Travel

East Coast Trip: Newfoundland

Categories Travel, , , , , 15 Comments on East Coast Trip: Newfoundland

I recently arrived home, following a six-day Canadian East Coast trip with stops in Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

For the next several days, I will be posting my photos. The first entry, which was my first stop during this trip: Newfoundland.

I stayed in St. John’s for two days, and travelled the Avalon Peninsula.

The weather was extremely foggy in St. John’s, with the temperature sitting around 3C – locals tell us the weather doesn’t really warm up until the July and August. But once we headed south, the skies cleared and we were able to visit Bay Bulls (to see the icebergs), Bear Cove (more icebergs), and Portugal Cove (fossils). We also made stops at Signal Hill and the most easterly spot in North America: Cape Spear.

Newfoundland Newfoundland Newfoundland Newfoundland Lighthouse Picnics St. Johns Cape Spear, Newfoundland St. John's Jellybean homes

For dinner, we hit up Yellow Belly Brewery – a downtown pub with a cool “hipster” type atmosphere. We ordered their classic pizza to share.

Yellow Belly Brewery

My new Sinatra hat from Beau Chapeau

Categories Travel11 Comments on My new Sinatra hat from Beau Chapeau

My new Sinatra hat from Beau Chapeau is so amazing, I had to no choice but to blog about.

As mentioned in my last post, I have become Beau Chapeau‘s newest fan! I revisited the shop, located at 42 Queen Street in Niagara-on-the-lake, this week and made a purchase I am sure to remember forever. I bought a replica Frank Sinatra fedora.

My new Sinatra hat from Beau Chapeau

Beau Chapeau carries the Sinatra Hats line; a collection of hats and fedoras that embodies the timeless style of Frank Sinatra. I picked this particular style because the rim was longer and could be flipped out. The fedora itself is crafted with wool felt, complete with a leather inner band and satin lining with the orange signature Sinatra trim.

My new Sinatra hat from Beau Chapeau

Sinatra Hats embody the time period, and capture the classic image of Ol’ Blue Eyes. I’ve been a fan of the crooner for as long as I can remember, and owning something of this quality makes it worth the money.

CREDIT: The main Sinatra photo is a Capitol Archive photo.

Toronto Christmas Market

Categories Travel14 Comments on Toronto Christmas Market

It was my first year checking out The Toronto Christmas Market, located in the historic Distillery District. Going into its fourth year, the event is known for its array of beautiful lights, tasty vendors and family-fun Christmas entertainment.

With a hot cocoa in hand, the weather was perfect for an evening stroll through the village. The smell of poutine filled the air, and fine chocolates along with hand-painted ornaments lined the streets.

We had the chance to meet up with an angel (pictured below), along with a couple of Santa’s elves. Ol’ Saint Nick even gave us a shout out as he made his grand entrance.

Truly an evening for the Christmas enthusiast. And with only 21 days left until the big day, I must say … The Toronto Christmas Market really brought out my excitement! If you’re interested in popping by, the event runs until December 15. Click here for more information.

Christmas Distillery District Christmas Distillery District Christmas Distillery District Christmas Distillery District Christmas Distillery District Christmas Distillery District Christmas Distillery District Christmas Distillery District

By the way, did I mention I found the cutest Big Bang Theory decoration? SCORE!

Christmas Distillery District

United Kingdom: Giant’s Causeway & Carrick-a-Rede, Northern Ireland

Categories Travel, , , 5 Comments on United Kingdom: Giant’s Causeway & Carrick-a-Rede, Northern Ireland

On the northeast coast of Northern Ireland lives The Giant’s Causeway, an area of about 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns; a site often described as The Eighth Wonder Of The World.

It is no surprise that The Giant’s Causeway is one of Northern Ireland’s most popular tourist attractions. Legend has it that the mythical giant Irish warrior Finn McCool built the causeway to battle his Scottish counterpart Benandonner.

Among the many locations I visited while in Northern Ireland, the Giant’s Causeway was perhaps one of the most lively, charming and exciting areas. As the waves crashed, the tall rock formations called my name for an exhilarating and tiring climb.

giant's causeway giant's causeway giant's causeway

Carrick-de-rede was another exciting opportunity I had – the bridge was crafted in 1755 by a salmon fisherman. It was nerve-wracking to cross the shaking roped bridge, but I did! With a selfie to spare.

Carrick-a-Rede Carrick-a-Rede Carrick-a-Rede Carrick-a-Rede Carrick-a-Rede Carrick-a-Rede

United Kingdom: Belfast, Northern Ireland

Categories Travel, , , , 3 Comments on United Kingdom: Belfast, Northern Ireland

I spent four days in Belfast. To kick off my tour of Northern Ireland, I first visited Stormont, the home to the city’s Parliament buildings.

Surrounding the buildings, which were built in the early 1920’s, are beautiful greenery, an array of colourful flowers and the sounds of dogs running and people jogging.

Despite the grandness, historic nature, and chaotic complexities Stormont has represented through time, it is still a magnificent place to find solace – especially on a quiet weekend.

Stormont, Northern Ireland Stormont, Northern Ireland Stormont, Northern Ireland Stormont, Northern Ireland

We also had a chance to walk the downtown streets (The Falls Road), and view the murals of peace. Painting depicted political unrest, sports and memorials.

Belfast murals Belfast murals Belfast