I love my city. And although at one point it seemed like a supernatural force was keeping me here, it’s now I place a choose to call home.
That said, I experienced a huge pang of city envy when Kaylee posted this fab look at a weekend in Toronto, a couple weeks back.
Toronto, I’m not here to rival your parks, restaurants or the fact that you hosted an outdoor gathering for at least one of the cutest dogs I know, but the 613 has some pretty cool things happening this weekend. With a mix of sun and cloud in our forecast, here’s just a sampling of my suggestions…
1) Ottawa Organic Farmer’s Market
The capital is lucky enough to have farmer’s markets sprinkled throughout almost all corners of the city, but this one is new on my radar so it’s getting a shout out. Saturdays from 10 a.m to2 p.m. you can stock up on lots of fresh, locally grown organic meats, breads, vegetables, fruits, olive oil, teas, herbs, as well as skin care products. For green thumbs looking to do a little home gardening, you can also find healthy, un-treated, organic plants. Nothing starts your week off like a fridge full of fresh food.
Located at 1644 Bank Street, near Heron. See map.
2) Italian Week
I literally stumbled across this event a few years back when, in search of a patio, we were greeted on Preston St. by throngs of people, acordians on every corner and a really good time. The festivities kicked off yesterday and continue until June 15, so if you enjoy some good food and good wine, there’s no better time of year than to wander through Ottawa’s Little Italy than the present.
For full event details click here.
3) Brunch at the Museum of Nature
At this point you probably think we’re employed by this place. We’ve talked about the Museum of Nature several times in the past, but as self-admitted lovers of brunch, there’s no way this new event didn’t catch our eyes. Now you can enjoy an elegant, sit-down breakfast or brunch in the beautiful Queens’ Lantern of the 240 McLeod St. “castle”. Early risers can start their day off right with a hearty breakfast buffet that includes eggs, bacon, waffles, pastries, juice, coffee and more from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Or brunch goers (us), can enjoy a buffet that includes roast beef, glazed ham, pasta, vegetables, assorted salads, wild salmon gravlax, charcuterie, breakfast items, fruit, desserts and more from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. . The breakfast and brunch packages include general admission to the museum, as well as the meal’s gratuity. A nice alternative to the Elgin St. spots we frequent most.
For prices and reservation info, go here.
4) aVibe Music and Arts Festival
This Saturday (June 7), the inaugural aVibe Music and Arts Festival will take place at Vincent Massey Park.The festival combines two of in a nutshell’s most talked about items: music and craft beer. The festival will feature independent artisans and food vendors and the forecast for Saturday looks to be perfect. On stage, you can expect funk, reggae and roots influences, including our own local favourites Tympanic.
For tickets click here.
5) (Personal Fave): DIY date
I’m a sucker for a no-stress, no-mess outdoor date with either friends or a special someone. The ideas are endless but this weekend’s suggestion? Head down to El Camino’s take-out window. Order to your hearts content and then carry your yummy bite-sized lunch or dinner down to the nearby grasses infront of the canal. A blanket, some shades and maybe a few carefully concealed “beverages” and your day/night will start out on the right foot.
BONUS: Hip Hop Karaoke (which we’ve talked about many time in the past) is on tonight in a brand new location. See Ottawa’s finest cover rappers take the stage right in front of Parliament Hill and Barristers. Doors open at 10:30 p.m. $5 cover charge. 19+ ID a must.
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