Page 47 – Visit Kingston

October 5, 2016March 21, 2023

7 Things You (Probably) Didn’t Know About Kingston Pen

If you haven’t had a chance to get inside Kingston Penitentiary yet, you better get on it — tours of Canada’s oldest and most notorious maximum-security prison are back and tickets are on sale now! Be sure to also check out the awesome accommodation packages available for a stay in Kingston.

In the meantime, here are seven things you might not have known about Kingston Pen (KP) to get you ready.

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Women and Children First

While KP was known for its infamous male inmates (e.g., Paul Bernardo, Clifford Olson, Russell Williams), it was also once home to women and children. In fact, women were incarcerated there from year one — 1835 — until 1934, although they were segregated from the male population. One female inmate, Grace Marks, was the inspiration for Margaret Atwood’s novel Alias Grace. Children were also sent there in the early days. Eight-year-old Antoine Beauche was the youngest of them, imprisoned for his role in a pickpocket operation aboard a steamboat on the St. Lawrence River.

Canada’s Dumbest Inmate?

Around 1847, one former inmate actually broke into KP. It was a few days before Christmas, and he had no money, but, having worked for KP’s deputy warden, he knew where to find the prison’s petty cash. So, he got a ladder, climbed to the top of the Pen, and lowered himself down over the wall. He got the money and tried to climb back up the rope, but it broke. The next morning, KP had one more inmate than it should have had, and that inmate got 18 more months behind bars.

1971 Riot: A Writer’s Muse?

The four-day riot in April 1971 was the worst in KP’s history and resulted in two inmate deaths and six guards being held hostage. The inmates’ stated reasons for dissent included a lack of recreational time, lack of work and concerns about their future at Millhaven Prison. But according to former inmate Wayne Ford, there was another reason: “That whole thing was started by William (Billy) James Knight, a guy doing his third bit. William was writing a book, and the only experience he was missing from the book was a riot. So he got some other guys and started one. Crazy, huh?”

Location, Location, Location

Photo via Queen's Archives — Photo via Queen’s Archives

KP’s location was chosen after Hugh Thompson, editor of the Upper Canada Herald, wrote to the government in 1826, recommending that a penitentiary be built in his rapidly growing town of Kingston. They eventually listened, buying 100 acres two miles beyond the town’s western border, which was considered far enough from the population but close enough to conduct business. They also chose the location because it combined “the advantages of perfect salubrity, ready access to the water, and abundant quantities of fine limestone.”

What the Dickens?

Charles Dickens visited Kingston and the penitentiary in 1842, and wrote in his American Notes for General Circulation, “There is an admirable jail here, well and wisely governed, and excellently regulated, in every respect.” He went on: “Here at Kingston is a penitentiary, intelligently and humanely run.” Apparently, he wasn’t privy to the brutal conditions prisoners actually endured then. Eight-year-old Antoine Beauche, for instance, was lashed 47 times in nine months for breaking in-house rules that included staring, laughing, whistling, giggling and idling.

The Silent Treatment

Some of those early brutal conditions were outlined in the rules and regulations of the institution, published on October 22, 1836. Among them, is a stipulation for inmates to “preserve unbroken silence,” meaning they “must not exchange a word with one another under any pretence whatever.” They also could not “exchange looks, wink, laugh, nod or gesticulate to each other.” And when the bell rang for them to go to the mess hall, they had to come out of their cells “in regular order and march with their faces inclined [in one direction].” For disobeying, this final threat: “Corporal punishment will be instantly inflicted.”

Hemingway’s First Day

On September 11, 1923, on his first day as a reporter with the Toronto Daily Star (now the Toronto Star), 24-year-old Ernest Hemingway was sent to KP to cover a dramatic jailbreak that occurred the day before. His 2,600-word report detailed the daring escape of five inmates, including burglar Norman “Red” Ryan, who Hemingway described as a “thick, freckle-faced man whose prison cap could not hide his flaming head.” Ryan was caught almost a year later while picking up his mail in Minneapolis. He was sent back to Kingston to face 30 lashings and life in prison.

Visit Kingston Penitentiary to see where these stories and many others took place. Tickets are on sale now at kingstonpentour.com and you can book your Kingston Pen packages here.

September 19, 2016June 12, 2024

The 2016 Kingston Writersfest

The Kingston WritersFest, taking place September 28 – October 2, 2016 has long been an annual event worth looking forward to – through readings, performance, onstage discussion and a series of master classes, the festival has fostered intellectual and emotional growth on a personal and community level – while raising the profile of reading and literary expression in the community.

And this year’s festival – featuring 75 talented authors and 50 events over five glorious days – is shaping up to be on the most exciting installments yet. With some big – and we mean big – names slated to attend this year, you won’t want to miss out.

Emma Donoghue

You may have recently heard some buzz surrounding Donoghue’s name, thanks in part to the phenomenal success of her international bestseller, Room – a book later adapted by Donoghue herself into an award-winning film – and garnering an Oscar nomination for Best Screenplay.

Now, author of eight previous novels, including Frog Music and Slammerkin – Donoghue is back with The Wonder, a novel about a little girl in 1850s Ireland who doesn’t eat (before anorexia was identified). Much like her previous work with Room, the complex and beautifully constructed The Wonder challenges readers to consider ethical questions.

