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.
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| 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.
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| 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
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