I’m a Kingstonian born and raised. I’ve always lived downtown, although my definition of downtown has definitely changed since I was a child. I run Mio Gelato and love being able to bring something fun and different to the Kingston dessert scene as well as spending time supporting many local causes. I keep a positive attitude, and more often than not you’ll see me with a smile on my face. I never thought I’d settle in Kingston, but now I can’t imagine living anywhere else.
Read on to discover 10 of my favourite things in Kingston.
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Northside Espresso + Kitchen
281 Princess Street
I love anything at Northside Espresso + Kitchen. From take-away coffee to lunch, I probably visit Northside on a weekly basis — if not more!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BSaoQwhgtNS/
Amadeus Café
170 Princess Street
The beer garden at Amadeus. I consider this one of the best-hidden gems in Kingston. With a patio in the rear, you are hidden from the street, which is a nice change. Another bonus: it’s covered in beautiful green vines giving it a less city-centre feel.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BnFbtcXlpRU/
Memorial Centre Farmers Market
303 York Street
Of all the markets in Kingston, this one is my go-to. I love the range of items available on any given Sunday. Plus, to my knowledge, there are no re-sellers here meaning everything is produced by those selling it!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BkYfgcGF1Da/
Skeleton Park Events
I have the privilege of living in the McBurney Park neighbourhood and the community is always putting on wonderful things in the park. From smaller neighbourhood events like a parade on Halloween, or an egg hunt on Easter to larger events like the Skeleton Park Arts Festival, there is an amazing community feel surrounding our Park.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BuHN_7gg2oZ/
Springer Market Square
216 Ontario Street
Another favourite is hanging out in Springer Market Square. During the summer, on non-market days, there are tables and chairs set up in the square. It’s the perfect place to sit and eat lunch or knit while I’m on break from work.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BuHyeNaAuTh/
Dinner and Cocktails at Tango Nuevo
331 King Street East
This is my group’s go-to location for any type of celebration, from birthdays to engagement announcements, we do it all at Tango! The Carne Picante is by far my favourite dish there and I would eat it every day if I could.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BrqmwETAFjM/
Pampering at the Annex
119 Princess Street
My favourite spa in Kingston is tucked behind the Scotiabank. This is my place for massages, shellac manicures and pedicures. The beautiful exposed limestone — pretty much a Kingston staple — and amazing service has me going back again and again.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BnpHld1l4fO/
Simply Walking Around Downtown
Growing up in Kingston, I hated that I couldn’t go anywhere without running into some I knew. Now, I love it! It’s such a little thing that really makes Kingston home. Even if you don’t specifically run into someone, you can see others bumping into each other and stopping to chat on the city sidewalk.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BoHLrB0lvXe/
The Piggy Club at Chez Piggy
68 Princess Street
Easily my favourite sandwich in Kingston. It doesn’t hurt that they also have an amazing patio in the summer and make different feature cocktails depending on the season.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BtyTTYcgNOR/
Browsing Local Makers at Open Studios
1-39 Montreal Street
Kingston has an AMAZING scene of local makers and it’s delightful to be able to browse a selection of them in one location. Open Studio also does pop-up clothing shops where you can find a curated selection of second-hand clothes. As someone who loves the sustainability of second-hand but hates the time commitment of thrifting, these events are made for me!
Describe Kingston in 3 Words: Historic, Friendly, Creative
What’s Kingston’s Theme Song: Blow at High Dough – The Tragically Hip
Complete the sentence: Kingston makes me… grow.
More Insider Itinieries:
Danielle Folkerts, the Travelling Artisan shares her favourite Kingston things.