See Donoghue on Thursday, September 29th, 2016 (alongside Annie Proulx) for International Marquee.

Bill Richardson

Touted as one of the wittiest men in Canada, prolific author and beloved broadcaster Bill Richardson’s latest book The First Little Bastard to Call Me Gramps is a poignant and uproarious collection of stories about the trials and tribulations of the dreaded ‘golden years.’

Throughout his career, Richardson has hosted several shows on CBC Radio, from Richardson’s Roundup to Sunday Afternoon in Concert. Richardson’s authenticity (specifically, his modesty and sincerity) have made him an annual favourite with WritersFest audiences.

David Mitchell

Dubbed “The most consistently interesting novelist of his generation” by Time Magazine in 2007 when they classified him as one of the 100 most influential people in the world, Mitchell has continued to impress the literary world and readers alike with his compelling novels Black Swan Green, The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet, The Bone Clocks, and most recently Slade House.

The winner of the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize (for best work of British literature by an author under 35), Mitchell continues to dazzle readers with his varied settings, characters and storylines – earning Esquire Magazine’s endorsement as “A genre-bending, time-leaping, world-travelling literary magician.”

See Mitchell on Sunday, October 2, 2016 for The Robertson Davies Lecture.

Robert Bateman

Credited with inspiring tens of thousands of people to take an interest in the natural world around them, artist Robert Bateman is widely regarded as the world’s foremost wildlife painter. Awarded the Royal Canadian Geographical Society Gold Medal in recognition for his efforts in preserving the Canadian landscape, Bateman’s paintings have been featured in exhibits across the globe.

Bateman is also the author of over 13 books, the most recent of which – Life Sketches – is an autobiography in words and pictures taken from his many sketchbooks chronicling his travels over the decades, and follows Bateman’s development as an artist and environmentalist.

See Bateman on Saturday, October 1, 2016 for A Passion for Art and Nature or Bateman on Sketching.

Helen Humphreys

Named Kingston’s poet laureate for a four-year term, Humphreys has a lengthy list of accolades accompanying her thirteen books. Her memoir, Nocturne: On the Life and Death of My Brother was a finalist for the Trillium Book Award; Coventry was a New York Times Editors’ Choice and Globe and Mail Top 100 Book.

Humphreys’ latest work, The River, has been described as “… an exploration of Humphreys’ experience of the river… To read it is to float downstream in Humphreys’ words… fully immersed in the world, catching glimpses of wonder around and below.” by Robert Wiersema of The Toronto Star.

See Humphreys Friday, September 30, 2016 for The Garden and the River: Meditations on Landscape.

Annie Proulx

Celebrated journalist, author and Pulitzer Prize winner Annie Proulx is the genius behind high-profile novels like The Shipping News and Brokeback Mountain – and her newest book, the historical fiction Barkskins, has the critics continuing to praise her work.

The Washington Post calls Barkskins “… an awesome monument of a book, a spectacular survey of America’s forests dramatized by a cast of well-hewn characters. Such is the magnetism of Proulx’s narrative that there’s no resisting her thundering cascade of stories. A cast woods you’ll get lost in… Barkskins is a towering new work of environmental fiction.”

See Proulx Thursday, September 29, 2016 (alongside Emma Donoghue) for International Marquee.

Eleanor Wachtel

One of the world’s most seasoned and in-demand reviewers, Wachtel has worked as a host of CBC’s The Arts Tonight, as well as the highly acclaimed Writers & Company since its its inception in 1990 – with career highlights that include winning a Silver Prize for World’s Best Radio Program at the New York Festivals in 2011.

Wachtel’s new book, The Best of Writers & Company commemorates the show’s silver anniversary by looking back on her best conversations with authors from J.M. Coetzee to Zadie Smith.

See Wachtel Sunday, October 2, 2016 for The Interviewer, Interviewed and The Robertson Davies Lecture.

September 12, 2016July 15, 2024

Get Moving: 9 Ways to Stay Active in Kingston

We’re perfectly located right on the water with the Frontenac Arch in our backyard — filled with great cycling options for every skill level (the views don’t hurt either). Hiking trails, city walking tours, and unique indoor activities all come together to keep Kingston full of free and low-cost means of getting the blood pumping all year long.

Keep reading for a few of them along with a few others that’ll be money well spent.

Biking: Wolfe Island

With its lack of traffic, few hills and pastoral vibes, Wolfe Island is on any local cyclist’s must-pedal list. The free ferry to get there from downtown Kingston takes only 20 minutes, and once you land and get rolling, you’ll be treated to a 30-kilometre-long, 10-kilometre-wide island with farmland and those famous windmills on the interior, and cottages and rocky shorelines on the periphery. If you have time, stop by Big Sandy Bay for one of the best beaches in the region.
If that isn’t enough, check out our collection of cycling maps, here.

Climbing: The Boiler Room

What was once the boiler room for a 19th-century woollen mill is now a state-of-the-art climbing gym with Canada’s highest indoor ascent. If the 100-foot chimney climb sounds like too much, though, find your wall in one of two rooms, where there are 40 ropes and over 80 climbs to choose from whatever your skill level. Beginner and advanced lessons and programs are available, as are change rooms, showers, lockers, equipment, and snacks and drinks.

