Torcon area tour: distillery district

Piece from the Sandra Ainsley Gallery in The Distillery area.
(click on image for bigger version)


Still have power. Our energy crisis is not yet over, however; the test will come today and the rest of the week as Toronto gradually returns to a semi-normal working schedule. Our premiere has asked all employers are to cut their power usage in half, at least for today and likely for the rest of the week.

Between now and Torcon, I plan to focus at least some of my Blatherings on local highlights within walking distance of the convention.




Crafts tables. Note the old "Gooderham and Worts" sign.
Jeff's mom, incidentally, is a direct descendant of the Gooderhams.


Yesterday, Jeff and I visited The Distillery District, about a 15-20 minute walk from the Royal York Hotel. The site used to be the location of Gooderham and Worts, Canada's largest 19th century distilling firm, which was responsible for half of CanadaÔøΩs taxation revenue. A popular Hollywood film location, the area has been seen in over 800 movies, including Chicago, X-Men, Frequency, The Recruit, Against the Ropes, and The Hurricane.




Balzac's Coffee, voted TorontoÔøΩs best coffeehouse.
(click on image for bigger version)


Recently revamped, the 13-acre area was opened to the public earlier this year as a new entertainment district, hosting artists' galleries, outdoor craft tables, live entertainment areas, coffeehouses and restaurants. No cars are allowed, and many of the old buildings retain their original fittings, machinery, and signage.




Some buskers.


It's clear that the area is still under development, but it's worth a visit (especially since admission is free!). Plus you can find good food; I had an excellent grilled vegetable and pesto sandwich from the Brick Street Bakery, and also picked up a couple of freshly baked melt-in-your mouth shortbread and Inverness ginger cookies. Yum....

Only a week and a half until Torcon!

DIRECTIONS FROM ROYAL YORK TO DISTILLERY DISTRICT:
Walk east on Front St. until you get to Parliament Street. Walk two blocks south on Parliament to Mill Street.
Here's a map. (red star = Royal York, blue star = The Distillery District)




Brick Street Bakery sign.

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