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Toronto Food Events: 12 Beers of Summer, Tapas in Parkdale, Ontario Oyster Festival, Kultura

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toronto food eventsToronto Food Events rounds up the most delicious events, festivals, pop-ups, winemaker dinners, supper clubs and other food related happenings in Toronto this week and next. You can find us here every Friday morning.

THIS WEEK

  • The Gladstone Hotel (1214 Queen St. West) presents a Hawaiian-themed, 12 Beers of Summer tonight Friday, July 17 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets are $20 but once you're inside, look forward to all you can drink from a dozen top notch craft brewers.
  • In part of of the Summerlicious culinary events line-up, the sold-out Tapas in Parkdale takes place at The Tempered Room (1374 Queen St. West) and will feature a fancy cocktail reception showcasing hors d'oeuvres and sweet creations from chefs Scott Vivian (Beast Restaurant) and Bertrand Alépée (The Tempered Chef).
  • Cold Tea (60 Kensington Ave.) hosts The Wren and Left Field Brewery for a BBQ this Sunday, July 19 from 3pm.
  • The 27th Ontario Oyster Festival is on Sunday, July 19 in the alley behind Rodney's (469 King St. West). The afternoon event promises plenty craft beer, wine, lobster and, of course, oysters.

UPCOMING

  • Toronto Food Truck Festival is two weeks away, the rally at Woodbine Park will take place August 1st and 2nd from noon until 9pm and is promising a day filled with street food, cold beer, live music, and eating challenges. Admission is free.
  • The 10th Kultura Filipino Arts Festival starts August 5 and will culminate with a street food fest, marketplace and cook-off at Yonge and Dundas Square on August 9.


Pan Am Games chaos not as bad as many feared

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pan am gamesIs Toronto a city filled with premature complainers? A new Forum Research poll about the Pan Am Games may make you say yes.

Before the games even started, many feared chaotic commutes and over-crowded highways. While some drivers got creative to abate these issues, 62 percent of poll respondents noted that the games were not a disruptive force in their lives.

With ticket sales creeping up to the one million mark, 27 percent of respondents either participated or were planning to participate in a Pan Am Games event. Sixteen percent hadn't made up their minds yet and 57 percent of respondents revealed they weren't going to attend at all.

While the New York Times, as well as other members of the foreign press, derided our muted response towards the Games, perhaps we're finally being swept into the Panamania.

How have your feelings towards the Pan Am Games changed? Let us know in the comments.

Photo by Martin Reis in the blogTO Flickr pool

Weekly summer party at Cherry Beach back in business

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promise cherry beachAfter a short interruption, Promise Cherry Beach Sundays will finally return on July 19. Promise lost its special events permit on June 21 when police and paramedics responded to a call at the weekly party and noticed a larger-than-expected number of attendees as well as other safety issues.

Throughout Promise's 14-year history, event organizers Irving Shaw and David Macleod say they've never dealt with a medical emergency. However, after speaking with members of the Toronto Police Service and Toronto Paramedic Services, Shaw and Macleod will implement measures to make Promise even safer for all partygoers.

Inside Toronto reports the two also met with various municipal officials including Ward 30 councillor Paula Fletcher and representatives from the 51 Division Community Response Unit, Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation and the city's Permit Office.

These meetings proved successful. Irving and Shaw now have a green light to continue celebrating electronic music at Cherry Beach.

Are you attending an upcoming Promise Cherry Beach? Let us know in the comments.

Photo by Jose Mamona in the blogTO Flickr Pool

The top 5 new ice cream shops in Toronto

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ice cream torontoNew ice cream shops have popped up all over Toronto in recent months. From dairy free offerings to ice cream sandwiches to affogatos there are plenty of sweet offerings now available to help you cool down this summer.

Here are my picks for the top new ice cream shops in Toronto.

Scoop Shop
This compact ice cream parlour brings all natural, from-scratch ice cream to Dundas West. Flavours change frequently but have recently included dairy-free cashew and coconut options, a kir royale sorbet, and house favourites like the Maldon salted caramel. There are also ice pops, ice cream sandwiches and affogatos.

