As Toronto inches closer to the official start of summer, major road closures are starting to become a weekend fixture. There's plenty of construction to navigate around, but with street festival season ramping up, temporary closures will also make for some tricky driving in the city.

The main event to be aware of this weekend is Sunday's Ride for Heart, which shuts down both the Gardiner and the DVP. The former will be off-limits to cars between Carlaw Ave. and the Humber River, while the latter will be closed to traffic between the 401 and Gardiner.

With nearby events like Field Trip (Fort York) and the Mac and Cheese Festival (Ontario Place), you can expect traffic around Lake Shore Blvd. to be a crunch. I'd avoid these areas unless travelling by bike.

There will also be lane restrictions on the Gardiner around the Dowling Ave. Bridge, as crews continue to work on its replacement.

Off the highways, Broadview Avenue will be closed south of Queen for Riverside Eats & Beats on Saturday between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. Further east, the Riverdale Art Walk will bring an influx of people to the Queen and Booth area, though there are no street closures.

Finally, Pape Village Summerfest will close that street from Floyd Avenue to Cosburn Avenue on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Those heading to the event should note that Line 2 is closed between Pape and St. George all day Saturday.

For the full list of road closures and restrictions, head to the City of Toronto's dedicated website.

Photo by Mary Crandall in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Tickets to The Tragically Hip's Man Machine Poem tour went on sale at 10 a.m. this morning. And like at the pre-sale earlier this week, they sold out in mere minute. Fans and anxious page-refreshers, however, noticed that re-sale sites such as StubHub had numerous tickets in stock (albeit for exorbitant prices).

The Hip are playing three shows at the ACC on August 10, 12 and 14.

Many are frustrated by this seemingly convoluted ticketing process and some are even petitioning the attorney general to look into it.

Until that happens, Toronto-area fans are taking to social media to vent. Many are especially miffed proceeds from this tour are supposed to go to the Sunnybrook Foundation.

No, @Ticketmaster, I'm not a robot... Kinda wish I was though, maybe then I'd get a ticket! #TragicallyHip

— taylor renkema (@taylorrenkema) June 3, 2016

"Not Many Left," eh... Sure... #TragicallyHippic.twitter.com/nU3vnJa9Wr

— Tevy Pilc (@tevypilc) June 3, 2016

What's worse, lining up overnight for tickets, calling & getting constant busy signal, or trying buy #TragicallyHip tickets online? #sameold

— S (@ShawnMeNow) June 3, 2016

Taking Tragically Hip tickets, where proceeds were supposed to go to a charity, and reselling them as scalpers is just plain scuzzy.

— Jessica Maxwell (@jstephmax) June 3, 2016

I'm awesome at identifying storefronts and bodies of water. Less awesome at securing 2 #TragicallyHip tix. You're terrible #ticketmaster

— Amanda Dickson (@miss_mandypants) June 3, 2016

Did anyone in the GTA actually get tickets to one of the #TragicallyHip shows from #TicketMaster? because 1000s of tix are on StubHub. #Foul

— Cris Costa (@CrisCostaLive) June 3, 2016

Will @JustinTrudeau be addressing the @TicketmasterCA scam soon? Seems relevant enough! #TragicallyHip

— johnlanthier (@johnlanthier) June 3, 2016

Today's #Ticketmaster winner. #TragicallyHiphttps://t.co/hw0t6ZR1Ip

— Ben (@BenMA7) June 3, 2016

Photo by Brian Morton.

There's no confusing the name of this newish Chinese restaurant in Toronto. It tells you exactly what you'll find on the menu - authentic eats from Northern China including many unique dishes from the owner's hometown of Shijiazhuang in China's Hebei province.

Read my profile of Northern Chinese Cuisine in the restaurants section.

Toronto's hosting its first ever Pride Month, and naturally, we needed to celebrate it. After Mayor John Tory helped raise the Pride and Trans flags at City Hall on Tuesday, May 31, the AGO held Queer Insurgents, a First Thursday event that served as the Pride Month launch party.

