Sorry for the delay in posting but we've been busy. Why, you ask? Well, the Hamilton House Hunt has officially begun. Yes, that's right - we're scouring The Hammer for our "perfect house" (if such a concept actually exists).
Because of our still fairly limited knowledge of Hamilton, we're keeping an open mind with respect to area, but I imagine our fave/preferred Hamilton neighbourhoods will come as no surprise to any of you, as they seem to be the same hoods that everyone else likes (I'm not going to get too specific - this is the internet after all!) :)
On the surface, as newbies to the city, this early house search (we've only been here two months) presents a challenge. Which neighbourhoods do we look at? Do we pay a bit more and be close to amenities, or save some money and drive everywhere? Where are the good schools for our future children to go to? What about dog parks? (and of course, coffee shops). Lots to consider.
That said, the endeavour is so far proving to be easier than our (failed) T-dot house/condo search of last year. For one, I was told not to expect a huge bidding war in The Hammer - welcome news to us, as this is what we now consider normal, thanks to Toronto.
Also, given Hamilton's size, we can look/keep our eye on a smaller area day to day, rather than having to keep tabs on MLS listings in a city the size of Toronto.
Needless to say, the house-buying dollars also go further in Hamilton.
Will keep you posted on my thoughts/musings as the Great Hamilton House Hunt continues...would also be interested to hear tips/thoughts from anybody who has gone through a Hamilton House Hunt of their own.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Monday, March 21, 2011
Art Crawling
Since arriving in Hamilton a few weeks ago, multiple people have taken the opportunity to tell us about the James Street North Art Crawl, and how great an event it is.
Silly me, I thought this Art Crawl was a summer event - you know, people strolling down the street, looking at art on a sunny summer's evening. Wrong. Much to our delight, its held on the second Friday of EVERY month!
Anyway, one Friday night earlier this month (the second Friday, obviously), we were sitting around, weighing our options for fun Hamilton things to do. Lo and behold, someone on Twitter reminded us about the art crawl. Perfect opportunity to check it out!
So, we headed down to James St. N. It was a chilly sort of evening, and there weren't too many people out and about....we initially wondered where the art crawl was...I thought it would be one of those Toronto-style events where they close off part of the street and throngs of people are wandering around (silly me, again! I don't think I've seen a throng of people since we've been here).
Anyway, after parking the car, we started to wander up James St. N, and went into the first art gallery we saw. It was full of people, talking, looking at art (obviously!) drinking wine and snacking. Wonderful! After soaking up the atmosphere there, we continued on our way, meandering through boutiques, musicians playing and even an art installation in what we assumed is usually an empty building. (Also fascinating to get a look inside these places from an urban design perspective, says my hubby).
Now, I'm not going to pretend to critique art here (definitely not my forte) - lets just say it was all very thought-provoking and interesting.
What I am equally as fascinated with is the art crawl concept itself. What better chance to get to know a part of Hamilton we had never been to, get a look inside several galleries in a short period of time, and interact with other appreciators of art. It was also through this crawl that we discovered the Mixed Media store, Mulberry Street Coffee House and Acclamation.
I didn't take any pictures while in the galleries (I didn't know if it was allowed and I didn't want to be THAT person!) but I can see us going back to this event again, perhaps on a warm summer's evening :)
Silly me, I thought this Art Crawl was a summer event - you know, people strolling down the street, looking at art on a sunny summer's evening. Wrong. Much to our delight, its held on the second Friday of EVERY month!
Anyway, one Friday night earlier this month (the second Friday, obviously), we were sitting around, weighing our options for fun Hamilton things to do. Lo and behold, someone on Twitter reminded us about the art crawl. Perfect opportunity to check it out!
So, we headed down to James St. N. It was a chilly sort of evening, and there weren't too many people out and about....we initially wondered where the art crawl was...I thought it would be one of those Toronto-style events where they close off part of the street and throngs of people are wandering around (silly me, again! I don't think I've seen a throng of people since we've been here).
Anyway, after parking the car, we started to wander up James St. N, and went into the first art gallery we saw. It was full of people, talking, looking at art (obviously!) drinking wine and snacking. Wonderful! After soaking up the atmosphere there, we continued on our way, meandering through boutiques, musicians playing and even an art installation in what we assumed is usually an empty building. (Also fascinating to get a look inside these places from an urban design perspective, says my hubby).
