Sunday, April 28, 2013

The Junction


Now that spring has truly arrived, I am looking forward to spending more time exploring some of Toronto's lovely, artsy neighbourhoods.

Last weekend, we hung out with my husband's cousin in The Junction, an "up and coming" area of the city that sits near the junction of four railway lines. Regular readers will know that I was drawn to the area by a desire to go to Bunner's vegan and gluten-free bakeshop. My travels are often inspired by food in some way. If we are going on a trip, I will google vegetarian restaurants before I even look for flights or hotels. I'm greedy like that.





Trust me, it's worth visiting The Junction just for one of Bunner's cinnamon buns. But there is lots more to see.


We enjoyed a visit to Pandemonium, which sells new and used books and records.


They had some cool vintage kids books. I didn't even know there were Leave It to Beaver books.



At Sanction skate shop, my son and I admired these baby skater shoes.


ARTiculations had an exhibition of over 100 sketchbooks. Participants were challenged to draw something every day for a month.


One participant chose to do his sketches "While on the Potty."


I really want a giant cabinet for my dining room to house some of my many vintage dishes. So, I had to pop into Cornerstone Home Interiors. They have beautiful pieces, like this one, above.


And this one, above.


This was my personal favourite, but I don't think I'm going to spend over $3,000.



Smash has a selection of cool and unusual salvaged goods. A fun shop to browse.


All that browsing leads to more eating, of course. We enjoyed some tasty (and cheap) chickpea and potato roti. 



It was still a little chilly last weekend. I'm looking forward to warmer weather and strolling through another neighbourhood soon...maybe Kensington Market. That's always a good one.

What's your favourite type of store to browse in?

26 comments:

  1. Beautiful photos! I love visiting cafes and vintage shops.

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  2. Oh! Makes me yearn for summer & town-exploring! What a cool place!!

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  3. Awesome photo! I love exploring when I travel.. there are so many hidden gems of locations!

    I have to admit, I haven't really done TOO much exploring in my neck of the woods outside of my neighbourhood.. but even there - so many cool little places around. I am excited to get back out there and walk around again now that it may finally be warming up!

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  4. Your son's hat looks so much like one my son had...

    Of course, eating is part of any adventure - it has to be!!!

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    1. It's a Juventus hat.

      Yes, eating is essential for adventure. :)

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  5. These photos are so awesome!! I can't wait to visit Toronto someday :)

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  6. Wow, so much awesomeness here! The books. The art. So cool. I love Toronto, and can't wait to visit again! We're still hoping on a trip this summer, but it may not happen :(

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    1. I hope you get your trip Ruthie! I know what you mean, though. We keep saying we're going to Italy, every summer, but so far no visit.

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  7. I just stumbled onto your blog today. I love it!

    Your new follower,
    Mandy

    Nestled in Nostalgia

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    1. Thanks so much for visiting and following Mandy. :)

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  8. Some great shots of some great shops Jo! We take our kids downtown shopping in the summer too (mostly window shopping). The stores you've shown here look like they have something for everyone ... must keep The Junction in mind for our next trip. Wendy

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    1. Thanks Wendy. Yes, it's worth a visit for sure. :)

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  9. Looks like a perfect day out on the town. I definately like bookshops best, followed by yarn shops :)

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  10. I also just stumbled onto your blog today. :)Looks like a great day! Used bookshops are definitely my favorite for browsing. I could do this for hours.

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    1. I could too! I don't need more books in the house though. ;)

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  11. I love to go thrift store shopping! It's been way too long since I went to St. Vincent de Paul's.

    Re: Bunner's: What is a "Supersonic Gypsy"?

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    1. I have never gone to St. Vincent de Paul's. I will have to check that out.

      The gypsy is a cookie with raisins in it. :)

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  12. My previous comment didn't go through, whoops. Great lot of photos here, I love the colour of the fence in the first photo. And the books, and the cake, and those big cabinets!

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    1. It is a cheery fence isn't it? Books, food and furniture shopping is always good! ;)

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  13. Sounds like a great day. Now only if the weather would only be a little more consistent for us.

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