Bean & Baker
This retro malt shop on Harbord is home to fresh baked goods and ice cream brought in from Kawartha Dairy, Ed's Real Scoop and Coconut Bliss. Get it blended into milkshakes or scooped into floats with homemade soda.

Sweet Olenka's
Now numbering three locations and counting, this confection maker has hit the sweet spot in Kensington Market offering house-made ice cream by the scoop, pressed between cookies (and apple fritters), or formed into chocolate-dipped bars.

Booyah
This sleek ice cream shop on Vaughan Rd. specializes in ice cream sandwiches, crafting halves and whole sammies on house baked cookies with a couple scoops from a choice of over two dozen Kawartha Dairy and Ed's Real Scoop flavours. Also find smoothies, shakes, sundaes and slushies.

Milky Way
This ice cream parlour replaced a Leslieville dive bar earlier this year and is offering a menu that covers coffees, baked goods, and eventually thick slices of pizza. Like others on this list, Kawartha Dairy is on sale here too, though the menu sticks to the staples; cones, floats, sundaes and shakes.

Photo of a cone at Booyah

The top 5 new condos on the west side of Toronto

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cabin torontoA new condo project in Toronto's west side is hardly a surprising sight. With omnipresent cranes, it seems as if there's a building cropping up each week. Many complain how these projects are ruining the once unique industrial-cum-artsy areas. But, que sera, sera; neighbourhoods change so let's look at some of the developments you can genuinely excited about.

Here's a round up of five of the most exciting new condo developments on Toronto's west side.

See also:The top 5 new condos on the east side of Toronto

Cabin
Each of the 25 units in this new building at 45 Dovercourt Rd. will be two storeys high and will feature either a balcony or a roof top terrace. While the trying-to-be-hip marketing is a little over the top, this project by Curated Properties promises "sun-filled homes" that'll be your "refuge" in the middle of the city.

sq2 torontoSQ2
Tridel's marketing for SQ2, which will be located on Vanauley Street, is milking nearby West Queen West's status as the second coolest neighbourhood in the world, at least according to Vogue. With a ton of planned amenities including a rooftop terrace, units start in the mid $300,000s.

garrison pointThe Garrison Point
According to the Toronto Star, this family friendly, joint project by Diamond Corp., Cityzen Development Group and Fernbrook Homes will eventually include five condo towers and a 4.5-acre park. Units for phase one start in the high $200,000s.

minto west sideMinto Westside
As Minto's second foray into the city's west end, this massive project at Bathurst and Front contains a whopping 660 units starting in the high $200,000. The Wallman Architects designed condo will feature courtyards and a rooftop pool, providing residents with a much-need reprieve from this busy street corner.

james condo torontoJames
Located just west of Spadina at 440 Richmond St. W., this 18-storey project by Lamb Development Corporation will situate you right in the King West neighbourhood. The building's 135 units are literally steps from the Spadina streetcar as well as a slew of restaurants and bars.

What west side condo tops your list? Let us know in the comments.

Province confirms removal of HOV lanes after Games

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hov torontoPut your HOV-related woes to rest because you can say goodbye to those pesky lanes once the Pan Am and Parapan Games wrap up August.

According to Global News, Ontario's Ministry of Transportation will shutter the temporary HOV lanes following the Games. However, in regard to city owned streets such as the DVP, there's no word on whether the oft-criticized lanes will stick around after the summer.

In the same Forum Research poll that indicated how the Games weren't as disruptive as previously expected, 30 percent of respondents wanted the HOV lanes to stay put after Pan Am. Yet, the Global News report showed that the majority of respondents, at 57 percent, disagreed with this.

Remember, you need to have three or more people in your vehicle if you're going to drive in the HOV lane. After July 27, and until August 18, you'll need only two.

What do you think about keeping the HOV lanes after the Games? Let us know in the comments.

Photo by George Socka in the blogTO Flickr pool.

