my feet don't want to go to sleep

Traveling in North America normally means Mexico to me. But this time it meant north instead of south. My friends and I went up to Toronto for a long weekend in August. It was Amber’s birthday and warm enough to consider Canada for those of us afraid of the cold.

We flew from New York City to Toronto and bought out palates with us. As a city of immigrants with multiple languages spoken, I was expected something special. An easy quick trip from the east coast of the US and absolutely worth it.

Schedule

Day 1: Kensington Market / Graffiti Alley / Toronto Island

Kensington Market is full of restaurants, bars, and art. Most important they have Jamaican patties that are delicious. From there you can make your way down to Richmond St where the alleys are covered in incredible art. Continue walking to the wharf where you can grab the ferry to the islands. With the summer sunset over the city walking in this park is a gorgeous way to end the day. The ferry ride back got lit with speakers and people enjoying the summer air.

Day 2: Chubby’s / Little Italy / Distillery District

Continuing with the Jamaican theme, Chubby’s is the brunch spot. Even though it was a hot August day were all chowed down on the incredible dishes. From there we walked it off stopping at bars in Little Italy. Eventually we ended in the Distillery District for cocktails along the cobble stone streets with twinkle lights above us.

Day 3: Remote work & Jimmy Eat World & Peruvian

With a virtual event to produce that Tuesday but the Jimmy Eat World concert that night, Amber and I opted to stay another night. I worked from the apartment and then we cabbed over, walked across the bridge, and enjoyed one of the best 2000s bands with the sky scrappers glittering in the sunset across the water. All the youths starred as Amber and I screamed the words to all the lyrics from the Bleed America album.

Day 4: Brunch & Flights

On my last day Tuyen drove me to Good Fork. Located west of the city in another suburb, it had the fluffiest pancakes ever. Of course we found some gorgeous street art as we walked off our full bellies. Perfect meal before a long flight to Los Angeles. As usual for me I rarely had a round trip flight somewhere.

To Stay

For 4 of us to stay comfortably for 4 days we opted for an apartment near the CN Tower. With signs like “but first coffee” and wifi information on a plaque you cannot help but feel you are assisting with the gentrification of the city. What landlord is going to rent when they can make more on quick turn rentals? Hotels just aren’t as good for groups traveling when you like to be together like we do. Plus I was staying later with Amber to work remotely and needed the space. The area is walkable, safe, and near parks, bars and restaurants.

Runnin through the 6 like Drake says – here are all the notable places we stopped.

To Eat & Drink

Spirit of York Distillery Co.

Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen

Golden Patty

Phở Hưng Restaurant

Kos Restaurant

Bar Raval

Short Turn

Mira Restaurant

Good Fork

To Explore

Toronto Islands

West Island

Distillery District

Graffiti Alley