Downtown Kingston: 5 Reasons I Will Shop Local This Holiday

~ keepupwithkingston ~ 1 Comment

Copy of Copy of Copy of Copy of Copy of Copy of Copy of Copy of I love this city because I make at least one new friend every day and each is more inspiring and fantastic to be around thNot going to lie, I’ve left all of my holiday shopping to the last minute. Have not bought one gift. But living in Kingston, we are surrounded by the best locally owned shops in the cutest downtown and I know it won’t take long for me to find what I need and treat myself to a nice lunch along the way. If you follow my blog, you probably already know, but I want to give you five reasons why I shop local – specifically downtown Kingston.

1. Good Vibes: Have you walked through Springer Market Square lately? It’s like walking through a holiday episode of the Gilmore Girls. Couples and family’s skating on the glistening ice framed by the 11 foot Christmas tree and the beautiful City Hall building. The scenic view gets me in the holiday spirit every time.

Continue reading →

Venture into Kingston’s Brand New Co-Working Space

~ keepupwithkingston ~ Leave a comment


Co-working spaces are becoming more and more common as more people decide to embrace their entrepreneurial spirits and launch small businesses. These spaces fill a niche, by providing a place that offers more than a home office can as well as a community of like-minded people.

There is a new co-working space in Kingston, Venture Club, offering that and more. The new space on the corner of Queen Street and Barrie offers reception service, printing services, meeting rooms, fast internet in full furnished spaces to those looking to rent an office space. Continue reading →

Enright Cattle Company’s Crop Circle Dinner: Farm to Table at its Finest

~ keepupwithkingston ~ 2 Comments

When I arrive at Enright Cattle Company‘s property, I am greeted by Kara and Darold Enright’s 9-year-old son, Corben, “If you’d like to head over to those three ladies, they will help you get ready for a tour,” he instructs politely with a smile. This is farm life. Everyone, no matter how young, plays a role in the magic that happens here.

I am arriving with friends for the Crop Circle dinner event. It’s exactly what it sounds like, a dinner hosted in a crop circle on the farm. After a tour of the farm, an explanation of how the cattle is raised, a glimpse (and feel) of their leather bags made from their hide (in an effort to not waste any of the animal), we are escorted through the tunnels of corn and met with boards of charcuterie featuring the classic Enright summer sausage and bresola (marinated in red wine) on our way. Once we turn the final corner the beautiful dinner setting is unveiled, long tables dressed with fresh flowers, hay bales covered in handmade quilts for seating. It’s the perfect farm dinner setting. Continue reading →

Bluboho’s Beautiful Bloomfield Location

~ keepupwithkingston ~ Leave a comment

Update: This location is no longer in operation. Bluboho Bloomfield When I was initially invited to visit Bluboho I was excited to see the beautiful new space and stunning pieces of jewellery. What I didn’t anticipate was the experience I had when I stepped through their doors.

Yes, the space IS absolutely stunning. A century building on Bloomfield’s Main Street, with its intricate details beautifully preserved and light airy decor to complement. The space holds lovely one-of-kind pieces in gold, rose gold and silver accented with unique stones but it also holds a warmth that I can’t do justice through a few filtered Instagram images. Continue reading →

Grab Your Besties for Hochelaga Inn’s High Tea

~ keepupwithkingston ~ Leave a comment

Hochelaga Inn High Tea
Do you love tea? Do you love treats? Do you love beautiful Victorian-style houses? Do you love to enjoy all of these things while in the company of your favourite people? Then this post is for you! Last week I was invited to attend High Tea at the Hochelaga Inn. The Inn has teamed up with local bakery, Top Tier to bring guests their fresh take on High Tea with a menu featuring locally curated ingredients.  Continue reading →

Q&A: Luther Wright and Colleen Brown of Major Love

~ keepupwithkingston ~ Leave a comment

Major Love is the moniker of Canadian songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Colleen Brown. They will be performing as a part of Skeleton Park Arts Festival this Saturday! In honour of their upcoming performance, read about the band’s latest album, learn who Colleen considers to be her guitar heroes as well as her advice for budding musicians in the interview below with fellow beloved musician and this year’s SPAF host, Luther Wright. 

Luther Wright: This is not your first time playing the festival but you have since settled in the area.  How are you enjoying being part of the Kingston arts/music scene? Continue reading →

#DKShopfest Feature: Owner of The Jungle, Melody Morrison

~ keepupwithkingston ~ Leave a comment

IMG_2093

If you’re a plant-lover you’ve probably already stepped into The Jungle, a new shop on Wellington street, serving up all of the beautiful green plants you can think of. In celebration of upcoming #DKShopfest – a time to celebrate our amazing downtown businesses – owner Melody Morrison shares why she opened her shop and what she loves about being a Downtown Kingston business owner.

Keep up with Kingston: Tell me why you wanted to open The Jungle?
Melody Morrison: I opened The Jungle to fulfill a dream of owning my own business since I was a little girl. The store allows me to be creative in design and be surrounded by plants all day long. It’s a place for me to connect with others that love plants and design just as much as I do. Continue reading →