The Best Nightclubs in Toronto

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nightclubs TorontoThe best nightclubs in Toronto are fun, fabulous and full of frenetic energy. After a hard week's work, there's nothing better than hitting the dance floor with your best friends and busting out the running man until one of them has a few too many vodka-crans and sobs in the bathroom because the guy she met on Tinder is no longer interested in her .

Here are the best nightclubs in Toronto.

Road closures in Toronto: July 18-19

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road closures torontoRoad closures in Toronto for the weekend of July 18-19 rounds up the key transportation shut-downs affecting the city, including street and TTC closures.

KEY ROAD CLOSURES IN TORONTO

Pan Am Games
There are a host of closures in effect for the Pan Am Games throughout the city, most notably along Lake Shore Boulevard on Saturday and Sunday. Take a look at our roundup of Pan Am Games closures and restrictions here.

PrideHouse TO street festival
Church St. will be closed from Alexander to Dundonald streets from 6 p.m. on Friday to 2 a.m. on Monday.

Caribbean Carnival junior parade
McLevin Ave. will be closed between Sewells Rd. and Neilson Rd. from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on , and Neilson Rd. will be closed from McLevin Rd. to Finch Ave. between 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

TTC CLOSURES

There are no TTC subway closures scheduled during the Pan Am Games.

Photo by Jack Landau in the blogTO Flickr pool.


Lansdowne Avenue home to Toronto's newest brewery

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toronto breweryIt may not be brewing its own craft brews yet (there is some killer house-made root beer and ginger ale on tap though), but this unassuming new brewpub is offering up some great eats while also introducing the area to some smaller Ontario microbreweries you may not have heard of yet. Who knows? You may just discover your new favourite beer.

Read my profile of Lansdowne Brewery in the restaurants section.

First heat wave of the summer in Toronto this weekend

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heatwave torontoToronto's sweltering summer weather will finally arrive this weekend. But, don't get too excited because Environment Canada issued a heat warning for the city, as well as much of southern Ontario.

Temperatures are expected to reach between 30 and 32 C on Saturday and Saturday. However, with the humidex, it could feel more like 40 C. Make sure to limit your physical activity, drink plenty of water and be careful not leave anyone (person or pet) inside a parked a car.

Although babies and young children, older adults and individuals with certain health conditions are most vulnerable, these extreme temperatures can put anyone at risk.

How will you stay cool during Toronto's first heat wave of 2015? Let us know in the comments.

Photo by alisa kutkin in the blogTO Flickr pool

Day to night at the Flatiron

10 breweries where you can buy growlers in Toronto

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growlers torontoGrowlers are easier to find in Toronto these days. The two-litre bottles of beer with the little loop on their neck have long been a part of most beer nerds' diets - they're a convenient way to bring home interesting beer from your local brewery and come in a size perfect for sharing.

Here's a round-up of where to buy growlers in Toronto.

Amsterdam Brewery
The deposit on an Amsterdam growler is $25 and the cost of Boneshaker, Cruiser, Raspberry Wheat, and their Adventure/Seasonal Brews is $10.95. You can get a growler of Amsterdam Blonde, Big Wheel and 416 for $9.95.

Duggans
Pricing for growlers at Duggan's ranges from $16-$21, plus tax and a $5 deposit, depending on the type of beer. Duggan's reuses their growlers since they have a growler washer in the basement but they do not fill returns on the spot so that they can ensure quality.

Granite Brewery
Granite has been selling growlers for 11 years, and they are an important part of their business. They charge $13 plus a $4 returnable deposit for the bottle. Their seasonals are priced at $15 plus deposit. They even offer their great cask beers in growlers, but you better take it home and drink it right away.

Great Lakes Brewery
GLB offers one-off beers, their Tank Ten series beers, and their core brands in growlers. Prices range from $10 to $20 plus a $5 deposit.

Indie Alehouse
Given the often potent brews made at Indie and their small capacity, the selection of beers available is intentionally limited so the selection for growlers rotates. Indie also has a Growler Club with a limit of 150 spots. It costs $100-150 to join for a year and includes a new handmade growler. Previous years have included ceramic, die-cast stainless steel, and powder coated porcelain versions.