Walking: Haunted Walks

A guest at Kingston’s Hochelaga Inn awakes in the night and sees a black figure at the foot of her bed, laughing. Nils Von Schoultz, hanged in 1838, still haunts Fort Henry. True stories or urban myths? You decide on a guided haunted walk through Sydenham Ward featuring tales of haunted hotels, hidden burial grounds, grave robbings and hangings at the courthouse.

$19.99 – $23.99

Sailing: Kingston Waterfront

Sure, you can take the Wolfe Island ferry to see Kingston’s skyline, but in a sailboat — or canoe or kayak, for that matter — you’ll see it from whatever perspective you want. Launch at one of these spots, and in a couple of meandering hours, you’ll pass by the historic Kingston Penitentiary and Queen’s University, the contemporary Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts, and the iconic City Hall. Start with Ahoy Rentals for rentals, lessons and guided tours.

Swimming: Aqua Fit

According to the Aquatic Exercise Association, aquatic fitness is gaining in popularity, and the number of certified instructors has jumped by over 50% since 2009. And no wonder. Whatever your age, who wouldn’t enjoy a low-impact workout focussed on aerobics and muscle conditioning in a warm pool? Drop in to give it a try at the Kingston YMCA or most days of the week in the spring and summer at Artillery Park.

Hiking: K&P Trail

This former rail line for steam trains is now an easy 15-kilometre hiking trail where you can hop on and off at six different access points. At one end is Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area; at the other are vistas of the Glenvale Creek Wetland. In between, you’ll pass through meadows, farmlands, forests, rock cuts, marshes and stops of interest that include the site of the old Glenvale train station. Keep in mind that this isn’t a looped trail, so have a ride waiting when you get to the end, or just turn around and hike it again.

Working Out: Drop-in Fitness Sessions

Not ready or willing to commit to one type of activity? Then hit up the City’s drop-in fitness classes at Artillery Park or the INVISTA Centre. At last count, 15 classes made the list ranging from Zumba and morning yoga to spin classes and kickboxing. You can also just drop in to use the pools, saunas and gym equipment on your own.

September 9, 2016April 3, 2023

#LunchKingston: Cool Patio + Pizza Punch

With patio season still with us, what better place to have lunch than Kingston’s hopping waterfront scene? With so many great spots to choose from, it was difficult to narrow it down to one to review. Wooden Heads, located on the main waterfront dining strip, (Ontario street), offered one of the quintessential summertime patio delights – wood oven fired pizzas. Throw in comfortable chairs and excellent service, and this creates a winning combination as a top casual dining destination.

Besides pizza, they offer an eclectic offering of Caribbean, South East Asian and Italian dishes. Usually one’s a little suspicious of mixing too many cuisines in one kitchen. This restaurant seems to make it work because the flavour combinations are bold, complimentary and contemporary.

First came the Calamari Mumbai. This can be a tricky dish to execute as squid can become very rubbery if overcooked. This kitchen executed it perfectly with a well-seasoned and balanced tomato sauce spiked with Indian spices and lobster butter (yes lobster butter), providing a great backdrop for scooping up with the warm pita triangles. Definitely a great first choice to awaken the taste buds.

Other notable appetizers on my list for the next time – Satay Kai, grilled chicken skewers served with a coconut cashew lime and Thai cucumber sauces. Plus, the Lumpia Diavolo which are spring rolls stuffed with blackened chicken, feta and red cabbage, served with cambazola cream sauce and papaya habanero salsa.

The main star of this lunch was the pizza.

It’s a decent size for sharing or on its own for the hearty appetite. The pizza menu is split between tomato based foundations or other bases, described as “White, Green or in between”. The latter is what makes this pizza offering unique.

With over 25 plus combinations, it took a while to decide – but I ultimately selected the Nonna Mela with apple butter, roasted garlic, cheddar, onions and blackened chicken; a flavourful combination made even better with my addition of a few drops of Srircha hot chili sauce. The sweet and hot, combined with the charred crispy crust and chicken was a winning combo. Some other interesting toppings on the menu were sweet potato, mushroom veloute, chipotle salsa, smoked chicken and curried lobster veloute.

If pizza is not your fancy, they also offer a number of Italian influenced mains and salads.

Wooden Heads’ salad menu was refreshing with a few tasty combos. I went for the bold mixed Mushroom Salad featuring grilled smoked oyster mushrooms – the portions are a good size though for sharing. Attentive service gets a top rating, as do the comfy patio chairs and large umbrellas for shade. The patio is small, so get there early or enjoy a later lunch: it’s a busy spot.

And if you’re indecisive, take a look at their website before you go and cruise their extensive menu.

Cheers to casual waterfront dining al fresco this summer. #lunchKingston

September 2, 2016March 31, 2023

Introducing: The Limestone City Tattoo + Arts Festival

Tattoos likely aren’t the first thing that come to mind when you think ‘Kingston’ – but the collective at the Limestone City Tattoo and Arts Festival are hoping to change that when the inaugural festival kicks off this month on the weekend of September 17.

Although, truthfully, the Kingston-tattoo connection shouldn’t be a surprising one; tattooing has long been a part of Kingston’s cultural landscape, with a vibrant community of tattoo enthusiasts, artisans, students and military personnel having revelled in tattoo culture for quite some time now.