Now, I'm not going to pretend to critique art here (definitely not my forte) - lets just say it was all very thought-provoking and interesting.
What I am equally as fascinated with is the art crawl concept itself. What better chance to get to know a part of Hamilton we had never been to, get a look inside several galleries in a short period of time, and interact with other appreciators of art. It was also through this crawl that we discovered the Mixed Media store, Mulberry Street Coffee House and Acclamation.
I didn't take any pictures while in the galleries (I didn't know if it was allowed and I didn't want to be THAT person!) but I can see us going back to this event again, perhaps on a warm summer's evening :)
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Experience Hamilton
We had a friend visiting from out of town on a recent weekend. After giving him a brief tour around The Hammer (which basically consisted of a quick spin in the car and a trip to Rolly Rockets), we headed to Niagara.
Our decision to get out of town for a day or two wasn't a slight against Hamilton - far from it. We just had plans to pay a visit to a few wineries :) And yes, even though Niagara is 30 minutes from our place (a definite perk of Hamilton!), we decided to take a mini vacation and stay over.
Anyway, nestled in between the usual "go behind the Falls" and "visit the house of Frankenstein" brochures in our hotel, I came across "Experience Hamilton" - a tourist booklet/brochure I was excited (and more than a little surprised) to see.
I've been outlining some of my finds over the last few weeks, and many people who live here don't need to be schooled on the benefits/gems of The Hammer. But somehow I feel tourists are a different story.
Before we moved here from Toronto, I would have been hard pressed to point anyone towards a Hamilton tourist attraction. I wonder what types of tourist attractions someone from Halifax, Montreal, or Vancouver expect to find in our fair city.
Looking at this particular brochure, I was initially a little worried - African Lion Safari was pictured on the cover. I too have fond memories of family trips through there as a child, but am I wrong in saying its actually outside of Hamilton itself?
Once you get past that sticking point, there actually is a wealth of info inside this particular brochure, detailing all the best parts of Hamilton.
Things I was excited to see in this brochure included:
- More info on Locke Street (we've paid many visits to Locke Street over the last six weeks, but before we moved here, we had no idea it existed (we found it randomly). I think this great street definitely needs to be pointed out to tourists.
- The brochure also talks about James St. N as being like Toronto's Queen West 35 years ago - we visited James St. N for the first time on Friday night (for the art crawl) and thought it had such a great vibe (I'll write more about the art crawl later!)
- Details on the Hamilton music scene
- Festivals like Festival of Friends, It's Your Festival (can't wait to check some of these out)
- How to use Hamilton as a "vacation-base" for trips around the Golden Horseshoe (I didn't know people did this, but it makes sense...)
Tourists aside, as a new Hamiltonian, I'm keeping this book handy so I can find my way around!
Our decision to get out of town for a day or two wasn't a slight against Hamilton - far from it. We just had plans to pay a visit to a few wineries :) And yes, even though Niagara is 30 minutes from our place (a definite perk of Hamilton!), we decided to take a mini vacation and stay over.
Anyway, nestled in between the usual "go behind the Falls" and "visit the house of Frankenstein" brochures in our hotel, I came across "Experience Hamilton" - a tourist booklet/brochure I was excited (and more than a little surprised) to see.
I've been outlining some of my finds over the last few weeks, and many people who live here don't need to be schooled on the benefits/gems of The Hammer. But somehow I feel tourists are a different story.
Before we moved here from Toronto, I would have been hard pressed to point anyone towards a Hamilton tourist attraction. I wonder what types of tourist attractions someone from Halifax, Montreal, or Vancouver expect to find in our fair city.
Looking at this particular brochure, I was initially a little worried - African Lion Safari was pictured on the cover. I too have fond memories of family trips through there as a child, but am I wrong in saying its actually outside of Hamilton itself?
Once you get past that sticking point, there actually is a wealth of info inside this particular brochure, detailing all the best parts of Hamilton.
Things I was excited to see in this brochure included:
- More info on Locke Street (we've paid many visits to Locke Street over the last six weeks, but before we moved here, we had no idea it existed (we found it randomly). I think this great street definitely needs to be pointed out to tourists.
