On certain afternoons, a desolate parking lot outside Shacklands Brewing transforms into the outdoor venue where Junction City Wrestling takes place, a free all-ages live show put on by local athletes.

The normally quiet and empty industrial lot fills with bodies, metal fencing surrounding the area with a ring in the centre.

Entrance music and the voice of an MC boom over loudspeakers, announcing rounds of bouts beginning at 2 and 4 p.m.

A beer tent is set up where tickets purchased inside the brewery can be exchanged for a craft IPA or lager.

The show lasts hours, and it’s all filmed for posterity and viewable on YouTube.

What Junction City founder Andrew MacRae (AKA Freedom Wallace, kilt-wearing bad guy) feels sets his league apart from others around (say, Smash) is an advanced storyline that pays homage to the camp of retro wrestling.

MacRae approached Shacklands co-owner Dave Watts back in 2016, asking if he’d ever considered hosting pro wrestling in the parking lot.

Apparently Watts replied, “The answer to your first question is no, and the answer to your second question is yes,” without even hearing a second question.

The idea for Junction City Wrestling came to long-time wrestling fan MacRae long before that even, the first seed of an idea germinating in 2013. First approaching other Junction spots like 3030, Shacklands just seems to be a perfect match.

MacRae had been looking for a place where the ring would fit, and where the events could easily be paired with beer to draw out more than the typical wrestling fans.

The brewery and even Watts himself (sporting shiny pants, challenging wrestlers in an appropriately gravelly voice) have eventually found their way organically into MacRae’s dynamic storylines.

Over the years they’ve even developed “rivalries” with other breweries like Aviary Brewpub, home to Longslice Brewing.

A lot of the all-ages crowd is made up of parents who used to watch wrestling and have brought their kids here to share their passion with them, and are more than happy for a daytime weekend activity that occupies little ones and serves fresh beer.

With the focus on story, the show ends up being less of a display of brute power and athleticism full of high-flying moves and more of a live theatre improv performance, albeit one with body slams, busted elbows and folding chairs to the noggin.

A rotating cast of costumed characters are more like paid actors for hire, this one of their regular gigs. Make no mistake, though, they’re chiseled athletes who train together five or six nights a week.

As with all improv and wrestling in general, sometimes there’s a little blood, but it doesn’t seem to bother the gaggle of little girls screaming “CHEATER! CHEATER!” in high-pitched voices.

They witness matches between women as well as inter-gender bouts, as invested in the back stories as the adults, if not more.

Female wrestler Divia Chand (at one point known as Ailani Iolana) admittedly “wasn’t an athlete, more of a drama kid,” in high school. She’s one of the most notorious for her epic performance in a certain inter-gender match, saying she’s gotten better from wrestling men.

Most of the wrestlers here got their start training at Battle Arts in Mississauga. So if all these headlocks and luchador masks are calling your name, you can always head there to try on some spandex for size and see if you have what it takes to step into the ring yourself one day.

So far there have been five Junction City Wrestling events here at Shacklands, three in 2018.

With attendance roughly tripling the second July of doing this, rumour has it when winter months prevent the events from taking place outdoors they may try to move them into the high-ceilinged Junction Brewing space nearby.

Thankfully we don’t need a pay-per-view package to stay tuned...

Friday is here and there's a spooking in store as Screemers returns for another year of scares. Elsewhere, local artists are all set to show off their handmade goods at a big night market. A free film screening and lots of cool music is on to help you get into the long weekend.

It was just over a week before this gorgeous home was snapped up. The semi-detached Cabbagetown home is a clash between the old classical style and new-age modern.

The soaring ceilings, huge windows and open concept layout, make the home light and airy.  

While I like some things about the house, a lot baffles me. For example, the kitchen is an eyesore with the cabinets being a assaulting shade of neon lime green.

There’s also unnecessary curved walls and the slate fireplace and kitchen counter seem out of place.

The family room is quite nice though. The full glass wall that looks out over the backyard joins indoor and outdoor living seamlessly.