I spoke with some of the creative forces behind the festival: Andrew Ottenhof, owner and sole artist at The Foundry Tattoo; Ashley Silversides, partner at The Foundry Tattoo and owner of Painted Lady Fitness; and Benjamin Campbell, Director of Business Development at Eikon Device (Canadian tattoo artists’ premiere choice for tattoo equipment and supplies) to chat about this year’s festival.

What was the motivation behind creating the festival?

Andrew: The motivation behind creating the festival was bringing the tattoo and art culture to Kingston, as it had never been seen before. Tattooing and the culture that surrounds it can often seem intimidating to anyone who is new to it, and we sought to present tattooing and the art of tattooing in a way that invited the most seasoned collector or timid first-timer into the fold. The Limestone City Tattoo and Arts Festival is presenting some of the best tattoo artists from across Canada and the United States, and is a platform to present the art and culture in a positive light. The festival also gives Kingstonians an opportunity to see and be tattooed by artists who may otherwise never make it to the city, in a family-oriented and friendly environment.

Owner and sole artist of The Foundry Tattoo, Andrew Ottenhoff. Photo by Adam Correia.

Ashley: The motivation for the festival was to bring a new and exciting experience to the Limestone City. Both my business partner and I wanted to create an experience that this city hadn’t yet had. We love this community, the history, the art and the people everything that makes Kingston great! Combined with our love for tattoo culture it just made sense. Partnering up with an incredible duo from Eikon Device (Benjamin and Laura) we had created an unstoppable collective that had a remarkable passion to bring the subculture of tattooing to the city.

Benjamin: The style and quality of tattooing has progressed exponentially in the last 5 or so years. Tattoos no longer represent the image of a community’s less desirable people; they’re now proudly worn by people of all walks of life. We see a growing number of people in Kingston walking the streets during the warmer months with great tattoos exposed proudly on their skin. We wanted to bring the culture and amazing art of tattoos to residents of Kingston and the surrounding area.

What makes Kingston an ideal location for the festival?

Andrew: Kingston is one of Canada’s most historic cities, and this event will hopefully bring heritage and progress together under the banner of art and culture. With the recent rise in popularity and social acceptance of tattooing and the tattoo culture, creating an event of this nature seems like an ideal way to present tattoo and art culture to a city that has always been a hub for creativity and new ideas. Kingston is a beautiful and thriving city, and deserves as a whole, to have tattooing and the culture presented in a manner that highlights the positive aspects of a once subversive medium and culture.

What can visitors expect?

Ashley: Outside of the awesome tattoos that will be created over the weekend, visitors can expect to see different types of art in our gallery exhibit from local artists and artists from the surrounding area. We will have a very interesting installation piece that will involve our visitors and artists, along with artwork being made in the gallery over the course of the weekend.

We are happy to call ourselves a family-friendly event that has activities for kids big and small. We will have a coloring station and coloring contests throughout the weekend for kids, along with a “Kids Tattoo Station” where you can have a stencil tattoo applied for kids or adults who just can’t make the commitment. We will also have a fun Punch Meter and a “Try Your Hand at Tattooing” area where you can put the machine in your hand and see what tattooing is like, not on a living canvas of course. All around we are quite excited to have tattoo artists, vendors, gallery artists and some acoustic entertainment happening at the festival.

Owner of Painted Lady Fitness, Ashley Silversides. Photo by Dylan Simpson.

There are 40 artists attending the festival this year from Canada, the US and beyond – what was the selection process like for choosing participants?

Ashley: The Limestone City Tattoo and Arts Festival is a little different then most conventions in that this is an invitation only show – to provide a platform of high quality artists who represent the different styles that have exploded in the industry, along with some legends of tattooing and offering a history lesson here and there. These artists were carefully curated by our festival collective to make sure that we were giving Kingston the best of the best and a taste of every art style. We are delighted to show Kingston all that this remarkable subculture has to offer.

Benjamin: Quality of artwork, diversity of styles and experience in the industry.

While the concept itself might surprise a few, what do you think attendees will find the most surprising about the festival?

Andrew: The Limestone City Tattoo and Arts Festival is an event that is geared towards bringing everyone, from all walks of life, together to celebrate and experience tattooing and tattoo culture. The festival has been promoted as an inclusive event, inviting everyone and anyone to participate, regardless of whether they have been involved in tattooing, or whether they are new to the art form and culture. The Limestone City Tattoo and Arts Festival aims to make people feel welcome to enjoy the event as a family, with friends or a community as a whole. Anyone is welcome, and will be received with open arms which may be contrary to the stereotype of tattooing being counter-culture and intimidating.

Benjamin: How open and welcoming the tattoo community is to those with no tattoos and no experience with tattoo culture. We welcome everyone in the community to come learn more about how tattoos are created, the people who apply tattoos and the people who wear their tattoos proudly every day – and the culture that has grown immensely over the past few years since tattoos made their debut on television.

Check out The Limestone City Tattoo and Arts Festival on September 17 and 18, downtown at the Four Points by Sheraton with a $15 day pass, or $25 weekend pass. For more information, visit limestonetattoofestival.com.

limestonetattoo_creative_2 — Click for full contest details, rules and regulations

August 31, 2016March 29, 2023

25 Things to do in Kingston: September 2016

September is shaping up to be a pretty exciting month in Kingston! With thirteen – count ’em – thirteen festivals, plenty excuses to get outside and enjoy the weather, a fall fair and much more – you’ll be keeping busy all month long. Check out the events below and start planning your Kingston getaway.