Curated by Toronto-based artist and filmmaker Bruce LaBruce, this First Thursday not only let party-goers wander through the museum (drink-in-hand, of course), but we also got to see special live performances.

New York City-based artist Narcissister had hordes of people crowded into a second floor gallery for her two shows. While I started off behind a wall of giants, I eventually snuck my way to a good perching spot where I could watch the masked, enigmatic artist. She integrated both video and live performance into her piece, which played with issues related to race, gender norms and sexuality.

Upstairs on the third floor, No Bra (or Susanne Oberbeck) played her set in a darkened room. With just a computer on stage, she spit out her deadpan vocals as we sat cross-legged on the floor.

Elsewhere, many participated in life-drawing tutorials and took in an artist talk from the locally based Scott Treleaven.

Once all of the programming wrapped up, I made my way to Walker Court where DJ Kevin Hegge kept the party going until New York's Gio Black Peter took the stage at 10 p.m.

Multiple bars and food stations kept everyone afloat as the night ended with a massive dance party.

Outside, passersby could also participate in the fun thanks to the giant, unicorn-filled photo booth stationed at the corner of Dundas and McCaul. It was all part of Pride Toronto's inclusive manifesto for 2016: You can sit with us.

Photos by Hector Vasquez.

Toronto has a beautiful new spin studio that keeps things on trend with its clean, all-white aesthetics. Go here for the good community vibes and a fun 50-minute high energy, low impact ride.

Read more in my profile of Torq in the fitness section.

The best cheap sushi in Toronto is proof that budget sushi dining does not have to be synonymous with AYCE. These restaurants serve up fresh and delicious cuts of sashimi, along with an assortment of fantastic rolls, for prices that won't make your wallet cry.

Here is the best cheap sushi in Toronto.

What's a green thumb to do in Toronto when they're condo-bound, renting or just generally backyardless? Those without the outdoor space can always sow their tomatoes, cucumber and zucchini seeds in one of the city's 12 outdoor allotment gardens (and one indoor greenhouse) available to permit seasonally.

While they're not exactly secret gardens, it would seem that few people are aware of their existence. I came to acquire a plot of my own this season when a friend saw a community Facebook post back in February; we agreed to share a plot, put our names down on the waiting list and then entirely forgot about the whole thing until we got a call in mid-April.

The cost is $76 (pre tax) for access to the outdoor gardens from May 1 to October 31. We were given a choice of available plots and once paid up with the permit office we were supplied a key to the sprawling fenced-in garden just north of the Leslie Street Spit.

The garden on Leslie is the city's biggest with 200+ plots available. Once inside we discovered we had access to not only our plot, but also water taps (BYO-hose), wheelbarrows, a shed full of ancient equipment and compost piles. The permit office confirms that access to water and organic disposal is available at all locations.

We'll be given first dibs on the same plot next year too so planting perennials isn't going to be a problem. In fact, we can keep our plot as long as we pay-up every year which means all that back breaking work we've put in already will all be worth it when I'm harvesting veggies for years to come.

Demand is high and the gardens do fill up. If this sounds appealing to you too, call 416.392.8188 or visit your local permit office for rates an availability. If there's nothing available this year, be sure to mark the first working day in February in your calendars and call to register for the waitlist first thing in the morning.

Here's a round-up of allotment gardens in Toronto:

• Bishop Avenue, 190 Bishop Avenue
• Cornell Campbell House, 3620 Kingston Road
• Daventry, 19 Daventry Road
• Four Winds, 20 Four Winds Drive
• Givendale, 950 Kennedy Road
• High Park, 1873 Bloor Street
• Jonesville , 50 Jonesville Crescent
• Leslie Street, 5 Leslie Street
• Marie Baldwin Park, 746 Jane Street
• Silverthorne Allotments, 458 Old Weston Road
• Stoffel Drive, 20 Stoffel Drive
• West Deane, 410 Martin Grove Road
• Riverlea Greenhouse (indoor), 919 Scarlett Road

Ramadan 2016 is almost upon us. This year it's projected to start on June 6. Ramadan, of course, is a holy month for muslims where they fast from sunrise to sunset every day (no food or water). Many mosques and restaurants throughout Toronto accommodate muslims who are unable to make it home in time to break their fast for the evening meal (Iftar).