The backyard has a tiered deck and is lovely and shaded, and has a BBQ station.

Upstairs there are three bedrooms. The master bedroom is standard and has a large walk-in closet.

However, there are no en suite bathrooms in this home.

Considering the basement isn’t finished, there’s not a lot of living space. But the house does come with a two-storey renovated coach house, which is really lovely with the wood spiral staircase.

The main floor of the coach house has a small open plan living and kitchen area.

Up the stairs is the bedroom, which is raised on a platform with a modern bathroom. There isn’t any closet space but oddly enough I’d rather live in the coach house than the main house.

The Essentials

• Address: 336 Berkeley Street
• Type: House
• Bedrooms: 3+1
• Bathrooms: 3
• Size: 24.75 x 122 feet
• Realtor: Ronald Reaman
• Hit the market at: $1,598,000
• Sold for: $1,780,000

Why it sold for what it did?

Location, coupled with the popular look of the Victorian houses makes this home covetable. Plus there’s a separate coach house that’s a fully contained apartment, which is perfect for Airbnb or to rent out long-term for some extra income.

Was it worth it?

In 2015, it sold for $1.17 million. Nothing has been done to it since then. Also the basement is unfinished and the interior just doesn’t work stylistically, in my opinion. So definitely not worth almost $2 million.

Food events in Toronto this week look to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday with a feast of traditional goodies, some with twists on the classics. Oktoberfest continues with German-style treats and beer and there's a big soup festival for a good cause.

The best diners in Toronto will take you back, whether it’s to a time before you were born or to a warm and fuzzy memory. Often open long hours and featuring simple, nostalgic design, these places are where you can go for morning coffee or midnight beer and burgers. 

Here are the best diners in Toronto. 

Since we'll be seeing the fall colours peak in just about a week or so, now is the time to take full advantage of the most colourful time of year, and escape to some of Ontario's most scenic gems.

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Located in the rural community of Lansdowne, this charming town is home to one of the highest lookout towers in Ontario, which stands more than 100 metres above the stunning 1000 Islands and St. Lawrence River. 

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Built in 1965, the 1000 Islands Tower welcomed around 100,000 visitors in the first few years it opened, and charged guests only 25 cents to climb up to the observation deck.

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Unlike the equally epic Dorset Lookout Tower, the 1000 Islands Tower earns some brownie points for also offering a non-stop 40-second elevator ride to the top.

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However, if you're keen on climbing the massive staircase instead (and maybe working off some of that pumpkin pie), two observation decks on the tower are accessible via stairs.

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Once you reach the highest observation deck, you'll find yourself on a completely open-air platform that offers a panoramic view of the breathtaking land and water below, and a perfect birds-eye view of the massive 1000 Islands Bridge that passes over Constance Island and Georgina Island.

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The 1000 Islands Tower is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from now until October 21.

Women are underrepresented in government, and new policies are needed to increase gender parity, according to a mayoral race candidate. 

Jennifer Keesmaat, former chief city planner, announced plans today to increase the representation of women in the halls of Toronto's municipal government. 

While 52% of the people in this city are women, we aren’t reflected equally in our City Council. We need to make sure women are included in decision-making. #Keesmaat4Mayor#topolipic.twitter.com/kJn9Tq9QLS

— Jennifer Keesmaat (@jen_keesmaat) October 5, 2018

"We’re at our strongest as a city when we all have an equal say in the decisions being made on our behalf," Keesmaat said in a press conference. 

Keesmaat's policies would include gender-responsive budgeting, a gender parity requirement on all boards, and equal gender representation in public service staffing positions. 

According to the United Nations, gender-responsive budgeting "seeks to ensure that the collection and allocation of public resources is carried out in ways that are effective and contribute to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment."

Pinch me! Someone is talking about #genderequity + #TOpoli.#genderbudgetingTO#Keesmaat4Mayorhttps://t.co/NcIIg4m73K

— Kristyn Wong-Tam (@kristynwongtam) October 5, 2018

The former city planner also explained that the recent halving of Toronto City Hall may lead to less women on council, which poses a problem. 

