Totally Toronto: About Toronto : Neighbourhoods : Distillery District
Distillery District
The Distillery District is one of the best heritage streets in the City of Toronto. It is popular with tourists and locals because of its Victorian style homes, boutique shops, cafes, restaurants, galleries, and pedestrian-only streets. The cobblestone only adds to the feeling of comfort, it is a great neighbourhood to explore with the whole family.
The Distillery District can be found in the east end of downtown Toronto, the address is 55 Mill Street. Below Front Street and east of Parliament, this neighbourhood is a series of streets and well preserved Victorian buildings.
History
In 1976, this Toronto neighbourhood was made an Ontario Heritage Site and then made a National Historic Site of Canada in 1988. History of the Distillery District begins in the 1830s traditionally as the Gooderham & Worts Distillery.
Culture in Distillery District has gone through a change over the years. It has a definite upscale, artsy vibe to it, especially with all the art galleries, exhibits, and movie filming happening within its streets. But you won't find big chain names in this Toronto neighbourhood, it is independently owned businesses and boutique shops all the way!
It would soon become the worlds biggest whisky export distillery in the world! In 1990, the final parts of the distillery were closed down and renovations of the whole area began. Many of the original buildings still stand today.
Restaurants
Cuisine in Distillery District is offered in a wide variety; Italian, Mediterranean, oyster bars, pub grub, upscale dining, sandwiches, pastas, and pizzas. The urban and artsy atmosphere make the Distillery District a fantastic place to dine with friends or dates. And there are never a shortage of restaurants to choose from.
If you are wishing for a coffee or a light snack, any of the Distillery District cafes or bakeries can help you with that. These cafes are almost as popular as the neighbourhood itself! Traditional Italian coffee blends, gelato, chocolate, and mouth watering pastries await you.
Art
Art galleries are located all over Toronto's Distillery District. Art work from famous artists and new artists are shown in these galleries. Find out from the galleries themselves of what the new exhibits will be and when.
The Distillery District has been dedicated to all forms of art for many years. There is a theatre group and stage located in this Toronto neighbourhood; Young Centre for the Performing Arts. The Distillery District has also been used in over 800 films since 1990 and doesn't show any sign of stopping.
Forms of art represented within the Distillery District by either companies or theatres are; modern art, modern dance, ballet, opera, and the performing arts. There are several artists studios located in Toronto's Distillery District as well.
If you are up-and-coming artist looking for mentoring or training, you can also find schools and teachers in all kinds of art forms. Whether you want to learn professional dancing, acting, painting, or singing, the Distillery District has the tools to help you.
Nightlife
The nightlife in the Distillery District is upscale and comfortable. With pubs, bars, and lounges in the vicinity, the cool-cat atmosphere continues on throughout the night! Whether you are out with friends or looking for the perfect date spot, the Distillery District is diverse enough to accommodate everyone.
Shopping in the Distillery District is a great experience. There are all kinds of stores and businesses that line the streets; jewellery, design stores, upscale clothing stores, boutique accessories, art supplies, furniture, and other home hardware/décor shops. This is just some of shopping you can do in this Toronto neighbourhood.
The Distillery District is also the home for events and festivals, especially because of its big open spaces. Some of the more popular events are Partigras, Roots Music Festival, and the Distillery Jazz Festival.
Interesting groups found within the Distillery District is the Deaf Culture Organization. It has galleries, museums, high-tech visual arts, and much more in the way of entertainment and services for the deaf. There is no other like it in Canada.
Real Estate
Real estate in Toronto's Distillery District is upscale and doesn't come cheap. There are fantastic condominiums that offer a wide range of amenities. And how can you go wrong living in the beautiful Distillery District! There is also the option to rent in the area, and prices vary on size and exact location. Find the place for you to call home.
Toronto's Distillery District is a gorgeous Victorian neighbourhood with a plethora of shops, cafes, restaurants, and art galleries. The vibe is cool and artsy, the people are eccentric and fabulous.
Explore more of this neighbourhood through Totally Toronto and make a trip there today.
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