Thursday's Child: December at The Beach

Thursday, December 22, 2011


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:

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

Sounds like you bought something yummy! Fun photo ~ Beth, you have the sweetest, most contagious smile :)

~Merry Christmas~

Joanne said...

I never knew the beach in winter could be so much fun! (Or so delicious...I totally have stocking stuffer jealously.)

Deb said...

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!

Carol said...

I love the beach in the winter! Can't wait to see what you stuffed the stockings with, looks like a fun shop!

Joanne said...

I would love, love, love to walk that boardwalk ... all winter! What a perfect place to be outdoors.

Belinda said...

I have been out there in the winter - and it's COLD! But there is something cool about boardwalking in the winter. Happy holidays!

Bonnie said...

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.

Valerie Gamine said...

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.) :)

Beth said...

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.

Anonymous said...

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!

Lynne Daley said...

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!

Neesie said...

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

Simply Life said...

looks like such a fun time!

Liz That Skinny Chick Can Bake said...

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!

Golden Eagle said...

It looks like a beautiful place! :)

Julie said...

What a fun outing!! Hope you have a wonderful Christmas!!

Anonymous said...

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.

MTeacress said...

Merry Christmas, Beth! It looks like you've been enjoying yourself. That chocolate place looks perfect for a Christmas treat. :)

natalia said...

Ciao ! Buon Natale !

Anonymous said...

Yep, I totally thought it would be somewhere warm! Toronto is equally as beautiful as beach-esque places though!

Katerina said...

Merry Christmas Beth to you and your lovely family! When you have good company such strolls are the perfect thing to do!

lisa is cooking said...

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!

Anonymous said...

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.

Rita said...

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

shaz said...

Oooh, some lucky people will be having chocolate for breakfast on Christmas morning then? Have a wonderful Christmas with your family, Beth.

Anonymous said...

Sounds wonderful! You are all obviously having a blast!

Jessica | Cajunlicious said...

Beautiful photos, love the beach!

Ruth said...

Glad you enjoyed my 'hood. Walking on the boardwalk in winter is almost a daily thing for me!

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