"While the recent cuts to Council will almost certainly reduce the number of women elected as councillors, there are immediate actions we can take to make sure women have a voice at City Hall and beyond."

A visit to a pumpkin patch or local farm near Toronto is an October ritual for many. While your neighbourhood grocery store is probably a cheaper option for procuring your seasonal jack-o'-lantern, a pumpkin patch definitely has a more festive atmosphere.

Here are my picks for pumpkin patches and farms to visit near Toronto.

Albion Orchards

This Caledon apple farm and country market sells hundreds of pumpkins in all shapes and sizes. In addition to pumpkin picking, you can spend your visit picking apples from their orchard.

Brooks Farms

Located north of Toronto, this Mount Albert farm will charge you $15 to attend their Fall Fun Festival which runs until November 5. With this fee, you get access to their Barnyard Playland, pig races, a pumpkin cannon show and much more festive fun.

Andrew's Scenic Acres

This Milton farm comes with wagon rides and a field where everyone can select their favourite pumpkin from a tiny five lbs. to a massive 80 lbs. They also offer guided tours where you can take in the fall colours on a 90 minute tour around the farm. Admission to the farm varies by day. 

Cooper's CSA Farm & Maze

Found in Zephyr this farm has a popular u-pick option where a single pumpkin can be had for $4 or three for $10. The farm also has a 10 acre corn maze, hay climb and wagon rides but you need to pony up a $10 admission fee.

Downey's Farm Market

It's all about fall fun at this Inglewood farm. They're open daily in October for their annual Pumpkinfest where you can select pumpkins, take a ride on a wagon and walk through their corn maze. The fun, however, comes at a price of $14.

Forsythe Family Farms

When October rolls around it's pumpkin-picking time at this Uxbridge farm. Their annual Harvest Festival runs from Thanksgiving weekend until Halloween and includes pumpkin picking, access to their corn maze and wagon rides. Admission will set you back $10 on weekends.

Pingle's Farm Market

This Hampton farm will give you a free wagon ride to their pumpkin patch where you can select your perfect front porch accessory. They're open daily and offer activities like an eight-acre corn maze and visits to farm animals. Admission is $6 on weekdays and $8 on weekends.

Reesor's Farm Market

Find this farm in Markham sporting hundreds of pumpkins to choose from in all sizes. You can fill one of their wheelbarrows full of pumpkins for $35 or pick 3 for $25. It's free to enter the pumpkin patch but if you want to get in on their corn maze it will set you back $3 per person.

Springridge Farm

This Milton farm's Harvest Festival runs every weekend in October. Find a wide variety of pumpkins in their market or take in one of their puppet shows, a wagon ride, pipe slides or visit the farm animals. Admission is $13.

Hutchinson Farm

Located in Burlington this farm has it all. There's classic jack-o-lantern pumpkins of all sizes and shapes to pick, a pumpkin museum to explore and Atlantic Giant pumpkins weighing up to 300 lbs to gawk at. Admission to the patch $5 per person.

We're less than two weeks from cannabis legalization on October 17, and the final details of what's allowed and what isn't are starting to fall into place. 

Transportation Minister Marc Garneau announced this week that air travellers will be permitted to transport cannabis when flying. 

Passengers will be limited to 30 grams, and the product can only be carried on domestic flights, due to the varying legalization status of cannabis in various countries. 

So are they going to have scales at airports and make you bust out your stash going through security? They’ll need designated areas to smoke the overage.

— Chris Hyde (@Hyderade) October 4, 2018

The announcement comes parallel to a similar announcement in the U.S.: The Los Angeles International Airport, commonly referred to as LAX, will also allow up to 28.5 grams on flights. 

As many know, 30 grams is quite a bit, so don't worry about making it through your vacation without being able to restock. 

Although the former municipalities of Etobicoke, North York, York, and Scarborough are sometimes still referred to as suburbs of Toronto, development in these areas over the last 30 years and the sprawl that's given birth to the Greater Toronto Area should probably mute such references.

