Pints and Patios

April is just around the corner, and hopefully the change of month brings with it warmer weather to give us hope for the coming summer.  I, for one, am totally over what has seemed like the longest winter ever and CANNOT wait to enjoy the ever increasing temperatures out on the patio!  In honour of this (and to hopefully give you all something to look forward to as well!), I thought that I would take the time to highlight two neighbourhoods dedicated to the drink and having a good time.  These neighbourhoods are none other than Augusta Street and Hess Village.

Augusta Street is located in the west end of Hamilton’s downtown core.  Known as the British Pub District, August Street is lined on both sides with a nice selection of pubs to appeal to whatever tickles your fancy.  This little district is famous among bar hoppers and is perfect for a night of pub crawling.  Here are a few of my favourite spots, definitely worth making a trip to:

The Augusta House

(17 Augusta Street)

This gastropub has a very warm feel, and awesome menu and offers live music every Friday and Saturday night

The Ship

(23 August Street)

The Ship offers regular, late night and brunch menus with food that will not disappoint.  Featured on tap are 13 craft beers to wash it all down

Gallagher’s Bar and Lounge

(171 John Street South, at the corner of Augusta Street)

This spot is a favourite of Hamilton’s bartenders and servers as they are open until 2:00 am every day!  To add to that, there are themed entertainment/music nights 7 days a week, so there’s always something going on

Hess Village is another option for those looking to grab a drink and have a good time.  Located on Hess Street just west of the downtown core, Hess Village is home to 16 bars and pubs for visitors to choose from.  The historic area features Victorian buildings and cobblestone roads.  Here are a few spots worth checking out:

The Gown and Gavel

(24 Hess Street South)

One of the nicest patios in the Village, this spot is a great place to while away the hours and catch up with friends

Che Burrito and Lounge

(38 Hess Street South)

Right at the top of Hess Village, Che is one of the most fun options on the strip.  Offering an amazing menu of Mexican foods, Che Burrito and Lounge is burrito by day and DJ/live music venue by night!

The Lazy Flamingo

(19 Hess Street South) 

The Lazy Flamingo is fun at any time of day.  With live music to be heard nightly, there is never a cover charge here…which is always a nice thing!

If there is one thing the Hamiltonians know how to do, it’s letting loose and having a good time.  This summer, make sure that you get in on the fun and visit any of the mentioned places…or find your own favourite hotspot!  Cheers!

See you there,

Larysa

Art at Heart

Art Gallery of Hamilton

The inaugural exhibition of the Art Gallery of Hamilton showcased the work of Hamilton-born artist William Blair Bruce on June 28^th, 1914.  29 painting were donated by his wife, Caroline Benedicks-Bruce, his father and his sister…the one stipulation for the donated works: that ‘an appropriate venue’ be found to exhibit them.  And thus begins the history of the AGH.

Art Gallery of Hamilton (1952)

In 1952, the Art Gallery of Hamilton was situated on the grounds of the Royal Botanical Gardens.  With an exhibit space totaling 10,000 square feet, the gallery soon was in search on a new home, one better suited to the growing number of pieces included in the gallery’s permanent collection.  In the late 1960s, the City of Hamilton developed plans for what was known as the Civic Square Project.  The City had aims to house a theatre, a convention and trade centre, a library and an art gallery within the complex, creating a space for the arts to flourish and be enjoyed.  With this in mind, the AGH was asked to relocate to the downtown core with its permanent collection.  In 2003, modern renovations began on the building as designed by Hamilton-born architect Bruce Kuwabara.   2 years and $18 million later, the Art Gallery of Hamilton re-opened its doors to the public.

Art Gallery of Hamilton, Present Day

Currently on exhibit at the Art Gallery of Hamilton are:

Illuminations: Italian Baroque Masterworks in Canadian Collections

Robert Burley: The Disappearance of Darkness 

(tracking the demise of a century-old industry with the shift from analogue photography to that of its digital counterpart)

One-Eyed Rabbit: Jonathan Plante 

(an exhibit for children, designed to help “(re)discovery the mysteries of visual perception” and stimulate imagination)

One-Eyed Rabbit, Jonathan Plante

Art for a Century: 100 for the 100 

(selected masterpieces from the permanent collection, showcasing Canadian historical, Canadian and global contemporary and European styles)

Theatre Aquarius

Theatre Aquarius dates back to 1973.  Hamilton’s professional theatre was founded by Founding Artistic Director Peter Mandia.  In the humble beginnings, productions were primarily performed at the Studio Theatre at Hamilton Place (a part of the Civic Square Project).  But as the popularity of the productions grew over the years, there was an ever-increasing demand for access to a larger venue.  And so, through the generous donations of local businesses, private donors, government agencies and believers in the arts, Theatre Aquarius, now known as the Dofasco Centre for the Arts opened its doors in 1991.

