Distilllery District in Downtown Toronto

I thought I would share with you an incredible place in downtown Toronto that we have never had the pleasure of visiting before. It is a grouping of Victorian buildings that have been restored to become incredible galleries, shops, cafes and theatres to name a few. In the very recent past a day trip downtown would not be possible for me physically but this day out was sheer heaven for us, I actually felt like I was living, finally really living on that day. We had actually started out at the Toronto Home Show with some free tickets I  won from  a blog giveaway by the incredibly talented Toronto Interior Designer,  Carol Reed. I just love Carol's classic and chique  style she brings to all her projects. What I love is Carol graciously shares with us her design process and thoughts on her projects and viewing her work is a joy as she has an incredible eye for photography as well. Check out her blog  here you will be amazed by her

and more on the Distillery District here.

When we pulled into the parking lot the gorgeous stone building had me intrigued.
We had no idea what was in store beyond it.

How magnificent is this stone building with it's  restored 6 over 6 double hung windows.

All the doors and windows were painted this heritage green and really showcased the beautiful shapes .

We arrived late on Sunday and so many of the galleries and shops were closed but we found a beautiful cafe open that served up some awesome homemade food.

Such a pleasure to sit and eat under a stunning chandelier. I'm not sure if all the buildings have exposed brick but the ones we saw did and I was in awe of the character of these over 100 year old buildings.

A step back in time.

Large contemporary planters contrast beautifully against the old architecture.

I loved the oversized mums and cabbage planters that were every where.

These stunning  face chairs were all chained together, not sure where they get set up usually but they are oh so cool!

So much beutiful old brick.

This may have been the prettiest store I have seen in a long time (ok that doesn't say much as I don't get out  EVER!) but really isn't it incredible! It's called Vintage Gardener and when I walked in the door, my jaw dropped.  I LOVE LOVE LOVE lavender and  hydrangeas and this place was the bomb and guess who else thought so too? COLLIN from COLLIN AND JUSTIN'S HOME HEIST.  We had left the Vintage Gardener and walked around and on our way back, standing in the doorway casually looking out over the courtyard was Collin.  My honey and I took a double take and then looked at each other like hey, I know that guy. Then Collin went back inside and Todd was going to on up to him but I dragged him away. The store is really small inside and I just couldn't muster up the courage to go inside. 

Anywho, the two girls working inside had no idea who he was, can you believe it? 

Oh I know it's blurry, but this cafe had "No Pictures Allowed" signs and I just could not resist trying  when the staff were turned away for a split second. It was just so incredible inside.  The reason why some places  at the distillery district allow you to take pictures and some you can't is the store owners have to have a permit to allow people to take pictures.

I know this sounds silly but it felt surreal sitting under this incredible chandelier  listening to people chat and smelling the  fresh roasted coffee.  I felt alive, really and truly alive and I could not take it in enough. I  really didn't want to leave but I was nearing the end of my energy rope.

Thank you so much Carol for giving me a reason for  getting out of our town for a day and discovering a historical gem of a place that is etched in my brain as one of my first great days because of Natural Thyroid Hormone! We hope to go again soon  to see  the wonder of the Distillery District  all decorated for the holidays.

If you wonder what is wrong with you and  why you can't seem to find the energy  live your life like others are doing then check out Stop The Thyroid Madness. Perhaps you will find answers just like I did.
Check out my story here and see if this sounds like you.

Sandra