crabby and the decor leaves much to be desired, but the food was just the perfect amount of greasy to cure any hangover ; )
Another one of my favorite spots in Kingston was the Tir Nan Og Pub. Its in a building that has a series of pubs connected together.
Here is the Speckled Hen. Small. Dark. Gorgeous.
The ceiling alone has me captivated.
And the final pub in the mix is Monte’s. They have a great patio in the summer that looks out onto Lake Ontario. However I was never here in the summer to enjoy it and instead it reminds me of being bitter cold in the winter and popping in for a hot toddy by the fire.
Another Kingston hot spot is the Kingston Brewing Co., which as the name imples, makes their own beer. The popular beers are White Tail, Dragon’s Breath and an Apple Cider, but they do seasonal beers as well. The 1800s-era building (which still has a telegraph office) has been used in various films over the years
Keeping with the vintage theme, this fine automobile is a 1947 International Paddy Wagon that stays parked out front of the pub all summer long. It is a true Canadian Classic made in Hamilton, Ontario and has the original flat 6 engine which is said to start up every spring without a boost. Before it found its home in Kingston it was used as a real police paddy wagon in Ottawa.
Right next door to the pub is Classic Video. With 30,000 titles spread across two floors, it is a film student’s dream. I spent many an afternoon browsing through the stacks.
Ashley and Eve thought that they would recreate some of those moments.
I’m intrigued to know what film they picked out ; )
As we walked around we came across one of my all-time favorite stores (if only for the name). It was bookstore that carries only mystery books called As The Plot Thickens. How great is that?
Inside it gets even better. Shelves full of great books. Old wood floors, brick walls, and huge leather chairs to curl up and read in. It was a welcoming retreat during the cold winter months I spent here.
Right next door is Hatley, a store that I always admired, but never took the time to step in to take a peek. Seemed like as good a time as any to look around.
Well to be honest, it was these little kid boots that got me hooked. Think they come in my size? ; )
A bag that says “It Moose Be In Here”(And thus begins the series of photos with adorable catch phrases)
Boxer shorts that say “Be Pawsitive”.
“Get the Buck out of the Kitchen”I HAD to buy this apron for our family friend who loves to cook. His last name is Buck and this was practically MADE for him. I’ll only give it to him if he promises to BBQ for me this summer!
And last, but certainly not least, “Udderly Delicious”. I really do think that Eve should have bought this for her. I think it brings out her eyes đThus concludes are little Saturday afternoon tour through downtown Kingston. If you are ever near Kingston, Ontario be sure to check it out!
Great photos! I am partial to that Moose bag…so funny (and so true for this Moose who ALWAYS loses items in her purse). đ
Nice work. I grew up in Kingston and moved to Toronto in 1990, but for family reasons have been dividing my time about 50/50 between the two for the last couple of years. Absolutely love it in the summer. Pretty well all your pics are just a stone’s throw from my place (waterfront), and you’ve managed to capture many of the things I love here and none that I hate!
– John B.