The Hamilton Royal Connaught!

Downtown Hamilton’s gem, The Royal Connaught, sadly closed its doors in 2004. In 2014, as of this week in fact, the Royal Connaught has become the city’s gem once again and is now allowing for the purchase of its first block of condos.  Yes, this 1916 building boasts 700 suites and has an approximate occupancy of 2016. You can own a piece of Hamilton history!

The Royal Connaught is not only a famous landmark but it is now a true symbol of the revival downtown Hamilton and in the city itself.

I hope to feast my eyes on the stunning art deco lobby this weekend and get a glimpse of the model units and their purchase prices. If you can not make it down to see the beauty in person, here is a 360 degree view of the lobby thanks to Microsoft Photosynth 3D. The Hamilton Spectator has also provided a great article on the new, old Royal Connaught for more insight into the development.

Proud Hamiltonian signing off!

Hamilton – One of Canada’s Most Underrated Places

WOW, I absolute love how the Hamilton Spectator headlined their article on Hamilton:  “Once the ‘Armpit of Ontario,’ Hamilton now one of Canada’s most underrated places.” It says it all. Once a place mocked by the rest of Ontario as the ‘armpit’, due to the steel factories, is now a hot, up-and-coming city that many outsider are attracted to.

Hamilton, Ontario is in the midst of a resurgence. You can see it, feel it, and hear it here in the city. Glad we are now an underrated place. View the list of other underrated places to visit in all of Canada according to MSN Travel.

 

Victoria Day Weekend in The Hammer

It’s Thursday night before the long weekend. It seems everyone is preparing to the escape from work as early as they can tomorrow to rush up north to some wonderful cottage retreat where they can celebrate the first long weekend of the spring/summer season. I, on the other hand, am happily staying in the city. I may not have the tranquility of a cottage location, but I do have awesome food, good friends, drinks, fireworks even, and a lake view (at the Bayfront of course). So here are a few events in the greater Hamilton everyone should attend this weekend.

Down by the Bay

Bayfront Park is the place to be this Friday May 16, 2014, from 4.30 PM – 8 PM. It will be the first of many Friday’s this summer where one and all can enjoy food, trails, shops, outdoor activity, great people and all the joy the area offers. Taste the creations from 15 different food trucks this Friday. Who wouldn’t want to start the weekend and the season off right?

Waterdown Arts & Music Streetfest

Head up to Dundas Street East (HWY 5) in the heart of Waterdown on Sunday May 18, 2014, to see and experience a street lined with vendors. From 11 AM – 11 PM you can enjoy 10 musical acts (stage located in from of the Mill Street and 5 American House), 40 street vendors, 15 food trucks, and the Niagara Inflatable’s. Family fun for everyone that has been in the works for 18 months now and will be a joy for the entire town and its’ guests.

Fireworks!

Sunday, 18 May 2014 head down to Dundas Driving Park at 71 Cross Street in Dundas Valley from 6 PM – 10PM for food trucks, snacks, soft drinks, glow sticks (available for purchase) and fun at the park all before the stunning fireworks show begins at dusk. Of course, the even is FREE but the Dundas Valley Sunrise Rotary Club would appreciate any cash donation at the gate to help finance the club’s local and international service work. This Victoria Day Celebration is supported by the City of Hamilto

Happy Victoria Day Weekend!

A Day Out – Hamilton Hot Spots

As I sit by the window, wrapped in a blanket with a tea, watching a blizzard rip through Hamilton, I wish only for spring to arrive. Or, to come back at least. Hamilton experienced a small taste of spring the last few days. As temperature touched 5-7 degrees, John and I took advantage of the sun and warmth. We had a wonderful start to the March break. We were out and about on Hamilton’s thriving James Street North and up-and-coming Ottawa Street North.

John and I started our afternoon at Burnt Tongue. I had the chance to try the delicious soups a time before, but this was his first visit and John LOVES soup, like a rabbit loves carrots. He instantly swooned over the soups we ordered. I have had 3 different creations before at the soup restaurant and I have not been disappointed. We added their simple but wonderful grilled cheese and amazing fries and the fantastic meal was just under $25. We will be back and often, I am sure.

But before we left to shop along James North, a piece of art caught our eye. We were directed to Mixed Media only three shops away. Mixed Media is just that; a store to purchase paints, paper, unique stationary, artwork and the like. John and I fell in love with a silk-screened print of “the City of Hamilton on 30 October 1958” by Raymond Biesinger, which was hanging up at Burnt Tongue, and bought it without hesitation.

We continued our shopping spree at Needlework. What a pretty shop! Full of colourful fabrics, sewing machines, and a spot for the shop dog. You can purchase material and related items to make your own creations or you can learn to sew. During this March break they even have sewing camp which is awesome! It was here that we purchased some material for our wedding.

Our next stop involved an autumn latte at Mulberry Street Coffee House. YUM! They also make my favourite London Fog (tea latte). Had a chance encounter here before making our way down James North. We popped into The Hamilton Store. Yes, there is a Hamilton Store,and it carries wonderful photos of the city, artwork, and the most knowledgeable Hamilton historian Donna Reid. Our pop-in ended up being a much longer visit with Donna which was inspiring. We are all very proud Hamiltonian’s. Finally, I needed to have a look around at the vintage finds of Hawk and Sparrow.

Why stop at James Street North (was our thought) on this fine spring-like day? Next stop Ottawa Street North in our own neighbourhood of Crown Point!

I can’t walk down Ottawa St, full of antique and textile shops, without a hot drink from The Cannon Coffee Co., so  grabbed another yummy tea latte. The Cannon is a gem on the corner of Cannon St and Ottawa St N serving sweet and savoury waffles and some incredible tea latte creations. I do love the bright yellow chairs and decor at the cafe too.

With our lattes in hand, I needed to visit a newer shop on the street in hopes of finding a once loved dress for a up-coming event. The Edit is a shop made for me! There are beautiful vintage clothing and accessories to die for. I love the mix of old, quality pieces with modern basics. The owner is pretty damn stylish herself. The shop is just another diamond on the strip. John and I felt that The Edit will help bring back the some-what rundown street to its previous glory.

Finally, after a purchase at Antique Avenue (a couple amazing Canadian Red Cross life guarding posters that pulled at John’s heart strings), we headed home where we discussed how lucky we are to be enjoying a spring day in such a wonderful city that is ever changing.

It seems this winter weather will never end. I do look forward to warmer temperatures and sun shine to have another day enjoying the joy of the city. Stay warm out there!

Can you tell I am a proud Hamiltonian?