August 30, 2016March 31, 2023

Calling All Lumberjacks: This Summit’s For You

Back by popular demand and building on the success of last year – the MacLachlan Woodworking Museum is hosting its second annual Lumberjack Survival Summit in Kingston on September 17 and 18.

So, you might be wondering: What exactly is a Lumberjack Summit?

Glad you asked.

If you’re outdoorsy, adventurous, looking for a new experience, wanting to challenge yourself or just plain ol’ curious (and over the age of 19): this summit may very well be the one for you.

This two-day event was designed to test your abilities and hone your skills in a variety of lumbertivities – from camping and outdoor cooking to emergency medicine and woodworking (and many more). Not interested in learning about tools? No problem – participants get to create their own experience by choosing the lumbertivities that interest them most, like:

Nature Teas: Hike + Brew

Drink in the outdoors in the most literal sense as your guide takes you through the harvest, preparation, tasting and used of various nature teas like birch, cedar, wintergreen, chaga and Labrador tea.

Jam, or perhaps late pickle

As a lumberjack, a wannigan (kitchen boat) full of canned goods might be the only thing floating between you and scurvy – so join instructors in making a canned-spread full of flavour and vitamins.

First Peoples’ Cooking

Join your instructor as she shares her knowledge of traditional indigenous recipes cooked over the campfire, leaving room for the collective learnings and wisdom of this land’s First Peoples.

Brewing 101

Sure to be a popular lumbertivity, the experts from Mackinnon Brothers will lead you through a talk and lesson on brewing and show you how you might guarantee the safety, storage and deliciousness of your water supply for years to come.

Wilderness Medicine

There are plenty ways that the art of lumberjacking can turn deadly, which is why some of Queen’s University’s daring doctors will be on hand to teach you how to address some of the most common wilderness-related injuries with limited supplies.

Maps + Compass

Cell reception is virtually non-existent in the wilderness, so you can’t really rely on Google Maps to find your way home. Learn the ins and outs of Map and Compass navigation from the experts that goes beyond what you learned in boy scouts or girl guides.

“Can it hurt me?” Nature I.D. + Hike

Nature can be as deadly as it is beautiful – and if you’re not familiar with your surroundings, you can get real sick, real fast. Learn from the experts what to avoid out there in the wild so you can stay in good health.

Keeping Grandpa’s Axe

Learn what you can do to make sure your camp tools stay in good shape for a couple generations – proper storage, care, and minor repairs of your wood, leather and metal stuff will be covered.

Make a Camp Stool with a Hatchet

When you have a simple hatchet by your side, you have everything you need as a lumberjack. Join MacLachlan Woodworking Museum Curator Tom Riddolls as he teaches you to make a stool to sit on using just a hatchet and auger.

Fire Building

Think that a fire is a fire is a fire? Ha. Think again – some fires cook your food, some smoke your meat, and some save your life, while poorly built fires can endanger it. Join your instructor as he walks you through the appropriate log and fuel structures of fire building.

Straight Razor Shaving

Regardless of your gender, learn the fine art of straight razor shaving and never buy those undignified safety razors ever again.

Camp Music

Get introduced (or continue to practice) some of the staples of traditional French Canadian/Anglo-Celtic music the way they were meant to be learned: through the apprenticeship of a very talented folk-musician.

Plein Air Painting

Plein Air is French for ‘in full air’ and refers to the act of ‘taking it outside’, so join local artist Mathieu Poirier, in an outdoor oil canvas workshop that is destined to get you in touch with your artist.

Efficient Packing

Trail guides generally recommend that your backpack carry no more than 20 – 40% of your bodyweight, but modern standards of hygiene dictate that we find other ways to keep the weight of our luggage down. Learn how to pack smart for your trip and body while making savvy sacrifices.

Participants also have the option of camping onsite as part of the registration fee (which runs $120, and also includes 2 lunches, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast and 1 snack), although are welcome to retreat to a more comfortable option if preferred.

And what would a Lumberjack Summit be without any challenges? Participants are encouraged to take part in the end-of-weekend festivities designed to test their mind and mettle for some pretty awesome individual prizes. Challenge your friends to a 2-person crosscut saw race, nail driving face-off, and of course – log rolling.

For more information, visit woodworkingmuseum.ca.

August 26, 2016March 27, 2023

The Last of Summer Sips and Sundresses

The rain stopped and the masses poured in for the second annual Mackinnon Brothers Brewing Festival, #BacktotheFarm! The Back to the Farm Festival has quickly become a hotspot for the best beer, food, and music – and a place to find some of Kingston’s fashion trendsetters.

Curating the perfect festival outfit can be tricky when you’re trying to balance a look of style and comfort. It’s even more difficult when there is conflicting weather changes. But even after a heavy rain, our fashionistas/fashionisters seamlessly embraced the rain and created stylish looks that highlighted summer’s best while introducing some of fall’s new looks.

Meet Kingston’s alternative pop singer Rae Corcoran of Needless Love Endorsement, as she rocks a simple British-inspired look for the stage. Rae’s white t-shirt dress from Kingston’s Agent 99 and her black rubbers are well complimented with her black nails, red lips and round shades. Let’s also not forget to take in that stylish blonde, blunt hairstyle that makes Rae’s look complete. Bonus points for rocking the ever-edgy “I don’t care” roots!