Theatre Aquarius/Dofasco Centre for the Arts

Spamalot, April 15-May2, 2015

The 2014-2015 Season has a lot to offer to those looking for a thespian fix.  Running from April 15-May 2, “Monty Python’s Spamalot” will be hitting the stage – a “new musical lovingly ripped off from the motion picture “Monty Python and the Holy Grail”, from the original screenplay by Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin”.

And for something completely different, you can catch the performance of “Quiver” on May 28-30^th – a solo show “performed by write Anna Chatterton in front of a microphone, creating and controlling the sonic landscape of three family members trying to keep up”.  The story follows Maddie, her sixteen year old sister Beatrice, and their “brassy single mom” Sheila.

You don’t get to know a city any better than by walking her streets and experiencing the life that its inhabitants breathe into her.  Hamilton is never short of this life, as is evident in the way the unintended theme of art weaves its way through these posts.  Whether you’ve a long-standing love for the dramatic world, are just getting into it or are just up for something totally different than what is used to, Hamilton offers something beautiful to experience.  Let’s hope that the curtain never closes on that.

See you there!

Larysa

For more information of the AGH and exhibits, visit: www.artgalleryofhamilton.com

For more information on Theatre Aquarius and productions, visit: www.theatreaquarius.org

Locke Street South

Looking for something to do on a leisurely weekend?  Why not check out Locke Street South!  Located in the west end of Hamilton, Locke Street falls between the downtown core and the Westdale neighbourhood.  An abundance of coffee shops, bakeries and restaurants make this the ultimate destination for the food and drink lover.

Having previously lived off of Locke Street, I’ve come to know the area quite well and count the following restaurants among my favourites:

Bread Bar | Earth to Table

       

Bread Bar | Earth to Table: offers seasonal, handcrafted food 

using only the highest-quality ingredients

Chuck's Burger Bar

   Chuck’s Burger Bar: gourmet, fire-grilled burger joint

This week’s feature burger: “Angus Chevroa Frites” – fire-grilled Angus beef, topped with a flash-fried goat cheese and potato patty, roasted red peppers and balsamic dressed arugula.  Seriously!!?!?

The West Town Bar & Grill

-       The West Town Bar & Grill: a low-key, neighbourhood pub experience which  hosts a Song Writers’ Showcase every Tuesday after 9 pm, featuring all original and mostly local music

Once you’ve had your fill of (or at!) these, Locke Street South still has plenty to offer:

Important to mention at the turn of the seasons is the Locke Street Farmer’s Market.  Running Spring through Fall every Saturday, this farmer’s market offers a selection of fresh, local and sustainably-grown produce, artisan breads and baked goods.

Art Alley, Locke Street South

A quaint little feature of Locke Street South is Art Alley.  Every Saturday between 10 am and 4 pm, local artisans set up their wares in, what else, an alley across the street from The West Town Bar & Grill.  Sale items range from handmade arts and crafts to prints and canvases…you never know what masterpiece you’ll stumble upon.

The Locke Street Festival is an annual event in September.  The street festival draws more and more visitors each year and is one of the largest and most successful one-day events in Southern Ontario.  In addition to all the Locke Street shops and eateries, visitors can peruse 200+ assorted vendors from all over Ontario.  Clothing, hand crafts, jewellery and art are displayed in stall down the length of the street.  Live musicians and buskers can be found at every corner, and additional food vendors are available to compliment the brick and mortal establishments to be found here.

Locke Street Festival

Regardless of when you make your visit, Locke Street South is sure to charm you.  Day or night, weekend or weekday, you’re bound to find something you love that’ll keep you coming back again and again!

See you there!

Larysa

To see a full business directory for Locke Street South, visit: www.lockestreetshops.com   

Falling For Hamilton

Everyone knows of Hamilton’s reputation as an industrial port town.  But first impressions are not always what they seem.  Little is it known that Hamilton is “The Waterfall Capital of the World” – a pretty amazing claim to fame for the city.  In 2001, the new city of Hamilton was formed with the amalgamation of the Regional Municipality of Hamilton-Wentworth and its six municipalities: Hamilton, Ancaster, Dundas, Flamborough, Glanbrook, and Stoney Creek.  To date, there have been a total of 100 waterfalls found in the GHA (Greater Hamilton Area).  Most of these falls can be found on or near the Niagara Escarpment and the Bruce Trail.