While not as dense as the downtown core, wide areas of Toronto's former suburbs have become more and more urbanized over the years, a process which continues to take place as steep real estate prices drive would-be home owners further and further from the core.

But what did they look like before this process took place?

Mid-century suburban cul-de-sac, 1961.

Let's be honest, there aren't a lot of surprises here. Sure there are a few shots of streets and intersections that have changed dramatically over the years, but the thing about suburban architecture is that its individual features tend to blend in with one another.

Are we in North York or Etobicoke? It's tough to tell once you get to the residential streets. The design of these places speaks more to the time period in which they were built rather than the specific place they're located.

Car-ports were standard issue in North York back in the 1950s.

There is, however, plenty that's fascinating about the birth of the suburbs in Toronto. In addition to demonstrating how mass car ownership transformed planning principles, there's something else to be spotted in these photos.

There's this strange combination of optimism and fear that seems built into the very form of these communities, from their well manicured but generally empty front yards to the eerie preponderance of abandoned tricycles. This is the stuff nostalgia is made out of.

Here's what Toronto's suburbs used to look like.

Don Mills

Looking down on Don Mills in 1968.

Urban planners survey their work in Don Mills, ca. 1950s.

Unidentified Don Mills street in 1956.

Scarborough

Cliffside Drive, 1961.

Better days at the Roycroft Motel, Kingston Road.

Esso gas station on Kingston Road.

North York

Another abandoned tricycle, 1961.

Now that's a nice car-port, 1961.

North York model home, 1961.

Dominion at Parkwoods Plaza.

Yonge-Finch plaza, 1972.

Etobicoke

Rexdale, 1950s.

West Deane Park, 1961.

Near Queensway and Royal York, 1961.

Near Queensway and Royal York, 1961.

Alderwood area, 1968.

Alderwood area, 1968.

Thistletown, late 1960s.

Near Martingrove and Westway, 1960s.

Near Martingrove and Westway, 1960s.

Richview Plaza, 1960s.

Queensway and Wolgar, 1960s.

Unidentified communal pool, 1960s.

East York

The apartment building arrives on the scene in Flemingdon Park, 1960s.

Townhouse complex in Flemingdon Park, 1961.

Steinbergs' at Thorncliffe Plaza.

Bramalea

Unidentified development, 1961.

Mid-century architecture at its finest.

More mid-century residential architecture.

Toronto is rich with beautiful old buildings, many of them once home to gruesome deaths and other such grisly past events. From faceless nuns in historic hospitals, to dead maids who hang in a restaurant rafters, ghosts can be found all over the city – and the sites of their horror stories are yours to discover.

Here are some of the creepiest haunted places in Toronto.

Old City Hall

It should come as no surprise that this Romanesque Revival building, dating back to the turn of the 20th century, is allegedly haunted. The last two men sentenced to capital punishment in Toronto, back in 1962, reportedly haunt Courtroom 33.

Lower Bay Station

You might recognize this literal ghost station from movies and TV shows, but it hasn't been used for regular service since 1966. Since then, multiple transit employees have reported seeing a "lady in red," with no eyes and no feet, on the platform beneath Bay Station.

Father time looks out over the entrance of the Don Jail, which was closed in 1977. Photo by Bruce Reeve.

Don Jail

This old lock up has a horrifying history of inhumane conditions and public hangings. A total of 34 people were executed here between 1908 and 1962, some of whom are still believed to haunt the jail today. Spookier still, human remains were found on site just 10 years ago.

University College

Legend has it that stonemason Paul Diablos murdered his colleague Ivan Reznikoff over a woman while constructing this landmark in the 1850s. Reznikoff's bones were discovered on campus decades later after a fire – except for his skull, which was never found.

The Keg Mansion on Jarvis Street is one of Toronto's scariest spots to eat. Photo by diamonrefractionindex.

Keg Mansion

Come for the steak, stay for the spook. The former Massey mansion is famous for its active ghosts, including one of a maid who hung herself in the foyer. Ask your server to see the restaurant's book of ghost stories when you're finished with the menu. I'm serious. It exists.