After a fantastic set by Needless Love Endorsement, I had the chance to photograph entrepreneur and co-owner Niki Hodgskiss of The Loft Girls Fashion Mobile Truck. Niki’s style always airs on the casual and industrial side. She keeps a simple look of ripped jeans and white top that allows the handmade wrap choker to be a statement piece by our local Vanderzee Jewelry.

Once inside the truck, I had the chance to talk to Sarah from Picton’s very own Acoustic Grill. She was delighted to start her fall shopping with a camel brown floppy hat to mix with her neutral tone fall collection while sipping on a tasty Red Fox by Mackinnon Brothers. If you get the chance, shop the pink truck, The Loft Girls, and get a sneak peek into the best fall fashion finds of 2016.

As late afternoon rolled in, so did the sun and hundreds of more festival-goers. I couldn’t help notice this young man’s simple yet cosmopolitan and urban flair, as he made his way through the excited crowd.

Michael has recently settled down in Kingston after years of travelling and working as a musician, artist and catering chef. Michael’s look was born out of functionality and style. Fortunately it was cool enough to premier this off-white Matinique fishermen knitted sweater, which pairs perfectly with Zaneroble drop-crotch camo pants.

Meet Ashley (above), Joana (left), Heather (right). If anyone perfectly captured the youthful energy that people often associate with music festivals, it was these lovely young women. I loved spending time chatting with these bohemian beauties as they danced around the festival grounds. Denim, shawls and colourful sundresses bring a late 60’s throwback look that is the perfect staple for any music festival.

Beards. They will never go out of style. They keep getting better every season. Eric takes home the best beard of the festival.

As the late August evening rolled in, you could feel the beginning of the fall breeze settle in as Busty and the Bass played into the night. Festival season may be coming to a close but it’s just the beginning of fall fashion looks!

I’m excited to see what the stylish Kingstonians will be pulling out of their closets for Fall 2016!

August 25, 2016March 20, 2023

A Hip-Notic Homecoming: The Round-Up

August 17, 2016April 4, 2023

4 Weeks, 13 Festivals: Your September 2016 Festivals Guide

The festivals lineup this month has to be the most diverse I’ve seen in a couple of years in Kingston. Kicking off with a classic car show and ending with Kingston WritersFest, in between there’s a tattoo festival, Chilifest, lumberjack summit and sailing regatta. Here’s the lowdown on all that diversity and seven more festivals set to hit the city this month.

4th Annual Limestone City Car Classic

September 3, 8:00am – 4:00pm | Lake Ontario Park

A car show with over 300 classic and modified beauties on the shores of Lake Ontario. Started by Brian Beatty after melanoma took the life of his daughter Melonie, this all-day display is a charity event where all proceeds go to the Kingston Melanoma Cancer Clinic. Music, raffles and food vendors, too. Free admission for spectators. Car registration: $10.

Kingston Ribfest + Craft Beer Show

September 9 – 11 | Memorial Centre Park

A fest for those who appreciate the finer things in life, like barbequed ribs and chicken, great craft-brewed beer, live entertainment – all in the great atmosphere of Memorial Centre Park. Returning this year is the Family Fun Zone brought to you by Extreme Rush Adventures, featuring a climbing wall, inflatables and more. Free admission, but donations to the Partners in Mission Food Bank will be accepted at the gate. kingstonribandbeerfest.com

Celtic Kitchen Party

September 10, 1:00pm – 11:00pm | South Hill, Fort Henry

A fest for those missing the Maritimes or just craving a little fish-and-chips and Irish jig. Nine bands of the Celtic persuasion will play overlooking Lake Ontario, including Next Generation Leahy, Breabach, The Mahones and Great Big Sea’s Séan McCann (pictured). Pair with British eats, Celtic artisan vendors, highland dancing workshops and more. $12 – $30. forthenry.com

Garrison Family Fun Fest

September 10 – 11 | CFB Kingston Base Gym

One evening and one full day of good times whatever your age. On Friday night, Canadian country music singer-songwriter Tim Hicks will take to the gym stage ($15), and then on Saturday take your pick from bouncy castles, a 22-foot slide, military exhibits, an obstacle course, food area, beer garden, Hockey Hall of Fame exhibit and more (free).

Kingston Multicultural Arts Festival

September 11 | Confederation Park

Photo via Kingston Immigration Partnership Facebook

Enjoy the sights, sounds and flavours from Africa and the Caribbean, China, Egypt, Japan, Korea, India, Ireland, Latin America, Mexico, Philippines, Poland and many other regions at Confederation Park. Local and out of town artists will be showcased at the main stage featuring world music and dance performances. Free. downtownkingston.ca

Kingston Dragonboat Festival

September 17 | Emma Martin Park

Image via Kingston Dragonboat Facebook Page

A thrilling festival for contestants and spectators alike, get out to Emma Martin Park to discover your inner dragon. Have fun, meet new friends and enjoy a team building healthy experience in the great outdoors while helping support your local charity – cap the day off with a huge barbecue to celebrate your participation. Free admission. kingstondbfestival.com

