That Mansion on the Hill - Casa Loma - Toronto Landmark

Toronto does not have many buildings that show the rich excesses of the 'Gilded Age' and if you want to see how the 1% lived in the early part of the 20th century than this is the place.

Casa Loma - Scottish Tower

This is wonderful place to visit year round, but it is particularly nice in late Spring and Summer when the gardens on the southern terrace are in full bloom.  They also decorate for Christmas Holidays in the Grand Hall and have events throughout the year.  One of the highlights is to see the Conservatory; but that and main dining room were being used for Mother's Day Brunch when we recently visited.

Grand Fountain on the Garden Terrace

Quick Facts:

• Casa Loma commenced being built in 1911 and was substantially finished 3 years later at a cost $3.5 million at the time. Modeled after in the style of an English 19th Century county Nobes home. 
• Built by Sir Henry Pellatt; entrepreneur and one time Chairmen of 21 companies.  He founded Toronto Electric Company in 1883 and key investor in the Canadian Pacific Railroad Company and North West Land Company.  He eventually got over extended during the changing econonmy during WWI and declared bankruptcy.  Thereafter, Casa Loma changed hands many times and eventually became a tourist attraction.
• Often featured in Movies and was notably the School for the Gifted in the first X-Men movie. For a more detail history see their website or better yet visit and listen to the audio guide.

The Library

What you need to know for a visit:

• Open Daily year round from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm; except Christma Eve and Christmas Day.
• Admission is $24.00 for adults, $18.00 for Seniors(60+) / Teens (14-17), and Children (4-13) $14.00.  Admission includes an Audio Guide that explains the majority of rooms and provides a narrative history.  They are picked up from the Gift Shop in the basement.
• Located at 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto, ON, M5R 1X8 - Nearest major intersection is Bathurst & St. Clair Ave.  

Lady Pellatt's Suite

• On site parking is available for $9.00
• TTC - Casa Loma nearest Subway station is Dupont on University/Spadina Line and is about 3 blocks North, but it does involve going up 110 steps.  Someone else counted.

For more information see Casa Loma's visitor website.  

Suggestions for a better visit:

• Try to arrive early in the day to avoid the crowds and have more elbow room.  Also, you may be able to find free street parking nearby.
• Try to come on a sunny day with your SLR Camera; it is a great place to take pictures and you have some unique views of the city from the towers.  

View of Downtown Toronto

• Comfortable walking shoes, as there are countless steps and cobble stone patios. 
• If you have a Metropass you get 20% off.  If you are Toronto Resident and have a Library Card you can obtain free Passes via the MAP program; for more details see my blog. 
• Bring some light snacks/bottled water as the site only has one restaurant and it grossly over-priced for an okay salad or panini.  
• Take the 1000 foot underground walk from Casa Loma to the Carriage House.  See the stables and vintage cars.

Carriage House

Don't be that Guy and the little things:

A Merry Traveler

• There is numerous decorative motifs to keep an eye open for.  However, there is an obscene amount of graffiti in the rafters and in the towers.  Don't be 'Johnny' I was here.
• Also, the Norman Tower which is the tower that lets you go outside for a panoramic view of the city is closed for renovations and I could not find when it is expected to re-open. 

View West of the Norman Tower Under Renovation

What to do in the Neighbourhood:

• Casa Loma is situated in the Forest Hill neighbourhood and there are ample streets to walk around see gorgeous mansions/homes, which are surrounded by Old Oak Trees.  I'd suggest weaving your away homes to the NE of CASA Loma, East of Spadina Avenue and North of St. Clair.  
• I'd also suggest visiting Timothy Eaton Memorial Church at 230 St. Clair Avenue East; it is an impressive building inside and out.  

View North from the Scottish Tower 

• Get lunch or a snack in Forest Hill Village that is about 1 KM north of Casa Loma.  There is a Starbucks, Aroma Espresso Bar, Subway, Second Cup,  Hero Burger, Cobb's Bread, and What A Bagel.
• If you are looking for more restaurants including many of the chains head east on the St. Clair Streetcar to Yonge and St. Clair.  There are countless bars, pubs and my favourite Toronto book store - Book City. 
• Or go the other way on the St. Clair Streetcar to Dufferin and walk west into little Italy.  There is countless restaurants, shops, bakeries and of course Gelato. 

Comments? Thoughts? Suggestions?  Did you have a good visit?  Please be that guy who puts a comment below.