Here's a round-up of places to go in Toronto when breaking the fast for Ramadan this year.

HALAL RESTAURANTS
You won't encounter any of the food and drink considered forbidden (haram) at these spots. They're also excellent places to go for good food and big portions. Please note that some of these restaurants' schedules are subject to change from regular hours during Ramadan.

Indian Biriyani House
This Indian restaurant near Dundas and University serves up a variety of meats and vegetable dishes from tandoori to aloo palak. They do discount catering prices for Ramadan based on the amount of people ordering and sometimes have special biriyani dishes donated to mosques.

Pizza Land Halal
This Lawrence Avenue East mainstay serves up a wide selection of pizza, wings, sandwiches and kebabs. While they don't offer any special deals for Ramadan, they do have discounted prices on Mondays and Thursdays for orders that exceed $25 and $30 respectively.

Hamdi Restaurant
Bananas are a cultural staple here, but you'll also find lots of rice and pasta as well as chicken, beef, goat, camel and fish options at this Somali restaurant in Rexdale. For Ramadan, they have special deals that vary depending on the size of the order and the type of dish.

Pasha's Authentic Turkish Cuisine
On Overlea Boulevard in East York, this Turkish destination offers different kinds of soups, salads and kebabs plus a whole lot more.

Istar Restaurant
This Somali/East African restaurant near Dixon and Islington is the place to go for sambusa and bur-shub-shub (stuffed and sweetened breads), chicken and beef suqaar (meat cubes mixed with vegetables), sandwiches, pasta, rice and all kinds of different meats. Ask for their special discounts during Ramadan.

Naan and Kabob
This Afghani restaurant on Lawrence East in Scarborough is a very affordable option for salads, kebabs (with and without rice) and a variety of meat dishes.

Hakka Garden
This Overlea Boulevard restaurant has an Indian and Pakistani take on Hakka Chinese food. Expect lots of rice, rolls, wontons, dumplings, soup, different kinds of chicken, noodles and vegetarian options.

Al Madina Halal Pizza & Bakery
This Danforth East restaurant is where to go during Ramadan for pizza and wings. They also offer Ramadan discounts.

Lahore Tikka House
Toronto's most famous Pakistani restaurant in Little India cooks up samosas, veggie wraps, kebabs (chicken, lamb and beef), biriyani dishes and more.

MOSQUES
Mosques typically offer Iftar services during the month of Ramadan. Many of the ones listed below have been known to hold some form of Iftar in the past. Please call and check in advance to confirm plans for this year.

• Muslim Association of Canada/Masjid Toronto (168 Dundas St. West, Tel: 416.596.0507)
• Al-Rowda Masjid (S Station St, 4162429996)
• Khalid Bin Al-Walid (16 Betbridge Rd, 416.745.2888)
• Islamic Information & Dawah Centre International (1168 Bloor St. West, 416.536.8433)
• Masjid-El-Noor (277 Scott Rd, 416.658.6667)
• Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at/Baitul Islam Mosque (10610 Jane Street, 905.303.4000 x2232)
• Jami Mosque (55 Boustead Ave, 416.769.1192)
• Dar-ul-Hijra Islamic Centre (2050 Kipling Ave, 416.747.9991)
• Tariq Mosque (99 Beverly Hills Dr, 416.245.5675)
• Masjid Al-Qalam (2430 Dufferin Street, 647.435.8472)

What did I miss? Add more suggestions to the comments.

Photo by Saman Aghvami in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Toronto fans were reeling after Rougned Odor socked Jose Bautista on May 15. And even after the Texas Rangers second baseman received an eight game suspension, some pint-sized Blue Jays followers weren't too impressed with his conduct.