Colborne Lodge

That lovely Regency cottage-style building in High Park might not be as innocent as it looks. Built in 1836 by John and Jemima Howard, this home-turned-museum is rumoured to be a hotbed of paranormal activity.

A mysterious murder, a secluded location and nowhere to run make the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse one of Toronto's scariest spots to go at night.

Gibraltar Point Lighthouse

Situated on the western tip of the Toronto Islands, this decommissioned lighthouse is best known as the site of a grisly 1815 murder. The victim, John Paul Radelmüller, was Toronto's very first lighthouse keeper. Some say he never left the building.

The Old Finch Bridge

This is a popular spot among thrill-seeking high teens who've heard tales of a young girl who was murdered on the bridge at Morningside and Finch – on her birthday, no less! Legend has it that if you sing happy birthday, her ghost will appear. Try it. I dare you.

Like many old theatres, the Elgin Winter and Garden theatre is haunted as hell. Photo by Greg David.

Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre

You may not see the Phantom of the Opera here (unless he's being played by an actor on stage), but theatre employees have seen many shadowy figures here over the years. Some volunteers are said to have once contacted a dead trombone player through a Ouija Board.

St. Michael's Hospital

Founded in 1892, this hospital is thought to be haunted by the ghost of Sister Vincenza, a nurse who supervised the obstetrics wing for 28 years. She's been spotted most often on the 7th floor of the hospital's former maternity ward—dressed in white and without a face.

Humber's Lakeshore campus used to be an insane asylum. Photo by Edward Brain.

Humber College Lakeshore Campus

Long before they were filled with students, these pretty grounds were home to the Mimico Insane Asylum, where patients were forced to work for free and bury each other's bodies in the hospital cemetery. Ghosts have been seen in underground tunnels across campus.

Mackenzie House

This city-operated historic site, just steps from the busy Yonge-Dundas Square, is where William Lyon Mackenizie died. Toronto’s first mayor reportedly passed away in a bedroom on the second floor of this unassuming house in 1861. Now his ghost plays piano at night.

Romantic bars in Toronto let you cozy up with a significant other over sensuous cocktails and maybe a seductive snack or two. Dimly lit and private enough for some intimate conversations, these bars will be serving some serious Careless Whisper vibes all night long. 

Here are my picks for the most romantic bars in Toronto.

Mulberry Bar

Whether you're here for a late afternoon coffee date or a nighttime cocktail, this sexy French bar in Bloorcourt will definitely get the mood going. Bask in the light of the faux skylight or head downstairs to the subterraneous lovers' hideout.

Archive Wine Bar

Hold a little wine tasting for two at this snug bar on Dundas West, which pours up glasses of local wines. Share your deepest secrets over flights of rosé from Ontario, or maybe share a bottle of your favourite sherry.  

Pretty Ugly

In terms of sultry lighting, it doesn't get more dim than this Parkdale watering hole. Make an entrance through the carpeted door and woo your boo over refined cocktails illuminated by candle light. 

Cocktail Bar

Grab a booth at this bustling but intimate bar on Dundas West and get cozy. There's a cocktail for everyone on the menu, so don't be surprised if you're not the only pair making googly eyes at each other here.

BarChef

Leave it to the masters of mixology at this Queen West bar to serve something special for the occasion. BarChef might be a bit pricier than other spots but their phenomenal cocktails and seductive ambiance are well-worth the extra coin.

Wallflower

This casual bar in Brocktown Village hits the sweet spot between rustic watering hole and romantic getaway. Revel in some vintage vibes for a low-key night out, complete with devilled eggs and casual drinks.

DW Alexander

Stumble on this bookish speakeasy by Front and Church and find yourself in a relaxed lounge that's easy to miss. There's no windows here, in case you're going for that totally reclusive feel.

Midfield Wine Bar

Dotted with little round tables perfect for couples, this warm Dundas West bar feels like an oldschool den. There's also a bench that's perfect for twosomes to share bottles of Bordeaux. 