The Bruce Trail is Canada’s oldest and longest hiking trail and runs from Niagara to Tobermory.  The Bruce Trail provided public access to the Niagara Escarpment, which is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.  The Trail spans more than 890 km with an additional 400 km of accessible side trails.  Of the 100 waterfalls in Hamilton, 20 remain inaccessible to the public as they either sit on private property or are or too dangerous to access.

The Bruce Trail

TIP: Download The Bruce Trail App to your iPhone for easy planning, tracking and logging of your expeditions.  (Note: Android app version to launch in the Fall of 2015.)

Webster’s Falls, located at the Spencer Gorge/Webster’s Fall Conservation Area in the west end of Hamilton, reaches 22 metres in height.  Webster’s in the largest of all the waterfalls in the region and is most widely known in Hamilton.  Extensive trails at Spencer Gorge allow for visitors from near and far to observe the natural beauty that Hamilton has to offer.

Webster's Falls, Spencer Gorge

Billy Green Falls, Stoney Creek

Billy Green Falls, otherwise known as Battlefield Falls, is located in Stoney Creek (my neck of the woods).  Battlefield Park and Museum, which I have mentioned previously in the blog post “Historical Hamilton”, lies downstream from Battlefield Creek on which the waterfall sits and is 17 metres in height.  I thought I might include mention of this particular waterfall today as it is St. Patrick’s Day.  Each year, the City of Waterfalls Group organizes a waterfall illumination at Billy Green Falls in honour of St. Patrick’s Day.  The falls are lit up from behind the waterfall, in what colour you might ask…GREEN!  This is a low-key community effort in which residents are encouraged to get together and sport some green.  Tonight’s lightshow is scheduled to start at 8 pm.

TIP: If planning to head over to Billy Green Falls for the St. Patty’s illumination, remember to bring a monetary or food donation.  These will be collected and donated to local foodbank efforts.  And be sure to dress warmly!

If you are anything like me, you relish any opportunity to be outside.  Hiking is a favourite pastime of mine and is made more than easy in my hometown.  Whatever the season, there is more than enough to check out along the trails…just make sure that you follow proper Bruce Trail guidelines and etiquette then you’re there!  Who knew that all this was at Hamilton’s doorstep.  But now that you do…get out there!

See you on the trails!

Larysa

For more information of the Bruce Trail and Conservation efforts, visit: www.brucetrail.org

'Sew' Worth Going

I’ve grown up coming to Ottawa Street North pretty-well all my life.  Ottawa Street was and continues to be my best friend Anna’s hood.  I will be completely honest in saying that the Ottawa Street of today is not at all like what she grew up with.  The area, previously associated with the seedier happenings in Hamilton, has made a dramatic improvement over the years.  Boarded up storefronts now house some of the most interesting spots worth visiting in the city. 

  

Ottawa Street North, sculptures

Considered to be the Textile District of the Hamilton, Ottawa Street North is home to dozens of fabric and textile shops.  It has since transformed into an eclectic mix of antiques, fabrics, furniture, food, and fashion.  Fabric stores and antique shops line both sides of the street.  Merchants hawking all sorts of oddities are in abundance, so one never knows what they might walk away with.  Whether you’re a collector of any sort or just looking for a unique piece to display at your place, you are sure to find something you like.

The thing that makes Ottawa Street North so special and a favourite among Hamiltonians is the feeling of community you sense when there.  Business owners make a concerted effort to give residents of the area and visitors alike an experience that is unique, engaging, family-friendly and fun.  The Ottawa Street Farmer’s Market takes place every Saturday (7-3 pm), specializing in local produce.  There is an annual sidewalk sale (September) as well as a yearly Christmas Market, complete with live music, toy drive initiatives, Victorian carollers and a visit from the Big Guy. 

Sew Hungry 2015, Ottawa Street N.

The food culture on Ottawa Street North is yet another reason to check out the spot.  For the past few years the area has been the host of “Sew Hungry” – a restaurant and food truck rally.  Sew Hungry is an opportunity for local restaurants and food trucks from Hamilton and neighbouring cities to share their creative cuisine with local and extended communities.  The Gorilla Cheese food truck is always a favourite of mine…who doesn’t love a gourmet grilled cheese?  The Sew Hungry event is set to take place May 1, 2015 from 11-3 pm and 4-8 pm.  This year’s event will feature 55 vendors (food trucks and Ottawa Street restaurants).  

From sweet to salty, comfort food to haute cuisine – you’ll find it all there!

