Liberty Village in the 2010s has been a neighborhood re-defined, once an industrial part of the city and now a re-birth for condo developments, converted lofts, and multimedia design spaces. In addition, there has been a rise in fitness clubs, indie coffee shops, and restaurants that have supported the youthful spirit of the neighborhood throughout this period. If you’ve recently moved to Liberty Village or maybe have already lived there for some time, it never hurts to get out and explore a little bit. Here are 4 ways to spend a day in Liberty Village.

Grab a Morning Breakfast and Coffee

There are a number of breakfast places to visit in Liberty Village, none tastier for coffee lovers than Louie Craft Coffee. If you’re looking for something sweeter, the Uma Café provides a number of signature drinks including a toasted marshmallow latte. If you want something a little grander and a little bigger for breakfast, you can’t go wrong with Mildred’s Temple Kitchen.

Take a Few Hours at an Activity of your Choice

There are several unique businesses offering a variety of services where one can spend a couple hours. The Beauty Room is a popular hangout for those wishing for a personalized manicure to set them on their way. The region surrounding Lamport Stadium makes for a nice walk on any of the warmer days of the year. If you want something a little more physical, Joe Rockhead’s provides rock climbing which can be a nice place to go blow off some steam or to bring a group of friends.

How to Spend your Afternoon in Liberty Village

Beginning with lunch, it is highly advisable to check out the Liberty Village Market and Café for their selection of soups. There are many, many lunch options however including Maizal Quesadilla Café and Merci Mon Ami, which are both acclaimed options among many residents. If you’ve had enough to eat and want to venture out into the neighborhood’s shops, there are larger options such as West Elm, Casalife, and EQ3. There are a lot of smaller, specialty boutiques that may also inspire you.

Getting to Know the Nightlife in the Area

There are a number of restaurant options for residents looking to pick up dinner including Caffino which offers Italian fare in a rustic, warehouse atmosphere. If it’s a little later in the night and you want something a little more reliable or less adventurous, Smoke’s Poutinerie is always a consistently delicious choice. If you’re headed out with friends, the Local Public Eatery or Brazen Head both offer a fun pub atmosphere whereas Locus 144 and Vogue Supperclub are live lounges, known for hosting live music and serving up something a little more low-key.

These are all excellent options if you’re looking to get up to something today. If you are looking to plan out something a little more encompassing, there are a myriad of other options as well:

• The Children’s Discovery Centre is Toronto’s first children’s museum and is open to kids aged 6 and under. Some of the attractions here include a large playground in The Art Hive, an interactive construction system set on the moon’s surface in Imagination Station, a campsite with several feature activities, a reading room, and a music room with a range of instruments. UPDATE: Sadly the Children’s Centre closed their doors last summer but are looking for a new space. We hope it will be in Liberty Village!
• Medieval Times allowing attendees to travel back to a time long ago.
• The Fort York Visitors Centre which is a historic site acquainting visitors with history from decades past.
• Buying a ticket into BMO Field to support Toronto’s major league soccer club or the city’s football team the Toronto Argonauts.

These are all an excellent place to start in getting to know Liberty Village and the neighborhoods that surround it. If you have a vehicle or want to hop on the TTC, Liberty Village is also well connected allowing for residents to make their way out on the King streetcar or by taking their vehicle out to the Gardiner Expressway. All things considered, Liberty Village is a great place to live, particularly for those that are looking to get out and explore.

Jason LeBlanc

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