Library Bar

Meeting at a hotel bar is timelessly romantic (or a little sleazy, depending on the hotel). Good thing it's all class at the Fairmont Royal York, where you and your lover can imbibe on cocktails beneath bookshelves in an oldschool lounge.

The Cloak

This secretive pub is tucked under the Wellington's chic restaurant Marben. Slip away downstairs to this candlelit speakeasy where shareable cocktails come flowing in with the ultimate date finger food: oysters.

Events in Toronto today are set to take your breath away as the Cinesphere kicks off a season of old school classics, starting with Top Gun. The Flower Market is on in case you're looking for something to bring to Thanksgiving and there's a new arts and music festival that's totally free.

Dear, old, slightly-austere St. Lawrence Market is getting all gussied up next month when it turns into a huge night market.

Evening at the Market returns November 8 to pair stinky cheeses with acrobats during this big, market-wide party.

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Sixty-four of the market's merchants will be open late to serve up a big variety of gourmet goodies alongside drinks, live entertainment, photo booths, music and shopping.

All proceeds from the evening go to Second Harvest Food Rescue.

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Tickets for this event go on sale October 9 and, if past year's events are any indication of its popularity, you can expect them to get scooped up pretty quick.

Craft stores in Toronto abound. If it's beads, feathers, fabrics, or markers you need, these stores have everything you you need for your next crafty creation.

Here are some craft stores in Toronto to unleash your creative side.

Above Ground

This handy art supply store is an OCAD student favourite for the latest in colouring brush pens and other fun project materials, from fabric dyes to paper types. Aside from the one by OCAD, they have another location in the Junction and the Beaches.

BeadFX

For anyone who wants to make their own jewellery, this huge outlet by St. Clair East and O'Connor has all the DIY materials to make your own customized necklaces and bracelets. It may not look like much from the outside but this place is a bead-lovers paradise.

Michaels

For noobie craftspeople and seasoned makers alike, you can't go wrong with a trip to Michaels. Usually multiple floors, this arts and crafts chain has locations all around the city filled with stuff for everyone, from crochet needles to construction paper and even slime. 

The WorkRoom

Truly a DIY paradise, this Parkdale store is also a studio with awesome classes including high-level patchwork, weaving, upholstery, and surface design. If you've already got the skills down pat, you can buy everything from metal zippers to steamers and snaps.

Bling Bling

As its name suggests, this family-run spot on Spadina is what magpie dreams are made of. Pearly beads, shiny silver beads, glass beads, Swarovski beads, you name it—find your ideal bling at this store and piece it all together with clasps and accessories also sold here.

Len's Mill Stores

Come for yarn and fabrics, leave with craft twine, felt sheets and feathers you didn't know you needed. Perfect for costume makers, you can deck out your DIY outfit with google eyes and artificial flowers from this store on Orfus Road. 

Gwartzman's Art Supplies

If you're not sure what you're doing when it comes to art supplies, Gwartzman has the kind of staff who can show you around. This long and narrow Chinatown staple has been carrying glitter, inks, canvasses and resins at cheap prices for years, so you know you're in good hands.

DeSerres

You'll get a dose of creative inspiration from the selection here alone. They've got all the beads for jewellery making, moulds for soap or candle making, and tons of papier maché shapes to paint from scratch. Check out any of their three stores in the city.

Arton Beads

It's all about the BOGO deals at this basic bead store at Queen and Spadina. You can couple a trip to neighbouring fabric stores with a pit stop at Arton, where you'll likely find good discounts on semi-precious stones and Japanese cube beads to jazz up your project with.

EweKnit

Aside from having an adorable name, this Bloorcourt store also carries an impressive collection of artisanal yarns and designer fabrics for the handcrafting enthusiast. Find felting kits and needles, buttons, and books on embroidery to get those DIY juices flowing.

Before the 1950s, malls generally did not exist. The photos from this time depict downtown department stores that, while big, are well integrated with their immediate surroundings in some capacity.

The shift from what one might call the proto-malls of the 1940s and 1950s to those of the 1960s and beyond is the degree to which things move indoors. Rather than big plazas, shopping centres tend to become enclosed spaces where customers can presumably find everything under one roof.