That's why grade four students in April Stevens's class at Humbercrest Public School sent a letter to MLB commissioner Rob Manfred.

"We think the consequences given for this incident aren't acceptable," they wrote. Major athletes were acting like children, even though they know better."

The letter continued, outlining the how the students felt about the televised incident between the two baseball stars. Here's the full text of what they wrote:

The nine and ten-year-olds never expected to hear back, but one day, a piece of mail from MLB arrived at their school.

Yes, Manfred wrote back and explained the MLB's decision regarding Odor's suspension. He thanked the students for their letter and for being baseball fans.

Talk about ending the school year on a high note.

Copies of letters via Sportsnet.

Are you a little bit country? Or a little bit rock 'n roll? If you're the former, then you're about to have a really great summer. Even if you're a part-time country fan like me you'll also have a great time. There is a pretty solid line up of concerts, Dolly Parton things and festivals downtown and around town. Saddle up!

Here's a round-up of country music events in Toronto this summer.

Bright Lights, Big Country (June 9)
This is a big ol' country concert to benefit Fort McMurray at The Phoenix. Tim Hicks, Jason Blaine, Autumn Hill are some of the artists and bands strumming through the night. top

Small Town Pistols (June 15)
An intimate country showcase at First Canadian Place featuring brother-sister duo Small Town Pistols (named Group or Duo of the Year at the 2014 Canadian Country Music Awards) and East Coast trip Port Cities. This is a small, free show at 5:50 p.m. so make sure to RSVP ASAP.

Dixie Chicks (June 21)
The Dixie Chicks are touring for the first time in 10 years?! These girls are the bad ass rebels of country music, one of the ultimate girl groups of our time, and don't give a heck what anyone thinks anymore. Apparently they're playing all the hits and some amazing covers at the Molson Amphitheatre. Here's the setlist is you want to ruin the surprise.

Steers and Queers (June 30)
Now a yearly off-Pride tradition, Steers and Queers: Night of 1000 Dollys is the ultimate gay country hoedown. A night at the church of Dolly with featuring drag, burlesque, a full choir and Rev Fluffy Souffle on the pulpit asking, WWDD?

Boots and Hearts (August 4 - 7)
Rent a pickup truck with your friends or take the GO Train because this weekend festival is the motherland for country fans. Especially if you're a fan of hunky new country. This year Gwen Stefani's boyfriend is playing, as well as Tim McGraw, Dierks Bentley, Jake Owen, Jojo Mason, and Emerson Drive, to name a few cowboys.

Havelock Jamboree (August 18 - 21)
This is THE country music extravaganza and camping weekend. Havelock is close to Peterborough. Apparently it's the largest country and camping fest in Canada. This year The Band Perri and Terri Clark headline. 25 acts on twin stages, so many boots, so many belt buckles, food, vendors and hay.

Dolly Parton (September 9)
Dolly Parton's Pure and Simple tour is a cannot-be-missed event at the Molson Amp. This is her most extensive tour in 20 years, and the country legend is 70 years old!? She'll be playing hits, hits, hits with a four-person, scaled down band. Even if you're just a fan of 9 to 5 or Jolene, it's one of those shows that will blow you away with the amount of songs you didn't know you loved.

Rock 'n' Horse Saloon (All summer)
If you need that country fix, but can't afford to get outta dodge or just need country karaoke badly on a Wednesday night, there's always this downtown hillbilly hangout. They're giving away Boots and Hearts passes leading up to the August festival on Thursday nights all summer and it's ladies night on Friday.

Summer country concerts (All summer)
The Molson Amp in general will be packed with country music maniacs this summer. Here's a brief list of the big shows.

• Kenny Chesney (June 9)
• Luke Bryan (June 24)
• Keith Urban (July 8)
• Carrie Underwood (November 6 at the ACC)

Did I miss a country festival or concert, y'all? Let us know in the comments we noone misses out!