With every passing day, this Hamilton hub evolves.  Ottawa Street North is quickly becoming a hotspot for Hamilton’s creatives, regardless of their chosen medium.  The hard work of communities such as these continue to improve outsiders’ opinions of what Hamilton is all about.  There is not enough time in the world to explain the wonders that await you, but if I’ve whet your appetite for checking it out even in the slightest, my work here is done. 

See you there!

Larysa.  

For more information on Sew Hungry, visit www.sewhungry.com

To see a full business directory for Ottawa Street North, visit www.shopottawastreet.com

"Art is the New Steel"

Street artists, Art Crawl

One of the best things about exploring Hamilton is how accessible that exploration has become.  Always able to come together as a community, Hamilton is host to a monthly event called Art Crawl.  Taking place on the second Friday of every month, James Street North is the place to be!

Hamilton is and always will be known as “Steel City” because of its industrial past.  And when the city took an economic hit in the late 90s, you only went downtown if you absolutely had to.  Much of downtown was boarded up with closed or failing businesses and focus turned to suburban expansions.  That was the stuff that Hamilton horror stories were made of.

But in the mid-2000s the downtown core enjoyed a bit of a revival with artists, entrepreneurs and business owners flocking to the area and working together to foster Hamilton’s creative spirit.  Vacant warehouses became music venues.  Abandoned storefronts became quirky cafes.  And there is no shortage of bars, pop-up galleries and vintage markets in the architecturally stunning area.  Together the JSN (James St. North) community gave Hamilton a reason to venture back into the heart of the city…and a damned good one at that!  Whether you’re into music, art, or just on the hunt for a one-of-a-kind find, Hamilton’s Art Crawl does not disappoint!

Because of my varying artistic interests, there is always enough to see and do at Art Crawl!  Every Art Crawl is different, featuring countless artists and performers.  These are a few of the spots I’d be sure to check out:

This Ain't Hollywood

                          This Ain’t Hollywod (live music venue) 

                                            345 James St. N

The Baltimore House

              

             

                The Baltimore House (bar/café/music venue) 

                                   43 King William

The Brain

               

         The Brain (bar/cafe/modern art museum/live music venue)

                                         199 James St. N

White Elephant

                        White Elephant (vintage boutique)

                                     133 James St. N

Mulberry Street Coffeehouse

                                               

                 Mulberry Street Coffeehouse (café/restaurant)

                                      193 James St. N

As surprising as the city that hosts it, Art Crawl creates a welcoming atmosphere in which to get to know the artistic hub of Hamilton.  The usual pretentions of the art world are noticeably missing, creating an independent and artistic culture in the city that reflects its very people.  That’s Hamilton for you…you never know what to expect, but you can trust that it’s going to be good!

See you at the next one,

Larysa

For more information on Hamilton Art Crawl festivities, visit:

http://www.jamesstreetnorth.ca

Hamilton's Favourite Cup

Hamilton is a blue collar city, so it’s no wonder that we love our coffee here.  It’s in the blood.  And there is only one cup of coffee that any self-respecting Hamiltonian will buy.  Tim Horton’s, of course!  You can ask any local and you’ll immediately be pointed in the direction of the very first Tim Horton’s store, located on the corner of Ottawa Street North and Dunsmure Road (aka Tim Horton's Way).

Tim Horton's Donut Shop #1, Hamilton (1964)

Originally built in 1964 by Canadian hockey legend Tim Horton, the first donut shop location was operated by Ron Joyce, a former police officer.  Within 3 years, Tim Horton had established several more locations and became full partners with his first franchisee.  And the rest, as they say, is history!  The Tim Horton’s brand is so ingrained in the Canadian landscape, but is first and foremost a point of pride in Hamilton.

Commemorative plaque

Over the years, there have been many changes to the Tim Horton’s location.  In 2014, to mark the 50^th anniversary of the success of the franchise, the original store location was renovated to make room for a second-floor museum where visitors can explore the evolution of the Tim Horton’s brand through the years.  It’s a perfect blend of the brand’s past and it’s future.  

On display in the museum is Tim Horton’s memorabilia from the past 50 years, including:

Museum Displays

• Old city photographs and articles
• Tim Horton’s merchandise
• Employee uniforms
• Serving containers
• ‘Retro’ serving counter and menu boards

I definitely recommend visiting Tim Horton’s Donut Shop #1 in your travels through Hamilton.  Not only can you travel in time to explore the brand’s evolution, but you can grab a Double Double and a Dutchie too!  And it’s always a good time for that!  Drink up!

What is/was your favourite Tim Horton’s product or experience?  Share your comments below.

Until next time,

Larysa