Here are some of the best vintage photos of Toronto malls.

1920s

Yonge Street Arcade

Simpson's

The Eaton's Complex

1950s

Cloverdale Mall

Cloverdale Mall

Cloverdale Mall

Cloverdale Mall men's shop

Cloverdale Mall

1960s

Humbertown Mall

Humbertown Mall

Humbertown Mall

Humbertown Mall

Yorkdale (Simpsons)

Yorkdale

Yorkdale

Yorkdale

1970s

Yorkdale postcard

Fairview Mall postcard

Sherway Gardens grand opening (1972)

The Eaton Centre

1980s

The Eaton Centre

Don Mills Shopping Centre

Fun restaurants in Toronto have something for everyone. These are places where you’re not going to feel the pressure of turning tables over, there’s lots of space for everyone, and it’s always party time.

Here's a round-up of fun restaurants in Toronto for a night out with friends.

Rec Room

Steps from the Rogers Centre, this is a good place to take a group after a game or from out of town to keep the fun going at this monster arcade with billiards, a VR experience, pizza and beer.

Kinka Izakaya

Keep on ordering Japanese snacks and guzzling giant mugs of beer for hours at multiple equally energetic locations of this bar that sticks to the true traditions of an Asian night out.

Tilt

Over 50 arcade games are available for free play for a flat cover charge at this Dundas West bar, and seating is free-floating so no worries about waiting for or keeping a table for a big group. There are plenty of multi-player consoles and games like air hockey, and the bar menu has lots of veggie options to keep everyone’s tummy happy.

Convenience

This West Queen West bar and restaurant is styled after an everyday Toronto corner store complete with hanging plants and a chandelier security mirrors. Selfie opportunities around every corner, a sidelong patio and $5 tap cocktails mean fun all night long.

Otto’s Bierhalle

A huge range of beers on tap plus platters of German food all enjoyed at long communal tables make this a perfect hangout spot for groups. Bonus: the bathrooms light up and play disco music when you push a button, so you never really have to leave the party.

Lavelle

Be above it all with your squad at this rooftop King West bar with an infinity pool, an upscale menu and a view that’s the ideal backdrop for group portraits.

416 Snack Bar

High-end bar snacks that change up on the regular and pay homage to our city’s favourite flavours are served in the loud, dark and almost clubby candlelit confines of this late night bar on Bathurst just north of Queen.

The Aviary Brewpub

This brewpub is now where Longslice beer is produced, but the Canary District hall is much more than that with lots of seating and a huge patio, plus an arcade game and pool.

Drom Taberna

Take in nightly live music, have a couple beers or cocktails, and grab a bite to eat from an Eastern European menu with lots of vegetarian options at this spacious Queen West haunt with a large back patio.

The Commoner

Unwind with pals in style and comfort at this cute corner restaurant near Roncesvalles with a large wraparound bar, booths, a patio, lots of beverage choices and of course, duck fat fries.

Dupont is one of those streets that's been more important to Toronto's development than it's generally given credit for. Referred to as both Van Horne and Royce before the street was straightened and unified, its proximity to the CPR tracks made it an important industrial manufacturing corridor.

Whether it be the Ford Model T factory and showroom at Christie, the Evening Telegram building across the street, the Hamilton Gear plant at Dovercourt, or the abandoned Mono Lino Typesetting building near Howland, Dupont was a place were stuff was made.

Evidence of Dupont's industrial past is still easy to spot if you take the time to walk across the roughly six kilometres it stretches from Avenue Road in the east to Dundas/Annette in the west.

But Dupont is definitely changing. Now home to art galleries, streetwear shops and plenty of restaurants, it'll also soon welcome mega-developments, a huge new park and numerous condos.

Here's a visual history of Dupont Street from the early 1900s to 1974.