Photo via Boots & Hearts on Facebook

Stephen Fowler opened Monkey's Paw in 2006. His quirky shop, located just west of Ossington, features an array of titles and it's unlike any other book store in the city; you won't find any Heather's Picks here.

However, after more than a decade in Little Portugal, he's packing up and moving to Bloordale.

Fowler moved to Toronto from San Francisco in 2002; he wanted to escape the rapidly gentrifying city. Toronto and Dundas West drew him in thanks to its diversity.

"Ten years on, a huge percentage of the Portuguese businesses are gone replaced by upscale restaurants and trendy bars," he tells me via email. "These places target, and apparently attract, a very specific clientele."

The area's now a nighttime destination thanks to bars and restaurants such as Enoteca Sociale and Get Well as well as newbies like Hanmoto, Ufficio, Junked Food Co. and The Lockhart (the so-called Harry Potter bar).

"Unfortunately, to my jaded eye, Dundas West today looks a lot like SF in 2002 - glossy and aspirational and monochrome," he notes. "Maybe I'm just too old and poor to appreciate it, but the culture of the neighbourhood doesn't really excite me."

Gentrification is natural and neighbourhoods change over time. Queen West, for instance, is unrecognizable from its days as a counter-culture haven in the 1980s.

Even still, when Fowler's new landlord threatened to raise his rent, he decided to move and settled on Bloordale for Monkey Paw's new and bigger home. It's an area on the subway line that supports a variety of businesses, including art galleries, a strip club and an array of restaurants.

"That's an actual functioning city neighbourhood, and it's interesting," he says. "I'm excited to contribute to it."

Before it makes the leap to Bloor Street West, Monkey's Paw will host a blow out garage sale today and tomorrow at its Dundas West store. Expect to find items between $1 and $4.

Photo by Stephen Fowler

Following a flood, this five-year-old brunch spot has regrouped and redesigned all of its offerings. Now, the options are endless, with customizable meals built to order from an abundance of different proteins, sides, salads and house-made condiments.

Read my profile of Chadwick's in the restaurants section.

There's something about the Toronto skyline that maintains intrigue even as it risks becoming a cliche thanks to the thousands of times it's photographed each day. Never is this feeling more palpable than when you stumble upon a hidden vantage point that few before you have enjoyed. These places will let you bask in Toronto's beauty undisturbed by other people.

Here are 5 secret spots to view the Toronto skyline.

Kensington Market parking garage
It doesn't look like much from street level, but climb to the top of this parking garage on St. Andrew St. at dusk and you'll be treated with one of the best views of Toronto you'll ever witness. Unlike lakeside vantage points, this view shows off Toronto's dense urbanity.

Crothers Woods
One of the most truly hidden spots on this list, you'll need to hike about 300 metres from the upper trailhead of Crothers Woods (at the Loblaws parking lot) to the top of the hill that local mountain bikers once dubbed K2. Here you can gaze across the lush Sun Valley toward the CN Tower and Financial District, which look like they're in another city altogether.

Regal Road School
Perched atop the old Lake Iroquois shoreline, this lookout offers a stunning panoramic view of Toronto. You'll need to walk up the mostly hidden path from Davenport Rd. to avoid being encumbered by the fence, but once you've found it, you'll surely go back again. It's that good.

Miles Road End Parkette
A number of south Etobicoke streets terminate at little lakeside parkettes, but the one at Miles Rd. is my favourite. There are two benches and a chess table (which also works for a picnic) here, meaning it's a comfortable spot to lounge for an hour or two with the city shimmering in the distance.

Chester Hill Lookout
Chester Hill isn't as well kept a secret as it once was, but if you pay a visit, you're still unlikely to encounter others doing the same. Tucked north of Broadview and Danforth, this lookout offers a view of Toronto that's at once natural and profoundly urban, where the Bloor Viaduct serves as a visual dividing line between the valley below and the skyline.

Add your favourite off-the-beaten track spots to view the skyline in the comments.

Photos by John Briggs, Tony Mo, Evan Russell, and Derek Flack.