Toronto Zoo is Winter Fun

During the Winter holidays Mrs. Shopaholic, friends, and I visited the Toronto Zoo on a warmer Winter day.  We all love the Zoo, but had never been during Winter.  We were all pleasantly surprised and it was a lot of fun.  If you are looking for a Winter activity and don't mind bundling up then this is great one.

For more information about the Toronto Zoo see their website.  The Zoo is open every day of the year except for Christmas.  Adult admission is $23 a person and parking is $10 a vehicle.  It is possible to get to the Zoo by TTC (Sheppard 85 East Bus from Don Mills Subway Station, bus alone takes 38 minutes per the TTC.  So, I would not recommend it. 

Winter Zoo Fun:

The Zoo bills says that each visit you will see something new.  The following things I have never seen at the Zoo during our usual summer visits:

• The arctic wolves singing and moving about.  We were listening to the Polar Bear zookeeper and the nearby wolves started singing. 

• The Hyenas.  For years I have walked by the Hyenas and have never seen them standing or moving.  In the summer you can only make out vague details of them sleeping in their dens.

Hyena

• Pandas moving.  We saw Toronto Zoos famous addition back on the Victoria Day weekend when they came to the zoo.  Neither of the pandas moved and were not worth the line to see them.  In Winter they were both moving and we ample elbow room too see them.

Lady Panda - Er Shun

• The Giraffes were also active and strangely licking the metal chain link fences.  Don't they know their tongues could get stuck to it?  Everyone had that one kid in primary school who did this.  

Masai Giraffe and her calf born Oct 18, 2013

• The pavilions were a lot easier to get around in and you hardly ever had to line up to view an animal.  One of the highlights was the Australian Great Blue Jay who got up close with us.

• Lastly, the Polar Bears usually put on a good show regardless of time of year.  The key is catching them at Noon when the Zookeeper is feeding them.   

Lady Polar Bear

Arguing over a Salmon

Some other fun facts that I learned about the Zoo:

• On Boxing day they have a Christmas for the animals.  The zookeepers are out and giving special treats for the animals.  It is meant for families and the zookeepers make themselves far more available than usual.  Also, they offer half priced admission.  
• On New Year's Eve they throw a family oriented party complete with stage and show for children.  They have live band, magicians and a proper stage setup in the entrance courtyard of the Zoo.  They do a New Year's eve countdown at 8:00 PM for kids.  
• The Giraffes will be moving in 2014 to Elephants former domain.  
• The Zoo will be re-opening for Victoria Day Weekend the Eurasia loop (Camels, Reindeer, Wild Horses, Snow Leopard, etc).  Although, it will only be accessible by Zoo Mobile.  (*Lame*)  

Reindeer out for a Stroll

Cons of Visiting the Toronto Zoo in Winter:

• Some of the African large mammels (hippotamus, antelopes, zebras, lions and cheetah) were not on display outside or inside.
• The food at the zoo is not that good and over-priced.  Only 2 of the 5 restaurants were open and mind you I think I'd rather go hungry than eat at a Mandarin Express.   I'd suggest bringing a sandwich or snacks.  
• The African penguins were not swimming about as their pool was frozen.  Although, I don't know why a penguin would be indoors for winter.
• In the Malayan Woods pavilion the butterflies must have all been hibernating and not flying about.

Comments? Thoughts? Suggestions?  Do you have a favourite animal to see at the zoo?  Please add your comments below.

Distillery District Christmas Market (My Review)

Christmas is coming quick and I find the malls sap my strength and take away my Christmas cheer. However, the Distillery District's annual Christmas Market always puts me in a cheerful mood and in the holiday spirit.  To my knowledge there is nothing like this in the GTA and per a friend it is similar to what one could experience in a town in Germany. We suggest going with friends to share in the merriment and we have gone the last few years without any real complaint.

Distillery District Christmas Market

There is ample shopping with some thoughtful stocking 'stuffer' type gifts from numerous vendors.  Also, many of places to get something tasty such as Oktoberfest sausage, poutine, chocolates and other baked goods.  However, I would not suggest Veal Schnitzel on a bun as it was too thin and lacked a decent bun.

Biergarten Fun

There is also multiple biergartens where you can sit next to a fire and enjoy a beverage.  I personally like hot apple cider, but my friends are big fan of the mulled wine.  Also, various liquor companies were advertising there products and providing cocktail samples.  My two favourites were:

Tasty Cocktail Recipes

My Favourite Things at the Market:

• Brick Street Bakery - Lots of tasty baked goods and treats.  Personally I love there Eccles Cakes and the Olive Loaf.  A great place to get a snack or a loaf of bread.