- The brochure also talks about James St. N as being like Toronto's Queen West 35 years ago - we visited James St. N for the first time on Friday night (for the art crawl) and thought it had such a great vibe (I'll write more about the art crawl later!)
- Details on the Hamilton music scene
- Festivals like Festival of Friends, It's Your Festival (can't wait to check some of these out)
- How to use Hamilton as a "vacation-base" for trips around the Golden Horseshoe (I didn't know people did this, but it makes sense...)
Tourists aside, as a new Hamiltonian, I'm keeping this book handy so I can find my way around!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Its coffee time! But where should I go...
The part of Hamilton that we're calling home for the time-being (while we explore different neighbourhoods and consider our home-buying options) is not too far from the First Tim Horton's Ever.
Wow, exciting, right? This Canadian institution started just around the corner from where we live!
Needless to say, we've paid this landmark a visit. While this is kind of cool, I feel that it points to an alarming trend in The Hammer - many, many, many Tim Hortons and not too much else for the coffee lover. (I've even seen a gas station with a Tim's in it, next to a real Tim's...I mean, come on!)
Don't get me wrong - I love Timmies (doughnuts, sandwiches, coffee) but 1) as an avid coffee consumer and 2) a freelance writer who sometimes needs a break from the home office, I place great importance on both the taste of the coffee and the atmosphere of the coffee house. Lets face it - you can't work in Tims for hours like you can in some other coffee places (I think many of them have a 20-30 minute limit) and (as far as I know) they don't have wifi!
Since our arrival in Hamilton, something we noticed pretty much right off the bat was the lack of comfortable coffee spots(at least in the part of the city we live in). No nice coffee pubs to walk to - Tim Hortons and McD's being the only caffeine options nearby. Being sans-car most of the week, I've been pretty keen to find any nearby options that are available.
Putting the "walking distance" factor aside for a moment, my very first "real" non-Tim's coffee find in The Hammer was the welcome (but predictable) Starbucks on Locke Street - great atmosphere, has the wifi I need, but its the only Starbucks for miles. And its always full - which leads me to conclude that Hamilton is crying out for more Starbucks or similar!
On Family Day, we were in exploring-mode, so we decided to take a trip out to the Hamilton waterfront. I'll save my thoughts on the waterfront for another post (mainly because I want to compare what we saw in the winter to how it looks in the summertime!)
What I will talk about now, is the Williams Fresh Cafe. The place was humming (probably because it was Family Day). What stood out for me, however, was the atmosphere. Comfy, fireplace, wifi, decent view - the kind of place you could linger, write, catch up with friends, etc.. The only problem is, yep, you guessed it - its far away from where most people live (including me)- its really a haven for those with car access.
I also attended a really nice get-together with a group of Hamilton tweeters at Coffee Culture in Ancaster - this place was great (can't comment on the coffee too much, I had decaf!) but too far from me for regular visits.
Keep in mind - these are just my observations so far as a new Hamiltonian (I'm sure there are a few gems I have yet to find!) For example, I've heard from several people on Twitter that there are other great coffee options on Locke Street - namely the Locke Street Bakery. Can't wait to try it out. Also, Red Hill Coffee, Mulberry House on James St. and Free Trade in Westdale. I'm also purposely not mentioning anything on the mountain because a) we haven't tried any new places there (except Tim's) and b) its far from our place.
I'm going to put it out there right now - the East End of Hamilton needs more coffee houses (or at least one!) Either that, or we're going to have to move :) (or perhaps get another car? I'm trying to avoid that option.)
What are your suggestions around Hamilton for great coffee & atmosphere?
Wow, exciting, right? This Canadian institution started just around the corner from where we live!
Needless to say, we've paid this landmark a visit. While this is kind of cool, I feel that it points to an alarming trend in The Hammer - many, many, many Tim Hortons and not too much else for the coffee lover. (I've even seen a gas station with a Tim's in it, next to a real Tim's...I mean, come on!)
Don't get me wrong - I love Timmies (doughnuts, sandwiches, coffee) but 1) as an avid coffee consumer and 2) a freelance writer who sometimes needs a break from the home office, I place great importance on both the taste of the coffee and the atmosphere of the coffee house. Lets face it - you can't work in Tims for hours like you can in some other coffee places (I think many of them have a 20-30 minute limit) and (as far as I know) they don't have wifi!