Free events in Toronto this week will probably get you riled up. Most notably an art show about cultural appropriation in fashion and a panel discussion about the 1981 Bathhouse Raids. The latter was an event that changed gay rights in Toronto forever and is part of Pride Month programming.

Here's what to do in Toronto this week in case those holes in your pockets haven't been fixed yet.

Tafelmusik baroque summer institute (June 6 - 18)
The classical music fest returns this summer with four free music shows in June. Music by Bach, Handel, Vivaldi and more from the talented hands and mouths of the Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra and Chamber Choir.

Human Rights Panel: Bathhouse Raids (June 7)
Part of Pride Month programming all over the city, this Human Rights Panel at the 519 Community Centre focuses on the 1981 Bathhouse Raids. This was the year I was born, but the results of these non-sensical raids still reverberate in gay Toronto today. Margaret Atwood is among the speakers on the panel.

Indian Giver (June 8)
You know those girls that wear feather headdresses to music festivals? Seriously, if you know one of them recommend this show. In partnership with Craft Ontario and Culture Storm Indian Giver addresses issues of cultural appropriation through fashion, textiles and wearable art. Opening reception is June 9 6:30 - 10 p.m.

Cheryl Pop: Objects for listening (June 8 - July 4)
Cheryl Pop is an extremely cool artist from Chicago. Just LOOK at this gold leaf room she created in 2012. For this new show she's created a site-specific work in partnership with OCAD students. Head to the opening party which features a House of Monroe's mini- vogue ball and DJs Mary Mack and Cozmic Cat.

Open Tuning music festival (June 11)
This adorable little music fest made our Free Outdoor Live Music for Summer 2016 list. I saw adorable because it happens on porches, in garages, laneways and parks around Seaton Village (West Annex). Bringing your own instrument to join in, is encouraged and you'll probably find someone to play with since there are over 90 acts, 40 genres of music and 15 official venues.

Photo from the Setsune Incubator website.

Brunch options in Toronto are endless. Starting your day with French toast, pancakes and Eggs Benedict on weekends is a tradition for many but some spots seem to get most of the limelight when it comes to Instagram.

Here are my picks for the most Instagrammable brunch in Toronto.

Portland Variety
It's almost impossible to take a terrible photo at this King West brunch destination. The lighting is fantastic and the menu offerings of pancakes, Eggs Benedict and potatoes are plated perfectly.

Mildred's Temple Kitchen
If you don't take a picture of your Mrs. Biederhof's Legendary Light & Fluffy Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes did you ever really eat it? That seems to be the case at Mildred's as weekend Instagram feeds are regularly filled with this menu item.

Starving Artist
An all waffle menu results in some stellar photos. Whether you're snapping their Eggs Benedict or their waffle sandwiches your followers will be drooling.

School
This Liberty Village brunch hot spot serves up epic offerings of Super Cheesy Bacon French Toast and Super Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes. These stacks of brunch classics are any food Instagrammer's dream.

Maha's
For such a small restaurant, Maha's has a big presence on Instagram. Perhaps it's because their Egyptian-style brunch is both a stunning sight and delicious bite. Try something new by ordering up menu items of shrimp po'boys and fava beans and eggs.

Saving Grace
No matter what you plan to order at this popular Dundas West brunch eatery I guarantee it will be both pleasing for your eyes and your belly. Plates are filled to the nines with classic brunch fare of French toast, waffles and scrambled eggs.

Lady Marmalade
Make your way to Leslieville to hit up the city's best brunch spot. Once you're there let your Instagram followers feast their eyes on signature bennies, breakfast poutines and waffles.

Lisa Marie
If you've only been to this Queen West eatery for dinner you're missing out. Their brunch menu features everything from shakshuka to chicken and waffles. Not only is the food tasty it's always camera ready.

Drake Hotel
A visit to the Drake Hotel during the day will result in a stomach filled with some delicious eats of avocado toast, Eggs Benedict and bacon and eggs. Expect to shoot drool-wothy snaps that will have everyone double tapping. Pro tip - score a spot on their patio for ample Instagram lighting.