Eccles Cake (Per Wikipedia)

• The overall ambiance created by the lights, big Christmas tree, and the smell of burning wood.

The Big Christmas Tree

• Soma Chocolate Maker - This store has all sorts of gourmet chocolate treats and is great place to warm up with a Mayan Hot Chocolate.
• Really I can't complain about free samples of booze.

Key Facts:

Runs from Friday Nov 29 to Sunday Dec 15, 2013

Hours:  Monday to Friday - Noon to 9:00 PM
            Saturday to Sunday 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM

For more details see the official website: http://www.torontochristmasmarket.com/

The Address: Google Map of Distillery District

Tips for Enjoying the Market:

• Take the TTC (King Street Car #504 East to Parliament St stop.  Walk 2 Blocks south.  Parking is difficult to find and traffic is terrible in this neighborhood.
• Get to the market earlier in the day on the weekend as it gets very crowded.  Or go on a weeknight.
• Check out the events schedule to see one of the many great free performances at the stage adjacent to the big Christmas tree.
• Dress warmly and wear clothes that you don't mind smelling like a camp fire.  They have many cauldrons to keep 
• Leave the dog at home.  Although they are allowed outside, they will just be underfoot.
• Don't be a Scrooge and try buying the food and supporting the local vendors.

Have you been to the Market? Have a favourite thing or tip?  Please share them below.

November Fun: Toronto Gourmet Food & Wine Expo

This year my wife and I will not be attending the Food & Wine show as we are on vacation, but we have many fond memories of attending this annual Toronto event.  So, if you are looking for something fun to do this Friday to Sunday than this is a great event to attend.  For the specific details see their official website: http://www.foodandwineexpo.ca/sitepages/

Toronto Gourmet Food & Wine Expo:

My wife and I with friends have attended this annual event probably 6 times in the last 10 years.  Every year we had a fun afternoon out and learnt something.  We have tried wines from around the world, micro-breweries, limited batch liquors and spirits.  We have had the opportunity to talk to vintners, brew-masters and owners about their product and learn what makes them special.  It is just great away to try new things, better appreciate what you already enjoy and maybe get some present ideas for the upcoming holidays.  Many years ago I learnt that I have a fondness of Port and it now is a regular holiday treat for me.

They also have a food section where you can try small portions of gourmet food from various Toronto restaurants and bakeries.  I have happy memories of trying Buddha Dogs, gourmet sliders, fancy cheeses, and fanciful appetizers.  There are also other vendors offering chocolate and various mouth watering desserts.

Friends and I at the 2009 Gourmet Food & Wine Expo

It is an expensive day and on food and drink you could easily spend $75 a person. It costs $25 a ticket and you can easily spend $50 on drink tickets and food.  If you are even more adventurous you can sign up for Tutored Tastings which start at $65 and require a reservation..  They also have live cooking shows amd performances by local visual artists and musicians.  I would suggest attending one to give your feet a break from the carpeted concrete floors.  You can easily spend 4 hours in the main hall and I suggest bring friends to compare notes.  Cheers!

My Advice for Getting the Most out of the Day:

• Get to the Metro Convention Center early afternoon on the Saturday or Sunday as it only gets more crowded as the day progresses.  Also, you will avoid longer lines up during the day as they try to control the numbers in the hall.
• Ask questions and try to talk to people that look over 30 working the booths.  Some of the wineries and vendors hire temps to work the booths and they are not that knowledgeable about their product. Sometimes you are talking a winery owner or wine master and you will learn more about the product and get a few extra free tastes.
• Brink a small notepad and a pen.  Right down the products you most enjoy.  Some places do have tasting cards to take with you as well. 
• Take public transit so you don't have to worry about the elephant in the room.  You can easily take the Skywalk from Union Station to get to the South Building of the Metro Convention Center.
• Use the coat check as it gets very hot in the convention room.
• Keep hydrated, they have many fountains around the hall.
• Where comfortable footwear as the carpeted concrete and standing around will tire out your feet.
• Try some of the various cheeses, appetizers and desserts from around the hall.  It is not just about the booze.
• Try to behave better than our Mayor.

Do you like this Toronto Event? Something fun you learned?  Any good tips? Please share them below.