Since our arrival in Hamilton, something we noticed pretty much right off the bat was the lack of comfortable coffee spots(at least in the part of the city we live in). No nice coffee pubs to walk to - Tim Hortons and McD's being the only caffeine options nearby. Being sans-car most of the week, I've been pretty keen to find any nearby options that are available.
Putting the "walking distance" factor aside for a moment, my very first "real" non-Tim's coffee find in The Hammer was the welcome (but predictable) Starbucks on Locke Street - great atmosphere, has the wifi I need, but its the only Starbucks for miles. And its always full - which leads me to conclude that Hamilton is crying out for more Starbucks or similar!
On Family Day, we were in exploring-mode, so we decided to take a trip out to the Hamilton waterfront. I'll save my thoughts on the waterfront for another post (mainly because I want to compare what we saw in the winter to how it looks in the summertime!)
What I will talk about now, is the Williams Fresh Cafe. The place was humming (probably because it was Family Day). What stood out for me, however, was the atmosphere. Comfy, fireplace, wifi, decent view - the kind of place you could linger, write, catch up with friends, etc.. The only problem is, yep, you guessed it - its far away from where most people live (including me)- its really a haven for those with car access.
I also attended a really nice get-together with a group of Hamilton tweeters at Coffee Culture in Ancaster - this place was great (can't comment on the coffee too much, I had decaf!) but too far from me for regular visits.
Keep in mind - these are just my observations so far as a new Hamiltonian (I'm sure there are a few gems I have yet to find!) For example, I've heard from several people on Twitter that there are other great coffee options on Locke Street - namely the Locke Street Bakery. Can't wait to try it out. Also, Red Hill Coffee, Mulberry House on James St. and Free Trade in Westdale. I'm also purposely not mentioning anything on the mountain because a) we haven't tried any new places there (except Tim's) and b) its far from our place.
I'm going to put it out there right now - the East End of Hamilton needs more coffee houses (or at least one!) Either that, or we're going to have to move :) (or perhaps get another car? I'm trying to avoid that option.)
What are your suggestions around Hamilton for great coffee & atmosphere?
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Climbing the walls
By the title of this post, I don't mean I'm going crazy in Hamilton (well, maybe occasionally) - I mean we have literally been climbing.
Back in the T-Dot, we were avid gym-goers. Nothing wrong with that, right? The problem is that workout-wise, for the last couple of years, going to the gym (and sometimes running around the neighbourhood) was all we did.
Hubby and I recently decided that we would use this move to explore our different exercise options. We tried out a gym downtown for a couple of weeks - nothing wrong with it, but the parking was actually more complicated than our Toronto gym (!) and it wasn't quite as fancy, equipment-wise.
As a result, we've started looking into more niche choices. We explored the possibility of membership in a tennis club near us, for example. A good Yoga class is something else I'm hoping to locate. And on Saturday, we made an interesting impulse decision (about 20 minutes before the class started) to sign up for an indoor rock climbing lesson at Gravity Climbing Gym (on Frid Street).
I'll admit, this was hubby's idea - he was really into rock climbing a decade or so ago, and I thought (with some hesitation) that I'd give it a go as well.
We walk in - first think I notice is that, man, those walls are higher than I thought! Second - there are hand and food holds (whatever they're called) on the CEILING and third - there are nine year old kids in here, shimmying up the wall like its no big deal.
An hour or so of learning how to harness ourselves and tie the right knots and we're off - ready to climb the mountain (okay, maybe I'm being a big baby).
I went first, with hubby as the belayer. Surprisingly, if you're focused on the rocks and where you're going to step/hold next, its not that scary (ie: don't look down, or up.) Next, it was time for me to hold the rope (belay) as hubby climbed the wall....this part was actually scarier than climbing, although in actual fact, the rope's mechanism does all the real heavy lifting.
After a few more practice runs up the wall, it was turning into a real workout and three hours later, we were pros (well, not exactly, but definitely more comfortable with the whole heights thing.)
I was feeling pretty good about my wall-scaling (making it to the top on a couple of occasions and coming up just short on others because I felt I had climbed high enough!)until the instructor mentioned that a nine-year old kid had climbed in that same spot earlier, and made it to the top no problem! lol. I also failed to mention that there was a FOUR-year old child climbing beside us. Hubby tells me that its easier for kids - they have no fear. Once you have three-plus decades under your belt, the preconceived (irrational) fears can sometimes get the better of you!
