Admit it: when you read the title, you thought I was taking you to the Bahamas, didn’t you?
No, this week I’m writing about the Beach in Toronto, admittedly not the first Christmas destination that comes to mind, but a great local area for a beautiful walk and some shopping.
If we’d visited this area in the summer, we’d have battled crowds. The Beach is justifiably popular when the weather is warm, with volleyball players, dog walkers, cyclists and sunbathers all looking for space. But in December we had the boardwalk almost entirely to ourselves. The sun sparkled on the water and the sand stretched out untouched as far as we could see.
After a brisk walk we made our way up to Queen Street. There were a lot of cute independent stores, but we had our hearts set on one – The Nutty Chocolatier. They have the most amazing selection of specialized chocolates and imported food I’ve ever seen. Homemade chocolate bark, Star Wars Pez dispensers, British chocolate bars that one of us recognized from her childhood, German marzipan, tinned goods from Marks and Spencer – the hardest part was making a decision.
What did I buy? I can’t say until after the stockings have been opened!
28 comments:
Sounds like you bought something yummy! Fun photo ~ Beth, you have the sweetest, most contagious smile :)
~Merry Christmas~
I never knew the beach in winter could be so much fun! (Or so delicious...I totally have stocking stuffer jealously.)
I heard you gals were heading to the Beach - you picked a nice sunny day for it - glad you had some shopping success and a nice stroll on the Boardwalk - I lived down there in my 20's and it was lovely. I also did a photo-essay when I was in Journalism School about that very aspect you mentioned - how it really can be a year round "active" destination. My winning photo was taken in January - two cyclists on the Boardwalk, tucked in behind two cross country skiiers - such a contrast of summer/winter activity combined. I must get down there one day soon for a trip down memory lane!
I love the beach in the winter! Can't wait to see what you stuffed the stockings with, looks like a fun shop!
I would love, love, love to walk that boardwalk ... all winter! What a perfect place to be outdoors.
I have been out there in the winter - and it's COLD! But there is something cool about boardwalking in the winter. Happy holidays!
Beth, The winter beach is my favorite. Each year we leave for the beach the day after Christmas. We stay through New Year. It has become a tradition everyone looks forward to all year long.
There is something so hauntingly lovely about beaches in winter.
And I love old fashioned candy stores! (Button candy can be so hard to find.) :)
Thanks for your lovely comments, Lorraine!
And Deb, I'd love to see that photo. We've been to the Beach twice in the last couple of months. We think of it being so far (we're true west enders, aren't we?), but it takes no time to get there.
What a fun girlfriend outing! I also love the beach in the winter, if only for the icy changes that have a beauty all their own. Have a wonderful Christmas, Beth!
What a lovely day shopping with friends! As I write this from Savannah, Georgia, the temperature is pushing 80°! Not exactly Christmas weather! Have a wonderful holiday!
Wonderful winter beach walking Beth.
I'm keeping well away from the beaches here just now, with a predicted temperature of 32 degree's celcius for Christmas Day.
Mark's and Spencer's too...how lucky!
I wish I was on your stocking list ;D
Have a beautiful Christmas with family and friends. Merry Christmas Beth. x
looks like such a fun time!
Beth, the beach is just beautiful in December! And I'd love to have been with you visiting the chocolate shop...I'm sure you found all sorts of gems for stocking stuffers! Merry Christmas, my friend!
It looks like a beautiful place! :)
What a fun outing!! Hope you have a wonderful Christmas!!
I can't wait to see what you picked up! For that matter, I can't wait to see what confections and treats appear in my stocking on Christmas morning.
Merry Christmas, Beth! It looks like you've been enjoying yourself. That chocolate place looks perfect for a Christmas treat. :)
Ciao ! Buon Natale !
Yep, I totally thought it would be somewhere warm! Toronto is equally as beautiful as beach-esque places though!
Merry Christmas Beth to you and your lovely family! When you have good company such strolls are the perfect thing to do!
It's always fun to visit popular places in the off season--and have it all to yourself. Sounds like you found some great gifts too!
What lovely pictures. I love the shop - Cadburys chocolate and Marks and Spencer, it doesn't get much more British than that. Happy Christmas, all the best for 2012.
I have often been to Toronto, but have never been to the Beach; this will be on my must visit list for sure. We are kind of lost; very rare for no snow in this area for Christmas.
Happy Holidays to you and your family Beth.
Rita
Oooh, some lucky people will be having chocolate for breakfast on Christmas morning then? Have a wonderful Christmas with your family, Beth.
Sounds wonderful! You are all obviously having a blast!
Beautiful photos, love the beach!
Glad you enjoyed my 'hood. Walking on the boardwalk in winter is almost a daily thing for me!
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