Junction Craft Brewing
Junction Craft doesn't do the standard 1.89 litre bottles and instead offers both one two litre bottles. They have a rotating selection of 10 different beers in growlers at any one time with a price range from $13.50 to $16.95 (plus a $6 or $10 deposit depending on the size).

Louis Cifer Brew Works
The fledgling Danforth brewpub offers growlers of their blonde, IPA, ESB, Stout, Bock, American Brown, and Belgian Wit for $17 plus a $5 refundable. They also offer"howlers," a .95 litre container for $10.

Mill Street Brewery
Mill Street offers up growlers of whatever they're brewing at their brew pub. Their one offs, seasonal, and whatever else is pouring are all available for $12.50 plus a $4 deposit for the bottle.

Rainhard Brewery
This new Toronto brewery offers growlers for $15, with their higher alcohol imperial styles running at $19. Both also have a $5 deposit.

Steam Whistle
The Steam Whistle growler is a 64 oz. emerald growler with a metal handle, a pewter logo medallion, and a ceramic flip top. It costs $39.95 and the charge for a refill is $11.95.

Did I miss any? Let us know where you get your growler filled in the comments.

Ben Johnson also writes about beer over on Ben's Beer Blog. If you want to know more about growlers, check out this post).

10 new stores and restaurants in Bloorcourt & Bloordale

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wenona lodgeNew stores and restaurants in Bloorcourt and Bloordale will have you stocking up on records and indulging in Mediterranean food late into the night. You'll find record shops, music venues, late night eateries, galleries and more. Need an excuse to head to the area? Here are 10.

Here's a roundup of new stores and restaurants to check out in Bloorcourt & Bloordale.

Wenona Lodge
This craft beer lodge offers everything from radlers to lagers, making it the perfect outpost if you're in need of a refreshing beverage. They also serve up childhood throwback eats like hotdogs cut like octopuses.

The 47
The 47 is where to go in Bloordale if you're craving food past midnight. This joint serves up Mediterranean small plates all under the $10 mark until 2am. If you need a beverage, they've got a concise wine list and three classic cocktails: Negronis, Manhattans and Old Fashioneds (what else do you really need?). There's lots of craft beer too.

bloordaleBurdock
If you can't decide what to do on a night out, Burdock lets you do it all in one place. A jack of all trades, it flaunts a restaurant serving up elevated pub fare, a live music venue, and a patio space that seats 30.

Blackbird Bistro
Blackbird Bistro is a charming little restaurant serving up sandwiches and salads to hungry locals. A huge bonus, they serve a number of vegan-friendly treats for those who are steering clear of animal products.

D-Beastro
This cafe-art space hybrid has the goal of bringing the community together. They host live music, art exhibitions and more. A huge plus, they serve vegan fare, so any plant-based eater can still enjoy a night out at this venue.

dead dog recordsDead Dog Records
Need to update your music and movie collection? Head to Dead Dog. The store is well stocked with vinyl, CDs and DVDs as well as a few pieces of merchandise (think Adventure Time bobble heads and band t-shirts). They'll also buy your old records off you, if you're looking to purge your collection.

Civil Liberties
If you're in the market for a new watering hole in the Bloorcourt area, look no further. Expect to find this chic new outpost filled with the neighbourhood's younger crowd sipping top notch libations at the penny-covered bar.

Super Wonder Gallery
Super Wonder Gallery specializes in all things weird and wacky. The gallery itself is not exactly new, it has migrated to Bloorcourt from its old home at 99 Sudbury. Expect to find the space taken over by outrageous contemporary exhibitions.

popbox micromrktPopbox MicroMrkt
This is corner store is a far cry from your local 7/11. You'll find it stocked with everything from fresh baked goods from Circles and Squares to bamboo bathroom tissue. A huge bonus, you can grab an espresso for only $1.

Dark Horse Espresso (Geary)
A little off the main drag on Bloor St., the Dark Horse on Geary is unique as it houses the bakery where the min cafe chain's sweet treats are manufactured. The space previously housed an auto body shop, but you'd never know as it now boasts a rustic-chic decor that rivals even the most quaint indie coffee outposts.