I didn't take any photos while we were there, which I'm regretting now! I know we'll be going back though - I can see this becoming a semi-regular activity for us in The Hammer.
Back in the T-Dot, we were avid gym-goers. Nothing wrong with that, right? The problem is that workout-wise, for the last couple of years, going to the gym (and sometimes running around the neighbourhood) was all we did.
Hubby and I recently decided that we would use this move to explore our different exercise options. We tried out a gym downtown for a couple of weeks - nothing wrong with it, but the parking was actually more complicated than our Toronto gym (!) and it wasn't quite as fancy, equipment-wise.
As a result, we've started looking into more niche choices. We explored the possibility of membership in a tennis club near us, for example. A good Yoga class is something else I'm hoping to locate. And on Saturday, we made an interesting impulse decision (about 20 minutes before the class started) to sign up for an indoor rock climbing lesson at Gravity Climbing Gym (on Frid Street).
I'll admit, this was hubby's idea - he was really into rock climbing a decade or so ago, and I thought (with some hesitation) that I'd give it a go as well.
We walk in - first think I notice is that, man, those walls are higher than I thought! Second - there are hand and food holds (whatever they're called) on the CEILING and third - there are nine year old kids in here, shimmying up the wall like its no big deal.
An hour or so of learning how to harness ourselves and tie the right knots and we're off - ready to climb the mountain (okay, maybe I'm being a big baby).
I went first, with hubby as the belayer. Surprisingly, if you're focused on the rocks and where you're going to step/hold next, its not that scary (ie: don't look down, or up.) Next, it was time for me to hold the rope (belay) as hubby climbed the wall....this part was actually scarier than climbing, although in actual fact, the rope's mechanism does all the real heavy lifting.
After a few more practice runs up the wall, it was turning into a real workout and three hours later, we were pros (well, not exactly, but definitely more comfortable with the whole heights thing.)
I was feeling pretty good about my wall-scaling (making it to the top on a couple of occasions and coming up just short on others because I felt I had climbed high enough!)until the instructor mentioned that a nine-year old kid had climbed in that same spot earlier, and made it to the top no problem! lol. I also failed to mention that there was a FOUR-year old child climbing beside us. Hubby tells me that its easier for kids - they have no fear. Once you have three-plus decades under your belt, the preconceived (irrational) fears can sometimes get the better of you!
I didn't take any photos while we were there, which I'm regretting now! I know we'll be going back though - I can see this becoming a semi-regular activity for us in The Hammer.
Friday, February 25, 2011
The great Hamilton BBQ search
I wouldn’t say we’re Southern BBQ connoisseurs. Well, let me rephrase that – I’M not a Southern BBQ connoisseur, but my hubby is. He grew up in the Southern United States, where biscuits, pulled pork and all that good stuff are staples - standard dinner fare.
When living in Toronto, we stumbled upon a southern BBQ place that would fast become our favourite restaurant/general hang out place – we took all our friends there, out-of-towners, family, you name it. Highway 61 on Bayview Ave. became our favourite go-to spot (especially on Monday nights) for its cheap beer, live blues and excellent BBQ.
I’ll admit, of all the things I knew I'd miss about Toronto, not being able to go to Highway 61 regularly was definitely one of them. (Call me sad!)
Needless to say, finding an equivalent (or even somewhere half as good) as 61 became a priority for us early on in our Hamilton experience.
Last week, driving up Locke Street, we stumbled upon Rolly Rockets. Not much to look at from the outside, but it had parking and a neat slogan (“We Put The South In Your Mouth”), so we decided to give it a try.
Rolly Rockets doesn’t have the “take a seat and a server will be right with you” feel of Highway 61. Instead, you order at the bar, and make yourself comfortable at one of the picnic tables while you wait.
Hubby assures me that this is what a “real” southern BBQ place should look like.
We ordered our ribs (which, incidentally came with fries, coleslaw and beans! One bonus point for Rolly Rockets.) and sat down.
The food arrived, and it was….Delicious! In actual fact, these were some of the best ribs we’ve had in awhile. (Two bonus points for Rolly Rockets).
