The city is turning 175! To celebrate, The Toronto Star has created a list of 175 Reasons to Love Toronto. I’m still looking in to what I would like to do to celebrate but in the meantime, I thought I’d pull out a few of my favourite reasons to love Toronto from the article.
6. We have independent bookstores in every neighbourhood – and new ones are still opening.
I was introduced to Nicholas Hoare Books and I absolutely love it! The minute I redeem all of my Chapters/Indigo giftcards, I’m going to get myself there to make a purchase.
10. There are so many Chinatowns, we’ve lost count.
I’m so excited about this. I’ve never taken full advantage of our Chinatowns and I finally have a reason to. The Boy and I took a mouthwatering Thai curries cooking class earlier this week and I am finally able to make my own curry paste. Infact, I can make 4 of them.
20. Violent crime is actually going down.
This is totally true. A recent article published in Macleans pegs Saskatoon, SK the most dangerous city in the country. Toronto is placed at 29th. Take that! Oddly enough, Caledon is the safest. This makes me feel good as I tend to get lost in Caledon everytime I go to Brampton.
26. We have a restaurant devoted to poutine.
I’ve heard this is true, I still dream of meeting you one day, Mr. Smoke’s.
32. Touring local history (and stopping for a game of chess) at Mount Pleasant Cemetery.
I’ve added this to my list of things to do in the city this summer (post to come). It’s funny, I always told myself that I wouldn’t be able to live so close to a cemetary and now I do. How I chuckle everyday I walk by the sign reading: REST ASSURED, WE HAVE ROOM HERE. Plots available.
34. That guy – you know the one – who insists on wearing shorts in the dead of winter.
Why yes, I do!
35. We proudly display our favourite of Spacing magazine’s iconic buttons of TTC subway stations.
I want one! I did have a Christie one for a while that broke.
42. The SkyDome (okay, Rogers Centre) when the roof is in the process of being opened or closed.
I’ve learned to appreciate baseball just so I could enjoy a scorching afternoon at the Skydome. Never Rogers Centre.
51. Eating your way across the globe at St. Lawrence Market on a Saturday.
I love, love, love this place!
63. Bumping into a towel-clad celeb at Stillwater Spa.
WHAT?! This happens??? I did not see anyone when I was there.
81. Exploring the cottagey, car-free Ward Island neighbourhood and wondering why we don’t all live there.
This is, by far, my most favourite thing to do in the city. Unfortunately, my obsession of exploring gorgeous homes doesn’t just end on the island, there’s Cabbagetown, Palmerston Ave., the Annex, my neighbourhood… So. Many. Homes. With. Character.
This city is just amazing and I’m happy that I’m finally taking the time to explore it. I cannot wait until all of the snow is gone and I can start crossing off the things on my “Toronto To Do” list.
Image courtesy of peo pea on Flickr.