Limestone City Tattoo & Arts Festival

September 17 – 18 | Four Points by Sheraton

Photo via Limestone City Tattoo Festival

Open to the inked and non-inked, young and old, this first showcase of all things tattoo in Kingston will welcome 45 tattoo artists from as far away as Denmark. Get tattooed, browse or purchase artist prints and original artwork, pick out tattoo-related merch, or just take a wander and see how vibrant tattoo culture is in Kingston and around the world. $15/day. $25/weekend. limestonetattoofestival.com

Lumberjack Survival Summit

September 17 – 18 | MacLachlan Woodworking Museum

Dig out the plaid and suspenders, this crazy popular lumber-lovers weekend is back with 16 workshops (aka “lumbertivities”) to pick from. Taught by experts, each lumbertivity will help you brush up on camping, cooking, tools or woodworking skills. Camp overnight on museum grounds. $120 fee includes all workshops, camping and food. 19 + event. woodworkingmuseum.ca

Fare for Friends

September 18, 2:00pm – 6:00pm | Vimy Officers’ Mess

A garden party supporting the United Way on the banks of the St. Lawrence River. Think tasty eats from the likes of Chez Piggy, Curry Original and 23 other restaurants; beer, wine and cocktails from Barley Days, Sandbanks Estate Winery and 18 others; and a silent auction featuring local potters, painters and jewellery makers. Live music, too. $160. unitedwaykfla.ca

CORK Fall Regatta

September 23 – 25 | Portsmouth Olympic Harbour

CORK_Photo-Flickr_Queen's_University — Photo via Queen’s University

The Canadian Olympic-training Regatta, Kingston (CORK) comes to a close for another season at this three-day sailing comp. Watch from the shore as 130 sailors compete in radials, lasers, optis, 29ers and 420s, and then find out who won at Portsmouth Olympic Harbour, where the 1976 Summer Olympic sailing events occurred. Free. cork.org

Chilifest

September 24, 12:00pm – 3:00pm | Confederation Park

Think you have the tastiest chili around? Then serve it up at Confederation Park, where you’ll compete alongside others for the title of best family style, vegetarian, original or ethnic chili in the city. Just want to taste? Bring a bib, an empty belly and a discerning palate — you’ll need them to pick the People’s Choice Award. Proceeds go to Hospice Kingston. $6 – $12. chilifest.ca

September Fest

September 29, 6:00pm – 8:00pm | Hatter’s Cove Restaurant at the Seniors Centre

A culinary and craft beer adventure supporting the local Seniors Association and featuring head brewer Justin da Silva of Stone City Ales (pictured). Justin will guide you through the tasting of four brews and their ideal food pairings. The beer glass is yours to keep, and the limo ride home is complimentary for everyone. $35. seniorskingston.ca

Kingston WritersFest

September 28 – October 2 | Multiple locations

Just when you thought this contemporary writers’ festival couldn’t get any better, it goes ahead and lands 75 writers in 2016 that include powerhouses David Mitchell (pictured), Lisa Moore, Emma Donoghue and Annie Proulx. They’ll all gather for readings, performances, onstage discussions and masterclasses ranging from “Writing a Bestseller” to “Writing the LGBTQ Voice.” Various prices. kingstonwritersfest.ca

August 17, 2016March 27, 2023

Meet the Makers: Graphic Designers Vincent Perez and Benjamin Nelson

After sitting down with local graphic designers Vincent Perez (Everlovin’ Press) and Benjamin Nelson (Benjamin Nelson Design), it’s easy to see why such talented individuals chose Kingston to grow their businesses. They are laid back, kind and warm artists who quickly feel like friends after a 30 minute chat; they embody the Kingston charm. Find out why these creatives call the Limestone City home.

Vincent Perez – Everlovin’ Press

I meet Vincent Perez at a Farm to Fashion Show hosted by Fete Events. He suggested this shindig as an alternative to coffee (Fete is a client of his) and it’s the perfect landscape for our interview – clinking wine glasses, loud chatter and all. The aesthetically pleasing space is fitting considering Perez’s work as a designer.

Originally from Kitchener, Waterloo, Perez came to Kingston to study – and like many – ended up falling in with the community, “I’ve certainly taken breaks from Kingston. I’ve studied in Halifax, but I came back here because I felt there was a lot of support here for me,” says Perez. Adding, “I don’t take it for granted that there’s something special about this city. I felt like it was very easy to integrate and get to know folks.”

Perez started his Letter Press business, Everlovin’ Press, in Kingston about 7 years ago but explains that his clients are not strictly local. “A lot of my work is for clients outside of Kingston, so Kingston is a base which provides affordable rent, a great location in terms of being in between larger cities, Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto – where a lot of my clients are located.”

So, why letterpress, you might ask? The medium is quite unique and very retro. Perez explains with a few reasons, “Printing has arrived at sort of this perfect grail that it’s always been pursuing, so digital offset printing is perfectly regular, wonderfully detailed – all of this stuff. And I think we’re used to that now and that’s great but I think there’s a bit of a backlash and we’re returning to something like an admiration for human error.”

He adds that besides the satisfaction he gets from following a project through from start to finish, he also enjoys the physical demand in a world where so many are sedentary, “It’s also really nice to just sort of sweat and at the end of the day be physically exhausted instead of just mentally exhausted. I didn’t have that in my life previously and I’ve seen that with colleagues, too, that were doing things that were computer driven and have turned to things that are hand done.”

