While perusing my favourite Toronto bookstore, Type (west Queen West), I recently found myself flipping through an adorable guidebook of Toronto strolls, which aptly pointed out something very true: when visiting another city, we discover it by exploring on foot for hours on end. But in our own city, we miss entire districts and enlivening hidden gems because we neglect the idea and luxury of learning about where we live, choose to stay in our comfort zones and end up on transit.
Is it scheduling? Laziness? Are we too accustomed to the fast lane? Who knows. But I do know this – when the long weekend rolled around this year, I had thought I might be out of town and neglected to get tickets to any of the popular events happening in Toronto (VELD, The Grove Music Festival, OVO) – which I normally would have pounced on. I had tickets to a concert on Friday night, before learning I was otherwise planless and the rest of the weekend was mine to craft. With barbecues and outings planned at night, and only a little work to dabble in during the day, I quickly realized the mornings and afternoons were all mine. Free of scheduling, free of the inside of an office, free of people who had a vested interest in my whereabouts – free all ’round. Free to stroll.
Note: This isn’t for everyone.
Well, it should be – but I do recognize that living alone, having a staycation and wandering for hours solo isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. That being said, if you haven’t explored your city on foot, simply because you think you’ll get lonely or bored – drop everything and do it. Do it once, for a whole day, start to finish. I’m writing this so that you do it.
If you dedicate a day to yourself – despite having the option of bringing your boyfriend or friend – you really commit that time to doing exactly what you want to do. You make a point of not answering to anyone. You make a point of ignoring the clock. You make a point of shamelessly satisfying only yourself. What about that doesn’t sound lovely? It’s a recipe for unabashed, blissful happiness, really.
So, this past weekend, I left two days wide open to food, drink, music, sun-filled staycationing in my favourite place – the city I live in. With the person I enjoy hanging out with the most – me. Here’s my guide to the ultimate staycation – perfect, affordable, jam-packed, relaxing “you” time:
1. Walk everywhere. I emphasized the beauty of the stroll above and I’ll do it again: walking is the most glorious form of transportation. It’s great exercise. It’s an excellent way to tan. Most importantly, it’s how you see the city, the side streets, the people – in ways and places you never have before. You choose your route, no matter how long it might take.With little to no schedule, I decided to walk the 1.5 hour stroll across town (twice) this weekend to get to a barbecue and park-sit. Because I could. As the sun set and people strolled hand in hand – trust me, all was oh-so-right in the world.
2. Eat what you want. Realistically, you can make a conscious decision to snack on the food you want throughout your staycation without breaking the bank or the scale. It’s one or two days – treat yo’self. On my staycation, I knew I wanted gluten-free banana and yogurt waffles, Greg’s real ice cream from White Squirrel (I tried the burnt and sweet Roasted Marshmallow scoops), a mozzarella pesto Panini from my favourite bakery, a cup of Thai pumpkin soup once the sun went down and homemade parmesan popcorn for snacking. I gladly ate all of those things. Having strolled over 30,000 steps made me feel a little better about it, too.
3. Drink what you want. If you were with your friends during a scorching long weekend – chances are you’d be crushing your fair share of pitchers on a patio. Since you’re by your lonesome, you can afford (and deserve) a few tall cans of cider for the park, a pit-stop at your favourite Mexican restaurant for a chat with the bartenders and their signature spicy beer cocktail, as well as red wine to wash down the popcorn.
4. Find a park. Those who live in Toronto love when people accuse the city of having little to no green space. Toronto likely has more green space than most other cities in Ontario. Luscious, people-filled parks decorate every few blocks amidst the skyscrapers; the most notable ones being Christie Pits, Trinity Bellwoods, High Park, Queen’s Park and Withrow – all spanning over 6 blocks each. Bring those illicit tall cans, a few magazines and something to rest your head on – you’re due for a long lie-down with the rest of the neighbourhood.
5. Window-shop like wild. Stop into every single store that peaks your interest. Especially if you didn’t know that store existed. If you can’t just look, find a tiny item for under $10 – like a funky notepad, postcard or piece of costume jewellery – so that you have a souvenir from your explorations.
6. Discover some landmarks. Even if you’ve seen them before, go to the places that make you proud of your city and make mental notes to take your family or friends next time they’re in town. Find and know the gems you want to share.
7. Music. All the time. Build the perfect playlist. Don’t leave the house without 20 new songs on your iPhone or Pod. Also, try to find some live music. Whether you check out a dive bar band, watch the performers in the market or, most preferably, go see one of your hip-hop idols tear up the stage (…) – music is the key to every experience, therefore you certainly can’t leave it out.
8. Look the part. Some may disagree with this, but for others, if you feel comfortable and are dressed for the day – you might feel more ready to take on the city than if you’ve just rolled out of bed. However, if you choose to solely staycation with your hair on your head and running shoes – I fully respect that too. (I wore outfits that could easily translate from daytime to nighttime – if your adventures are long enough, you’d be surprised how little time you have in between engagements).
9. Sleep. Sleep in. Nap. This could be before, during or post-stroll. I shut my eyes in the park after a few tall cans and sun consumption. Catch up on beauty winks, you’re more than allowed.
10. Schedule the next one. If you feel as rested and content as I do right now – back to the grind, back to the chaos – then you might want to think about the next available weekend to schedule some “you” time. I don’t have the time often, and I’ve got people I always want to include in these plans – but I’d like to try seasonal solo staycations – when I can watch the weather change, see the new cultural additions and find new streets. I’ve already got my next instalment in mind.
Happy Staycationing!
Good advice, nicely written; hopefully this will inspire me, been thinking of treating myself to a mini-staycation, so thank you!