Maybe you’ve seen some of Danielle Folkerts’ work gracing window displays along Princess Street, taken one of her immersive workshops or watched her tirelessly hop from one community project to another. Known for her beautiful watercolour workshops and being on the pulse of Kingston’s arts community, Danielle is also the marketing and programming coordinator for the Tett Centre for Creativity and Learning.
We asked her to name her top ten favourite things to do in Kingston.
1. Northside Espresso + Kitchen
281 Princess Street
Northside Espresso’s Avo Smash and a Cappuccino is the brunch of legends! It’s my number one go-to spot. If I could eat there every day, I would! It’s the food, the coffee, the atmosphere, the plants, the Aussie charm, and the amazing service.
2. Scuba-diving
Did you know Kingston and the surrounding area is full of shipwrecks? I’m always going for a dip on the weekends and exploring the Kingston area and history.
Favourite wreck: Wolfe Islander 2. You can find me documenting my scuba adventures at @thetravellingartisan on Instagram!
3. Bird Watching at Lemoine Point
Lemoine Point is a beautiful conservation area on the water and it’s one of my favourite places to walk around and explore. I always bring a good camera and binoculars to catch squirrels, blue jays, cardinals, snowy owls, snakes, turtles and more! Plus, there are so many pathways, you can always find a new route to take.
4. Kids Creativity Club at the Tett Centre for Creativity & Learning
Kids Creativity Club is a Saturday morning drop-in art program at the Tett. It’s an opportunity for children and their families to experience the arts together. Come in and enjoy a variety of hands-on, creative arts activities with local artists and volunteers, and get inspired!
5. Tett Tuesdays at the Tett Centre
Tett Tuesdays is an opportunity to carve out time for monthly art-making while working alongside aspiring, emerging, and professional artists in the Kingston community. Bring your own projects and art materials, and enjoy creating in a relaxed and casual atmosphere. The best part? It’s free! Make sure you reserve your spot as they fill up quickly.
All art mediums are welcome! Painting, knitting, drawing, collage, printmaking, embroidery, jewellery, sculpture, mixed media — you name it. It’s the perfect place to ask and give constructive feedback, engage in peer support, meet new people, and share knowledge, techniques and ideas!
6. Kingston Glass Studio + Gallery
56 Queen Street
I love shopping for one-of-a-kind goods at the Kingston Glass Studio and Gallery – it’s my favourite gallery in town! They always have the most beautiful collection of ceramics, glass and paintings.
7. The Memorial Centre Farmers’ Market
303 York Street
I love visiting the Memorial Farmers’ Market on Sundays, it’s where I find all my fresh and local produce and baked goods. Plus, it wouldn’t be a proper trip to the market without lunch from the authentic Ukrainian food truck. The cucumber soup and perogies are to die for!
8. Juniper Cafe
370 King Street West
Juniper Cafe at the Tett Centre is Kingston’s only waterfront café! Their lattes are transcendent and you can’t beat that cozy lakeside setting.
9. The Ferry to Wolfe Island Grill
I love to hop on the ferry and head to the Wolfe Island Grill to sit and relax at the waterfront restaurant. Order the burger with everything on it — I promise it will be one of the best burgers you ever have. Don’t forget to ask for curry sauce with your fries, it’s life changing.
10. Paddling around the city
Grab a kayak and tour the Kingston coastline! The Kingston Military Family Resource Centre has free rentals for CFB Kingston Military members and families, but you can also rent a kayak at Ahoy Rentals. I love going for a paddle! It’s a great way to enjoy an afternoon on the water and it offers a fresh perspective for popular Kingston sights like Fort Henry, Murney Tower, City Hall, and that skyline is breathtaking.
Describe Kingston in 3 words
Creativity, History and Innovation
If Kingston had a Theme Song, what would it be?
Anything by the Tragically Hip
Complete the sentence: Kingston makes me…
Feel at home.