Check out Perez’s work at everlovinpress.com.

Benjamin Nelson

I meet Benjamin Nelson at the Toucan for a pint and find him nestled in a corner booth with a special gift for me – a person he’s never met before – a bright orange and gold, chevronprinted journal. “Are you the sweetest person?” I ask in a surprised (very high-pitched) voice. “Not really,” he contests.

Nelson is not only a designer, he’s half of the band PS I Love You, and has travelled the world to places like Tokyo on tour, yet chooses Kingston as his base. “I think probably because I am very much a homebody. I like being home and I like being in a comfortable space. It was a good community and a good group of people that I was involved with in terms of music and art,” says Nelson. And he’s involved with a lot of artists in the community, including Perez and Julian of Ironclad.

Nelson also designs for Paper Bag Records which is something he always imagined himself doing, “When I was starting out doing posters when I was 23, in the back of my mind I knew I wanted to work for a record label and be the main designer and then last year I was like ‘you’re doing that now!’ and it felt kind of good.” Nelson prides himself on his ability to reference nostalgia in his work and emulate old design.

When he was young, he was most inspired by iconic 90s branding like the Ghostbusters and the Blue Jays, “the Blue Jays’ logo is the best logo with the best colour combination,” he says. Overall Nelson just loves what he does, “It’s rewarding when you can see something from the idea in your brain printed on paper and bound. Seeing it from beginning to end is extremely satisfying.”

Check out Nelson’s work at bnelsonartdesign.com.

August 16, 2016March 20, 2023

More Kingston Patios

Kingston is known for its many restaurants – and in the summer just about every downtown dining spot moves out onto the streets and back courtyards.
After my first piece covering Kingston’s hidden patios, I gathered up another group of willing friends and family, and went on another patio tour – and I strongly encourage you to do the same!

Jack Astors

You can’t go patio hopping without making sure you make a stop at Kingston’s roof-top patio, overlooking Market Square.
Beat the heat under the shady umbrellas and the super-convenient misters. Apply some sunscreen (note: it is NOT mayo) waiting for you on every table and take in the sights. With many brews on tap, including local MacKinnon Brothers served up in glasses with clever sayings – Jack Astors also features one of the meanest Ceaser’s I have ever tasted – plus and some delicious looking sandwiches and burgers.
Website
330 King St East
613-549-1207

The DOX Restaurant & Lounge

For a waterfront town, one would think that there would be more patio real estate on the shores of Lake Ontario.
Many come close, even within view of the lake, but The Dox is only one of two (Juniper Cafe is the other) that are actually lakeside. Strangely, the patio isn’t very busy, staff tell us that perhaps people don’t think to go here, as it is the hotel restaurant. Fine by us! We quickly secure a cozy nook of couches and order some drinks and a few baskets of delicious house-made kettle chips. The breeze off the lake cools us down as we watch the Island Belle dock and unload her passengers. We also learn that on Friday night, they feature live music, and get this: locals get a discount on summer lunch and dinner features!
Website
2 Princess Street
613-549-8400

Margaritaville

We are talking about the patio of The Lonestar, not the Jimmy Buffet song!
Stellar fajitas (great for sharing), free chips and fresh salsa (treat yourself to the queso), country music and wait staff with monikers like Stallion, Cactus & Dallas round out The Lonestar experience. Gather up a bunch of your besties (or the family) for a meal that you can be a little loud over. You won’t find a wide selection of beer on tap, “But there’s booze in the blender/And soon it will render/That frozen concoction that helps me hang on.
Seriously, try their margarita. Better yet, the Rita Coronita. Afterwards, exit by the back and take a stroll along the waterfront.
Website
251 Ontario Street
613-548-8888

Pan Chancho Bakery & Cafe

Pan Chancho features a lovely little back patio, completely fenced in from the bustle of downtown, and covered in umbrellas to protect you from the sun – where you can treat yourself to breakfast, lunch or weekend brunch.
In the summer, they also host a Backyard BBQ & Band on Thursday evenings. My boys enjoyed a selection from the kids menu, while I had the Bahn Mi (which was a no-brainer, as I LOVE both spring rolls and Pan Chancho bread; this combination seemed like an obvious choice). After we ate, we went shopping in the bakery and took home a selection of cheese and bread and of course – giant cookies for the boys!
Website
44 Princess St
613-544-7790

Since the almost completion of the Big Dig Three, a few new patios have popped up: The Copper Penny, Megalos, the new Crave Coffee House & Bakery and Stone City Ales have all moved their offerings street side.
We have all recovered from our second round of patio tours, and we are by no means done! I would love to hear about your favourites – maybe we’ll meet under the sun!

King Street Sizzle Restaurant + Bar

Sometimes great restaurants in the city get overlooked – like King Street Sizzle, located downtown at 285 King Street (inside the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel), just steps away from the waterfront.
Elegant yet unassuming, it’s the perfect spot for al fresco dining and enjoying Sizzle’s outstanding Mediterranean-inspired menu consisting of fresh-made selections using the finest organic ingredients Kingston has to offer. Great service and atmosphere are hallmarks here, as is value – you definitely get a lot of bang for your buck here.

Website
285 King Street East
613-544-6226