Did I miss any? Leave your suggestions in the comments.

Top photo of Wenona Lodge

The top 5 new condos in midtown Toronto

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150 redpathNew condos in midtown Toronto are making over a skyline dominated by rather stark, decades-old towers. With projects by award-winning Toronto developers and architects, these design-oriented buildings are redefining what it means to live north of Bloor Street.

Here's a round up of five of the most exciting new condo developments in midtown Toronto.

See also:

The top 5 new condos on the west side of Toronto
The top 5 new condos on the east side of Toronto

150 Redpath
If downtown living isn't for you, try this new development by Freed Developments and Capital Developments, as well as architect Peter Clewes from architectsAlliance. The units in this Yonge and Eglinton project feature floor-to-ceiling windows and start at just under $200,000.

zigg condosZigg
A ziggurat, or step pyramid (think of the Chichen Itza Mayan ruins in Mexico) inspired the design of this 11-storey building. This joint project by Madison and Fieldgate Homes features both condo suites and townhomes, with units staring in the low $300,000s.

art shoppe condosArt Shoppe Lofts and Condos
Freed Development is continuing to expand its empire northwards. The award-winning Peter Clewes is the architect and fashion heavyweight Karl Lagerfeld, who's the creative director of Chanel, is designing the lobby. Like other Freed properties, this new building will feature heaps of amenities including the city's longest infinity pool.

jack condosThe Jack
Aspen Ridge Homes' latest condo, located on Yonge, just few blocks south of St. Clair, has units starting in the low $400,000s. The project designed by Quadrangle Architects is billing itself as a luxurious enclave in "upper Rosedale." Along with a 24-hour concierge, it will have valet parking.

bea condosThe Bean
One-day, the Eglinton-Crosstown LRT will be up and running. When that happens, you'll be happy to live in The Bean Condominiums, a mid-rise condo by Royalpark Homes, and designed by Romanov Romanov Architects, at the corner of Dufferin and Hopewell.

What midtown condo tops your list? Let us know in the comments.

10 must-see shows at SummerWorks 2015

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SummerworksSummerWorks, Canada's most innovative annual performance arts festival, is once again hitting stages, parks, and concert halls around Toronto from August 6 to 16. This is the place to find some of the best new work in theatre, dance, music, and live art from across Canada.

It's the festival's 25th anniversary, and to celebrate SummerWorks is throwing a free party on August 15 in Lisgar Park featuring The Lemon Bucket Orkestra, Maylee Todd, Buck 65, Basque de Bamba and more.

Here are my picks for what to watch at SummerWorks 2015.

Counting Sheep
Part concert, part sing-along, part dinner theatre, Counting Sheep masterfully weaves together music, dance, and video in an immersive experience that puts the audience in the middle of Maidan Nezalezhnosti during the 2014 uprising in Ukraine. The play is co-written by Lemon Bucket front man Mark Marczyk and singer/ethnomusicologist Marichka Kudriavtseva.

Beautiful Man
An irreverent, dark, and sexy dissection of the stories we find ourselves drawn to when alone at night. Beautiful Man, written by Governor General's Award winner Erin Shields and directed by Dora Award winner Andrea Donaldson, turns the narrative of violence against women in film and television on its head by exploring the incessant barrage of images of gender violence that invade our consciousness as entertainment.

Performance About A Woman
"You're not English, you're not Chilean, you're not Indian, you're not Canadian. You're nothing." Liz Peterson's work is inspired by a conversation with a girl from her boarding school who defined her as nothing. This improvised dance, and comedy performance about identity is an evolving piece that plays out as an invitation for chaos where the future is uncertain.

Upon the Fragile Shore
In this performance nine interwoven tales of loss are told by four actors playing sixteen characters to attempt to explain how we reach across borders to deal with loss. From Syria to Venezuela to Louisiana mothers, daughters, sons and partners share stories of refuge, survival and resilience.