After we had finished, the owner (or it may have been the manager...)came over and asked us how our meal was. He explained that the restaurant has been open for about a year, and told us about all of the different events held there (Karaoke Fridays for example!) and generally made us feel very at home and welcome. (Three bonus points for Rolly Rockets, and we’re sold.)
As my hubby said, I think we may have found our new 61 - but that said, we're definitely still on the lookout for more BBQ gems in the Hamilton area.
When living in Toronto, we stumbled upon a southern BBQ place that would fast become our favourite restaurant/general hang out place – we took all our friends there, out-of-towners, family, you name it. Highway 61 on Bayview Ave. became our favourite go-to spot (especially on Monday nights) for its cheap beer, live blues and excellent BBQ.
I’ll admit, of all the things I knew I'd miss about Toronto, not being able to go to Highway 61 regularly was definitely one of them. (Call me sad!)
Needless to say, finding an equivalent (or even somewhere half as good) as 61 became a priority for us early on in our Hamilton experience.
Last week, driving up Locke Street, we stumbled upon Rolly Rockets. Not much to look at from the outside, but it had parking and a neat slogan (“We Put The South In Your Mouth”), so we decided to give it a try.
Rolly Rockets doesn’t have the “take a seat and a server will be right with you” feel of Highway 61. Instead, you order at the bar, and make yourself comfortable at one of the picnic tables while you wait.
Hubby assures me that this is what a “real” southern BBQ place should look like.
We ordered our ribs (which, incidentally came with fries, coleslaw and beans! One bonus point for Rolly Rockets.) and sat down.
The food arrived, and it was….Delicious! In actual fact, these were some of the best ribs we’ve had in awhile. (Two bonus points for Rolly Rockets).
After we had finished, the owner (or it may have been the manager...)came over and asked us how our meal was. He explained that the restaurant has been open for about a year, and told us about all of the different events held there (Karaoke Fridays for example!) and generally made us feel very at home and welcome. (Three bonus points for Rolly Rockets, and we’re sold.)
As my hubby said, I think we may have found our new 61 - but that said, we're definitely still on the lookout for more BBQ gems in the Hamilton area.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Are we home yet?
Last weekend marked our first real foray back to Toronto since the big winter move to The Hammer a few weeks ago. I must confess, although I am enjoying my new city, the T-dot still has that familiar feeling of home. It’s comfortable, we know people and we know instantly where to go to get whatever food or services we need. (I’m not naïve though – I do know that it takes awhile to gain that level of comfort. Heck, it took us a year or two to really enjoy Toronto after having been overseas for a few years.)
Having said that, there are some sure-fire signs that I am slowly becoming Hamiltonian. Several things in Toronto really drove me crazy after a few weeks of being in Hamilton, namely:
a) the driving
b) the parking situation (i.e., none)
c) too many people (everywhere we went)
Another sure sign that we are slowly entering a comfort level in our new home would have to be our quick defence and promotion of Hamilton when we’re around Torontonians.
At a party on Saturday night downtown, we found ourselves in deep conversation with several urban professionals (mostly city planning types) about Hamilton, its potential, how it is probably one of the last affordable and commutable places in the GTA, and its general up-and-comingness. Surprisingly, among this group, not much coercion was needed – they were all on board with our thoughts on Hamilton, and also shared our thoughts on the fact that Toronto has really become too expensive for our generation.
The question is, will more of them actually take the plunge and move here over the next few years?
Having said that, there are some sure-fire signs that I am slowly becoming Hamiltonian. Several things in Toronto really drove me crazy after a few weeks of being in Hamilton, namely:
a) the driving
b) the parking situation (i.e., none)
c) too many people (everywhere we went)
Another sure sign that we are slowly entering a comfort level in our new home would have to be our quick defence and promotion of Hamilton when we’re around Torontonians.
At a party on Saturday night downtown, we found ourselves in deep conversation with several urban professionals (mostly city planning types) about Hamilton, its potential, how it is probably one of the last affordable and commutable places in the GTA, and its general up-and-comingness. Surprisingly, among this group, not much coercion was needed – they were all on board with our thoughts on Hamilton, and also shared our thoughts on the fact that Toronto has really become too expensive for our generation.
The question is, will more of them actually take the plunge and move here over the next few years?
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