This article has been adapted from the 2014 Kingston Shop & Dine Guide.
Round up your best girlfriends for a getaway weekend of shopping, pampering, and a bit of sight-seeing because Kingston is the perfect mid-way meeting spot between Ottawa and Toronto! Stroll the Kingston Public Market (May to September) or take a Kingston Trolley Tour to learn about the city’s history and attractions. Hit up CHICdry, Kingston’s first and only blow dry bar, before heading to a play at the newly renovated Grand Theatre. Spend the day browsing the many unique boutiques and shops in the downtown core or visiting one of Kingston’s luxurious spas. If you still have energy left, the popular evening Music in the Park series sees country, choral, and big band performances at parks around town.
Here are some hot picks for must-shop locations while in Kingston!
Amber Room
Baltic amber, sourced in Poland, is the basis for all the sterling silver jewellery at Amber Room, a classic boutique at the mouth of Princess Street. The pretty baubles, which range from delicate fi ligree pieces to chunky modern necklaces, are made by a range of Polish artists.
7 Princess Street
613.544.4197
ambereco.com
Cher-Mère
From mother to daughter and Trinidad to Kingston, Ontario. The original four spas in Trinidad were launched by Cheryl Bowles, a biochemist who used the island’s herbs and flowers to concoct her skin- and hair-care products. Now her daughter, Aba, has opened a Canadian location, but the luxe Caribbean ingredients remain the same. Check out the spa packages online and book ahead for a girls’ party.
68 Brock Street
613.767.6652
cher-mere.ca
Cloth
Artfully renovated and filled to bursting with fun and colourful fashions, Cloth is the brainchild of veteran retailer Cheryl Walker, who opened shop in late 2013 after moving to Kingston from Aurora. Every inch of this two-storey space is stocked with aff ordable finds — think beach fun and summer parties — from the likes of Point Zero, Tribal, Pretty Woman, Mexx, Dex, Guess, Outdoor Survival Canada, Robert Kitchen, Cartise, and Angela Mara. Lots of accessories to browse, too.
131 Princess Street
613.542.2777
clothclothing.ca
Estilo
One of the main draws at this pretty clothing boutique is its extensive collection of Magic Mountain brand natural clothing, the stylish and comfortable cotton and bamboo blouses, skirts, and pants designed to mix and match. The boutique also carries a limited selection of rich Anokhi crafted prints from India and accessories that complement the look.
68 Princess Street
613.546.1649
Felicity & Fritz
Run by a self-described “entrepreneurial fashion girl,” Felicity & Fritz carries shoes, bags, accessories, and luggage for the stylish and fab. Need a pair of pink stilettos, a Nine West purse, a pair of Anne Klein or Michael Kors shoes, or a chic airline carry-on bag with a padded laptop sleeve? Proprietor Bessie Nikolopoulos can set you up in style. It will be very difficult to limit your spree.
127 Princess Street
613.548.7463
felicityandfritz.blogspot.com
Gracie’s
Located right on Kingston’s historic Market Square, Gracie’s is a sunny and welcoming boutique that has made a name for itself over the past 15 years through its amazing collection of hats, scarves, and jewellery. The owner is fond of saying that she has a hat to complement every style and event. The boutique is equally well known for carrying a wide selection of the classic Canadian Sympli women’s clothing line.
326 King Street East
613.545.3234
Heel Boy
This is the place to go for casual and dressy footwear from well-known high-fashion brands as well as upstart brands. Test your ankle strength with a pair of sky-high platforms, or opt for something a bit more practical — like a pair of cheerful Hunter rain boots. Here you can opt for ridiculously groovy or ridiculously comfortable — and, if you’re really lucky, you’ll discover a shoe that fi ts into both camps.
212 Princess Street
613.544.3203
heelboy.com
Metalworks Contemporary Goldsmithing
Such a sunny shop overlooking Market Square. Here, Metalworks showcases distinctive designs by Canadian metalsmiths and goldsmiths. On display is a contemporary selection of original jewellery in sterling silver, gold, diamonds, pearls, gemstones, stones, and enamels. Owner and goldsmith Steve Luckwaldt, whose workshop is located at the back of the shop, also sells his custom-designed jewellery.
352 King Street East
613.544.5078
metalworkskingston.com
Rogue Boutique
Launched in the fall of 2013, Rogue is a pretty little boutique and gift shop stocked with cute pillows, sleek mugs, lovely wrapping paper, and kitchen utensils, all carefully chosen for their winning combination of whimsy and style. Koala pillows, owl nightlights, and limited edition “creature mugs” sit side by side on sunny cherry-red shelves. The perfect place to pick up a unique gift for yourself or a good friend.
324 Princess Street
613.547.3737
The Rocking Horse
Assuage any lingering “getaway guilt” with a gift for your kid(s). Traditional and creative toys are what you’ll find at The Rocking Horse — including a huge selection of Lego, puzzles, board games, and Thomas the Tank Engine gear. Your children will be even more excited to have you back.
193 Princess Street
613.548.4222
therockinghorse.ca
