Arts Market's Surroundings [Part I]

A few friends asked me about my booth at the Arts Market and they showed their interest. So I wrote a bit about the Arts Market's surroundings.  When they visit Arts Market, they can also browse other shops around the and spend a half a day.

Strolling Leslieville is a fantastic idea for dating or just meet-up with wriends on weekends. Years ago, I was frightened to walk alone there - you never knew what type of encounters you would face on the street.  Now the atmosphere and surroundings have changed a lot. I think one of the reasons is the Distillery District - the City of Toronto was determined to remodel this area.

Most of the time I drive down to the Arts Market to restock my artwork.  I simply park my car on Bertmount Avenue, where one-hour free parking is available. There are meter parking spaces available on Queen Street East as well. Just watch out - there are a lot of one way alleys in the neighbourhood.

Intersection between Bertmount Avenue & Queen Street East

After parking my car, I walk along Bertmount Avenue and up to Queen Street East.  Almost every time when I pass by, one front yard catches my eye by its decor. It is the Doll house in Leslieville. Many plastic figurines and plush toys are lavishly on display in their front yard. Also, two flags of US and Canada are hung at the front as well.  The funny part is, if you take a close look at each figurine, each on their own may be too common to slow down my walking pace.  When they are all gathered in one spot like this, they make you gasp.  I have not gone there during the night, are they all lit up in the dark? If someone has a picture ot this house in the night time, please send me one. I would love to know. 

Canival-like doll house becomes a stunning scene along Bertmount Avenue

Going north on Bertmount Ave. head up to Queen Street East, then make a right to get to the Arts Market. In the basement, there is another store called Pied-a-terre. It is worth it to go down there and take a look.  Most of the old items there have been refurnished by a touch of hand working.  Different than other antique stores in the area, its theme is romantic French. For those who love French stuff or being in L'amour feeling, go there without hesitation.

Arts Market locates ground level while Pied-a-terre in the basement. Totally different styles, worth to go both.

Here is my Beets note cards hung on the Arts Market's window

Last summer, I spent one Sunday with Tony having brunch at OK to the power 2 Diner, i.e. Ok Ok diner. Intriguingly, some people may think "okay is not really okay", but this diner has two OKs so I think the food must be double okay.  In the meantime, we were both tired of our regular brunch spots, like Sunset Grill, Eggpectation, Cora's. I love all of them ... but sometimes we need a little break from regularity.  Why don't we go to this funky named tavern? It is located exactly at the intersection of Bertmount Ave. and Queen Street East.  Sometimes if you pass by on Queen Street East, the diner cannot steal pedestrians' peeks very easily.  However, a second later, a gigantic TTC street car painted on the brick wall will win back their sight. Tony and I had our brunch before this stunning graffiti wall relaxingly, it was a good date and day for both of us, what a laid back day! Still wondering whether the owner painted the TTC street car in actual size or not. 

Ok Square Diner

TTC street car was painted on the brick wall

More good spots will be released to your readings soon.  Stay tuned!

Charlotte L Design

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