HYPER_
Hyper explores the limits of perception in an intersection of performance with visual and digital arts. UV lights, bodypaint, 3D glasses are used to trick your senses as the live body shifts from the two-dimensional to the three-dimensional moving from screen to the stage and melding virtual and cyber dancers with live performance.

Offending the Audience
"This is not a play," and the audience are the only characters in this radical performance of Peter Handke's anti-play where 'theatre' is put under a question mark. Christian Lapointe's interpretation of this piece uses elements of cinema-verite, sound art and digital theatre to literally chase spectators out of the theatre.

Let's Not Beat Each Other To Death
This genre-defying play combines music, and monologues to create an electro-pop dance party in memory of a Queer activist in Halifax who was killed in a brutal attack. The story changes every time as it strives to incorporate local narratives.

Like There's No Tomorrow
In this fictitious environmental assessment panel, a resident of Northern British Columbia who records disappearing sound, an urbanite wannabe survivalist, and a flip-flopping salmon conduct their own review of the proposed Northern Gateway Pipeline. Their findings are presented as first-hand accounts, audio-recordings, interactive presentations and a dance party.

All You Can Hold
This performance will be an intersection of dance, costumes, digital painting and projections all set against the music of electronic duo LAL. Be prepared for a dynamic showcase of radical community and diversity.

The Stranger
Become the protagonist in a journey through the streetscape of Queen West where you weave in and out of building from alleyways to stairwells in pursuit of the shadowy characters who lurk in these secret urban labyrinths. The Stranger is an unforgettable journey in art and adventure. The production is back at SummerWorks after a sold out run, so get your tickets fast.

What did I miss? Add your suggestions for the top shows at SummerWorks 2015 in the comments.

Follow Sima Sahar Zerehi on Twitter @SimaSaharZerehi.

Photo from Counting Sheep


Swan diner reborn with a Californian twist

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Swan by Rose and Sons TorontoThe new restaurant from Anthony Rose shows its respect for the longstanding retro diner by making it shine but leaving its essence in tact. He's doing the same thing on the plate, presenting ultra simple California-inspired dishes that lets seasonal ingredients shine.

Read my profile of Swan by Rose and Sons in the restaurants section.

The top 5 summer day trips from Toronto

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day trips torontoDay trips from Toronto should be on every city dweller's summer bucket list. What define's a day trip rather than, say, a weekend getaway? My criteria is that a the driving component of a single day journey should take less than an hour. With that in mind, here's a guide to nearby escapes from the city that range from sunny lakeside spots to charming historic villages.

Here are my picks for the top day trips from Toronto.

See also:The top 5 weekend getaways one hour from Toronto.

Beamsville and Jordan
Wine lovers, this quaint little community on the southern side of Lake Ontario is your Cloud 9 of day trips. It's only an hour drive from downtown, making it the closest piece of wine country to the city. Spend your day exploring the vineyards, farmers' markets, and take in spectacular views of the city. Three wineries not to miss: Thirty Bench, Hidden Bench and 13th Street.

Glen Major Forest
Take a day to adventure through this 1,548-hectare forest on the Oak Ridges Moraine in Uxbridge. The trails that run through it are perfect for hiking, jogging, mountain biking and even horseback riding -- so pack a backpack and your bike (or steed) and spend a day in this lush forest just under an hour from Toronto.

Port Credit
If you're craving a fresh view of the lake, Port Credit is the watery jewel of Mississauga. Along with a spectacular waterfront (marked by a kitschy lighthouse), it's known for its music and arts scene, so you can fill your afternoon with culture and then stop by one of the pretty lakeside restaurants.

Kleinburg Village
Hidden in the heart of industrialized Vaughan is the historic village of Kleinburg. The main street is dotted with restaurants and shops you'll never want to leave: snack on some handmade sweets at Bonbons and Brittle, stock up on cute decor finds at Terracotta Home and Garden, and do the fine dining thing at XXI Chophouse.