Smith
Scrolling through the stream of photos taken at this Church Street stalwart and you might question if only professional food photographers eat here. Their beautiful plates of Eggs Benedict and buttermilk pancakes make it easy for anyone to take a great photo.

What did I miss? Add your favourite place to snap brunch Instagram photos in the comments.

Photos by @travellinfoodie, @petite.cow, @qingaling, @ryanarima, @sophieabigail, @allons.y, @brunchandcrunch, @kylazanardi, @jphan_xo and @dineandfash.

It's clear that this new craft brewery loves this city; it's named after the owner of Toronto's first brewery in the early 1800s and plans to brew a different beer each month that tells a story about some aspect of Toronto. But most importantly, the beer is actually good.

Read my profile of Henderson Brewing in the bars section.

Summer temperatures are here to stay in Toronto and with them sweaters and jackets have given way to tanks, shorts, summer skirts, ripped denim and bold colours. Yesterday we caught up with locals as they worked, shopped and spent a humid Saturday near Bloor and Avenue Road.

Name: Rachel
Occupation: Recent grad
My Style: Simple and edgy

Name: Chink
Occupation: Barber
My Style: Just a G

Name: Gregory
Occupation: Eyewear buyer
My Style: Easy breezy

Name: Frankie
Occupation: Designer
My Style: Funky, vintage, eclectic, new agey, bohemian

Name: Dida
Occupation: Syudent
My Style: Funky vintage

Name: Yvana
Occupation: Psychologist
My Style: Bohemian

Name: Stephanie
Occupation: Publicist
My Style: Pretty casual

Name: Serena
Occupation: Student
My Style: Fun and flirty

Name: Saver
Occupation: Salesperson
My Style: Classic with a twist

Name: Richard
Occupation: Art consultant
My Style: Formal, casual

Name: Narjis
Occupation: Manager
My Style: Very chill

Name: Min
Occupation: Hairdresser
My Style: Simple

Name: Mario
Occupation: Manager
My Style: Contemporary

Name: Marina
Occupation: Student and weed dispenser
My Style: BDSM

Name: Jordan
Occupation: Student
My Style: Casual

Name: Jenna
Occupation: Consulting
My Style: Cool, comfortable and fun

Name: James
Occupation: Sales associate
My Style: Heritage, Americana

Name: Candice
Occupation: Visual Manager
My Style: Inventive but proper

Name: Adam
Occupation: Visual Merchandiser
My Style: Always changing

Name: Angelica
Occupation: Psychologist
My Style: A little bit eccentric

Thanks to Magnum for sponsoring this post

Photos by Mauricio Calero.

Few things are more relaxing than a quick getaway to a hotel or inn within a couple hours of Toronto for a weekend. Southern Ontario is brimming with small town inns that are as picturesque as they are steeped in history. Whether used as a home base during a weekend of theatre-going or as a self-pampering spa escape, these hotels promote relaxation in style.

Here are my picks for hotels and inns to visit near Toronto.

Millcroft Inn
This stunning Caledon inn is nestled right beside Shaw's Creek in a former textile mill. It's just a short drive from Toronto, but the town is artsy and quaint, while the inn itself is memorable for its unique setting within the creek.

Inn on the Twenty
For all the wineries to visit in and around the Beamsville Bench, there's a shortage of nice accommodations in the area. The Inn on the Twenty in Jordan Station is thus the go-to for those who want a refined hotel and dining experience in the heart of this wine region.

Pillar and Post
There are a number of old hotels in Niagara-on-the-Lake, but I've always loved the Pillar and Post for the rustic charm of its lobby. The restaurant here is good as well, and there's a real old school charm that defines the place.

Drake Devonshire
This hotel and restaurant in Prince Edward County brings the vibe of the Drake Hotel to the country with dramatic results. The design is both stunning and rustic, with a slick open dining room and a deck that looks out toward Lake Ontario. Where other inns on this list might be called historic, the Devonshire is going for vintage.

