Kids don't care that this national historic site includes over 40 red brick building among the best preserved collection of Victorian industrial architecture in North America. But they will notice the brick lined and carless streets.. and the old trucks. They won't think much of the freshly roasted coffee smell at Balzac's Coffee (last building at the end of Trinity Street) but they will love its great lemonade or hot chocolate. I love John Fluehog the funky (and gorgeous) shoe store across from Balzac's and the whimsical Desigual boutique (got here in the summer 2014). My daughter and I spent a while examining all the colourful gadgets in the gift store Bergo Designs (in the Tank House Lane) and went to neighbour SOMA Chocolate & Gelato to top it off with artisanal chocolate (they make it from the cocoa bean!) and a taste of their amazing spicy hot chocolate served in the tiniest cup. With older kids, dare to check some of the galleries for an intro to visual art. Don’t forget to explore the site for its giant outdoor installations (in front of the Balzac Café and along the Distillery Lane leading to Parliament Street). The Distillery is especially appealing when an event is going on. In the summer 2014, The Distillery installed a big LOVE installation and asked us to tweet about what we love at The Distillery, see my photo gallery about over 30 things I things I love about it.
The Toronto Christmas Market is now a favourite tradition. See our photo gallery of the Toronto Christmas Market 2014.