Halton County Radial Railway
Perhaps one of the most interesting day trip opportunities is the streetcar museum in Halton. Check out a collection of historic TTC cars from over the years and even take unlimited rides on the two-kilometre track, which makes a stop at the museum ice cream shop. The old Peter Witt and PCC streetcars are truly a sight to behold.

Add your suggestions for day trips from Toronto in the comments.

Photo of the Toronto skyline from Jordan

Leaside Bridge

The top 5 free events in Toronto: July 20-26

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pan amFree events in Toronto will have you checking out some old-school two-wheelers at the Toronto Vintage Bicycle Show. Bike enthusiasts are congregating in Trinity Bellwoods this Sunday if you want to get in on the action. If you'd rather see some live performances, the Beaches Jazz Fest and PANAMANIA are still going strong.

Here's what to do if you're considering taking out a loan.

Franco-Fête (July 10-24)
Franco-Fete is an opportunity for Toronto's French-speaking people to get together and share their cultures, and teach others about them, too. The festival, at Yonge-Dundas Square, will be like being at the roadside for the Tour de France -- except without the cyclists.

Beaches Jazz Fest (July 10-26)
The Beaches Jazz Festival continues this weekend with performances by the Lula All Stars, Chris Thomas King, Ogguere, God Made Me Funky, The Boom Booms, La Gran Colombia Orchestra and many more.

PANAMANIA (July 10-26, August 7-12)
The Pan Am Games aren't just about sports. Acts still to play include Lights, Stars, Calle 13, tons of world music artists and lots more -- all for free at Nathan Phillips Square and the CIBC PanAm Park. Check the schedule and show up early.

UNITY Concert (July 25)
This Sunday Dundas Square will be taken over by the UNITY Festival for its final day. GZA is headlining, so look forward to a good show. If you've got a few extra dollars to spend, tickets are available for UNITY Fest events happening Wednesday to Friday.

Toronto Vintage Bicycle Show (July 26)
Want to spend your weekend scoping out some old-school two-wheelers? The Toronto Vintage Bicycle Show gives you that opportunity for free. Head to Trinity Bellwoods park to chat with other bike-enthusiasts.

Have a free event you'd like to plug? Submit it to our Toronto events calendar using this form.

Photo by Matt Forsythe

The top 5 parks to get away from it all in Toronto

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guild parkGetting away from it all in Toronto is surprisingly easy, but there are some places that feel like more of an espace than others. We all know the favourites -- Tommy Thompson, High Park, Crothers Woods -- but if you're looking for a more secluded retreat, it's worth a trek to one of these little sanctuaries from the urban bustle.

Here are my picks for the top parks to get away from it all in Toronto.

Colonel Danforth
Get lost in nature for a few hours in this east-end park, where a ton of trails, green space and a ravine are all submerged in lush forestry. Rogue Park tends to get all the glory, but this nearby green space has a host of bike and walking trails that run alongside and around picturesque Highland Creek.

Wilket Creek Park
With 44 hectares of undisturbed woodland, this one is actually classified as a "wilderness park." Two kilometres of bike trails let you cruise through the trees for a while, or you can cosy up by one of the public fire pits and pretend you're off in cottage country.

Guild Park and Gardens
For an unconventional day in the park, spend an afternoon in this historic sculptural sanctuary. Guild Park is home to a collection of rustic stone pieces of art and architecture from Toronto's past, a greenhouse and a colourful garden. This is a little gothic paradise that's both eerie and relaxing all at once.

Cedarvale Park
This park is reminiscent of summer camp -- seemingly far removed from all things urban and industrial. It houses multiple bike and hiking trails as well as sports facilities, but it's when you get to the park's centre that you realize it feels like the city has been left behind. If it hadn't been for activist's like Jane Jacobs, this green space would be the Spadina Expressway.

Craigleigh Gardens
This quiet gem in the middle of Rosedale is the perfect place to be a hermit for a day. Craigleigh Gardens is hidden beneath a canopy of trees, and has access to the Don Valley Brick Works and a ravine trail. Best of all, however, is that it's basically never busy, so it's a good spot for some quiet, alone time.

What did I miss? Leave your suggestions in the comments.

Photo by Mark Su

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