Dovercourt just north of Dupont, 1904

Interior of the Ford Model T showroom at Christie and Dupont, 1910s

Dupont and Olser looking east, 1914

Dupont and Spadina, 1922

Dupont looking east of Bathurst, 1925

Dupont looking east toward Christie, 1926 (the photograph is mislabeled).

Royce (Dupont) and Dundas, 1923 (pre-underpass)

Royce (Dupont) and Dundas, 1929 (brand new underpass)

Davenport and Dupont, 1930

The Evening Telegram, 1940s (the site is now home to Loblaws)

Evening Telegram, 1940s (ominously with a Weston truck parked out front)

Sign of the Steer Restaurant at Dupont and Davenport, 1955

Hamilton Gear at Dupont and Dovercourt, 1957

Dupont and Davenport, 1957

Dupont and Perth, 1958

Dupont near Manning, 1960s (that's a skating rink in there, and it's now a private racquet club)

Dupont and Spadina, 1974

After 27 years, the owner of Amazing Party Store is retiring, but the party’s not over yet, it's just moving.

In this episode of the Only in Toronto podcast, we find out what it’s like being in the business of pleasure, especially around Halloween.

Plus, Type Books in the Junction has that new bookstore smell, and sneakerhead culture at Milk Toronto.

Articles referenced in this episode include:

• Nonna's Place could close after more than 50 years in business
• Nota Bene is closing after 10 years in Toronto
• Toronto airports will soon allow cannabis on domestic flights

Places mentioned in this episode:

• Type Books in the Junction
• Milk Toronto
• Amazing Party Store

Ways to subscribe to the Only in Toronto podcast:

• Apple Podcasts
• Google Play Music
• Stitcher
• Tune In
• Libsyn

You can also listen to the Only in Toronto podcast on Alexa. Just ask Alexa to play the podcast Only in Toronto.

If you’re looking to do some sightseeing out of the city this fall, this Ontario town might be a great choice.

Ontario is full of towns that call back to European architecture and culture, as they’ve done a great job of keeping the heritage in place after many years.

The perfect example is Goderich, nestled on the eastern shore of Lake Huron.

Goderich Beach, located on the shores of Lake Huron. Image by RichardBH.

Goderich has been called “the prettiest town in Canada,” and rightfully so. From the stunning beaches, to the historic buildings in perfect shape, it offers visitors an endless amount of beauty to see.

The Goderich Lighthouse is a popular site for visitors. Image by cmh2315fl.

Founded in 1827, the town predates Canadian Confederation. Its European history is visible across the area, highly visible in architectural style.

One of the many historic buildings in downtown Goderich. Image by jofo2005.

One of the town’s proudest icons is The Square, a traffic circle downtown that is home to the county courthouse. This traffic circle is actually an octagon that was built in the mid-19th century and continues to stand today. The Square is encircled by quaint shops, local restaurants, and an art gallery.

If you’re interested in seeing The Square, the courthouse, or any of the other historic buildings (and there are plenty!), there are self-guided tours available across town.

The Huron County Courthouse, located in The Square in Goderich. Image by cmh2315fl.

A charming day trip into the town wouldn’t be complete with a stop at one of the many restaurants Goderich has to offer. West Side Willy’s is a local favourite, and offers the “rockstar burger,” which has an interesting combination of cheese, peanut butter, and a deep-fried pickle for the adventurous.

After that, take a hike out to the Menesetung Bridge, which will give you a stunning view of the fall colours just outside of town. The former railway passage has been converted to a foot path to give visitors a breathtaking view.

A view of the Menesetung Bridge. Image by Margaret Bourne.

The historic Goderich Gaol (jail) is another option for those who love history. This National Historic Site is where the last public hanging in Canada took place, and offers visitors a look into the history of its prisoners and punishments. The Gaol only stays open until the end of October, so it might be worth a trip this weekend.

An aerial shot of the uniquely-shaped Gaol in Goderich. Image from huroncountymuseum.ca.

If you’re looking to get out of town this fall, don’t miss a chance to spend some time in a quiet recluse on the beautiful shores of Lake Huron. You’ll be happy to see the stunning fall colours in a town known for its foliage and natural beauty.