Langdon Hall
If you're looking for the ultimate in culinary pampering, Langdon Hall is the premier destination close to Toronto. The restaurant at this estate-like inn is consistently ranked one of the best in the country, while the rooms and amenities are also luxurious.

St. Anne's
This wellness retreat is built around an old stone inn that dates back to 1858. People come here for the outdoor yoga and spa services, but the grounds themselves are the most remarkable thing. Enjoy a drink by the pool overlooking the 150+ year old building.

The Parlour Inn
A town that hosts a Shakespeare theatre festival each summer better have an historic inn to put people up. The Parlour Inn is Stratford's best bet, and it's not quite as outrageously priced as its Niagara-on-the-Lake counterparts.

Breadalbane Inn
Located in Fergus, an underrated town about five kilometres from Elora, this quaint inn has 10 suites, a handful of which feature exposed brick in the main building that dates back to 1860. This makes for an ideal home base when exploring the many treats the Grand River has to offer.

Harbour House
Consistently ranked the top of the crop in Niagara-on-the-Lake, the Harbour House exudes country charm but has enough modern amenities to justify the premium rates charged here. It's slightly away from the main hub of activity in the town, but that's probably a good thing given its proximity to the marina and shoreline.

Woodlawn Inn
Perched in the heart of Cobourg, the Woodlawn is a stately old inn dating back to the 19th century. It's a bit more reasonable price-wise than inns to the west of Toronto (rooms start at $99), but it's still outfitted with charming decor and boasts the best dining experience in the town.

What did I miss? Add your favourite hotel or inn near Toronto in the comments.

Photo from the Drake Devonshire's Facebook page.

Small towns four hours away from Toronto typically offer a peek at the rugged landscape that defines much of Ontario. If you're willing to drive more than 250 kilometres from the city, you can see parts of the province that are entirely different than the rural areas that surround it, from the rocky shores of Lake Huron to the wind-swept Islands of the St. Lawrence River. It's yours to discover.

Here are my picks for small towns worth visiting within a four hour drive of Toronto.

Tobermory
Quite possibly one of the most beautiful places in the country, Tobermory is a small town tucked at the northern tip of the Bruce Peninsula. The urban area is tiny, but that's not why you go here anyway. It's the proximity to the stunning Lake Huron shoreline and the numerous shipwrecks resting in the remarkably clear water.

Gananoque
Located along the St. Lawrence River, Gananoque serves as home base for exploration of the Thousand Islands. It's a quaint place with a scenic main drag that swells immensely from its yearly population of just over 5,000 in the summer months, which makes it a hub of activity. Stay in a B&B in town and make a few jaunts on the river.

Leamington
The tomato capital of Canada can push the fruit-theme a bit too much, but beyond all the attention this town gets for ketchup production, it's actually just a quaint place with old buildings and a nice waterfront. Its proximity to Point Peele National Park is also a boon.

Parry Sound
Found at the northern tip of Muskoka, Parry Sound is a rugged town that fills up with tourists in the summer but also serves as a reminder that the area hasn't always just been about cottage culture. There's a long industrial history here, which you can spot in historic buildings and the very importance of the port itself.

Smiths Falls
Nestled on the Rideau Canal, Smiths Falls has multiple locks that attract boaters through the summer. It's a good jumping off point to explore the rugged landscape between Kingston and Ottawa, though it's also got that sort of old charm that well established small towns in Ontario seem to exude. Many of the buildings on the main drag date back to the mid 19th century.

What's your favourite small town within four hours of Toronto? Let us know in the comments.

Photo of Tobermory by twurdemann in the blogTO Flickr pool.

The best skateboard shops in Toronto are places that will fix your board mishaps, show you possible setups, and provide a safe haven for all things boarding-related. Note: this list has both skate and longboard shops, but we know both activities aren't the same.

Here are the best skateboard shops in Toronto.